Zonal dynamic lacing system

Abstract

To provide an article of footwear.SOLUTION: An article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and having a first region and a second region. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear includes a cable including a first fastening segment extending across the first region to a first terminal end anchored on one of the upper and the sole structure and a second fastening segment extending across the second region to a second terminal end anchored on one of the upper and the sole structure. The article of footwear further includes a cable lock attached to one of the upper and the sole structure, the cable lock configured to receive the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment and operable to secure a position of each of the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment independently from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 16 / 674,106, filed November 5, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 756,130, filed November 6, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear having a dynamic lacing system for moving the footwear between a constricted state and a relaxed state. [Background technology]

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Footwear articles traditionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support the foot on the sole structure. The bottom of the upper, adjacent the bottom surface of the foot, is attached to the sole structure. The sole structure generally includes a layered construction extending between an outsole, which provides traction with the ground and abrasion resistance, and a midsole, which is positioned between the outsole and the upper to provide cushioning for the foot.

[0005] The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. For example, laces may be tightened to close the upper around the foot and then tied once the desired fit of the upper around the foot is achieved. Each time laces are tied, care must be taken to ensure that the upper is not too loose or too tight around the foot. Additionally, laces may loosen or come undone while the footwear is being worn. While fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners are easier and quicker to operate than traditional laces, these fasteners tend to wear over time and require more care to achieve the desired tension when securing the upper to the foot.

[0006] Known automatic tightening systems typically include a tightening mechanism, such as a rotatable knob, that can be operated to apply tension to one or more cables that interact with the upper to close the upper around the foot. While these automatic tightening systems can gradually increase the amount of tension in one or more cables to achieve a desired fit of the upper around the foot, they require the time-consuming task of manipulating the tightening mechanism to properly tighten the cables to secure the upper around the foot, and when it is desired to remove the footwear from the foot, the wearer must simultaneously press the release mechanism to release the tension in the cables and pull the upper away from the foot. Furthermore, these automatic tightening systems provide constant tension along the length of one or more cables, such that turning the rotatable knob uniformly tightens the entire cable. If it is desired to tighten a first region of the upper at a different rate than a second region of the upper, additional cables and tightening mechanisms must be incorporated and controlled separately.

[0007] Thus, known automatic tightening systems lack adequate provisions for quickly and variably adjusting the tension of the cables to close the upper around the foot, and for quickly releasing the tension applied to the cables so that the upper can be quickly loosened to remove the footwear from the foot. Furthermore, the tightening mechanisms used by these known automatic tightening systems must be incorporated on the outside of the upper so that the tightening mechanisms are accessible to the wearer to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot, thereby detracting from the general appearance and aesthetics of the footwear. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustrating selected configurations only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a lateral side of an article of footwear having a cable lock movable between a locked state that restricts cable movement and an unlocked state that allows cable movement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the medial side of the article of footwear of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing the cables in a relaxed state. [Figure 4B] 2 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing the cable in a tightened state, with the lateral side of the footwear article tightened more than the medial side of the footwear article. [Figure 4C] 10 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing the cable in an alternative tightening state in which the lateral side of the footwear article is less tightened than the medial side of the footwear article. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a lateral side of another article of footwear having a cable lock movable between a locked state to restrict cable movement and an unlocked state to allow cable movement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the medial side of the article of footwear of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5, showing the cables in a relaxed state. [Figure 8B] 6 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5 showing the cable in a tightened state, with the lateral side of the footwear article tightened more than the medial side of the footwear article. [Figure 8C] 6 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5 showing the cable in an alternative tightening state where the lateral side of the footwear article is less tightened than the medial side of the footwear article. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a lateral side of another article of footwear having a cable lock movable between a locked state to restrict cable movement and an unlocked state to allow cable movement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the medial side of the article of footwear of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a lateral side of another article of footwear having a cable lock movable between a locked state to restrict cable movement and an unlocked state to allow cable movement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the medial side of the article of footwear of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable lock and cable according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the cable lock and cable of FIG. 15, showing the housing and locking member of the cable lock. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a top view of the cable lock of FIG. 15, showing the housing with the lid removed to expose the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in a locked state. [Figure 18]FIG. 16 is a top view of the cable lock of FIG. 15, showing the housing with the lid removed to expose the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in an unlocked state. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cable lock of FIG. 15 showing the housing of the cable lock. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable lock and cable according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the cable lock and cable of FIG. 20, showing the housing and locking member of the cable lock. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a top view of the cable lock of FIG. 20, showing the housing with the lid removed to expose the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in a locked state. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is a top view of the cable lock of FIG. 20 showing the housing with the lid removed to expose the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in an unlocked state. [Figure 24] 24 is a cross-sectional view of the cable lock of FIG. 20 taken along section line 24-24 of FIG. 22, showing the interface between the pulley and the protrusion of the cable lock. [Figure 25] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a housing of the cable lock of FIG. 20, the housing including a protrusion for interfacing with a pulley of the cable lock. [Figure 26] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another example of a housing of the cable lock of FIG. 20, where the housing does not include a protrusion for interfacing with a pulley of the cable lock. [Figure 27] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a pulley of the cable lock of FIG. 20.

[0010] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The exemplary configurations will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary configurations are provided so that the disclosure is thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed configurations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of specific details is not necessary, and the exemplary configurations can be implemented in many different forms, and the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0012] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "have," "include," and "having" are inclusive and identify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order described or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0013] When an element or layer is referred to as "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly engaged," "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled," there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other terms describing relationships between elements should be construed in a similar manner (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0014] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configurations.

[0015] One aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and having a first region and a second region. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear further includes a cable including a first fastening segment extending across the first region to a first terminal end secured to one of the upper and the sole structure and a second fastening segment extending across the second region to a second terminal end secured to the one of the upper and the sole structure. The article of footwear also includes a cable lock attached to one of the upper and the sole structure, the cable lock configured to receive the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment and operable to secure the respective positions of the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment independently of one another.

[0016] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, either or both of the first region and the second region comprise an elastic material. The first region is disposed on a medial side of the upper, and the second region is disposed on a lateral side of the upper. Also, the first region may be disposed closer to the ankle opening of the upper than the second region, and the second region may be disposed closer to the toe region of the upper than the first region. In some examples, the first terminal end is secured to the medial side of the upper, and the second terminal end is secured to the lateral side of the upper.

[0017] In some configurations, the cable lock is disposed within the sole structure, where the cable lock further includes a release cable operable to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0018] In some implementations, at least one of the first and second regions includes an upper edge including a first series of cable guides and a lower edge including a second series of cable guides, and at least one of the first and second fastening segments is alternately routed between the first and second series of cable guides along the length of at least one of the first and second regions. The cable may include a first control segment connected to the first fastening segment via a cable lock and a second control segment connected to the second fastening segment via a cable lock. A tension force applied to the first control segment induces a first clamping force in the first fastening segment and a second clamping force in the second fastening segment. The first clamping force is either greater than or less than the second clamping force.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and having a first region and a second region, and a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear also includes a first fastening segment extending across the first region to a first termination secured to the upper, a second fastening segment extending across the second region to a second termination secured to the upper, and a control portion operable to provide at least one of a first fastening force on the first fastening segment and a second fastening force on the second fastening segment, the first fastening force being either greater than or less than the second fastening force. The article of footwear further includes a cable lock attached to one of the upper and the sole structure and configured to receive a portion of a cable therein, the cable lock operable between a locked state to prevent movement of the cable and an unlocked state to allow movement of the cable.

[0020] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features: In some implementations, the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment are connected to the control portion with a cable lock. The cable lock may be disposed within the sole structure. The cable lock further includes a release cable operable to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0021] In some implementations, the first region is disposed on a medial side of the upper and the second region is disposed on a lateral side of the upper, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region extends from the ankle opening to a forefoot region of the upper. Additionally, the first region may be disposed closer to the ankle opening of the upper than the second region, and the second region may be disposed closer to the toe region of the upper than the first region.

[0022] In another example, at least one of the first region and the second region includes an upper edge including a first series of cable guides and a lower edge including a second series of cable guides, whereby at least one of the first fastening segments and the second fastening segments are alternately routed between the first series of cable guides and the second series of cable guides along the length of at least one of the first region and the second region. In another example, the first termination is located on a medial side of the upper and the second termination is located on a lateral side of the upper.

[0023] In some configurations, the control portion includes a first control segment connected to the first fastening segment by a sole structure and a second control segment connected to the second fastening segment by the sole structure, wherein a tensile force applied to the first control segment induces a first clamping force in the first fastening segment and induces a second clamping force in the second fastening segment.

[0024] 1-3 , an example of an article of footwear 10 including a system for providing variable tension is disclosed. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper 100. The article of footwear 10 further includes a cable lock 300 and a fastening system 400 integrated into at least one of the upper 100 and the sole structure 200. The fastening system 400 includes a cable 402 that cooperates with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10 between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. In particular, the cable 402 is configured to move in a fastening direction D to move the article of footwear 10 to a fastened state. T In some implementations, the upper 100 and the sole structure 200 cooperate to provide a passageway and guide for routing a portion of the cable 402 through the cable lock 300. The cable lock 300 is configured to selectively secure the cable 402 in a tightened state.

[0025] The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16. The forefoot region 12 may correspond to the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals and phalanges of the foot. The midfoot region 14 corresponds to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 16 corresponds to the posterior region of the foot, including the calcaneus. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 18 associated with the forward-most point of the forefoot region 12 and a posterior end 20 associated with the rearward-most point of the heel region 16. As shown in FIG. 3 , the longitudinal axis A of the footwear 10 F extends along the length of footwear 10 from front end 18 to rear end 20 and generally divides footwear 10 into lateral side portion 22 and medial side portion 24. Thus, lateral side portion 22 and medial side portion 24 correspond to opposite sides of footwear 10, respectively, and extend through regions 12, 14, and 16.

[0026] Upper 100 includes an interior surface defining an interior void 102 configured to receive and secure a foot for support against sole structure 200. An ankle opening 104 in heel region 16 may provide access to interior void 102. For example, ankle opening 104 may receive a foot to secure the foot within void 102 and facilitate the foot's entry into and removal from interior void 102. Upper 100 may include a tongue 106 extending between lateral side 22 and medial side 24 and covering interior void 102. Upper 100 includes one or more grip features 108 formed adjacent ankle opening 104 for pulling footwear 10 onto and off the foot.

[0027] The upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials sewn or glued together to define the interior void 102. Suitable materials for the upper 100 include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. An exemplary upper 100 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 100 to facilitate movement of the upper 100 between a tightened and relaxed state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic textiles, such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more non-elastic materials may include one or more combinations of thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or other materials / fabrics that do not impart elastic properties.

[0028] For example, one or both of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100 may include an inelastic region 110 formed from one or more inelastic materials and one or more adjustment regions 112, 114 formed from one or more elastic materials. The adjustment regions 112, 114 may be partially bounded by the inelastic region 110 to provide elastic zones of the upper 100. Each of the adjustment regions 112, 114 extends from a first end 116 to a second end 118 within one of the forefoot region 12 and midfoot region 14 and includes an upper edge 120 and a lower edge 122 formed from the upper edge 120 opposite the adjustment regions 112, 114 and extending between the first end 116 and the second end 118. In some examples, the first end 116 may be formed in the ankle opening 104. Thus, the first ends 116 of the adjustment regions 112, 114 define a portion of the ankle opening 104 and provide the ankle opening 104 with a degree of extensibility to accommodate the reception of the foot.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the upper 100 includes a first adjustment area 112 disposed on the lateral side 22 of the upper 100 and a second adjustment area 114 disposed on the medial side 24 of the upper 100. Generally, the first adjustment area 112 extends from a first end 116 of the ankle opening 104 along the lateral side 22 of the upper 100 to a second end 118 of the forefoot region 12, and the second adjustment area 114 extends from the first end 116 of the ankle opening 104 along the medial side 24 of the upper 100 to a second end 118 of the forefoot region 12 or midfoot region 14.

