Tensioning member guide for lacing system

Abstract

A guide for guiding a lacing or tensioning member around an article includes a strip of material having a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The strip of material is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop for the arrangement of a lacing or tensioning member. The strip of material has or defines a central portion and two end portions along a lateral width. The guide includes a pre-bend such that a curvature is provided or defined in the ring when the guide is in a relaxed or untensioned state.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 580,120, filed September 1, 2023, entitled “Tension Member Guides of a Lacing System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND

[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to closure or tightening systems, devices, and methods for closing or tightening an article. In particular, these embodiments relate to guides or components for guiding a tension member or lace around a path of an article.

[0003] Closure or tightening systems are commonly used to close and tighten articles. For example, a reel-based mechanism can be used to close or tighten a shoe. A knob of the reel-based mechanism is typically coupled with a spool that includes a channel, and when a user rotates the knob, a tension member is wound around the spool. The reel-based mechanism can include a toothed or other ratcheting mechanism that engages to prevent the spool and / or knob from rotating in reverse. The tension member is typically attached to the reel-based mechanism such that rotation of the knob by a user causes the tension member to tighten. The tension member is typically guided along a path of the article via one or more guide members, such as an eyestay in conventional footwear. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments described herein relate to guides designed to guide or direct a lace or tension member around an article, such as an article of footwear. According to one aspect, a guide for directing a lace or tension member around an article includes a strip of woven material having a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The strip of woven material is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop for the lace or tension member to be disposed. The strip of woven material defines or includes a central portion and two end portions along the transverse width, with the two end portions disposed on opposite sides of the central portion, respectively. A pre-bend is formed in or defined by the guide such that, prior to the guide being tightened or any load being applied to the guide via the lace or tension member, an upper end of the loop defines a bend that mimics or replicates a natural bend of the guide under load.

[0005] The central portion can be formed of a different material than the two end portions. For example, the two end portions can be made of a more flexible material than the central portion. In this case, the central portion is generally strong enough to resist compression along the lateral width of the guide and thereby prevent the guide from bunching up when the lace or tensioning member is tensioned. The central portion can be formed of a thicker and stronger material than the two end portions. The central portion and the two end portions are formed together or woven together such that the strip of woven material is a single or unitary piece of fabric material.

[0006] The guide generally does not include any material positioned on or coupled with the inner surface of the loop. In this case, the lace or tensioning member directly contacts the inner surface of the strip of woven material. The central portion can include a lateral width between 55% and 85% of the lateral width of the guide, and the two end portions can include a lateral width between 15% and 45% of the lateral width of the guide. The angle of the pre-bend formed or defined in the guide is between 40 degrees and 80 degrees when measured along a line tangent to one of the opposite ends and parallel to the side or edge of the loop. The guide also includes a gasket positioned within the loop to help the loop remain in an open configuration. The gasket can be positioned within the loop such that the gasket does not contact the lace or tensioning member when the lace or tensioning member is under tension.

[0007] According to another aspect, a guide for guiding a lace or tensioning member around an article includes a strip of material having a longitudinal length and a lateral width. The strip of material is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop in which the lace or tensioning member is disposed. The strip of material defines a central portion and two end portions along its lateral width. The guide includes a pre-bend such that a curvature is provided or defined in the loop when the guide is in a relaxed or untensioned or non-tensioned state.

[0008] The central portion can be formed of a different material than the two end portions. In this case, the central portion can be formed of a thicker and stronger material than the two end portions. The central portion and the two end portions are generally formed together or woven together such that the strip of material is a single piece of fabric material. The guide generally does not include any material positioned on or coupled with the inner surface of the loop. In this case, the lace or tensioning member directly contacts the inner surface of the strip of material.

[0009] The central portion can comprise or extend between 55% and 85% of the lateral width of the guide, and the two end portions can comprise or extend between 15% and 45% of the lateral width of the guide. The angle of the pre-bend formed or defined in the guide is between 40 and 80 degrees when measured along a line tangent to one of the two end portions and parallel to the side or edge of the loop. The guide can further comprise a gasket positioned within the loop to help the loop remain in an open configuration. The gasket can be positioned within the loop such that the gasket does not contact the lace or tensioning member when the lace or tensioning member is under tension.

[0010] According to another aspect, a method of constructing a guide having a pre-bend includes providing a strip of material having a longitudinal length and a lateral width, and folding the strip of material along the longitudinal length to form a loop, the folded strip of material having or defining a central portion and two end portions along its lateral width. The method further includes inserting a tool having a negative curvature through the loop, and attaching or coupling the bottom ends of the loop together.

[0011] In some cases, the loop is imparted with a curvature substantially greater than the pre-bend prior to attaching or coupling the bottom ends of the loop. The central portion can be formed of a different material than the two end portions. In such cases, the method can further include forming the central portion and the two end portions together or weaving the central portion and the two end portions together such that the strip of material is a single piece of material. The method can further include positioning a gasket within the loop to help the loop remain in an open configuration.

[0012] According to another aspect, a gasket for a lace guide includes a body and a flange extending from the body. The flange has a thinner cross-section such that the flange can be positioned between opposite sides of a folded strip of material, and the body has a substantially thicker profile than the flange such that the body can be positioned within a loop of the folded strip of material to facilitate maintaining the looped ends of the folded strip of material in an open configuration. The body has a substantially wider lateral width than the lateral width of the flange. The body includes a central portion and two opposite lateral arms. In such cases, the two opposite lateral arms can taper or curve away from the central portion such that a top end of the gasket is curved. The body generally has an elliptical or circular profile.

