Article of footwear with closure mechanism
By designing an adjustable shoelace and buckle closure mechanism, the problem of traditional shoelaces being difficult to operate quickly with one hand has been solved, enabling people with limited mobility to quickly adjust the laces with one hand and one movement, thus improving the ease of use of footwear products.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Traditional shoelaces and closure mechanisms are difficult for wearers with limited mobility or dexterity, such as young children and the elderly, to operate quickly and easily with one hand, making footwear difficult to put on.
A closure mechanism was designed that allows for a single-handed, single-action transition from a loose to a tight position, and vice versa, through a combination of adjustable shoelaces and a loop buckle. The shoelace guide provides adhesion friction to secure the shoelaces, simplifying the operation.
It enables wearers with limited mobility or dexterity to quickly adjust shoelaces with one hand and one movement, improving the ease of use and safety of footwear products, and is especially suitable for young children and the elderly.
Smart Images
Figure CN121865982A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-reference to related applications
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,274, filed August 23, 2023, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a closure mechanism for footwear products. Background Technology
[0003] Footwear typically comprises two main components: the upper and the sole structure. The sole structure is configured to lie beneath the wearer's foot to separate the foot from the ground and further provide stability and cushioning. This sole structure may include an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. With a midsole, outsole, and insole all present, the midsole provides support and cushioning, the outsole provides improved traction and grip, and the insole provides increased comfort for the foot.
[0004] The upper of a footwear garment may be attached to the sole structure and at least partially surround an internal volume that receives the wearer's foot. The upper is typically formed of multiple material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather, etc.) that are stitched together or bonded together by adhesives to form the internal volume. More specifically, the upper may be a structure formed on the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and surrounding the heel area. In many designs, the upper may also include a closure system to adjust the fit of the footwear. This closure system is controllable to switch between at least an open configuration and a closed configuration, the open configuration allowing the foot into and out of the internal volume, and the closed configuration securing the foot within the internal volume of the footwear. Attached Figure Description
[0005] Figure 1 It is a side view of a footwear product including a closing mechanism;
[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of footwear products;
[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of footwear products;
[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the closing mechanism of a footwear product; and
[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of another part of the closing mechanism of the footwear product.
[0010] In several views of the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation
[0011] While this disclosure may be described in relation to a particular application or industry, those skilled in the art will recognize its broader applicability.
[0012] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the objects. Multiple such objects may be present unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Unless explicitly or clearly indicated otherwise in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (close to exact in value; close to or quite close to the value; approximately). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in that ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that can be caused by ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope should be understood to specifically disclose all values within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope.
[0013] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of…” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one of…”. The term “any of…” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one of…”.
[0014] A feature shown in one figure may be combined with, replace, or be modified by a feature shown in any of these figures. Unless otherwise stated, no feature, element, or limitation is mutually exclusive with any other feature, element, or limitation. Furthermore, there are no absolutely necessary features, elements, or limitations for operational purposes. Any specific configuration shown in the figures is merely illustrative and does not limit the claims or the specification.
[0015] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and do not imply limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second,” are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.
[0016] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which the length of a component extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of a footwear article extends between the forefoot and heel areas of the shoe. The terms "forward" or "anterior" are used to refer to a general direction from the heel area toward the forefoot area, and the terms "rearward" or "posterior" are used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot area toward the heel area. In some cases, a component may be identified by a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal direction along that axis. This longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.
[0017] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "lateral" refers to the direction in which the width of the extending part is directed. For example, the lateral direction of a footwear article extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. This lateral direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis, or an inner-outer direction or axis.
[0018] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, when the sole is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upwards" or "upwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downwards" or "downwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the bottom of a part, opposite to the upward direction, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of a footwear article.
[0019] Furthermore, the term "proximal" refers to the direction closer to the center of the footwear component, or the direction closer to the foot when the footwear is worn by the user and the foot is inserted into the footwear. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the direction further away from the center of the footwear component, or the relative position further away from the foot when the footwear is worn by the user and the foot is inserted into the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing generally relative terms to describe relative spatial positions.
[0020] To aid and clarify the subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). “Footwear article,” “footwear manufacturing article,” and “footwear” can be considered as machines and manufactured articles. Before final assembly into a wearable footwear article, the assembled, wearable footwear article (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and the discrete components of the footwear article (such as midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) are considered herein and are alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as “footwear article.”