[0030] 1-4 , the first adjustment area 112 extends from a first end 116 of the ankle opening 104 on the lateral side 22 of the upper 100, along the lateral side 22, through the midfoot region 14, to a second end 118 on the lateral side 22 of the upper 100 in the forefoot region 12. Similarly, the second adjustment area 114 extends from a first end 116 of the ankle opening 104 on the medial side 24 of the upper 100, along the medial side 24 of the upper 100, through the midfoot region 14, to a second end 118 adjacent the forefoot region 12. The upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 of at least one of the adjustment regions 112, 114 of the upper 100 may be formed with a serpentine profile such that the width of the adjustment region 112, 114 from the upper edge 120 to the lower edge 122 is variable along at least a portion of the length of the adjustment region 112, 114 from the first end 116 to the second end 118. In some examples, a portion of the lower edge 120 of at least one of the adjustment regions 112 may coincide with and extend along the sole structure 200.

[0031] In some implementations, the sole structure 200 includes an outsole plate 202. The outsole plate 202 includes a ground-engaging surface 204 and an opposing medial surface 206 formed on the outsole plate 202 opposite the ground-engaging surface 204. A peripheral side 208 extends between the ground-engaging surface 204 and the medial surface 206 and defines the periphery of the outsole plate 202. In the illustrated example, the outsole plate 202 extends from the fore end 18 to the rear end 20 of the footwear 10. The outsole plate 202 may be attached to the upper 100 using stitching or adhesive. The outsole plate 202 generally provides abrasion resistance and traction with the ground and may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability, abrasion resistance, and enhance traction with the ground. In some examples, sole structure 200 may be formed of one or more cushioning layers, including a midsole and / or a strobel, and the outsole may be formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as rubber.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 , the sole structure 200 may include a cavity 210 for accommodating the cable lock 300 therein. In the illustrated example, the cavity 210 is formed through the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202 such that the cable lock 300 is exposed along the ground-engaging surface 204. Other configurations may include the cavity 210 formed in the inner surface 206 without extending through the ground-engaging surface 204. In some examples, the sole structure 200 may further include a plurality of conduits 212 extending from the cavity 210 to the peripheral side 208 for routing various cables and cords between the cable lock 300 and the exterior of the upper 100. In some examples, the conduits 212 may be formed of a different material than the outsole plate 202. For example, the conduits 212 may be tubular inserts formed from a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the material forming the outsole plate 202 to minimize friction between the cables 402 and the sole structure 200.

[0033] 3, the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202 includes a plurality of traction elements 214a, 214b extending therefrom. The traction elements 214a, 214b include an integral traction element 214a and an attached traction element 214b. The integral traction element 214a is formed from the same material as the outsole plate 202 and is integrally formed with the ground-engaging surface 204 during the molding process.

[0034] In contrast to the integral traction elements 214a, the attached traction elements 214b are initially formed separately from the outsole plate 202 and secured to the outsole plate 202 during or after the molding process. As shown in FIG. 3 , the attached traction elements 214b may include a flange 216 and spikes 218 extending from the flange 216. In some examples, the flange 216 may include a plurality of radially arranged tabs configured to engage the material of the outsole plate 202 to prevent rotation of the traction elements 214b. The spikes 218 may be conical in shape and protrude from the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202.

[0035] In some examples, the flanges 216 of the attached traction elements 214b are encapsulated within the outsole plate 202 and are located intermediate the medial surface 206 and the ground-engaging surface 204. For example, during the molding process to form the outsole plate 202, the attached traction elements 214b may first be provided on an outsole plate mold such that the spikes 218 are received through the outsole plate mold surface corresponding to the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202, while the flanges 216 are spaced from the mold surface corresponding to the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202. Next, molten material is supplied to the forefoot plate mold, encapsulating the flanges 216 within the outsole plate 202, while the spikes 218 extend through the outsole plate 202 and protrude from the ground-engaging surface 204, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, spikes 218 may be removably attached to outsole plate 202 to allow spikes 218 to be replaced. For example, outsole plate 202 may have threaded bushings 220 including flanges 216 enclosed within outsole plate 202 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to traction elements 214b. Threaded bushings 220 may be exposed through ground-engaging surface 204 of outsole plate 202 such that corresponding threads on spikes 218 can engage threaded bushings 220 to removably secure spikes 218. However, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 , not all embodiments of the present invention include footwear that includes either outsole plate 202 and / or traction spikes 218, but may instead include, for example, a cushioned midsole and rubber outsole, or a single midsole / outsole structure.

[0037] 4A , fastening system 400 includes cables 402 and tracking systems 404 formed on or within upper 100 and sole structure 200 for routing cables 402 and distributing tension in cables 402 along article of footwear 10. As shown in FIG. T and relaxation force F L Each application of a clamping force F applies a tensile force along the length of the cable 402. Generally, T or relaxation force F L When one of the tensions is applied to the cable 402, the tracking system 404 distributes the tension in the cable 402 along multiple points along the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the adjustment regions 112, 114 to either tighten the adjustment regions 112, 114 or allow the adjustment regions 112, 114 to relax, as described in more detail below.

[0038] Cable 402 may be highly lubricious and / or may be formed from one or more fibers with low modulus and high tensile strength. For example, the fibers may include high modulus polyethylene fibers, which have a high strength-to-weight ratio and low elasticity. Additionally or alternatively, cable 402 may be formed from woven steel, with or without a molded monofilament polymer and / or other lubricious coating. In some examples, cable 402 includes multiple strands of material woven together.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the cable 402 includes a control portion 406 extending from the cable lock 300 in a first direction, a fastening portion 408 extending from the cable lock 300 in a second direction, and a locking portion 410 connecting the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408. The control portion 406 is configured to rotate the cable 402 in a fastening direction D. T To move the clamping force F T When incorporated into article of footwear 10, control portion 406 is configured to allow a user to tighten cable 402 in a tightening direction D T The fastening portion 408 may be positioned on the article of footwear 10 so that it can be easily pulled to a desired tightening force F T The fastening portion 408 is also configured to cooperate with the tracking system 404 to tighten the article of footwear 10 when a force is applied to the control portion 406. Conversely, the fastening portion 408 is also configured to move in a relaxation direction D L To move the cable 402 to L Locking portion 410 is disposed within cable lock 300 and interfaces with cable lock 300 to secure the position of cable 402.

[0040] 4A , cable 402 may include various segments defined in relation to cable lock 300. For example, control portion 406 may be referred to as including first control segment 412 and second control segment 414. As shown, first control segment 412 extends from cable lock 300 at the bottom of sole structure 200 along lateral side 22 of upper 100, and second control segment 414 extends from cable lock 300 along medial side 24 of upper 100.

[0041] Similarly, the fastening portion 408 may include a first fastening segment 416 and a second fastening segment 418. The first fastening segment 416 extends from the cable lock 300 at the bottom of the sole structure 200 and is routed along the first adjustment region 112. Similarly, the second fastening segment 418 extends from the cable lock 300 and is routed along the second adjustment region 114. The first control segment 412 is connected to the first fastening segment 416 by a first locking segment 420 that extends through the cable lock 300, and the second control segment 414 is connected to the second fastening segment 418 by a second locking segment 422 that extends through the cable lock 300.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 are connected to one another and define a continuous length of cable 402 from the cable lock 300, around the tongue 106 of the upper 100, and back to the cable lock 300. In contrast to the continuously formed control portion 406, the fastening portion 408 is not continuous, such that each of the fastening segments 416, 418 includes a terminal end 424. As described in more detail below, the terminal ends 424 may be attached to the inelastic region 110 of the upper 100 at discrete locations. Alternatively, the terminal ends 424 may be connected to one another in another region of the footwear 10.

[0043] While the overall length of the cable 402 is constant, the effective length of the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408 of the cable 402 depends on the position of the cable 402 relative to the cable lock 300. For example, when the control portion 406 is pulled and the cable 402 is pulled through the cable lock 300 in a fastening direction D T , the effective length of the control portion 406 increases and the effective length of the fastening portion 408 decreases. Conversely, when the fastening portion 408 is pulled, the cable 402 is forced through the cable lock 300 in the relaxation direction D L , the effective length of fastening portion 408 increases, relaxing article of footwear 10, and the effective length of control portion 406 decreases. As noted above, locking portion 410 refers to the portion of cable 402 that is housed within cable lock 300, regardless of the position of cable 402. Thus, control portion 406, fastening portion 408, and locking portion 410 depend on the position of cable 402 relative to cable lock 300, rather than the fixed section of cable 402 itself.

[0044] Cable 402 of fastening system 400 is configured to cooperate with cable lock 300 to move article of footwear 10 between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, cable lock 300 and fastening system 400 are configured to cooperate with upper 100 to provide zonal fastening, whereby a fastening force F applied to a portion of cable 402 associated with lateral side 22 of footwear 10 is T1 , F T2 or relaxation force F L1 , F L2 is the clamping force F applied to the portion of cable 402 associated with medial side 24 of footwear 10 T1 , F T2 or relaxation force F L1 , F L2 Therefore, the lateral side 22 and the medial side 24 of the upper 100 can be adjusted to have different tightness along different portions of the foot. For example, a first magnitude of clamping force F T1may be applied to the first control segment 412, while a clamping force F having a second magnitude T2 may be applied to the second control segment 414. Thus, a first clamping force F T1 is applied to the first locking segment 420, while a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second lock segment 422, causing the first lock segment 420 to be pulled through the cable lock 300 at a greater rate than the second lock segment 422. Because the terminal ends 424 of the fastening segments 416, 418 are separated from one another, the first clamping force F T1 is applied to the first fastening segment 416, and a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second fastening segment 418.

[0045] In some examples, at least one of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100 includes a series of cable guides 426 that route the cables 402 along the upper 100 from the conduits 212 of the outsole plate 202. In the illustrated example, the cable guides 426 of the tracking system 404 are formed by fabric or mesh loops that define passages for slidably receiving the cables 402 therethrough. In other examples, the cable guides 426 may include apertures (e.g., eyelets) formed through the inelastic regions 110 of the upper 100, or fabric or mesh loops attached to the inelastic regions 110 of the upper 100, to receive the fastening segments 416, 418. The fabric or mesh loops / webbing may be configured to guide the cables 402 in the fastening direction D. T When moving, friction may occur with the cable 402.

[0046] The maximum number of fabric or mesh loops for use as cable guide 426 is determined by the amount of cumulative friction in the tightening direction D of cable 402. TThe number of turns of the cable 402 may be selected to not exceed a threshold number so as not to detrimentally impede movement of the cable 402. In some examples, the cable guide 426 may be formed of a rigid, low-friction material (e.g., high-density polyethylene, etc.) and may have an arcuate inner surface for receiving the cable 402. In some examples, the inner (i.e., cable-contacting) surface of the cable guide 426 is lined or coated with a low-friction material, such as a lubricious polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.), which facilitates movement of the cable 402 therethrough. By coating the cable guide 426 with a low-friction material, the number of turns achieved by each lacing pattern can be increased without incurring detrimentally high (e.g., functionally impairing) friction levels throughout the cable path.

[0047] 4A , the first fastening segments 416 and the second fastening segments 418 route through a plurality of cable guides 426 disposed along the adjustment regions 112, 114 of the upper 100. After routing through the cable guides 426, the terminal ends 424 of the first fastening segments 416 and the second fastening segments 418 are attached to the inelastic region 110 of the upper 100. In the illustrated example, the terminal ends 424 are attached to the upper 100 at discrete attachment points 428 adjacent the second ends 118 of the adjustment regions 112, 114. In other examples, the terminal ends 424 may be operably connected to one another at a single attachment point. For example, a connector may connect the terminal ends 424 to one another, or the terminal ends 424 may be tied together, adhesively bonded to one another, or fused together.