[0013] According to another aspect, a guide for guiding a lacing or tensioning member around an article includes a polymeric guide body including a channel through which the lacing or tensioning member can be inserted. The guide also includes a fabric flange extending from the polymeric guide body. The flange is substantially thinner than the polymeric guide body, and the fabric flange is formed integral with the polymeric guide body. The channel can have a curved configuration, and / or the fabric flange can be positioned proximate an upper portion or region of the polymeric guide body. The polymeric guide body has a tapered proximal end and a tapered distal end.

[0014] According to another aspect, a guide for guiding a lacing or tensioning member around an article includes a body and a channel extending laterally through the body. The channel is configured to enable the lacing or tensioning member to be inserted therethrough. The body includes a coupling feature configured to enable a strip of material to be positioned around the body or wrapped around the body to attach the body to the article.

[0015] The coupling feature can be a pair of ribs or flanges positioned on opposite ends or edges of the body in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the channel. The pair of ribs or flanges can form or define a barrier that restricts or encloses the strip of material between the ribs or flanges to prevent the strip of material from sliding or moving laterally away from the body. The body can include a slot through which the strip of material is inserted to couple the body to the strip of material. A proximal end of the body can include one or more teeth that contact the strip of material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The application is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures 1A-1D Embodiments of a lacing guide that can be used to guide or direct a lacing or tensioning member around a path are shown.

[0017] Figures 2A-2B A cushion is shown that can be positioned within a loop or channel of a lacing guide of Figures 1A-1D to help the loop or channel remain in an open configuration.

[0018] Figures 3A-3B Another embodiment of a lacing guide is shown that has a low profile and is designed to facilitate attachment to an article.

[0019] Figures 4A-4D Another embodiment of a lacing guide is shown that can be attached to an article to guide or direct a tensioning member around the article.

[0020] In the drawings, like reference numerals can be used to denote similar components and / or features throughout the several views. Additionally, different instances of like components and / or features can be distinguished by letter suffixes where appropriate. If only the first numeral is used in the description, that description applies to any instance of the component and / or feature having that first numeral, regardless of letter suffix. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description is provided as an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of example embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description of how one or more example embodiments can be performed, used, or implemented. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0022] The embodiments described herein provide embodiments of guides or components (hereinafter guides) that can be used to direct or guide a tensioning member or lace around a path of an article, such as a shoe. The tensioning member can be a lace or cord that is capable of being tensioned via operation of a tightening mechanism. The tensioning member can be guided around the article via the guides such that tensioning of the tensioning member causes the article to close and / or tighten. In particular, the tensioning member can be directed along and through an opening of the article such that tensioning of the tensioning member pushes one side of the opening toward the other side of the opening to cause the article to close and / or tighten. Various articles of footwear (e.g., shoes, boots, etc.) include arrangements of such tensioning members and guides. For example, conventional shoes and boots often employ a lace that is directed around a tongue and is tensioned to push opposite sides of the tongue toward each other to cause the shoe or boot to close and / or tighten around a wearer's foot.

[0023] The guides are generally positioned proximate to an opening of the article, such as on opposite sides of an eyelet, and direct, guide, or lead the tensioning member along and / or through the opening. The guides can be made of a lower friction material to minimize friction between the tensioning member and the guide. For example, some of the guides described herein are formed of a fabric or webbing type material that is folded over to form a loop. The tensioning member is inserted into the loop, and the loop is used to guide or direct the tensioning member around a path. Additional details of the guides will be described in greater detail below. Other guides are formed of a polymeric material and are molded or otherwise provided to have or define a channel into which the tensioning member is inserted.

[0024] As briefly described above, the lace is tensioned via a tightening mechanism. In particular embodiments, the tightening mechanism is a reel-based closure system. The reel-based closure system includes a knob that a user can grasp and rotate to tension the lace. Exemplary embodiments of reel-based closure systems are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 098,276, filed April 29, 2011, entitled "Reel Based Lacing System," U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 328,521, filed July 10, 2014, entitled "Closure Devices Including Incremental Release Mechanisms and Methods Therefor," and U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 623,362, filed November 20, 2009, entitled "Reel Based Lacing System." The entire contents of the foregoing patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] In another embodiment, the tightening mechanism is an electrically powered device or mechanism that tensions the tensioning member or lace. Exemplary embodiments of electrically powered mechanisms that can be used to tension a lace are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 015,807, filed August 30, 2013, entitled "Motorized Tensioning System for Medical Braces and Devices," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] In other embodiments, the tightening mechanism can be a pull cord device that is configured to be grasped and pulled by a user to tension the lace. Exemplary pull cord devices are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 166,799, filed January 28, 2014, entitled "Lace Fixation Assembly and System," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For ease of describing the various embodiments herein, the tightening mechanism will be referred to generally as a "reel assembly" or "reel-based closure device."