[0021] The following discussion and figures disclose various footwear configurations. Although footwear article 10 is depicted in the associated figures as athletic footwear (such as rubber-soled athletic shoes) configured for sports, the concepts associated with the configuration and method can be applied to a variety of other types of athletic footwear articles, such as hiking boots and shoes, football boots, rugby boots, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby boots, basketball shoes, etc. However, footwear article 10 is not limited to rubber-soled athletic shoes or other athletic shoes. In some embodiments, the disclosed device can be configured for use with a variety of non-sports-related footwear, including but not limited to boots, casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, or any other type of footwear, which may also incorporate the concepts discussed herein.
[0022] refer to Figure 1 This disclosure provides a closure mechanism 102 for footwear article 10, which is easy for the wearer to use through a single action, one-handed transition from a loose position to a tight position, and a single action, one-handed transition from a tight position to a loose position. While such applications are generally beneficial, they may be particularly advantageous for wearers with limited mobility or dexterity (including, but not limited to, young children, the elderly, and other wearers with limited mobility or dexterity who find it difficult to fasten or otherwise secure conventional shoelaces and / or other closure mechanisms).
[0023] Footwear article 10 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 104 attached to the sole structure 100. The footwear article 10 may be divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16. The forefoot region 12 may also be described as including a toe portion 12T corresponding to the phalanges of the foot and a ball-of-the-toe portion 12B corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The midfoot region 14 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 16 may correspond to the posterior portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). The footwear article 10 may also include a front end 18 associated with the foremost point of the forefoot region 12 and a rear end 20 corresponding to the rearmost point of the heel region 16. The longitudinal axis A10 of the footwear article 10 extends along the length of the footwear article 10 from the front end 18 to the rear end 20, and generally divides the footwear article 10 into a medial (medial portion) 22 and a lateral (lateral portion) 24, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown. Therefore, the inner side 22 and the outer side 24 correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend through areas 12, 14, and 16.
[0024] The upper 104 includes internal surfaces that define foot-receiving internal cavities or openings configured to receive and secure the foot. The upper 104 may be formed of one or more materials, which are stitched, bonded with adhesives, or otherwise joined together to form the foot-receiving internal cavity. Suitable materials for the upper 104 may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. In some aspects, these materials are configured and positioned to impart properties such as durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and / or comfort.
[0025] In an example of footwear article 10, the upper 104 includes a strobel having a bottom surface opposite to the sole structure 100 and a top surface opposite to the footbed defining a foot-receiving internal cavity. The strobel is attached to the upper by stitching or adhesive. The contour of the footbed conforms to the contour of the bottom surface of the foot (e.g., the sole). In other examples of footwear article 10, the upper 104 may include additional layers (such as insoles or insoles) disposed on the strobel and within the foot-receiving internal cavity of the upper to receive the sole surface of the foot, thereby enhancing the comfort of the footwear article. An ankle opening 103 provided in the heel area 16 provides access to the foot-receiving internal cavity. For example, the ankle opening 103 receives the foot to secure it within the cavity and facilitates entry and removal of the foot from the foot-receiving internal cavity.
[0026] The upper 104 may include a forefoot panel 108. The upper 104 may further define the forefoot panel 108 extending into the forefoot area 12 and the midfoot area 14. The throat 110 extends from the ankle opening 103 toward the forefoot panel 108 and extends between the lateral portion 22 and the medial portion 24 of the footwear article 10.
[0027] The sole structure 100 may include means for reducing ground reaction forces (i.e., cushioning and stabilizing the foot during vertical and horizontal loads). Furthermore, the sole structure 100 may be configured to help provide traction friction, impart stability, and / or control or limit various foot movements, such as pronation, supination, or other movements. For example, the disclosed concepts can be applied to footwear configured for use on any of a variety of surfaces, including indoor or outdoor surfaces. In some embodiments, the sole structure 100 may be configured to provide traction friction and stability on hard indoor surfaces (such as hardwood), soft natural turf surfaces, or hard artificial turf surfaces.