[0048] 4A , each of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100 includes a first series of cable guides 426 disposed along the upper edge 120 of the adjustment region 112, 114 and a second series of cable guides 426 disposed along the lower edge 122 of the respective adjustment region 112, 114. Thus, the adjustment region 112, 114 is disposed between the upper and lower series of cable guides 426. As shown, the cable guides 426 are alternately disposed along the upper and lower edges 120, 122 such that the cable guides 426 route the cables 402 along the length of the adjustment region 112, 114 between the upper and lower edges 120, 122 in a serpentine manner.

[0049] The number of cable guides 426 is determined by the number of T or relaxation direction D F While the illustrated example shows the cable guides 426 on each of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 including two cable guides 426 along the upper edge 120 and two cable guides 426 along the lower edge 122, other configurations may include each set having a greater or lesser number of cable guides 426. In some examples, the upper edge 120 includes more cable guides 426 than the lower edge 122. In yet other examples, the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 each include the same number of cable guides 426. Furthermore, the placement of the cable guides 426 on the upper 100 may be such that each section of the cable 402 extending between the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 is positioned such that the cable is guided in the tightening direction D. T , D L The axial length may be selected to be substantially straight to reduce friction when moving from one end to the other.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3 , the fastening system 400 can incorporate conduits 212a-212e formed within the sole structure 200. The conduits 212a-212e are configured to accommodate and route the ends of the release cable 384 and the cable 402 that extend through the outsole plate 202 and out of the cable lock 300. Here, the first conduit 212a can receive the end of the first control segment 412 that extends between the cable lock 300 and the lateral side 22, and the second conduit 212b can receive the end of the second control segment 414 that extends between the cable lock 300 and the medial side 24. Similarly, the third conduit 212c can receive the end of the first fastening segment 416 that extends between the cable lock 300 and the lateral side 22, and the fourth conduit 212d can receive the end of the second fastening segment 418 that extends between the cable lock 300 and the medial side 24. Release conduit 212e is configured to receive and route the portion of release cable 384 that extends out of cable lock 300. In the example shown in FIG. 3, release conduit 212e extends from cable lock 300 toward rear end 20 of sole structure 200.

[0051] Fastening system 400 may further include one or more passageways 430 for routing cable 402 and / or release cable 384 along upper 100. Passageway 430 may be formed within upper 100, or passageway 430 may be defined by a sheath or cover attached to the outer surface of upper 100. In the illustrated example, footwear 10 includes release passageway 430 that extends vertically along upper 100 from a first end adjacent the opening of release conduit 212e formed in peripheral side 208 to a second end adjacent ankle opening 104. Release passageway 430 is configured to route release cable 384 from outsole plate 202 to an area of ​​upper 100 that is easily reachable by the wearer.

[0052] In the example of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 , release passageway 430 extends vertically along rear end 20 of upper 100 from a first end adjacent release conduit 212e to a second end at the rear portion of ankle opening 104. Accordingly, release cable 384 is routed from cable lock 300 through release conduit 212e and exits peripheral side 208 of outsole plate 202 at rear end 20. Release cable 384 then passes through the first end of release passageway 430 and extends from the second end. Accordingly, the portion of release cable 384 extending from release passageway 430 can be grasped by the wearer to apply a release force F to move cable lock 300 to the unlocked state. R can be added.

[0053] As mentioned above, the control portion 406 of the cable 402 is a continuous loop extending from the cable lock 300. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the control portion 406 extends around the tongue 106 proximate the ankle opening 104 (i.e., proximate the area over the top of the wearer's foot). The portion of the control portion 406 that extends around the tongue 106 may be enclosed within one or more sheaths 432. Each sheath 432 further defines a clamping force F T When the control portion 406 moves in a direction away from the upper 100 (i.e., when the cable 402 moves in the tightening direction D T , the clamping force F may be formed from a material and / or fabric that allows the sheath 432 and the control portion 406 of the cable 402 to move from a relaxed state to a stretched or expanded state. T When the cable 402 is removed, the material and / or fabric of the sheath 432 automatically contracts the sheath 432 to a relaxed state to accommodate bunching by the cable 402 .

[0054] In the illustrated example, a separate control portion grip 434 is operably connected to the sheath 432 at an attachment location adjacent the tongue 106, allowing the user to control the clamping force F T406. The control portion 406 may be configured to apply a clamping force F to the adjustment regions 112, 114, allowing the control portion 406 to move away from the upper 100, thereby tightening the adjustment regions 112, 114 by simultaneously drawing the upper and lower edges 120, 122 toward each other to move the upper 100 to the tightened state. Other configurations may include operably connecting the control portion grip 434 to other portions of the sheath 432 along the length of the control portion 406. In some implementations, the control portion grip 434 is omitted, and the sheath 432 is configured to be gripped by the user to apply a clamping force F to pull the control portion 406 away from the upper 100. T , which corresponds to the control portion 406 by allowing the addition of

[0055] In the example of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 , tracking system 404 further includes a closure 436 for securing control portion grip 434 to upper 100 during use. For example, when in a tightened state, control portion 406 may have more slack than can be accommodated by the take-up of sheath 432 and may need to be constrained against upper 100. Alternatively, footwear 10a may not include a closure, in examples where sheath 432 has sufficient take-up to hold control portion 406 securely against the upper.

[0056] 4A-4C, the use of the cable lock 300 and fastening system 400 in conjunction with the upper 100 and sole structure 200 is illustrated. FIG. 4A shows an example of footwear 10 in a relaxed state, whereby slack is provided in the first fastening segment 416 and the second fastening segment 418, and the adjustment regions 112, 114 are in a relaxed state. In the relaxed state, a wearer's foot can be inserted into the interior cavity 102 of the upper 100 through the ankle opening 104. The slack in the fastening segments 416, 418 allows the adjustment regions 112, 114 to move to a stretched or expanded state, thereby increasing the available volume of the interior cavity 102 for accommodating the wearer's foot. The adjustment regions 112, 114 may be formed from an elastic material to provide a first degree of tightness to the wearer's foot to hold the footwear 10 on the foot before moving the footwear to a tightened state.

[0057] 4B, footwear 10 can be moved to a first tightening state by pulling control portion 406 toward one of lateral side 22 and medial side 24. For example, control portion 406 is shown pulled toward medial side 24 to transition upper 100 to the first tightening state. More specifically, when control portion 406 is pulled toward medial side 24, a first tightening force F T1 is applied to the first control segment 412, and a second, smaller clamping force F T2 is applied to the second control segment 414. A first clamping force F T1 is the first clamping force F T1 is transmitted from the first control segment 412 to the first fastening segment 416, causing the first locking segment 420 of the cable 402 to pass a first distance through the cable lock 300. T1 Application of the first fastening segment 416 causes the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 to move toward the opposing cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the first adjustment region 112 on the outer side 22. As a result, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the first adjustment region 112 are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T1, thereby tightening the first adjustment region 112 around the wearer's foot. By tightening the first adjustment region 112, the amount that the elastic material of the adjustment region 112 can stretch is effectively limited by the first fastening segment 416. The first fastening force F T1 The size of can be selected based on the desired amount of stretch allowed in first tuning region 112.

[0058] At the same time, pulling the control portion 406 toward the inner side 24 generates a first clamping force F T1 A second clamping force F smaller than T2 to the second control segment 414. A second clamping force F T2 is the second clamping force F T2is transmitted from the second control segment 414 to the second fastening segment 418, causing the second locking segment 422 of the cable 402 to be pulled a second distance through the cable lock 300. T2 to the second fastening segment 418 moves the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 of the second adjustment region 114 toward the cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the second adjustment region 114 of the upper 100. As a result, the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 are pulled toward each other, as shown by arrow T2, thereby tightening the second adjustment region 114 around the wearer's foot. T2 is the first clamping force F T1 , so that the first adjustment area 112 is clamped by the first fastening segment 416 to a greater extent than the second adjustment area 114 is clamped by the second fastening segment 418. Thus, the second adjustment area 114 has a greater degree of elasticity than the first adjustment area 112. The first clamping force F T1 Similarly, the second clamping force F T2 The magnitude of the second clamping force F may be selected by the wearer based on the desired amount of stretch allowed by the second adjustment area 114. T2 is not present or the cable 402 is fastened in the tightening direction D T , so that the second adjustment area 114 is not tightened at all.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4C, footwear 10 can be moved to a second tightening state by pulling control portion 406 toward lateral side 22. For example, when control portion 406 is pulled toward lateral side 22, a first tightening force F T1 is applied to the second control segment 414, while a second, smaller clamping force F T2 is applied to the first control segment 412. A first clamping force F T1 is the first clamping force F T1When the first clamping force F is transmitted from the second control segment 414 to the second fastening segment 418, it causes the second locking segment 422 of the cable 402 to be pulled a first distance through the locking channel 332. T1 The application of a first tightening force F to the second fastening segment 418 causes the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 of the second adjustment region 114 to be pulled toward the cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the second adjustment region 114. As a result, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the second adjustment region 114 are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T1, thereby tightening the second adjustment region 114 around the wearer's foot. By tightening the second adjustment region 114, the amount that the elastic material of the adjustment region 114 can stretch is effectively limited by the second fastening segment 418. T1 The size of can be selected based on the desired amount of stretch allowed in second adjustment region 114.

[0060] At the same time, pulling the control portion 406 toward the outer side 22 generates a first clamping force F T1 A second clamping force F smaller than T2 to the first control segment 412. A second clamping force F T2 is the second clamping force F T2 is transmitted from the first control segment 412 to the first fastening segment 416, causing the first locking segment 420 of the cable 402 to be pulled a second distance through the locking channel 332. T2 to the first fastening segment 416 causes the cable guide along the upper edge 120 of the first adjustment region 112 to be pulled toward the cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the first adjustment region 112. As a result, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the first adjustment region 112 are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T2, thereby tightening the first adjustment region 112 around the wearer's foot. Now, a second tightening force F T2 is the first clamping force F T1, so that the first adjustment area 112 is clamped by the first fastening segment 416 to a lesser extent than the second adjustment area 114 is clamped by the second fastening segment 418. Thus, the first adjustment area 112 has a greater degree of elasticity than the second adjustment area 114. The first clamping force F T1 Similarly, the second clamping force F T2 The magnitude of the second clamping force F can be selected by the wearer based on the desired amount of stretch allowed in the first adjustment area 112. In some examples, T2 is not present or the cable 402 is tightened in the tightening direction D so that the first adjustment region 112 is not tightened at all. T It does not have to be enough to move it.

[0061] In some examples, the first clamping force F T1 and the second clamping force F T2 may be substantially the same. Thus, the first adjustment area 112 and the second adjustment area 114 each tighten to the same extent, thereby allowing the elastic material of the first adjustment area 112 and the elastic material of the second adjustment area 114 to stretch to the same extent across the wearer's foot.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the closure 436 includes a base 438 attached to the upper 100 adjacent the ankle opening 104 and a flap 440 extending from a first end of the base 438 to a free-hanging distal end. Thus, the closure 436 includes a living hinge at the first end of the base 438, thereby allowing the flap 440 to move between an open position and a closed position by moving the distal end of the flap 440 relative to the first end of the base 438. The closure 436 includes one or more fasteners 442 such that the distal end of the flap 440 can be removably coupled to the base 438 in the closed position. For example, the base 438 may include a first fastener portion 442a, and the flap 440 may include a corresponding second fastener portion 442b. In the closed position, the second fastener portion 442b of the flap 440 is removably attached to the first fastener portion 442a of the base 438, where the flap 440 and the base 438 define a passageway 444 between the base 438 and the flap 440 for receiving and securing the control portion 406. In the open position, the second fastener portion 442b is detached from the first fastener portion 442a to allow the flap 440 to be pulled away from the base 438 and the control portion 406 to be removed from the closure 436.