[0027] Reference will now be made to Figures 1A-1BA lace guide 100 that can be used to guide or direct a lace or tensioning member (hereinafter referred to as a tensioning member) around a path is shown. The lace guide 100 is formed from a webbing or webbing material that is folded back to form a loop 108 into which the tensioning member is inserted. The webbing or webbing material of the lace guide 100 is a single or unitary piece of webbing material, meaning that the webbing or webbing material is formed together or woven together. In other words, the webbing or webbing material is not formed from separate pieces of webbing material that are subsequently joined, coupled, or attached together. However, it should be understood that while the webbing or webbing material is generally described as a single or unitary piece of webbing material, in other instances the webbing or webbing material can be formed from multiple pieces of webbing or webbing material that are joined, coupled, or attached together. Thus, unless explicitly stated otherwise, references to the webbing or webbing material in the claims are intended to encompass all webbing or webbing material, regardless of how the webbing or webbing material is formed or coupled together.

[0028] A tensioning member (not shown) is inserted into and passes through a channel 112 formed or defined by the loop 108 of the lace guide 100. The tensioning member is inserted through the channel 112 such that the tensioning member extends from opposite ends or sides of the lace guide 100. The tensioning member is positioned within the channel 112 in a slidable manner and is able to slide or move within the channel 112 as the tensioning member is tensioned. To facilitate this movement, the lace guide 100 is configured to minimize frictional engagement with the tensioning member, which extends the serviceable life of the lace guide 100 and the tensioning member.

[0029] As the tensioning member is tensioned, the opposite ends 116 of the lace guide 100 flex and bend outwardly, causing the lace guide 100 to form a more pronounced U-shape. The lace guide 100 is configured such that the frictional engagement of the tensioning member with the lace guide 100 is concentrated near the opposite ends 116 and decreases toward the central portion 114 of the lace guide 100.

[0030] The frictional engagement of the tensioning member with the lace guide 100 can be reduced based on the structure or construction of the lace guide 100 and / or by forming a pre-bend in the lace guide 100. In some instances, a pad 200 can be added to the lace guide 100, which can further reduce the frictional engagement of the tensioning member with the lace guide 100.

[0031] With respect to the structure or configuration of the lace guide 100, the lace guide 100 can have a body 102 having or defining a longitudinal length and two opposite lateral sides when the lace guide 100 is not folded to form the loop 108. The body 102 includes a central portion 104 and two end portions or edges 106 (hereinafter referred to as end portions 106) located on opposite sides of the central portion 104. In some cases, the central portion 104 and / or the two end portions 106 can extend along the entire longitudinal length of the body 102. In other cases, the central portion 104 and / or the two end portions 106 can extend only along a portion of the longitudinal length of the body 102. For example, Figure 1A The box-like features shown can represent the boundaries of the central portion 104 and / or the two end portions 106. In cases where the central portion 104 and / or the two end portions 106 extend less than the entire length of the body 102, the central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 extend sufficiently so that, when folded, the central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 extend along the entire length of the loop 108 and the channel 112. However, it is more common that the central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 extend along the entire longitudinal length of the body 102.

[0032] The central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 are made of different materials. Specifically, the central portion 104 is made or formed of a thicker and stiffer material, while the two end portions are made of a thinner and more pliable material. The thicker and stiffer central portion 104 allows the central portion 104 to form a flat surface when the lace guide 100 is under tension via the tensioning member. The thicker and stiffer central portion 104 further limits the horizontal or lateral collapse of the body 102 when the lace guide 100 is under tension. In other words, the thicker and stiffer central portion 104 is able to withstand the lateral forces exerted on the body 102 from the tensioning member, which helps the body 102 to minimize lateral collapse and maintain the lateral width or dimension, thereby preventing the body 102 from wrinkling. It is noted that even though the central portion 104 is more resistant to lateral loads than conventional lace guides, the central portion 104 can still experience some degree of lateral collapse.

[0033] In particular embodiments, the central portion 104 is made of a 1200 denier polypropylene material. The central portion 104 can include or be composed of this material based on the end application of the lace guide 100. The central portion 104 can have a lateral width that is between 55% and 85% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100. In other embodiments, the central portion 104 can have a lateral width that is between 60% and 80% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100, and more commonly, the central portion 104 can have a lateral width that is between 65% and 75% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100. In particular embodiments, the central portion 104 can have a lateral width that is about 70% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100.

[0034] The thinner and more flexible end portions 106 allow the end portions 106 of the lace guide 100 to form a natural bend under the load from the tensioning member. This natural bend provides a radius or curvature for the tensioning member to exit under tension that greatly reduces friction as compared to traditional guides that are formed or defined with sharper edges. In particular, the two end portions 106 have a lower denier material relative to the central portion 104, thereby creating a denier gradient between the body 102 and the two end portions 106. The gradient created by the higher denier central portion 104 and the lower denier end portions 106 allows for increased stretchability or flexibility at the ends of the body 102 and less stretchability or flexibility in the central portion 104. This allows for the natural bend to be formed in the loop 108 in a controlled manner, thereby reducing friction.

[0035] In particular embodiments, the two end portions 106 are constructed from a 320 denier polypropylene material. The two end portions 106 can comprise or be comprised of this material based on the end application of the lace guide 100. The two end portions 106 can have a lateral width that is between 15% and 45% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100, i.e., each end portion 106 can have a lateral width that is between 7.5% and 22.5% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100. In other embodiments, the two end portions 106 can have a lateral width that is between 20% and 40% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100 (i.e., each end portion 106 has a lateral width that is between 10% and 20% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100), and more commonly, the two end portions 106 can have a lateral width that is between 25% and 35% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100 (i.e., each end portion 106 has a lateral width that is between 12.5% and 17.5% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100). In particular embodiments, the two end portions 106 can have a lateral width that is about 30% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100 (i.e., each end portion 106 has a lateral width that is about 15% of the lateral width of the lace guide 100).