[0028] In different embodiments, the sole structure 100 may include various components that may individually or collectively provide a variety of properties to the footwear article 10, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, weight reduction, or other properties. For example, the sole structure 100 may include a midsole, an outsole, and a cushioning layer and / or an insole. When compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other walking activities, the compressible polymer elements of the sole structure 100 dampen ground reaction forces (i.e., provide cushioning).
[0029] The midsole can be a single piece or multiple components integrated into a unit. In some embodiments, the midsole can be integrated with the outsole into a single outsole. The outsole can be a single piece or several outsole components and can be formed of an abrasion-resistant rubber material, which can be textured to impart adhesion friction and / or may include adhesion friction elements, such as anti-slip studs fixed to the midsole.
[0030] When the foot is positioned within the foot receiving cavity of the footwear article 10, the foot is supported on the foot-facing surface of the midsole. Optionally, the foot-facing surface of the midsole may be covered by a strobel fixed to the lower region of the upper 104. Furthermore, the insole may optionally rest on the strobel, or in embodiments without a strobel, rest directly on the sole structure 100; in the absence of a strobel, the foot is supported by both the sole structure 100 and the insole.
[0031] However, it is understood that the sole structure 100 is not limited to including conventional sole components, and may include various different types of elements arranged in the outermost, innermost, and middle "layers" or locations of the sole. Therefore, the sole structure 100 may include external sole components or elements that may or may not coincide with a conventional "outsole." Similarly, the sole structure 100 may include internal sole components or elements that may or may not be an "insole." Furthermore, the sole structure 100 may include any number of central and / or intermediate sole components or elements that may or may not be a "midsole."
[0032] The sole structure 100 may be permanently and / or fixedly attached to one or more portions of the upper 104 (e.g., by adhesive, stitching, welding or other suitable techniques). For example, the sole structure 100 may be attached to one or more portions of the upper 104 at the bite line and may have a configuration that extends between the upper 104 and the ground.
[0033] The upper 104 includes a tongue 106 and a closure mechanism 102. The tongue 106 extends over the instep area of the foot. The tongue 106 can be integrated with or separately attached to the forefoot panel 108. The closure mechanism 102 includes adjustable laces 200, a first set of buckles 202, a second set of buckles 204, a tightening portion 206, a loosening portion 208, and one or more lace guides 210. The closure mechanism 102 can be coupled to the tongue 106 and can be positioned over and / or across the tongue 106. The closure mechanism 102 can extend along the throat 110. The closure mechanism 102 helps provide the ability to adjust the girth of the upper 104 and the maximum size of the ankle opening 103.
[0034] In one example, the first set of buckles 202 may be positioned adjacent to the ankle opening 103. The second set of buckles 204 may be positioned closer to the forefoot 18 than the first set of buckles 202. The second set of buckles 204 may be positioned adjacent to the forefoot panel 108. In some examples, the closure mechanism 102 may include an integral closure panel. This integral closure panel may allow for the integration of each of the loosening and tightening processes of the footwear into the upper 104. In other examples, such as those with a "tension-fit" upper construction, the closure mechanism 102 may not include an integral closure panel.
[0035] refer to Figure 2The adjustable shoelace 200 may have a first end 200a and a second end 200b. The first end 200a is operatively connected to, or otherwise extends through, a first set of buckles 202 and a tightening portion 206. The second end 200b is operatively connected to, or otherwise extends through, a second set of buckles 204 and a loosening portion 208. The adjustable shoelace 200 is threaded across the tongue 106 from the inside 22 to the outside 24. The adjustable shoelace 200 is slidably threaded through each of one or more shoelace guides 210 between the first end 200a and the second end 200b, such that the adjustable shoelace 200 is operatively connected along the throat 110 to the inside portion 22 and the outside portion 24 of the footwear article 10. The one or more shoelace guides 210 are positioned between the ankle opening 103 and the forefoot panel 108. When the adjustable shoelace 200 is arranged through the shoelace guide 210, the shoelace guide 210 is positioned between the first end 200a and the second end 200b.