[0063] 5-8C, article of footwear 10a is provided and includes upper 100a and sole structure 200a attached to upper 100a. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of components associated with article of footwear 10a relative to article of footwear 10, like reference numbers will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numbers with letter extensions will be used to identify modified components.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5 , an example of an article of footwear 10a including a system for providing variable tension is disclosed. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10a includes an upper 100a and a sole structure 200a attached to the upper 100a. The article of footwear 10a further includes a cable lock 300 and a fastening system 400a integrated into at least one of the upper 100a and the sole structure 200a. The fastening system 400a includes a cable 402 that cooperates with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10a between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. In particular, the cable 402 is configured to move in a fastening direction D to move the article of footwear 10a to the fastened state. T In some implementations, the upper 100a and the sole structure 200a cooperate to provide a passageway and guide for routing a portion of the cable 402 through the cable lock 300. The cable lock 300 is configured to selectively secure the cable 402 in a tightened state.

[0065] Upper 100a includes an interior surface defining an interior cavity 102 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure 200a. An ankle opening 104 in heel region 16 may provide access to interior cavity 102. For example, ankle opening 104 may receive a foot to secure the foot within cavity 102 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from interior cavity 102. Upper 100a may include a tongue 106 extending between lateral side 22 and medial side 24 and covering interior cavity 102. Upper 100a may include one or more gripping features 108 formed adjacent ankle opening 104 for pulling footwear 10a onto and off the foot.

[0066] The upper 100a may be formed from one or more materials sewn or bonded together to define the interior void 102. Suitable materials for the upper 100a include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. An exemplary upper 100a may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 100a to facilitate movement of the upper 100a between a tightened and relaxed state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic textiles, such as spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more non-elastic materials may include one or more combinations of thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or other materials / fabrics that do not impart elastic properties.

[0067] For example, one or both of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100a may include an inelastic region 110a formed from one or more inelastic materials and one or more adjustment regions 112a, 114a formed from one or more elastic materials. The adjustment regions 112a, 114a may be partially bounded by the inelastic region 110a to provide elastic zones in the upper 100a. Each of the adjustment regions 112a, 114a extends from a first end 116 to a second end 118 within one of the forefoot region 12 and the midfoot region 14 and includes an upper edge 120 and a lower edge 122 formed from the upper edge 120 opposite the adjustment region 112a, 114a and extending between the first end 116 and the second end 118. In some examples, the first end 116 may be formed in the ankle opening 104. Thus, the first ends 116 of the adjustment areas 112a, 114a define a portion of the ankle opening 104 and provide the ankle opening 104 with a degree of extension to accommodate receipt of the foot.

[0068] In the illustrated example, upper 100a includes a first adjustment area 112a disposed on lateral side 22 of upper 100a and a second adjustment area 114a disposed on medial side 24 of upper 100a. Generally, first adjustment area 112a extends from a first end 116 of ankle opening 104 along lateral side 22 of upper 100a to a second end 118 of forefoot region 12, and second adjustment area 114a extends from a first end 116 of ankle opening 104 along medial side 24 of upper 100a to a second end 118 of forefoot region 12 or midfoot region 14.

[0069] In the example shown in FIGS. 5-8 , the first adjustment area 112a extends from a first end 116 of the ankle opening 104 on the lateral side 22 of the upper 100a, along the lateral side 22 through the midfoot region 14, and to a second end 118 of the forefoot region 12 on the medial side 24 of the upper 100a. Thus, the first adjustment area 112a extends across the upper from the medial side 24 to the lateral side 22. The second adjustment area 114a of the upper 100a extends from a first end 116 of the ankle opening 104 on the medial side 24 of the upper 100a, along the medial side 24 of the upper 100a, through the midfoot region 14, and to a second end 118 of the medial side 24 within the midfoot region 14. In this example, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the tuning regions 112a, 114a are arcuate and curved along a single direction, as opposed to the serpentine edges 120, 122 described above. Furthermore, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 may converge toward one another in the direction from the first end 116 to the second end 118. Thus, at least one of the first tuning region 112a and the second tuning region 114a may have a generally arcuate shape and taper in width along its length from the first end 116 to the second end 118.

[0070] In some implementations, the sole structure 200a includes an outsole plate 202a. The outsole plate 202a includes a ground-engaging surface 204 and an opposing medial surface 206 formed on the outsole plate 202a opposite the ground-engaging surface 204. A peripheral side 208 extends between the ground-engaging surface 204 and the medial surface 206 and defines the periphery of the outsole plate 202a. In the illustrated example, the outsole plate 202a extends from the fore end 18 to the rear end 20 of the footwear 10a. The outsole plate 202a may be attached to the upper 100a using stitching or adhesive. The outsole plate 202a generally provides abrasion resistance and traction with the ground and may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability, abrasion resistance, and enhance traction with the ground. In some examples, the sole structure 200a may be formed of one or more cushioning layers, including a midsole and / or a strobel, and the outsole may be formed of a resilient polymer material, such as rubber.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7 , the sole structure 200a may include a cavity for accommodating the cable lock 300 therein. In the illustrated example, the cavity 210a is formed through the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202a such that the cable lock 300 is exposed along the ground-engaging surface 204. Other configurations may include the cavity 210a formed in the inner surface 206 without extending through the ground-engaging surface 204. In some examples, the sole structure 200a may further include a plurality of conduits 212 extending from the cavity 210a to the peripheral side 208 for routing various cables and cords between the cable lock 300 and the exterior of the upper 100a. In some examples, the conduits 212 may be formed of a different material than the outsole plate 202a. For example, the conduits 212 may be tubular inserts formed from a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the material forming the outsole plate 202a to minimize friction between the cables 402 and the sole structure 200a.

[0072] 7, the ground-engaging surface 204 of the outsole plate 202a may include a plurality of traction elements 214a, 214b, as described above with respect to the outsole plate 202. The traction elements may include an integrated traction element 214a and an attached traction element 214b. The integrated traction element 214a is formed from the same material as the outsole plate 202a and is integrally formed with the ground-engaging surface 204, for example, during a molding process. However, in contrast to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-7, not all embodiments of the present invention include footwear that includes the outsole plate 202 and / or traction elements 214a, 214b, but may instead include, for example, a cushioned midsole and a rubber outsole.

[0073] 8A, the fastening system 400a includes a cable 402 and a tracking system 404a formed on or within the upper 100a and sole structure 200a for routing the cable 402 and distributing tension in the cable 402 along the article of footwear 10a. Generally, the fastening force F T or relaxation force F L When one of the tensions is applied to the cable 402, the tracking system 404a distributes the tension in the cable 402 along multiple points along the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the adjustment regions 112a, 114a to tighten the adjustment regions 112a, 114a or allow the adjustment regions 112a, 114a to relax, as described in more detail below.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the cable 402 includes a control portion 406 extending from the cable lock 300 in a first direction, a fastening portion 408 extending from the cable lock 300 in a second direction, and a locking portion 410 connecting the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408. The control portion 406 is configured to rotate the cable 402 in a fastening direction D. T To move the clamping force F TWhen incorporated into article of footwear 10a, control portion 406 is configured to allow a user to tighten cable 402 in a tightening direction D T The fastening portion 408 may be positioned on the article of footwear 10a so that it can be easily pulled to the desired tightening force F. T The fastening portion 408 is configured to cooperate with the tracking system 404a to tighten the article of footwear 10a when a force is applied to the control portion 406. Conversely, the fastening portion 408 is configured to rotate in the relaxation direction D L To move the cable 402 to L Locking portion 410 is disposed within cable lock 300 and interfaces with cable lock 300 to secure the position of cable 402.

[0075] 8A, cable 402 may include various segments defined in relation to cable lock 300. For example, control portion 406 is referred to as including first control segment 412 and second control segment 414. As shown, first control segment 412 extends from cable lock 300 at the bottom of sole structure 200a along lateral side 22 of upper 100a, and second control segment 414 extends from cable lock 300 along medial side 24 of upper 100a.

[0076] Similarly, the fastening portion 408 may include a first fastening segment 416 and a second fastening segment 418. The first fastening segment 416 extends from the cable lock 300 at the bottom of the sole structure 200a and is routed along the first adjustment region 112a. Similarly, the second fastening segment 418 extends from the cable lock 300 and is routed along the second adjustment region 114a. The first control segment 412 is connected to the first fastening segment 416 by a first locking segment 420 that extends through the cable lock 300, and the second control segment 414 is connected to the second fastening segment 418 by a second locking segment 422 that extends through the cable lock 300.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 are connected to one another and define a continuous length of cable 402 that runs from cable lock 300, around tongue 106 of upper 100a, and back to cable lock 300. In contrast to the continuously formed control portion 406, fastening portion 408 is not continuous, such that fastening segments 416, 418 each include a terminal end 424. As described in more detail below, terminal ends 424 may be attached to inelastic region 110a of upper 100a at discrete locations. Alternatively, terminal ends 424 may be connected to one another in another region of footwear 10a.

[0078] While the overall length of the cable 402 is constant, the effective length of the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408 of the cable 402 depends on the position of the cable 402 relative to the cable lock 300. For example, when the control portion 406 is pulled and the cable 402 is pulled through the cable lock 300 in a fastening direction D T , the effective length of the control portion 406 increases and the effective length of the fastening portion 408 decreases. Conversely, the fastening portion 408 is pulled, causing the cable 402 to move in a relaxation direction D through the cable lock 300. L , the effective length of fastening portion 408 increases, relaxing article of footwear 10a, and the effective length of control portion 406 decreases. As discussed above, locking portion 410 is associated with the portion of cable 402 that is housed within cable lock 300, regardless of the position of cable 402. Thus, control portion 406, fastening portion 408, and locking portion 410 depend on the position of cable 402 relative to cable lock 300, rather than the fixed section of cable 402 itself.

[0079] The cable 402 of the fastening system 400a is configured to cooperate with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10a between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. Generally, the cable lock 300 and fastening system 400a are configured to cooperate with the upper 100a to provide zonal fastening, whereby a fastening force F applied to a portion of the cable 402 associated with the lateral side 22 of the footwear 10a is T1 or relaxation force F L1 is the clamping force F applied to the portion of cable 402 associated with medial side 24 of footwear 10a. T2 or relaxation force F L2 Therefore, the lateral side 22 and the medial side 24 of the upper 100a can be adjusted to have different tightnesses around the foot. For example, a first magnitude of tightening force F T1 may be applied to the first control segment 412, while a clamping force F having a second magnitude T2 may be applied to the second control segment 414. Thus, a first clamping force F T1 is applied to the first locking segment 420, while a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second lock segment 422, causing the first lock segment 420 to be pulled through the cable lock 300 at a greater rate than the second lock segment 422. Because the terminal ends 424 of the fastening segments 416, 418 are separated from one another, the first clamping force F T1 is applied to the first fastening segment 416, and a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second fastening segment 418.

[0080] In some examples, at least one of the lateral side 22 and the medial side 24 of the upper 100a includes a series of cable guides 426 that route the cables 402 from the conduits 212 of the outsole plate 202a along the upper 100a. In the illustrated example, the cable guides 426 of the tracking system 404a are formed by fabric or mesh loops that define passages for slidably receiving the cables 402 therethrough. In other examples, the cable guides 426 may include openings (e.g., eyelets) formed through the inelastic regions 110a of the upper 100a or fabric or mesh loops attached to the inelastic regions 110a of the upper 100a to receive the fastening segments 416, 418.