[0036] The central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 can be formed by weaving the material. As such, the central portion 104 can be integrally formed with the two end portions 106. In other embodiments, the central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 can be separate layers of material. In these embodiments, the separate layers of material can be coupled with a common backing via heat pressing, radio frequency or ultrasonic welding, etc. In still other embodiments, the central portion 104 and the two end portions 106 can be made from the same material. The increased compliance or flexibility of the two end portions 106 can be formed or constructed by varying the weave or pattern of the material. For example, the central portion 104 can have a relatively tight weave or pattern, while the two end portions 106 can have a relatively loose weave or pattern. This can allow the two end portions 106 to stretch or flex to a greater degree, even if the lace guide 100 is entirely made from a single material.

[0037] With respect to forming a pre-bend in the lace guide 100, the lace guide 100 can have a curved configuration such that the top or upper end of the loop 108 has a bend that mimics, follows, or replicates the natural bend of the lace guide 100 under load before tensioning or any load is applied via the tensioning member. In other words, the loop 108 can be formed or configured to have a curvature that mimics, follows, or replicates the bend that is created or formed in the lace guide 100 when tensioned or loaded via the tensioning member. With the curvature formed or configured in the loop 108, the loop 108 is able to bend easily when any load is applied or tensioned via the tensioning member. In other words, the curvature in the loop 108 is created when the loop 108 and lace guide 100 are in a relaxed state. The curvature formed or configured in the loop 108 is such that the opposite two ends 116 of the loop 108 extend further in the longitudinal direction from the bottom end 110 of the lace guide 100 than the central portion of the loop 108. The curvature formed or configured in the loop 108 can act as a starting point for the lace guide 100 to create additional curvature under load.

[0038] The curvature formed or configured in the lace guide 100 is such that the opening of the channel 112 is larger at the two opposite ends 116 of the loop 108 than in the central portion 114 of the loop 108. In other words, if a cross-section of the loop 108 is taken through the body 102 in an orthogonal manner and in the guide 100, Figure 1B The curvature formed or configured in the loop 108 is such that the opening of the channel 112 is larger at the two opposite ends 116 of the loop 108 than in the central portion 114 of the loop 108. In other words, if a cross-section of the loop 108 is taken through the body 102 in an orthogonal manner and in the guide 100, In one embodiment, the pre-bend in the lace guide 100 can be formed by clamping the bottom end 110 of the loop 108 of the folded webbing with a tool (not shown) having a curvature opposite to the curvature desired to be formed or created in the loop 108 and pulling the two opposite ends 116 away from the bottom end 110. The tool can be a curved wire, rod or piece of material that is inserted through the channel 112. When the two opposite ends 116 are pulled away from the bottom end 110 of the loop 108, the bottom end 110 can be attached together, such as by ultrasonic welding, mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, or the like. In some cases, ultrasonic welding can be preferred as the weld material can help the loop 108 maintain the created bend when the tool is removed and the material relaxes.

[0039] like Figure 1D As shown, the angle θ of the pre-bent portion generated or formed in the annular member 108, when measured along a line 118 tangent to one of the two opposite ends 116 and a line 119 parallel to the side or edge of the annular member 108, can be between 40 degrees and 80 degrees. More typically, when measured along lines 118 and 119, the pre-bent portion in the annular member 108 is between 45 degrees and 75 degrees; most typically, the pre-bent portion in the annular member 108 is between 50 degrees and 70 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the pre-bent portion in the annular member 108 is approximately 60 degrees ± 5 degrees. Figure 1C The lacing guide 100 is shown to have a ratio of Figure 1B The tethered guide has a significantly larger pre-bend portion.

[0040] When forming the pre-bent portion, a curvature much larger than the desired curvature can be applied to the annular member 108, and then the bottom end 110 can be attached. After the tension in the annular member 108 is released, the annular member 108 will significantly relax, thereby forming the desired curvature. For example, during curvature formation, an angle θ of 20 degrees can be applied to the guide, thereby forming an induced curvature angle θ of approximately 50 degrees after relaxation. The significantly larger angle used when forming the curvature makes it easier for the annular member 108 to return to near that angle during tensioning of the tensioning member.

[0041] Regarding adding pad 200 to the lacing guide 100 Figure 2A A pad 200 is shown, which can be positioned within the channel 112 of the annular member 108 to help keep the channel in an open configuration. In other words, the pad 200 prevents the opening of the channel 112 from collapsing when the tensioning member is tensioned. By keeping the channel 112 in a more open configuration, the frictional resistance between the tensioning member and the tether guide 100 is reduced, which prevents or hinders the tether guide 100 from clamping the tensioning member under tension. The pad 200 is positioned away from the top end of the annular member 108 and closer to the bottom end 110 of the annular member. The pad 200 is generally positioned within the channel 112 such that the pad 200 does not contact the tensioning member under tension, but in some cases, slight or minimal contact may occur.