[0036] The first set of buckles 202 is slidably connected to the first end 200a of the adjustable shoelace 200, such that the adjustable shoelace 200 can move or slide through the first set of buckles 202, but the first set of buckles 202 itself cannot move along the adjustable shoelace 200. In some instances, the first set of buckles 202 is further fixedly attached to the tongue 106, adjacent to the ankle opening 103. In other instances, the first set of buckles 202 may be loosely attached to the tongue 106. A tightening portion 206 is operatively connected to the first end 200a, which forms a loop capable of receiving the fingers of one or more people. In one instance, the tightening portion 206 is a pull tab. In other instances, the tightening portion 206 may be a loop formed solely by the first end 200a of the adjustable shoelace 200, for example, a portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 extending behind the first set of buckles 202 toward the ankle opening 103. In some other instances, the first set of buckles 202 may include buttons.
[0037] The second set of buckles 204 is slidably connected to the second end 200b of the adjustable shoelace 200, such that the adjustable shoelace 200 can move or slide through the second set of buckles 204, but the second set of buckles 204 itself cannot move along the adjustable shoelace 200. In some embodiments, the second set of buckles 204 is further fixedly attached to the tongue 106, adjacent to the forefoot panel 108. In other embodiments, the second set of buckles 204 may be loosely attached to the tongue 106. A release portion 208 is operatively connected to the second end 200b, which forms a loop capable of receiving the fingers of one or more people. In one embodiment, the release portion 208 is a pull tab. In other embodiments, the release portion 208 may be a loop formed by the second end 200b of the adjustable shoelace 200, for example, a portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 extending toward the forefoot panel 108 in front of the second set of buckles 204. In some other instances, the second set of zip closures 204 may include a pressable button. In some instances, one or both of the first set of zip closures 202 and the second set of zip closures 204 may include a button. In some instances, neither the first set of zip closures 202 nor the second set of zip closures 204 includes a button. When present, the button may be used, for example, to loosen the footwear article 10 by pressing the button.
[0038] In one example, the adjustable shoelaces 200 extend in a crisscross pattern between one or more shoelace guides 210, which extend from the ankle opening 103 to the forefoot 108 and from the inner portion 22 to the outer portion 24. The adjustable shoelaces 200 form a closed loop, preventing the adjustable shoelaces 200 from passing completely through the first set of buckles 202 or the second set of buckles 204.
[0039] refer to Figure 3 A single action, by applying a force (e.g., adhesive friction) along the pulling direction D1 to the tightening portion 206, helps the footwear 10 to release its configuration (in Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) the shoe transitions to a tightened configuration. In other words, the pulling direction D1 of the force can be any direction away from the upper 104, for example, at a 45-degree angle to the first set of buckles 202, at a 90-degree angle to the first set of buckles 202, or in another outward direction. Tightening the footwear 10 causes the outer portion 22 and the inner portion 24 of the footwear 10 to be fastened along the throat 110. The force applied in the pulling direction D1 shortens the length of the adjustable laces 200 between adjacent cable guides 210, thereby bringing the inner portion 22 and the outer portion 24 closer together. In some instances, the first set of buckles 202 may include a locking mechanism to secure the adjustable laces 200 to a certain locking force when in the tightened configuration.
[0040] A single action of applying a force (e.g., adhesive friction) along the pulling direction D2 to the loosening portion 208 facilitates the transition of footwear 10 from a tightened configuration to a loosening configuration. In other words, the pulling direction D2 can be any direction away from the upper 104, for example, at a 45-degree angle to the second set of buckles 204, at a 90-degree angle to the second set of buckles 204, or in another outward direction. Loosening the footwear 10 loosens the outer portion 22 and the inner portion 24 of the footwear 10 along the throat 110. The force applied along the pulling direction D2 extends the length of the adjustable laces 200 between adjacent cable guides 210, thereby separating the inner portion 22 and the outer portion 24 from each other. In an example where the first set of buckles 202 includes a locking mechanism, applying this force along direction D2 to the loosening portion 208 overcomes the locking force of the first set of buckles 202 to allow the adjustable laces 200 to be pulled in front of the second set of buckles 204. In some instances, the second set of buckles 204 may not include a locking mechanism for securing the adjustable shoelaces 200, allowing the adjustable shoelaces 200 to pass through the second set of buckles 204, thereby allowing the inner portion 22 and the outer portion 24 to unfold.