[0081] 8A , the first fastening segments 416 and the second fastening segments 418 are routed through a plurality of cable guides 426 disposed along the adjustment regions 112a, 114a of the upper 100a. After routing through the cable guides 426, the terminal ends 424 of the first fastening segments 416 and the second fastening segments 418 are attached to the inelastic region 110a of the upper 100a. In the illustrated example, the terminal ends 424 are attached to the upper 100a at discrete attachment points 428 adjacent the second ends 118 of the adjustment regions 112a, 114a. In other examples, the terminal ends 424 may be operably connected to one another at a single attachment point. For example, a connector may connect the terminal ends 424 to one another, or the terminal ends 424 may be tied together, adhesively bonded to one another, or fused together.

[0082] 8A , each of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100a includes a first series of cable guides 426 disposed along the upper edge 120 of the adjustment region 112a, 114a and a second series of cable guides 426 disposed along the lower edge 122 of the respective adjustment region 112a, 114a. Thus, the adjustment region 112a, 114a is disposed between the upper and lower series of cable guides 426. As shown, the cable guides 426 are alternately disposed along the upper and lower edges 120, 122 in a manner that causes the cable 402 to snake between the upper and lower edges 120, 122 along the length of the adjustment region 112a, 114a.

[0083] The number of cable guides 426 is determined by the number of T or relaxation direction D F While the illustrated example shows each of the cable guides 426 on the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 including two cable guides 426 along the upper edge 120 and two cable guides 426 along the lower edge 122, other configurations may include each set including a greater or lesser number of cable guides 426. In some examples, the upper edge 120 includes more cable guides 426 than the lower edge 122. In yet other examples, the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 each include the same number of cable guides 426. Furthermore, the placement of the cable guides 426 on the upper 100a may be such that each section of the cable 402 extending between the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 is aligned such that the cable is aligned in the tightening direction D. T , D L The axial length may be selected to be substantially straight to reduce friction when moving from one end to the other.

[0084] 7, the fastening system 400a can incorporate conduits 212a-212e formed in the sole structure 200a. The conduits 212a-212e are configured to accommodate and route the segments 412, 414, 416, 418 of the cable 402 and the release cable 384 that extend through the outsole plate 202a and out of the cable lock 300. Here, the first conduit 212a can receive an end of the first control segment 412 that extends between the cable lock 300 and the lateral side 22, and the second conduit 212b can receive an end of the second control segment 414 that extends between the cable lock 300 and the medial side 24. Similarly, the third conduit 212c receives the end of a first fastening segment 416 extending between the cable lock 300 and the outer side 22, and the fourth conduit 212d receives the end of a second fastening segment 418 extending between the cable lock 300 and the inner side 24.

[0085] 7, release conduit 212e is configured to receive and route the portion of release cable 384 that extends out of cable lock 300. In the example shown in FIG. 7, release conduit 212e extends from cable lock 300 toward the fore end 18 of the footwear and to the peripheral side surface 208 of outsole plate 202a on the lateral side 22 of sole structure 200a.

[0086] Fastening system 400a may further include one or more release passageways 430a for routing cable 402 and / or release cable 384 along upper 100a. Release passageway 430a may be formed within upper 100a, or alternatively, release passageway 430a may be defined by a sheath or cover attached to the outer surface of upper 100a. In the illustrated example, footwear 10a includes release passageway 430a that extends vertically along the upper from a first end adjacent the opening of release conduit 212e formed in peripheral side 208 to a second end adjacent ankle opening 104. Release passageway 430a is configured to route release cable 384 from outsole plate 202a to an area of ​​upper 100a that is easily reachable by the wearer.

[0087] 5, release passageway 430a extends vertically along lateral side 22 of upper 100a from a first end adjacent release conduit 212e to a second end on the lateral side of ankle opening 104. Accordingly, release cable 384 is routed from cable lock 300 through release conduit 212e and exits peripheral side 208 of outsole plate 202a at lateral side 22. Release cable 384 then passes through the first end of release passageway 430a and extends from the second end. Accordingly, the portion of release cable 384 extending from release passageway 430a can be grasped by the wearer to apply a release force F to move cable lock 300 to the unlocked state. R As shown, release channel 430a is located in midfoot region 14 of lateral side 22. In other examples, release channel 430a may be located on medial side 24 of upper 100a and may be located in heel region 16 or forefoot region 12.

[0088] As mentioned above, the control portion 406 of the cable 402 is a continuous loop extending from the cable lock 300. As shown in FIG. 8A , the control portion 406 extends around the tongue 106 proximate the ankle opening 104 (i.e., proximate the area over the top of the wearer's foot). The portion of the control portion 406 that extends around the tongue 106 may be enclosed within one or more sheaths 432. Each sheath 432 may further comprise a clamping force F T When the control portion 406 moves in a direction away from the upper 100a (i.e., when the cable 402 moves in the tightening direction D T , the clamping force F may be formed from a material and / or fabric that allows the sheath 432 and the control portion 406 of the cable 402 to move from a relaxed state to a stretched or expanded state. T When the sheath 432 is removed, the material and / or fabric of the sheath 432 automatically contracts to a relaxed state to accommodate bunching by the cable 402.

[0089] In the illustrated example, a separate control portion grip 434 is operably connected to the sheath 432 at an attachment location adjacent the tongue 106 to allow the user to adjust the clamping force F T 406. The control portion 406 may be tightened by applying a tightening force F to the adjustment regions 112a, 114a, allowing the control portion 406 to move away from the upper 100a, thereby tightening the adjustment regions 112a, 114a by simultaneously drawing the upper and lower edges 120, 122 toward each other to move the upper 100a to the tightened state. Other configurations may include operably connecting the control portion grip 434 to other portions of the sheath 432 along the length of the control portion 406. In some implementations, the control portion grip 434 is omitted, and the sheath 432 is configured to be gripped by a user to apply a tightening force F to pull the control portion 406 away from the upper 100a. T , which corresponds to the control portion 406 by allowing the addition of

[0090] 8A-8C, the use of the cable lock 300 and fastening system 400a in conjunction with the upper 100a and sole structure 200a is illustrated. FIG. 8A shows an example of footwear 10a in a relaxed state, whereby slack is provided in the first fastening segment 416 and the second fastening segment 418, and the adjustment regions 112a, 114a are in a relaxed state. In the relaxed state, a wearer's foot can be inserted into the interior cavity 102 of the upper 100a through the ankle opening 104. The slack in the fastening segments 416, 418 allows the adjustment regions 112a, 114a to move to a stretched or expanded state, thereby increasing the available volume of the interior cavity 102 to accommodate the wearer's foot. The adjustment regions 112a, 114a may be formed from an elastic material to provide a first degree of tightness to the wearer's foot to hold the footwear 10a on the foot before moving the footwear to a tightened state.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8B, footwear 10a can be moved to a first tightening state by pulling control portion 406 toward one of lateral side 22 and medial side 24. For example, control portion 406 is shown pulled toward medial side 24 to transition upper 100a to the first tightening state. More specifically, when control portion 406 is pulled toward medial side 24, a first tightening force F T1 is applied to the first control segment 412, and a second, smaller clamping force F T2 is applied to the second control segment 414. A first clamping force F T1 is the first clamping force F T1 is transmitted from the first control segment 412 to the first fastening segment 416, causing the first locking segment 420 of the cable 402 to pass a first distance through the cable lock 300. T1Application of the first fastening segment 416 moves the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 toward the opposing cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the first adjustment region 112a on the outer side 22. As a result, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the first adjustment region 112a are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T1, thereby tightening the first adjustment region 112a around the wearer's foot. By tightening the first adjustment region 112a, the amount that the elastic material of the adjustment region 112a can stretch is effectively limited by the first fastening segment 416. The first fastening force F T1 The size of can be selected based on the desired amount of stretch allowed in first adjustment region 112a.

[0092] At the same time, pulling the control portion 406 toward the inner side 24 generates a first clamping force F T1 A second clamping force F smaller than T2 to the second control segment 414. A second clamping force F T2 is the second clamping force F T2 is transmitted from the second control segment 414 to the second fastening segment 418, causing the second locking segment 422 of the cable 402 to be pulled a second distance through the cable lock 300. T2 to the second fastening segment 418 moves the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 of the second adjustment region 114a toward the cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the second adjustment region 114a of the upper 100a. As a result, the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T2, thereby tightening the second adjustment region 114a around the wearer's foot. T2 is the first clamping force F T1, so that the first adjustment area 112a is clamped by the first fastening segment 416 to a greater extent than the second adjustment area 114a is clamped by the second fastening segment 418. Thus, the second adjustment area 114a has a greater degree of elasticity than the first adjustment area 112a. T1 Similarly, the second clamping force F T2 The magnitude of the second clamping force F may be selected by the wearer based on the desired amount of stretch allowed by the second adjustment area 114a. T2 is not present or the cable 402 is fastened in the tightening direction D T , so that the second adjustment area 114a is not tightened at all.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8C, footwear 10a can be moved to a second tightening state by pulling control portion 406 toward lateral side 22. For example, when control portion 406 is pulled toward lateral side 22, a first tightening force F T1 is applied to the second control segment 414, while a second, smaller clamping force F T2 is applied to the first control segment 412. A first clamping force F T1 is the first clamping force F T1 is transmitted from the second control segment 414 to the second fastening segment 418, causing the second locking segment 422 of the cable 402 to be pulled a first distance through the locking channel 332. A first clamping force F on the second fastening segment 418 T1The application of the first tightening force F causes the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 of the second adjustment region 114a to be pulled toward the cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the second adjustment region 114a. As a result, the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 122 of the second adjustment region 114a are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T1, thereby tightening the second adjustment region 114a around the wearer's foot. By tightening the second adjustment region 114a, the amount that the elastic material of the adjustment region 114a can stretch is effectively limited by the second fastening segment 418. T1 The size of can be selected based on the desired amount of stretch allowed in second adjustment region 114a.

[0094] At the same time, pulling the control portion 406 toward the outer side 22 generates a first clamping force F T1 A second clamping force F smaller than T2 to the first control segment 412. A second clamping force F T2 is the second clamping force F T2 is transmitted from the first control segment 412 to the first fastening segment 416, causing the first locking segment 420 of the cable 402 to be pulled a second distance through the locking channel 332. T2 to the first fastening segment 416 causes the cable guide 426 along the upper edge 120 of the first adjustment area 112a to be pulled toward the cable guide 426 along the lower edge 122 of the first adjustment area 112a. As a result, the upper and lower edges 120, 122 of the first adjustment area 112a are pulled toward each other as shown by arrow T2, thereby tightening the first adjustment area 112a around the wearer's foot. T2 is the first clamping force F T1, so that the first adjustment area 112a is clamped by the first fastening segment 416 to a lesser extent than the second adjustment area 114b is clamped by the second fastening segment 418. Thus, the first adjustment area 112a has a greater degree of elasticity than the second adjustment area 114a. The first clamping force F T1 Similarly, the second clamping force F T2 The magnitude of the second clamping force F can be selected by the wearer based on the desired amount of stretch allowed by the first adjustment area 112a. T2 is not present or the cable 402 is tightened in the tightening direction D so that the first adjustment region 112a is not tightened at all. T It does not have to be enough to move it.

[0095] In some examples, the first clamping force F T1 and the second clamping force F T2 are substantially the same. Thus, the first adjustment area 112a and the second adjustment area 114a each tighten to the same extent, thereby allowing the elastic material of the first adjustment area 112a and the elastic material of the second adjustment area 114a to stretch to the same extent across the wearer's foot.

[0096] As will be described below with respect to the operation of the cable lock 300, when the cable lock 300 is in the locked state (e.g., when the cable 402 is in the relaxed direction D L When the wearer desires to remove the footwear 10a from the foot, the cable lock 300 applies a release force F R The cable lock 300 can be moved only partially toward the unlocked state, thereby applying a release force F R Alternatively, the cable lock 300 can be pulled to a fully unlocked state, thereby reducing the clamping force F TThe cable lock 300 remains unlocked until a signal is applied to the control portion 406.