[0042] The spacer 200 includes a body 202 that can have a generally T-shaped configuration or orientation. In particular, the body 202 includes a thin flange 204 that extends distally from the laterally extending top end portion. The flange 204 is thin so that the flange 204 can be inserted between the folded material of the body 102 of the lace guide. The thin portion is positioned in the bottom end portion 110 of the loop and the thin profile increases the thickness of the bottom end portion 110 in a negligible or minimal manner. The flange 204 allows for easy installation and improves the aesthetics of the article to which the lace guide 100 is attached. The thin flange 204 also reduces pressure points when attached to footwear. The thin material of the flange 204 allows for easy attachment, for example, via mechanical fasteners, stitching, etc. The flange 204 and / or the laterally extending top end portion can be constructed or composed of a rigid material, such as a polymer, or a softer material, such as a fabric or non-woven material.

[0043] The top end portion of the spacer 200 extends laterally outward from opposite sides of the flange 204. The top end portion includes a central portion 206 and two lateral arms or extensions 208. In some cases, the lateral arms 208 can be curved away from the central portion 206 of the spacer 200 so that the top edge of the spacer 200 is slightly curved. The lateral arms 208 can be curved away from the central portion 206 in an opposite manner to the curvature of the curved loop 108. In particular, the lateral arms 208 can be curved toward the bottom end portion 110 of the lace guide 100 while the opposite ends 116 of the loop 108 are curved away from the bottom end portion 110. Further, the thickness of the top end portion of the spacer 200 can taper or decrease as the arms 208 extend laterally outward. In other words, the top end portion of the spacer 200 can be thickest in the central portion 206 and thinnest in the outermost portions of the lateral arms 208.

[0044] In some cases, the lateral width of the top end portion can correspond to the lateral width of the loop 108, such that the loop 108 and the top end portion of the gasket 200 have approximately the same lateral width. In other cases, the top end portion of the gasket 200 can be shorter laterally than the loop 108, such that the outermost end of the lateral arm 208 is recessed relative to the lateral end of the loop 108. The shorter the top end portion of the gasket 200 is laterally, the more it can help ensure that the gasket 200 remains covered and hidden as the lace guide 100 is tensioned by the tensioning member. The tapering of the lateral arm 208 can shorten the path of the loop 108 over the gasket 200, which can cause the path of the loop 108 over the gasket 200 to be longer in the central portion 206 and shorter at the lateral arm 208. This can cause the loop 108 to form a more natural curvature under load and make it easier for the material of the lace guide 100 (e.g., the loop 108) to slide and move over the gasket 200. The tapered lateral arm 208 can also facilitate the more natural curvature of the loop 108 described herein by minimizing contact between the opposite two ends 116 of the loop 108 and the lateral arm 208, which can otherwise impede the formation of the curvature. The gasket 200 is generally secured in the channel 112 behind or within the terminal ends of the loop 108, i.e., within or near the bottom end portion 110.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 3A-3B a lace guide 300 is shown that is designed to facilitate attachment to an article. The lace guide 300 generally has a low profile, such that the guide extends or protrudes above the surface of the article to a minimal degree, which can be preferable in terms of aesthetics and / or functionality. For example, in a functional shoe, a lower profile lace guide can be preferable, where the goal of the shoe is to minimize the weight of the shoe and / or the overall size of the shoe. A lower profile guide can also be preferable in situations where it is desirable to minimize contact with surrounding objects.

[0046] The tie guide 300 is formed from both a polymer component and a textile or woven fabric component. This hybrid polymer and textile material configuration achieves both the textile aesthetics of the article and the performance of a polymer guide. Specifically, the tie guide 300 includes a polymer guide body 302 (hereinafter referred to as polymer body 302) and a textile or woven fabric flange 304 (hereinafter referred to as textile flange 304). Compared to the polymer body 302, the textile flange 304 is typically made of a soft, compliant, and flexible woven fabric material. In some embodiments, the textile flange 304 may be made of a compliant polymer material such as a thin plastic strip. The textile flange 304 extends distally from the distal or bottom end of the polymer body 302. The textile flange 304 is significantly thinner than the polymer body 302 and typically has a uniform thickness, but in some cases, the thickness of the textile flange 304 may taper towards the distal edge of the flange.

[0047] like Figure 3A As shown, the textile flange 304 can have a lateral width corresponding to the lateral width of the polymer body 302. In this case, the width of the polymer body 302 and the width of the textile flange 304 can be approximately the same. In other cases, the width of the textile flange 304 can be smaller than the width of the polymer body 302. The textile flange 304 can have a generally rectangular shape, or the distal end of the textile flange 304 can be rounded as needed. The textile flange 304 can be attached to a tapered region or end of the polymer body 302. The textile flange 304 allows the tie guide 300 to be easily attached to an article by means of sewing, heat welding, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0048] The flexibility of the textile flange 304 ensures that the polymer body 302 remains oriented according to the pulling direction of the tensioning member. For example, when the polymer body 302 is subjected to lateral or rotational forces, the textile flange 304 can move, rotate, and pivot to a certain extent, oriented the polymer body 302 toward the pulling direction of the tensioning member. This minimizes or eliminates pressure points in the tie guide 300 caused by slight misalignment of the tie guide 300 relative to the article, significantly reducing unnecessary wear on the tie guide. The compliance of the textile flange 304 allows the polymer body 302 to autonomously orient itself according to the pulling direction of the tensioning member, thereby simplifying the connection between the tie guide 300 and the article by increasing the orientation tolerance of the guide with respect to the article. This compliance also helps in forming a tie path around the article.