[0041] In some instances, the tightening portion 206 may alternatively be used to loosen the footwear 10, such that pulling the tightening portion 206 in direction D1 loosens the footwear 10. In some instances, the loosening portion 208 may alternatively be used to tighten the footwear 10, such that pulling the loosening portion 208 in direction D2 tightens the footwear 10. For example, the second set of buckles 204 may include a locking mechanism for securing the adjustable shoelaces 200, and the first set of buckles 202 may not include a locking mechanism.
[0042] The single action of applying force to the tightening portion 206 to tighten the closure mechanism 102 and applying force to the releasing portion 208 to release the closure mechanism 102 allows wearers with limited mobility or dexterity to tighten and loosen their own footwear 10 with limited fine motor skills of the hands and fingers and reduced force. The single action of applying force to the tightening portion 206 to tighten the closure mechanism 102 and applying force to the releasing portion 208 to release the closure mechanism 102 also allows parents, teachers, guardians, and other caregivers to secure and / or loosen (e.g., remove) footwear for patients, young children, or other caregivers with simple movements using only one hand.
[0043] Each of the one or more shoelace guides 210 may comprise a semi-stretched material, such as woven webbing. (See reference) Figure 4Each of the one or more shoelace guides 210 includes an anchoring end 210a and a loop end 210b. The anchoring end 210a is fixedly attached to the upper 104. The loop end 210b is positioned opposite the anchoring end 210a and defines a guide positioned along the throat 110 to receive a portion of the adjustable shoelace 200. The one or more shoelace guides 210 may be located on the inner side 22 of the footwear article 10. The one or more shoelace guides 210 may be located on the outer side 24 of the footwear article 10. As needed, the one or more shoelace guides 210 may include one, two, three, four, five, six or more shoelace guides for threading the adjustable shoelace 200 along the upper 104. The one or more shoelace guides 210 may include three shoelace guides located on the inner side 22. The one or more shoelace guides 210 may include three shoelace guides located on the outer side 24. In one example, the inner side 22 and the outer side 24 may include the same number of shoelace guides 210. In some examples, the inner side 22 may include more shoelace guides 210 than the outer side 24. In some examples, the outer side 24 may include more shoelace guides 210 than the inner side 22.
[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The release portion 208 may include a single, easy-to-grip and easy-to-hold end for the adjustable shoelace 200, which connects to the second end 200b. For example, in some aspects, the release portion 208 includes a tab. The second set of buckles 204 may also include a first opening 204a and a second opening 204b (not shown for illustrative purposes). The first opening 204a may receive a portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 through which it passes. The second opening 204b may receive another portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 through which it passes.
[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the tightening portion 206 may include a single, easy-to-grip and easy-to-hold end for the adjustable shoelace 200, which is connected to the first end 200a. For example, in some aspects, the tightening portion 206 includes a tab. The first set of buckles 202 may also include a first opening 202a and a second opening 202b. The first opening 202a may receive a portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 through which it passes. The second opening 202b may receive another portion of the adjustable shoelace 200, which is different from the portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 received by the first opening 202a.
[0046] The adjustable shoelace 200 can be received by corresponding eyelets 202a, 202b, 204a, and 204b, such that the first set of buckles 202 and the second set of buckles 204 respectively receive portions of the adjustable shoelace 200. The diameter of the eyelets 202a, 202b, 204a, and 204b can be from about 2.0 mm to about 5.0 mm or greater. In some examples, the diameter of the eyelets 202a, 202b, 204a, and 204b can be from about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. In some examples, 202a, 202b, 204a, and 204b may include the diameter necessary to movably receive the adjustable shoelace 200 through which it passes.
[0047] The closure mechanism 102 of this disclosure is designed to facilitate easy switching from a loose to a tight configuration by the wearer with a single movement and one hand, thus making it easy to use. The closure mechanism 102 of this disclosure is also designed to facilitate easy switching from a tight to a loose configuration by the wearer with a single movement and one hand, thus making it easy to use. Adhesive friction can be applied to the adjustable shoelaces 200 due to the positioning of one or more shoelace guides 210. When in the tight configuration, the adhesive friction applied by the one or more shoelace guides 210 helps to secure the adjustable shoelaces 200.