[0097] 9-11 , article of footwear 10b is provided and includes upper 100b and sole structure 200b attached to upper 100b. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of components associated with article of footwear 10b relative to article of footwear 10, like reference numbers will be used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numbers with letter extensions will be used to identify modified components.

[0098] 11 , an example of an article of footwear 10b including a system for providing variable tension is disclosed. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10b includes an upper 100b and a sole structure 200b attached to the upper 100b. The article of footwear 10b further includes a cable lock 300 and a fastening system 400b integrated into at least one of the upper 100b and the sole structure 200b. The fastening system 400b includes a cable 402 that cooperates with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10b between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. In particular, the cable 402 is configured to move in a fastening direction D to move the article of footwear 10b to a fastened state. T In some implementations, the upper 100b and the sole structure 200b cooperate to provide a passageway and guide for routing a portion of the cable 402 through the cable lock 300. The cable lock 300 is configured to selectively secure the cable 402 in a tightened state.

[0099] Unlike the above-described footwear 10, 10a, which provide lateral and medial zonal closure, footwear 10b is configured to provide upper and lower zonal closure to the upper. In the illustrated example, one or both of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of upper 100b may include an inelastic region 110b formed from one or more inelastic materials and one or more adjustment regions 112b, 114b formed from a resilient elastic material. Adjustment regions 112b, 114b may be partially bounded by inelastic region 110b to provide elastic zones of upper 100b.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the adjustment regions 112b, 114b define a lower first adjustment region 112b and an upper second adjustment region 114b disposed along the insertion region of the upper 100b. In some examples, the first adjustment region 112b and the second adjustment region 114b are formed contiguous with one another to define a single continuous adjustment region 115 extending from a first end 116 adjacent the ankle opening 104 to a second end 118 within one of the forefoot region 12 and the midfoot region 14. The adjustment region 115 is formed on opposite sides of the upper 100b and includes a pair of edges 124, 126 extending between the first end 116 and the second end 118. In some examples, the first end 116 may be formed proximate the ankle opening 104. Thus, first end 116 of second adjustment area 114b defines a portion of ankle opening 104 and provides ankle opening 104 with a degree of extension to accommodate receipt of the foot. As shown, a first one of edges 124 extends along lateral side 22 of upper 100b, and a second one of edges 126 extends along medial side 24 of upper 100b. Thus, adjustment areas 112b, 114b extend across the instep area of ​​upper 100b.

[0101] 9, the cable lock 300 is positioned in the instep region of the upper 100b adjacent the ankle opening 104. Thus, the cable lock 300 may be positioned on or above the adjustment region 115. As described in more detail below, the cable lock 300 is generally configured to interface with a cable 402 of a fastening system to selectively secure the position of the cable 402 relative to the upper 100b.

[0102] 11, the fastening system 400b includes a cable 402 and a tracking system 404b formed on or within the upper 100b for routing the cable 402 and distributing tension in the cable 402 along the article of footwear 10b. Generally, the fastening force F T or relaxation force F L When one of the tensions is applied to the cable 402, the tracking system 404b distributes the tension in the cable 402 along multiple points along the outer and inner edges 124, 126 of the first and second adjustment regions 112b, 114b, causing the respective adjustment regions 112b, 114b to tighten or allow the adjustment regions 112b, 114b to relax, as described in more detail below.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the cable 402 includes a control portion 406 extending from the cable lock 300 in a first direction, a fastening portion 408 extending from the cable lock 300 in a second direction, and a locking portion 410 connecting the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408. The control portion 406 is configured to rotate the cable 402 in a fastening direction D. T To move the clamping force F T When incorporated into article of footwear 10b, control portion 406 is configured to allow a user to tighten cable 402 in a tightening direction D T The control portion 406 may also be disposed within one or more retractable sheaths and may include control grips, as described above with respect to the articles of footwear 10, 10a. The fastening portion 408 may be configured to apply a clamping force F TThe fastening portion 408 is configured to cooperate with the tracking system 404b to tighten the article of footwear 10b when a force is applied to the control portion 406. Conversely, the fastening portion 408 is configured to rotate in the relaxation direction D L To move the cable 402 to L Locking portion 410 is disposed within cable lock 300 and interfaces with the cable lock to secure the position of cable 402.

[0104] 11 , the cable 402 may include various segments defined in relation to the cable lock 300. For example, the control portion 406 may be described as including a first control segment 412 and a second control segment 414 that are independently operable to control tension in corresponding segments 416, 418 of the fastening portion 408, as described below. In the illustrated example, the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 each extend from an end of the cable lock 300 toward the ankle opening 104. In some examples, the control portion 406 is formed as a continuous loop, whereby the respective “ends” of the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 are joined to one another such that the control portion 406 forms a continuous length of cable 402 extending from the cable lock 300. In the example of FIG. 11, when the cable lock 300 is positioned on the tongue 106 of the upper 100b, the first control segment 412 is positioned generally along the lateral side 22 of the upper 100b, and the second control segment 414 is positioned generally along the medial side 24 of the upper 100b and is attached to or coupled to the first control segment 412 in a central portion of the upper 100b adjacent the ankle opening 104.

[0105] Similarly, the fastening portion 408 may include a first fastening segment 416 and a second fastening segment 418. The first fastening segment 416 extends from the cable lock 300 on the tongue 106 of the upper 100b and is routed in a serpentine manner along the first adjustment region 112b. The second fastening segment 418 extends from the cable lock 300 on the tongue 106 of the upper 100b and is routed in a serpentine manner along the second adjustment region 114b. Generally, the first fastening segment 416 is configured to adjust the fit of the upper 100b along the first adjustment region 112b, and the second fastening segment 418 is configured to adjust the fit of the upper 100b along the second adjustment region 114b. In contrast to the continuously formed control portion 406, the fastening portion 408 is not continuous such that each of the fastening segments 416, 418 includes a terminal end 424 secured to the inelastic region 110b of the upper 100b. As described in further detail below, the terminal ends 424 can be attached to the inelastic region 110b of the upper 100b at discrete locations. Alternatively, the terminal ends 424 can be connected to each other in another region of the footwear 10b.

[0106] While the overall length of the cable 402 is constant, the effective length of the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408 of the cable 402 depends on the position of the cable 402 relative to the cable lock 300. For example, when the control portion 406 is pulled and the cable 402 is pulled through the cable lock 300 in a fastening direction D T , the effective length of the control portion 406 increases and the effective length of the fastening portion 408 decreases. Conversely, when the fastening portion 408 is pulled, the cable 402 is forced through the cable lock 300 in the relaxation direction D L , the effective length of fastening portion 408 increases, relaxing article of footwear 10b, and the effective length of control portion 406 decreases. As discussed above, locking portion 410 is associated with the portion of cable 402 that is housed within cable lock 300, regardless of the position of cable 402. Thus, control portion 406, fastening portion 408, and locking portion 410 depend on the position of cable 402 relative to cable lock 300, rather than the fixed section of cable 402 itself.

[0107] The cable 402 of the fastening system 400b is configured to cooperate with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10b between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. Generally, the cable lock 300 and fastening system 400b are configured to cooperate with the upper 100b to provide zonal fastening, whereby the fastening force F applied to the portion of the cable 402 associated with the first adjustment zone 112b is T or relaxation force F L is the clamping force F applied to the portion of the cable 402 associated with the second adjustment region 114b. T or relaxation force F L Therefore, the first adjustment area 112b and the second adjustment area 114b of the upper 100b can be adjusted to have different tightnesses around the foot. For example, a first magnitude of tightening force F T1 may be applied to the first control segment 412, while a clamping force F having a second magnitude T2 may be applied to the second control segment 414. Thus, a first clamping force F T1 is applied to the first locking segment 420, while a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second locking segment 422, causing the first locking segment 420 to be pulled through the cable lock 300 at a greater rate than the second locking segment 422. Because the terminal ends 424 of the fastening segments 416, 418 are independently secured to the upper 100b, the first fastening force F T1 is applied to the first fastening segment 416, and a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second fastening segment 418.

[0108] In some examples, the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100b include a series of cable guides 426 that route the cable 402 from the cable lock 300 along the adjustment regions 112b, 114b. In some examples, the cable guides 426 may be formed of a hard, low-friction material and may have an arcuate inner surface for receiving the cable 402. In other examples, the cable guides 426 may include openings (e.g., eyelets) formed through the inelastic regions 110b of the upper 100b, or fabric or mesh loops attached to the inelastic regions 110b of the upper 100b, to receive the fastening segments 416, 418. The fabric or mesh loops / webbing may be configured to allow the cable 402 to pass through the inelastic regions 110b of the upper 100b in the fastening direction D. T When moving, friction may occur with the cable 402.

[0109] 11 , the first fastening segment 416 and the second fastening segment 418 are routed through a plurality of cable guides 426 disposed along the adjustment region 115 of the upper 100b. After routing through the cable guides 426, the terminal ends 424 of the first fastening segment 416 and the second fastening segment 418 are attached to the inelastic region 110b of the upper 100b.

[0110] In the illustrated example, the first fastening segment 416 is configured to control the tightness of the lower first adjustment zone 112b. As shown, the first fastening segment 416 extends from the cable lock 300 to a first of the cable guides 426 located on the lateral side 22 adjacent to or within the forefoot region 12. From the first of the cable guides 426, the first fastening segment 416 extends across the first adjustment zone 112b to a second of the cable guides 426 adjacent to the edge 126 on the medial side 24 of the first adjustment zone 112b. The first fastening segment 416 then extends back across the first adjustment zone 112b to a third of the cable guides 426 adjacent to the edge 124 on the lateral side 22 of the first adjustment zone 112b, and then back across the first adjustment zone 112b to the termination 424. As shown, the terminal end 424 of the first fastening segment 416 is located at the second end 118 adjacent the edge 126 of the inner side 24 of the first adjustment area 112b. Thus, the first fastening segment 416 applies a clamping force F to the first control segment 412. T By applying the force in the direction of tension D T When actuated, the first fastening segment 416 pulls the cable guides 426 on the opposing edges 124, 126 of the first adjustment region 112b toward each other, clamping the first adjustment region 112b.

[0111] The second fastening segment 418 is configured to control the fit of the upper second adjustment region 114b. As shown, the second fastening segment 418 extends from the cable lock 300 to the fourth one of the cable guides 426 on the inelastic region 110b of the midfoot region 14 of the upper. The second fastening segment 418 then extends from the fourth one of the cable guides 426 up, across the second adjustment region 114b, to the fifth one of the cable guides 426 adjacent the edge 124 of the second adjustment region 114b on the lateral side 22. From there, the second fastening segment 418 extends back across the second adjustment region 114b to the sixth one of the cable guides adjacent the edge 126 of the medial side 24, and then back across the second adjustment region 114b to the termination 424 adjacent the edge 124 of the lateral side 22. As shown, the second fastening segment 418 is disposed above, along the second adjustment area 114b, between the first fastening segment 418 and the cable lock 300. Thus, the second fastening segment 418 applies a clamping force F to the second control segment 414. T By applying tension in the direction D T When moved, the second fastening segment pulls the cable guides 426 on the opposing edges 124, 126 of the second adjustment region 114b toward each other, tightening the second adjustment region 114b.

[0112] 12-14, article of footwear 10c is provided and includes upper 100c and sole structure 200c attached to upper 100c. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of components associated with article of footwear 10c relative to article of footwear 10, like reference numbers are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numbers with letter extensions are used to identify modified components.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 14 , an example of an article of footwear 10c including a system for providing variable tension is disclosed. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10c includes an upper 100c and a sole structure 200c attached to the upper 100c. The article of footwear 10c further includes a cable lock 300 and a fastening system 400c integrated into at least one of the upper 100c and the sole structure 200c. The fastening system 400c includes a cable 402 that cooperates with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10c between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. In particular, the cable 402 is configured to move in a fastening direction D to move the article of footwear 10c to a fastened state. T The cable lock 300 is configured to selectively secure the cable 402 in a clamped state.