[0049] The polymer body 302 is formed of a polymer material that is relatively high in rigidity as compared to the textile flange 304. The polymer body is a solid material and includes a through-hole or channel 306 (hereinafter referred to as the channel 306) within which the tensioning member is positioned. The channel 306 serves as a guide to direct or guide the tensioning member around the path of the article. The polymer body 302 has a relatively thin profile to minimize the extent to which the polymer body extends above the article. In particular, as shown in Figure 3B the polymer material positioned above and below the channel 306 is relatively thin, which reduces the overall height or thickness of the polymer body 302. The polymer material in front of the channel 306, i.e., the material positioned on the side of the channel 306 opposite the textile flange 304, is relatively thick. The thicker front end of the polymer body 302 ensures that the lace guide 300 is able to withstand the load or tension exerted on the guide by the tensioning member.

[0050] In general, the lateral width of the polymer body 302 is greater than the length of the polymer body measured from the front of the polymer body 302 to the textile flange 304. In some cases, the lateral width can be between 1.5 and 4 times the length, more commonly between 2 and 3 times the length. The top and bottom surfaces of the polymer body 302 can have a slight curvature, as shown in the side view of Figure 3B This slight curvature can correspond to the curvature of the article, e.g., a shoe, to which the lace guide 300 is attached.

[0051] In attaching the textile flange 304 to the polymer body 302, the polymer body 302 is generally formed integrally with the textile flange 304. For example, the polymer material of the polymer body 302 can be injected directly onto the textile flange 304 such that the proximal end of the textile flange 304 is incorporated into or positioned within the polymer body 302. In this case, the textile flange 304 can be positioned within a mold of the polymer body 302 such that the textile flange 304 is positioned proximate to the upper portion or region of the tapered distal end of the polymer body 302. This configuration is shown in Figures 3A-3B In other cases, the textile flange 304 can be positioned proximate to the lower portion or region of the tapered distal end of the polymer body 302, or the textile flange 304 can be positioned generally centrally between the upper and lower portions of the tapered distal end. Further details of direct injection of the polymer body onto the textile fabric are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,543,630, entitled “Reel Based Closure System Employing a Friction Based Tension Mechanism,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] In coupling the lace guide 300 with the article, the lace guide 300 can be directly attached to the article, or the lace guide 300 can be attached as part of a subassembly. For example, the lace guide 300 can be directly attached to a shoe, or, the lace guide 300 can be attached to a webbing, panel, or strap and subsequently attached to a shoe.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 4A-4D , another embodiment of a lace guide 400 is shown that can be attached to an article for guiding or directing a tensioning member around the article. Similar to the lace guide 300 described previously, Figures 4A-4C the lace guide 400 generally has a low profile such that the guide extends or protrudes minimally on the surface of the article, which can be preferred for aesthetic and / or functional purposes. The lace guide 400 is designed to be used with a textile component or fabric component, but unlike the previously described guides, the lace guide 400 is not permanently attached or affixed to a textile flange. Rather, the lace guide 400 is designed to be attached to a separate webbing material 420, which can be similar to the textile flange 304, or which can be a separate strip of woven or polymeric material. The lace guide 400 is attached to the webbing 420 in a seamless manner, meaning that the lace guide 400 is not sewn to the webbing 420. Rather, as Figure 4D shown, the webbing 420 is guided or wrapped over the top surface of the lace guide 400 and inserted through the webbing slot or channel 408 (hereinafter, webbing slot 408). With the webbing 420 guided or wrapped over the top surface of the lace guide 400, the lace guide is positioned within a loop 422 formed by the webbing 420. Because the webbing 420 is not permanently affixed to the lace guide 400, the lace guide 400 is able to move to some extent relative to the webbing 420.

[0054] The use of the webbing 420 enables the lace guide 400 and webbing subassembly to exhibit the same compliance advantages described previously. In particular, the lace guide 400 and webbing subassembly are able to move, rotate, and pivot in response to lateral and rotational forces. The compliance of the subassembly also enables the lace guide 400 to self-orient according to the direction of pull of the tensioning member and facilitates the formation of a lace path around the article.

[0055] The lace guide 400 includes a body 402 having a slight curvature. In particular, the front or proximal end of the body tapers such that the body curves and narrows toward the front or proximal end of the body 402. This curved configuration can correspond to the shape of the article to which the lace guide 400 is attached. Formed on opposite sides of the body 402 are ribs or smaller protrusions 410 (hereinafter referred to as ribs 410). The ribs 410 are thinner portions of material that extend around a majority of the perimeter of the body on opposite sides. Figure 4A The ribs 410 are shown extending along the top surface of the body 402, but the ribs 410 also typically extend along the bottom or lower surface of the body 402 in a similar manner. The ribs 410 act as barriers or boundaries that confine or enclose the lace 420 along the top and bottom surfaces of the body 402. In particular, when the lace 420 is folded or wrapped around the body 402, the ribs 410 act as barriers or walls on opposite sides of the body 402 that help prevent the lace 420 from sliding or moving laterally away from the body 402.