[0048] The sole structure 100 can be formed from compressible polymeric elements, such as thermosetting or thermoplastic plastics, like cross-linked thermosetting plastics, cross-linked thermosetting resins, or cross-linked thermosetting elastomers (e.g., rubber), polyurethane foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, ionomer polymer foam, etc. In other configurations, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, adjusters, or other elements that further dampen forces, enhance stability, or influence foot movement.
[0049] Adjustable shoelaces 200 may include textile or fabric materials, elastomer materials, polymer materials, etc., and may be embodied as shoelaces, ropes, wires, cables, etc. More specifically, adjustable shoelaces 200 may include stretchable materials. In one example, adjustable shoelaces 200 may include fully elastomer materials. In yet another example, adjustable shoelaces 200 may include a mixture of one or more elastomer materials and one or more non-elastomer materials. In one example, adjustable shoelaces 200 also includes an elastomer core to allow the adjustable shoelaces 200 to stretch. In such embodiments, adjustable shoelaces 200 may also include a woven cover or outer portion disposed around the elastomer core. The woven cover may be a textile woven cover with elastic or stretchable properties. Furthermore, adjustable shoelaces 200 may also include a coating disposed on one or more portions of the woven cover, for example, to increase frictional engagement between the adjustable shoelaces 200 and one or more of 202, 204, 206, 208, or 210.
[0050] The tightening portion 206 and the loosening portion 208 may comprise various materials, such as leather, fabric, polymer, cotton, foam, composite materials, etc., and may be further coated to enhance the grip and / or friction properties of the tightening portion 206 and the loosening portion 208. In one example, the tightening portion 206 and the loosening portion 208 comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. In another example, the tightening portion 206 and the loosening portion 208 comprise an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic material.
[0051] The first set of buckles 202 and the second set of buckles 204 may comprise a polymer material, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, or another suitable material. One or more of the first set of buckles 202 and the second set of buckles 204 may include a clutch, gears, a spring-loaded mechanism, or other mechanism to releasably secure a portion of the adjustable shoelace 200 relative to the first set of buckles 202 and / or the second set of buckles 204. In one example, one or more of the first set of buckles 202 and the second set of buckles 204 include an internal spring element or a non-spring-loaded buckle that mechanically engages the adjustable shoelace 200, while the non-spring-loaded buckle engages only frictionally with the adjustable shoelace 200.
[0052] The detailed description and accompanying drawings support and describe the teachings of this disclosure, but the scope of the teachings of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the teachings of this disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist to practice the teachings of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.
[0053] While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Unless expressly limited, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims. However, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems, as well as any one or more elements that may bring about or make more significant any benefit, advantage, or solution, should not be construed as key, essential, or fundamental features or elements of any or all claims unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.
[0054] The following terms provide exemplary configurations for the aforementioned footwear articles and sole structures.
[0055] Clause 1. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure; an upper fixedly attached to the sole structure, the upper configured to switch between at least one tightening configuration and at least one loosening configuration, and the upper comprising: a forefoot panel disposed at a forefoot area and a midfoot area of the footwear article; an ankle opening operable to allow a wearer to extend their foot into an internal volume of the upper; a throat extending from the ankle opening toward the forefoot panel; and a closure mechanism configured to adjust the maximum size of the ankle opening and the tightness of the upper, the closure mechanism comprising: an adjustable lace having a first end disposed adjacent to the ankle opening and a lace disposed adjacent to the forefoot panel and connected to the first end. The shoelace includes a second end, wherein the adjustable shoelace is operably connected along the throat to the outer portion of the footwear and the inner portion of the footwear; a first set of buckles attached to the adjustable shoelace at the first end; a second set of buckles attached to the adjustable shoelace at the second end; a loosening portion attached to the first end of the adjustable shoelace, the loosening portion being configured to shift the upper to a loose position by pulling the loosening portion in a first pulling direction; and a tightening portion attached to the second end of the adjustable shoelace, the tightening portion being configured to shift the upper to a tightened position by pulling the tightening portion in a second pulling direction.
[0056] Clause 2. The footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the closure mechanism further comprises: a plurality of lace guides, wherein the plurality of lace guides are disposed on each of the inner portion and the outer portion of the footwear article, wherein the adjustable laces are threaded through the plurality of lace guides.