[0114] Similar to the above-described article of footwear 10b, the article of footwear 10c is configured to provide upper and lower zonal closure along the instep region of the upper. In the illustrated example, one or both of the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100c may include an inelastic region 110c formed from one or more inelastic materials and one or more adjustment regions 112c, 114c formed from a resilient, elastic material. The adjustment regions 112c, 114c may be partially bounded by the inelastic region 110c to provide an elastic zone of the upper 100c.

[0115] In the illustrated example, the adjustment regions 112c, 114c define a lower first adjustment region 112c and an upper second adjustment region 114c disposed along the instep region of the upper 100c. In some examples, the first adjustment region 112c and the second adjustment region 114c are formed contiguous with one another to define a single continuous adjustment region 115c extending from a first end 116 adjacent the ankle opening 104 to a second end 118 within one of the forefoot region 12 and the midfoot region 14. The adjustment region 115c is formed on opposite sides of the upper 100c and includes a pair of edges 124, 126 extending between the first end 116 and the second end 118. In some examples, the first end 116 may be formed proximate the ankle opening 104. Thus, first end 116 of second adjustment region 114c defines a portion of ankle opening 104 and provides ankle opening 104 with a degree of extension to accommodate receipt of the foot. As shown, a first one of edges 124 extends along lateral side 22 of upper 100c, and a second one of edges 126 extends along medial side 24 of upper 100c. Thus, adjustment regions 112c, 114c extend across the instep region of upper 100c.

[0116] 12, the cable lock 300 is positioned at the rear end 20 of the upper 100c adjacent the ankle opening 104. As described in more detail below, the cable lock 300 is generally configured to interface with the cable 402 of the fastening system 400 to selectively secure the position of the cable 402 relative to the upper 100c.

[0117] 14, the fastening system 400c includes a cable 402 and a tracking system 404c formed on or within the upper 100c for routing the cable 402 and distributing tension in the cable 402 along the article of footwear 10c. Generally, the fastening force F T or relaxation force F LWhen one of the tensions is applied to the cable 402, the tracking system 404c distributes the tension in the cable 402 along multiple points along the outer and inner edges 124, 126 of the first and second adjustment regions 112c, 114c, causing the respective adjustment regions 112c, 114c to tighten or allow the adjustment regions 112c, 114c to relax, as described in more detail below.

[0118] In the illustrated example, the cable 402 includes a control portion 406 extending from the cable lock 300 in a first direction, a fastening portion 408 extending from the cable lock 300 in a second direction, and a locking portion 410 connecting the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408. The control portion 406 is configured to rotate the cable 402 in a fastening direction D. T To move the clamping force F T When incorporated into article of footwear 10c, control portion 406 is configured to allow a user to tighten cable 402 in a tightening direction D T The control portion 406 may also be disposed within one or more retractable sheaths and may include control grips, as described above with respect to the articles of footwear 10, 10a. The fastening portion 408 may be configured to apply a clamping force F T The fastening portion 408 is configured to cooperate with the tracking system 404c to tighten the article of footwear 10c when a force is applied to the control portion 406. Conversely, the fastening portion 408 is configured to rotate in the relaxation direction D L To move the cable 402 to L Locking portion 410 is disposed within cable lock 300 and interfaces with cable lock 300 to secure the position of cable 402.

[0119] 14 , the cable 402 may include various segments defined in relation to the cable lock 300. For example, the control portion 406 may be described as including a first control segment 412 and a second control segment 414 that are independently operable to control tension in corresponding segments 416, 418 of the fastening portion 408, as described below. In the illustrated example, the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 each extend from an end of the cable lock 300 toward the ankle opening 104. In some examples, the control portion 406 is formed as a continuous loop, whereby the respective “ends” of the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 are joined to one another such that the control portion 406 forms a continuous length of cable 402 extending from the cable lock 300. In the example of FIG. 14, when the cable lock 300 is positioned on the tongue 106 of the upper 100c, the first control segment 412 is positioned generally along the lateral side 22 of the upper 100c, and the second control segment 414 is positioned generally along the medial side 24 of the upper 100c and is attached or coupled to the first control segment 412 in a central portion of the upper 100c adjacent the ankle opening 104.

[0120] Similarly, the fastening portion 408 may include a first fastening segment 416 and a second fastening segment 418. The first fastening segment 416 extends from the cable lock 300 at the rear end 20 of the upper 100c and is routed in a serpentine manner along the first adjustment region 112c. The second fastening segment 418 extends from the cable lock 300 at the rear end 20 of the upper 100c and is routed in a serpentine manner along the second adjustment region 114c. Generally, the first fastening segment 416 is configured to adjust the fit of the upper 100c along the first adjustment region 112c, and the second fastening segment 418 is configured to adjust the fit of the upper 100c along the second adjustment region 114c. In contrast to the continuously formed control portion 406, the fastening portion 408 is not continuous such that each of the fastening segments 416, 418 includes a terminal end 424 secured to the inelastic region 110c of the upper 100c. As described in more detail below, the terminal ends 424 can be attached to the inelastic region 110c of the upper 100c at discrete locations. Alternatively, the terminal ends 424 can be connected to each other in another region of the footwear 10c.

[0121] While the overall length of the cable 402 is constant, the effective length of the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408 of the cable 402 depends on the position of the cable 402 relative to the cable lock 300. For example, when the control portion 406 is pulled and the cable 402 is pulled through the cable lock 300 in a fastening direction D T , the effective length of the control portion 406 increases and the effective length of the fastening portion 408 decreases. Conversely, when the fastening portion 408 is pulled, the cable 402 is forced through the cable lock 300 in the relaxation direction D L , the effective length of fastening portion 408 increases, relaxing article of footwear 10c, and the effective length of control portion 406 decreases. As discussed above, locking portion 410 is associated with the portion of cable 402 that is housed within cable lock 300, regardless of the position of cable 402. Thus, control portion 406, fastening portion 408, and locking portion 410 depend on the position of cable 402 relative to cable lock 300, rather than the fixed section of cable 402 itself.

[0122] The cable 402 of the fastening system 400c is configured to cooperate with the cable lock 300 to move the article of footwear 10c between a fastened state and a relaxed state, as described in more detail below. Generally, the cable lock 300 and the fastening system 400c are configured to cooperate with the upper 100c to provide zonal fastening, whereby the fastening force F applied to the portion of the cable 402 associated with the first adjustment zone 112c is T or relaxation force F L is the clamping force F applied to the portion of the cable 402 associated with the second adjustment region 114c. T or relaxation force F L Therefore, the first adjustment area 112c and the second adjustment area 114c of the upper 100c can be adjusted to have different tightnesses around the foot. For example, a first magnitude of tightening force F T may be applied to the first control segment 412, generating a clamping force F having a second magnitude. T may be applied to the second control segment 414. Thus, the first clamping force F T is applied to the first locking segment 420, while a second clamping force F T is applied to the second locking segment 422, causing the first locking segment 420 to be pulled through the cable lock 300 at a greater rate than the second locking segment 422. Because the terminal ends 424 of the fastening segments 416, 418 are independently secured to the upper 100c, the first fastening force F T1 is applied to the first fastening segment 416, and a second clamping force F T2 is applied to the second fastening segment 418.

[0123] In some examples, the lateral side 22 and medial side 24 of the upper 100c include a series of cable guides 426 that route the cables 402 from the cable lock 300 along the adjustment regions 112c, 114c. In other examples, the cable guides 426 may include openings (e.g., eyelets) formed through the inelastic regions 110 of the upper 100c, or fabric or mesh loops attached to the inelastic regions 110 of the upper 100c, to receive the fastening segments 416, 418. The fabric or mesh loops / webbing may guide the cables 402 in the fastening direction D. T When moving, friction may occur with the cable 402.

[0124] 14, the first fastening segment 416 and the second fastening segment 418 are routed through a plurality of cable guides 426 disposed along the adjustment region 115c of the upper 100c. After routing through the cable guides 426, the terminal ends 424 of the first fastening segment 416 and the second fastening segment 418 are attached to the inelastic region 110c of the upper 100c.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the first fastening segment 416 is configured to control the tightness of the lower first adjustment zone 112c. As shown, the first fastening segment 416 extends from the cable lock 300 to a first of the cable guides 426 located on the lateral side 22 adjacent to the midfoot region 14, adjacent the heel region 16. From the first of the cable guides 426, the first fastening segment 416 extends across the first adjustment zone 112c to a second of the cable guides 426 adjacent to the edge 126 on the medial side 24 of the first adjustment zone 112c. The first fastening segment 416 then extends across the first adjustment zone 112c back to the third of the cable guides 426 adjacent to the edge 124 on the lateral side 22 of the first adjustment zone 112c, and then back across the first adjustment zone 112c to the termination 424. As shown, the terminal end 424 of the first fastening segment 416 is located at the second end 118 adjacent the edge 126 of the inner side 24 of the first adjustment area 112c. Thus, the first fastening segment 416 applies a clamping force F to the first control segment 412. T By applying the force in the direction of tension D T When actuated, the first fastening segment 416 pulls the cable guides 426 on the opposing edges 124, 126 of the first adjustment region 112c toward each other, tightening the first adjustment region 112c.

[0126] The second fastening segment 418 is configured to control the fit of the upper second adjustment region 114c. As shown, the second fastening segment 418 extends from the cable lock 300 to the fourth one of the cable guides 426 on the inelastic region 110c of the heel region 14 of the upper. The second fastening segment 418 then extends from the fourth one of the cable guides 426 up, across the second adjustment region 114c, to the fifth one of the cable guides 426 adjacent the edge 124 of the second adjustment region 114c on the lateral side 22. From there, the second fastening segment 418 extends back across the second adjustment region 114c to the sixth one of the cable guides adjacent the edge 126 of the medial side 24, and then back across the second adjustment region 114c to the termination 424 adjacent the edge 124 of the lateral side 22. As shown, the second fastening segment 418 is disposed above, along the second adjustment region 114c, between the first fastening segment 418 and the cable lock 300. Thus, the second fastening segment 418 applies a clamping force F to the second control segment 414. T By applying tension in the direction D T When moved, the second fastening segment pulls the cable guides 426 on the opposing edges 124, 126 of the second adjustment region 114c toward each other, tightening the second adjustment region 114c.

[0127] As described above, either the first fastening segment 416 or the second fastening segment 418 can include any number of cable guides 426 for routing the fastening segment 416, 418 along the upper 100c. For example, an additional cable guide 426 can be provided between the cable lock 300 and the adjustment region 115c. Furthermore, the fastening segments 416, 418 can have additional paths over the adjustment regions 112c, 114c, which can be formed by including additional cable guides along the edges 124, 126 of the adjustment region 115c.

[0128] 15-24, examples of cable locks 300, 300a according to the present disclosure are provided. Each example of the cable lock 300, 300a includes an enclosure 302, 302a having a housing 304, 304a, 304b and a cover 306, 306a, and a locking member 308 disposed within the enclosure 302 and configured to selectively engage a cable 402. In some examples, the cable lock 300a may include one or more cable guides 310, as shown in FIG. 21. As described in more detail below, the cable guides 310 cooperate with the cable 402 and the enclosure 302a to provide at least one of audible and tactile feedback when the cable passes through the cable lock 300a. The cable lock 300, 300a further includes a first biasing member 312 configured to bias the locking member 308 toward an engaged or locked state, and a pair of second biasing members 314 configured to cooperate with the housings 304, 304a, 304b to hold the locking member 308 in a disengaged or unlocked state, as described below with respect to Figures 18, 19, 22, and 23.