[0056] The lace channel 408 is defined or formed by a base bar 412 and one or more teeth 404. The lace guide 400 typically includes a plurality of teeth 404, such as the five teeth shown, but the lace guide 400 can include more or fewer teeth as desired. Figure 4B The base bar 412 extends between opposite sides of the lace guide 400 and includes openings toward the body 402 to allow the lace 420 to be inserted and placed on top of the base bar 412 through the lace channel 408. The teeth 404 are positioned above the base bar 412. As shown, the teeth 404 are sandwiched between the lace 420. In particular, the teeth 404 are positioned below a portion of the lace 420 that is wrapped around the body 402 and above a portion of the lace 420 that is inserted through the lace channel 408. The teeth 404 are designed to bite or grip the lace 420 to reduce the relative rotation of the lace guide 400 within the lace loop 422. As shown, the teeth 404 can extend distally further than the base bar 412 to prevent the lace guide 400 from getting stuck in a nearly vertical orientation on the article during use. A nearly vertical orientation can result in the lace guide 400 not being oriented according to the direction of pull of the tensioning member, which can adversely affect the closure and / or tightening of the article. Figure 4D Figure 4B

[0057] ​​In attaching the lace guide 400 and the lace 420 to an article, such as a shoe, one end of the lace 420 can be attached to the article, and the lace material can be inserted through the lace slot 408 and wrapped or looped around the main body 402 (or vice versa). The opposite end of the lace 420 can then be attached to the article, such as by stitching, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc. With both ends of the lace 420 attached to the article, the lace forms a closed loop around the lace guide 400. In attaching the lace 420 to the article, the lace guide 400 is not directly stitched or attached to the article or the lace 420. Rather, the lace guide is coupled to the article due to the closed loop 422 formed around the lace guide. The lace 420 is typically attached to the article near the distal end 424 of the lace guide 400 to ensure that the lace guide 400 cannot be removed or slipped out of the closed loop 422. The lace guide 400 and the lace 420 can be directly attached to the article, or the lace guide 400 and the lace 420 can be attached to a sub-assembly, such as a strap, panel, etc., which is in turn attached to the article.

[0058] While the lace guide 400 can be used with a variety of laces 420, a particular application of the lace guide 400 can be for laces 420 having a thickness between 0.8 mm and 1.3 mm. The lace slot 408, the bottom bar 412, and the teeth 404 can be particularly adapted to engage the lace 420 and prevent the lace guide 400 from rotating within the lace loop 422 when using a lace having a thickness between 0.8 mm and 1.3 mm. In this case, the lace 420 can be stitched or attached to the distal end 424 within 4 mm of the distal end 424 of the lace guide 400 to ensure that the lace guide 400 is properly coupled to the article.

[0059] While various implementations and arrangements of components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and / or combinations of components described in the implementations can be modified, rearranged, changed, adapted, etc. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described implementations can be adapted or rearranged, and / or the various components described can be used in any implementation not presently described or not presently used. Thus, it should be recognized that the implementations are not limited to the specific arrangements and / or component structures described herein.

[0060] Further, it should be appreciated that any conceivable combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also considered disclosed. Additionally, if an implementation of the disclosure does not discuss a certain feature, the skilled artisan is hereby put on notice that some implementations of the disclosure can implicitly and explicitly exclude such features, thereby providing support for negative claim limitations.

[0061] While several embodiments have been described, it should be apparent that many modifications, alternative arrangements, and equivalents can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the application. Additionally, there are also many variations to the disclosed embodiments that are not specifically described herein. For example, the features, elements, and / or acts of any of the methods described herein can be performed in the reverse order or in other sequences that are practicable. Accordingly, no limitation is placed on the scope of the disclosed embodiments by the specific details that are described. Rather, the scope of the described embodiments is limited only by the claims.

[0062] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in the stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included or excluded in the range, and the endpoints are included in the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

[0063] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a method" includes a plurality of such methods, reference to "the device" includes one or more devices, and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0064] Further, the words "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," and "contains," "containing," when used in this specification and in the following claims, are taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, components, or steps, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, steps, acts, or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A guide for guiding a strap or tensioning member around an article, the guide comprising: A strip-shaped component of woven material, the strip-shaped component of woven material having: Longitudinal length; as well as Horizontal width; The strip of the woven material is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop for the arrangement of the tie or tensioning member. The strip of the woven material defines a central portion and two end portions along the transverse width, wherein the two end portions are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the central portion. Wherein, a pre-bent portion is formed or defined in the guide such that: before the guide is tensioned or any load is applied via the strap or tensioning member, the upper end of the annular member is defined with a bend that imitates or replicates the natural bending of the guide under load.

2. The guide according to claim 1, wherein, The central portion is formed of a different material than the two end portions, such that the two end portions are more flexible than the central portion, and that the central portion has sufficient strength to resist compression along the lateral width of the guide, thereby preventing the guide from bulging when the strap or tensioning member is tensioned.

3. The guide according to claim 2, wherein, The central portion is formed of a thicker and stronger material compared to the two end portions.

4. The guide according to claim 2, wherein, The central portion and the two end portions are formed together or woven together such that the strips of the woven material are individual or single pieces of fabric material.

5. The guide according to claim 1, wherein, The guide does not include any material positioned on or connected to the inner surface of the ring-shaped member such that the strap or tensioning member directly contacts the inner surface of the strip-shaped member of the braided material.