[0057] Clause 3. Footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the first set of buckles is disposed adjacent to the ankle opening and securely attached to the upper.
[0058] Clause 4. Footwear articles according to Clause 1, wherein the second set of buckles is disposed adjacent to the front panel of the shoe.
[0059] Clause 5. Footwear articles as described in Clause 1, wherein the release portion is a pull tab.
[0060] Clause 6. Footwear articles as described in Clause 1, wherein the tightening portion is a pull tab.
[0061] Clause 7. Footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the loosening portion is configured to cause the upper to transition to the tightening configuration by pulling the tightening portion along the second pulling direction.
[0062] Clause 8. Footwear article according to Clause 7, wherein the tightening portion is configured to transfer the upper to the loosening position by pulling the tightening portion along the first pulling direction.
[0063] Clause 9. Footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the first pulling direction is substantially perpendicular to an axis extending from the rear end of the footwear article to the front end of the footwear article.
[0064] Clause 10. Footwear articles according to Clause 9, wherein the second pulling direction is substantially parallel to the axis.
[0065] Clause 11. Footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the first set of buckles includes one or more openings, wherein the second set of buckles includes one or more openings, and wherein the adjustable shoelaces are threaded through the one or more openings of the first set of buckles and the one or more openings of the second set of buckles.
[0066] Clause 12. Footwear article according to Clause 11, wherein the one or more openings of the first set of buckles include at least two openings through which the first end of the adjustable shoelace is threaded to form a loop, and wherein the one or more openings of the second set of buckles include at least two openings through which the second end of the adjustable shoelace is threaded to form a second loop.
[0067] Clause 13. A footwear article comprising: an upper configured to switch between at least one tightened configuration and at least one loosened configuration, and the upper comprising: a forefoot panel disposed at a forefoot area and a midfoot area of the footwear article; an ankle opening operable to allow a wearer to extend their foot into an internal volume of the upper; a tongue extending from the forefoot panel to the ankle opening; and a closure mechanism configured to switch the upper between a tightened position and a loosened position, the closure mechanism comprising: an adjustable lace having a first end disposed adjacent to the ankle opening and an end disposed adjacent to the forefoot panel. A second end, positioned opposite the first end, wherein the adjustable shoelace is operatively connected to an outer portion of the footwear and an inner portion of the footwear; a plurality of shoelace guides, each shoelace guide including an anchoring end and a loop end, the adjustable shoelace being threaded through the loop ends of the plurality of shoelace guides; a first set of buckles, the first set of buckles being connected to the adjustable shoelace at the first end; a second set of buckles, the second set of buckles being connected to the adjustable shoelace at the second end; a loosening portion, the loosening portion being disposed at the first end of the adjustable shoelace; and a tightening portion, the tightening portion being disposed at the second end of the adjustable shoelace.
[0068] Clause 14. Footwear article according to Clause 13, wherein the tightening portion is configured to transfer the upper to the tightened position by pulling the tightening portion in a first pulling direction, the first pulling direction being any direction away from the upper.
[0069] Clause 15. Footwear article according to Clause 13, wherein the loosening portion is a loop formed by the second end of the adjustable shoelace.
[0070] Clause 16. Footwear article according to Clause 15, wherein the loosening portion is configured to transfer the upper to the loosening position by pulling the tightening portion in a second pulling direction, the second pulling direction being any direction away from the upper.
[0071] Clause 17. Footwear article according to Clause 13, wherein the plurality of ring guides are disposed on each of the outer side and the inner side of the footwear article.
[0072] Clause 18. The footwear article according to Clause 17, wherein the plurality of ring guides on the outer side of the footwear article includes three ring guides extending along the tongue, and wherein the plurality of ring guides on the inner side of the footwear article includes three ring guides extending along the tongue.
[0073] Clause 19. A closure mechanism comprising: an adjustable shoelace extending from a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the adjustable shoelace forming a closed loop between the first end and the second end; a first set of buckles connected to the adjustable shoelace at the first end; a second set of buckles connected to the adjustable shoelace at the second end; a release portion connected to the first end of the adjustable shoelace, the release portion being configured to pull the adjustable shoelace in a first pulling direction; and a tightening portion connected to the second end of the adjustable shoelace, the tightening portion being configured to pull the adjustable shoelace in a second pulling direction.