6. The guide according to claim 1, wherein, The central portion includes a lateral width between 55% and 85% of the lateral width of the guide, and the two end portions include a lateral width between 15% and 45% of the lateral width of the guide.

7. The guide according to claim 1, wherein, When measured along a line tangent to one of the two opposite ends and a line parallel to the side or edge of the annular member, the angle of the pre-bent portion formed or defined in the guide is between 40 degrees and 80 degrees.

8. The guide according to claim 1, wherein, The guide also includes a pad positioned within the annular member to help keep the annular member in an open configuration.

9. The guide according to claim 8, wherein, The pad is positioned within the annular member such that when the strap or tensioning member is tensioned, the pad does not come into contact with the strap or tensioning member.

10. A guide for guiding a strap or tensioning member around an article, the guide comprising: A strip of material having a longitudinal length and a transverse width, the strip of material being folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop for arranging the tie or tensioning member, the strip of material defining a central portion and two end portions along the transverse width; The guide includes a pre-bent portion such that, when the guide is in a relaxed or untensioned state, the annular member has a curvature provided or defined.

11. The guide according to claim 10, wherein, The central portion is formed of a different material than the two end portions.

12. The guide according to claim 11, wherein, The central portion is formed of a material that is thicker and stronger than the two end portions.

13. The guide according to claim 11, wherein, The central portion and the two end portions are formed together or woven together so that the material strip is a single piece of fabric material.

14. The guide according to claim 10, wherein, The guide does not include any material positioned on or connected to the inner surface of the annular member such that the ties or tensioning members directly contact the inner surface of the material strip.

15. The guide according to claim 10, wherein, The central portion includes a lateral width between 55% and 85% of the lateral width of the guide, and the two end portions include a lateral width between 15% and 45% of the lateral width of the guide.

16. The guide according to claim 10, wherein, When measured along a line tangent to one of the two end portions and a line parallel to the side or edge of the annular member, the angle of the pre-bent portion is between 40 and 80 degrees.

17. The guide according to claim 10, wherein, The guide also includes a pad positioned within the annular member to help keep the annular member in an open configuration.

18. The guide according to claim 17, wherein, The pad is positioned within the annular member such that when the strap or tensioning member is tensioned, the pad does not come into contact with the strap or tensioning member.

19. A method for constructing a guide having a pre-bent portion, the method comprising: Provide strip-shaped pieces of material having a longitudinal length and a transverse width; as well as The strip of material is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop, the folded strip of material having a central portion and two end portions along the transverse width; A tool with negative curvature is inserted through the annular member; as well as The bottom end of the ring-shaped member is attached or connected together.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Before attaching or joining the bottom end of the ring, apply a curvature to the ring that is significantly greater than that of the pre-bent portion.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The central portion is formed of a different material from the two end portions, and the method further includes: forming the central portion and the two end portions together or weaving the central portion and the two end portions together such that the strip of material is a single material piece.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The method further includes positioning a pad within the annular member to help keep the annular member in an open configuration.

23. A pad for a lacing guide, the pad comprising: main body; as well as A flange extending from the body; wherein, The flange has a thin cross-section such that the flange can be positioned between two opposite sides of the strip of folded material. as well as The outline of the body is significantly thicker than the outline of the flange, such that the body can be positioned within the annulus of the strip of folded material so that the annulus end of the strip of folded material remains in an open configuration.

24. The gasket according to claim 23, wherein, The lateral width of the main body is significantly wider than the lateral width of the flange.

25. The gasket according to claim 23, wherein, The main body includes a central portion and two opposite lateral arms, wherein the two opposite lateral arms taper or bend away from the central portion so that the top portion of the pad is curved.

26. The gasket according to claim 23, wherein, The main body has an elliptical or circular outline.

27. A guide for guiding a strap or tensioning member around an article, the guide comprising: A polymer guide body, the polymer guide body including a channel through which the tether or tensioning member can be inserted; A fabric flange extending from the polymer guide body; wherein... The flange is significantly thinner than the polymer guide body; as well as The fabric flange is integrally formed with the polymer guide body.

28. The guide according to claim 27, wherein, The channel has a curved configuration.

29. The guide according to claim 27, wherein, The fabric flange is positioned close to the upper portion or upper region of the polymer guide body.

30. The guide according to claim 27, wherein, The polymer guide body has a tapered proximal end and a tapered distal end.

31. A guide for guiding a strap or tensioning member around an article, the guide comprising: main body; as well as A channel extending laterally through the body, the channel being configured such that the tether or tensioning member can be inserted through the channel; wherein... The body includes a connecting feature configured such that a strip of material can be positioned around the body or wrapped around the body to attach the body to an article.

32. The guide according to claim 31, wherein, The connecting feature is a pair of ribs or flanges positioned at opposite ends or edges of the body in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the channel.

33. The guide according to claim 32, wherein, The paired ribs or flanges form or define a barrier portion that restricts or encloses the strip of material and prevents the strip of material from sliding laterally or moving away from the body.

34. The guide according to claim 31, wherein, The body includes a groove through which a strip of the material is inserted to attach the body to the strip of the material.

35. The guide according to claim 31, wherein, The proximal end of the body includes one or more teeth that contact the strip-like part of the material.

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