[0074] Clause 20. A footwear article comprising a closure mechanism as described in Clause 19.
Claims
1. A footwear product, comprising: Sole structure; An upper is fixedly attached to the sole structure, the upper being configured to switch between at least one tightening configuration and at least one loosening configuration, and the upper comprising: The shoe front piece is disposed in the forefoot area and midfoot area of the footwear product; Ankle opening, operable to allow the wearer to extend their foot into the internal volume of the upper; A throat extending from the ankle opening toward the forefoot; A closure mechanism configured to adjust the maximum size of the ankle opening and the tightness of the upper, the closure mechanism comprising: An adjustable shoelace has a first end disposed adjacent to the ankle opening and a second end disposed adjacent to the forefoot and opposite to the first end, wherein the adjustable shoelace operably connects the outer portion of the footwear and the inner portion of the footwear along the throat; The first set of buckles is connected to the adjustable shoelaces at the first end; The second set of buckles is connected to the adjustable shoelaces at the second end; A release portion, connected to the first end of the adjustable shoelace, is configured such that pulling the release portion in a first pulling direction causes the upper to shift to a release position; and A tightening portion, which is connected to the second end of the adjustable shoelace, is configured to cause the upper to shift to a tightened position by pulling the tightening portion in a second pulling direction.
2. The footwear product according to claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism further comprises: A plurality of shoelace guides, wherein the plurality of shoelace guides are disposed on each of the inner portion and the outer portion of the footwear article, wherein the adjustable shoelaces are threaded through the plurality of shoelace guides.
3. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the first set of buckles is disposed adjacent to the ankle opening and fixedly attached to the upper.
4. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the second set of buckles is disposed adjacent to the front panel of the shoe.
5. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the release portion is a pull tab.
6. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the tightening portion is a pull tab.
7. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the loosening portion is configured to cause the upper to switch to the tightening configuration by pulling the tightening portion along the second pulling direction.
8. The footwear article of claim 7, wherein the tightening portion is configured to transfer the upper to the loosening position by pulling the tightening portion along the first pulling direction.
9. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the first pulling direction is substantially perpendicular to an axis extending from the rear end of the footwear article to the front end of the footwear article.
10. The footwear article of claim 9, wherein the second pulling direction is substantially parallel to the axis.
11. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the first set of buckles includes one or more openings, wherein the second set of buckles includes one or more openings, and wherein the adjustable shoelace is threaded through the one or more openings of the first set of buckles and the one or more openings of the second set of buckles.
12. The footwear article of claim 11, wherein the one or more openings of the first set of buckles include at least two openings, and the first end of the adjustable shoelace threaded through the at least two openings of the first set of buckles forms a loop, and wherein the one or more openings of the second set of buckles include at least two openings, and the second end of the adjustable shoelace threaded through the at least two openings of the second set of buckles forms a second loop.
13. A footwear product, comprising: An upper configured to switch between at least one tightened configuration and at least one loosened configuration, and the upper comprising: The shoe front piece is disposed in the forefoot area and midfoot area of the footwear product; Ankle opening, operable to allow the wearer to extend their foot into the internal volume of the upper; A shoe tongue that extends from the front of the shoe to the ankle opening; A closure mechanism configured to switch the upper between a tightened position and a loosened position, the closure mechanism comprising: An adjustable shoelace has a first end disposed adjacent to the ankle opening and a second end disposed adjacent to the forefoot panel and opposite to the first end, wherein the adjustable shoelace operably connects the outer portion of the footwear and the inner portion of the footwear. Multiple shoelace guides, each shoelace guide including an anchoring end and a loop end, wherein the adjustable shoelace is threaded through the loop end of the multiple shoelace guides; The first set of buckles is connected to the adjustable shoelaces at the first end; The second set of buckles is connected to the adjustable shoelaces at the second end; A loosening portion, wherein the loosening portion is disposed at the first end of the adjustable shoelace; and A tightening portion is provided at the second end of the adjustable shoelace.
14. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the tightening portion is configured to shift the upper to the tightened position by pulling the tightening portion along a first pulling direction, the first pulling direction being any direction away from the upper.
15. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the loosening portion is a loop formed by the second end of the adjustable shoelace.