[0129] 19, 25, and 26, several examples of housings 304, 304a, 304b are provided. The housings 304, 304a, 304b define a length extending between a first end 316 and a second end 318. The housings 304, 304a, 304b include a base portion 320 having an outer surface 322 and an inner cable-receiving surface 324 formed on the opposite side of the base portion 320 from the outer surface 322. A peripheral wall 326, 326a extends from the inner surface 324 and cooperates with the base portion 320 and the cover 306, 306a to define a main cavity 328 of the enclosure 302, 302a configured to receive the cable 402, the locking member 308, and the cable guide 310. In the illustrated example, the peripheral walls 326, 326a include a pair of end walls 327a at each of the first end 316 and second end 318 and a pair of opposing side walls 327b extending between the end walls 327a. In other examples, the peripheral walls may be continuous and define an annular peripheral wall of a circular enclosure 302, or may define a multi-sided polygonal enclosure 302.

[0130] The peripheral walls 326, 326a may include a plurality of cable openings 330a, 330b formed therethrough to provide communication between the main cavities 328, 328a and the exterior of the enclosures 302, 302a. In the illustrated example, the openings 330a, 330b include a first pair of openings 330a proximate the first end 316 for receiving a first end of the cable 402 and a second pair of openings 330b proximate the second end 318 for receiving a second end of the cable 402. In the example of the housing 304 shown in FIG. 19, the openings 330a, 330b are formed in the side walls 327b of the housing. However, the openings 330a, 330b may also be formed through corners of the housings 304a, 304b, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. In other examples, the openings 330a, 330b may be formed entirely within the end walls 327a of the housing.

[0131] 19, 25, and 26, the housings 304, 304a, 304b include a locking channel 332 defined by a pair of opposing engagement portions or surfaces 334 that converge toward one another such that the locking channel 332 is associated with a wedge-shaped configuration that tapers along a direction toward the second end 318 of the housings 304, 304a, 304b. The engagement surfaces 334 are thus defined by corresponding side walls of the housings 304, 304a, 304b that converge toward one another and extend between the inner surface 324 of the base portion 320 and the cover 306, 306a to define the locking channel 332. The engagement surfaces 334 cooperate with the locking member 308 to secure the cable 402, as described in detail below.

[0132] 25 and 26 , in some examples, the housings 304a, 304b may further include one or more shafts 336 configured to be received by the cable guide 310 and act as an axle or spindle about which the cable guide 310 coaxially rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, the housings 304a, 304b each include a pair of shafts 336 disposed between the locking channel 332 and each of the second openings 330b of the second end 318. The shafts 336 are therefore positioned within the housings 304a, 304b such that the cable guide 310 is engaged by the cable 402 when the cable 402 passes between the locking channel 332 and the second opening 330b, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 . However, the shafts 336 may be positioned in other regions of the housing 304 such that the cable guide 310 is positioned along the path of the cable 402.

[0133] 25 and 26 , each of the shafts 336 may include a shoulder portion 338 that protrudes a first distance from the inner surface 324 of the base portion 320 and has a first diameter. The shafts 336 further include a neck portion 340 that extends a second distance from the distal end of the shoulder portion 338 and has a second diameter. The difference in diameter between the shoulder portion 338 and the neck portion 340 defines a flat support surface 341 for rotatably supporting the cable guides 310, as shown in FIG. 24 . An annular recess 342 configured to rotatably receive one of the cable guides 310 is formed in the inner surface 324 of the base portion 320 and is concentric with the shafts 336. Thus, as described below, the cable guides 310 are configured to rotate around the shafts 336 and within the recess 342 as the cables 402 pass through the cable lock 300a.

[0134] 22-25, in some examples, the housing 304a may include a pair of prongs 344 having a first end 346 fixed to the housing 304a and a free-hanging distal end 348 configured to intermittently engage the cable guide 310 to generate incremental feedback corresponding to movement of the cable 402 through the housing 304b a predetermined distance. In the illustrated example, the first end 346 of each prong 344 is attached to a side of a boss extending from the inner surface 324 of the base portion 320. In other examples, the prongs 344 may be attached directly to the base portion 320 or one of the side walls 327 of the housing 304b. In another example, the housing 304b may be formed without prongs, as shown in FIG. 26.

[0135] Each prong 344 extends along a longitudinal axis A in a direction from a first end 346 toward a respective one of the shafts 336. P In some examples, the longitudinal axis A of each prong 344 P is the central axis A of each of the shafts 336 S The prongs 344 are oriented along the longitudinal axis A such that the distal ends 348 of the prongs 344 are movable between an interference position and a clearance position. P26. In the interference position, the distal end 348 of the prong 344 extends within a rotational path of the outer periphery of the cable guide 310, while when the prong 344 is in the clearance position, the distal end 348 of the prong 344 is disposed outside the outer periphery of the cable guide 310. Thus, as the cable 402 is pulled through the cable lock 300a, the cable guide 310 is forced to rotate about the shaft 336 and intermittently engage the distal end 348 of the prong 344, thereby providing audible and tactile feedback to the user indicating the movement of the cable 402. Thus, cooperation of the pulley 310 and the prong 344 may define the feedback mechanism 349 of the cable lock 300a. As mentioned above, the housing 304b may be formed without prongs, as shown in FIG. 26. If the housing 304b is formed without prongs, the pulley 310 may rotate freely within the housing 304b without providing feedback to the user.

[0136] 19, 25, and 26, housing 304, 304a, 304b includes a pair of retention features 350 configured to selectively engage locking member 308 to secure locking member 308 in an unlocked state, as shown in Figures 18 and 23. Retention features 350 associated with housing 304, 304a, 304b may include a first retention feature 350 and a second retention feature 350 disposed on opposite sides of housing 304, 304a, 304b, whereby retention features 350 are biased inwardly toward locking member 308 by second biasing member 314. In the illustrated example, each retention feature 350 includes a flexible tab 352 integrally formed with the housing 304, 304a, 304b such that the retention features 350 act as living hinges movable between engaged and disengaged states to allow the locking member 308 to pass therebetween. Thus, each tab 352 extends along the longitudinal axis A from a fixed first end 354 to a separated distal end 356. TAs shown, the distal end 356 of each tab 352 may partially define a path for the cable 402 between the locking channel 332 and the openings 330 a in the first end 316 of the housing 304. Accordingly, the distal end 356 may include a convex inner guide surface 358 along which the cable 402 passes between the locking channel 332 and a respective one of the first openings 330 a.

[0137] Each of the retention features 350 further includes a protrusion 360 extending laterally into the locking channel 332 from the distal end 356 of the tab 352. The width of the protrusion 360 may taper along a direction from the first end 316 to the second end 318 such that the protrusion 360 includes a retention surface 362 facing the first end 316 of the housing 304 and a biasing surface 364 formed on the opposite side of the protrusion 360 from the retention surface 362. Each of the retention surface 362 and the biasing surface 364 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the housing 304, 304a, 304b. H However, the longitudinal axis A H The angle of the retaining surface 362 relative to the first end 316 may be greater than the angle of the biasing surface 364 such that the retaining surface 362 is configured to provide greater resistance to movement of the locking member 308 toward the second end 318 (i.e., the unlocked state) than toward the first end 316 (i.e., the unlocked state). In the illustrated example, the protrusion 360 is spaced from the distal end 356 of the tab 352 and cooperates with the distal end 356 to define a track 366 or passageway for guiding the cable 402 from the locking channel 332 to one of the first openings 330 a.

[0138] 18, 19, 22, and 23, cable lock 300 includes a pair of second biasing members 314 configured to bias distal ends 356, and therefore protrusions 360, of retention features 350 inwardly toward locking channel 332. In the illustrated example, biasing members 314 apply a continuous biasing force F to distal ends 356 of tabs 352. B In another example, the spring is a compression spring that applies a biasing force F BThe biasing force may be applied by other types of biasing members 314, such as tension springs, coil springs, or by forming the first ends 354 of the tabs 352 as resilient living hinges.

[0139] 18, 19, 22, and 23, the locking member 308 is configured to be slidably received within the locking channel 332 of the housing 304. As described above, the locking member 308 is operable between a locked state and an unlocked state to selectively secure the position of the cable 402. The locking member 308 includes a first end 368, a second end 370, and a pair of locking surfaces 372 formed on opposite sides of the locking member between the first end 368 and the second end 370. In some examples, the locking surfaces 372 converge toward each other along a direction from the first end 368 to the second end 370 such that the locking surfaces 372 are parallel to each of the engagement surfaces 334 of the housing 304 when the locking member 308 is disposed within the locking channel 332. In the illustrated example, the locking surface 372 includes protrusions or teeth 373 configured to grip the cable 402 when the locking member 308 is in the locked state, thereby permitting movement of the cable 402 toward the first end 318 of the housing 304 while restricting movement of the cable 402 toward the second end 316 of the housing 304.

[0140] The first end 368 of the locking member 308 may include a tab portion 374 having a flared protrusion 376 extending outwardly therefrom and a pair of detents 378 formed between the protrusion 376 and the locking surface 372. Generally, the protrusion 376 includes an opposing biasing surface 380 facing toward the first end 368 of the locking member 308 and a retaining surface 382 facing away from the biasing surface 380. The retaining surface 382 defines a portion of the detent 378. The biasing surface 380 of the protrusion 376 is configured to interface with the biasing surface 364 of the retention feature 350 to spread the protrusions 360 apart from each other when the protrusion 376 passes between them as the locking member 308 moves toward the first end 316 of the housing 304. The retention surface 382 of the protrusion 376 is configured to interface with the retention surface 362 of the retention feature 350 to secure the locking member 308 in the unlocked state, as shown in FIGS.

[0141] 18, 19, 22, and 23, locking member 308 includes a first biasing member 312 attached to second end 370 and a release cable 384 attached to first end 368. As shown, first biasing member 312 is a tension spring having a first end attached to second end 370 of locking member 308 and a second end attached to second end 318 of housing 304. Thus, first biasing member 312 applies a continuous engagement force F to bias locking member 308 toward the locked state. E to the locking member 308. Conversely, a release cable 384 is attached to a tab 374 at the first end 368 of the locking member 308 and is configured to apply a selectively applied release force F R to the first end 368 of the locking member 308. As will be explained below, the release force F R is the engagement force F E If so, the locking member 308 moves from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0142] Referring to the example of cable lock 300a shown in FIG. 21 , cable guide 310 is a pair of pulleys 310 rotatably coupled to shaft 336 of housing 304. As shown in FIG. 27 , each pulley 310 includes an upper surface 386 and a lower surface 388 that define a thickness of pulley 310, and an opening 390 extending through the thickness of pulley 310 and configured to rotatably receive shaft 336 of housing 304. Opening 390 may include an inwardly extending flange 391 having an inner surface for rotatably receiving neck portion 340 of shaft 336 and a lower surface that is supported by support surface 341 of shoulder portion 338 of shaft 336, as shown in FIG. 24 . An outer wall 392 of pulley 310 extends between upper surface 386 and lower surface 388 and defines a minor diameter of the pulley.

[0143] 27, each pulley 310 includes an upper flange 394a and a lower flange 394b. The upper flange 394a is collectively formed by a plurality of upper protrusions 396a that are evenly spaced around the outer wall 392 of the pulley 310 and adjacent the upper surface 386. The upper protrusions 396a each extend a first length L1 around the outer wall 392 of the pulley 310 and are spaced apart a first distance D1. Similarly, the lower flange 394b is collectively formed by a plurality of lower protrusions 396b that are evenly spaced around the outer wall 392 of the pulley 310 and adjacent the lower surface 388. The lower protrusions 396b extend a second length L2 around the outer wall 392 of the pulley and are spaced apart a second distance D2.

[0144] In the illustrated example, the first length L1 of the upper protrusions 396a is the same as the second distance D2 between the lower protrusions 396b, and the second length L2 of the lower protrusions 396b is the same as the first distance D1 between the upper protrusions 396a. Furthermore, each of the upper protrusions 396a is axially aligned with the space formed between adjacent ones of the lower protrusions 396b. Thus, the upper protrusions 396a and the lower protrusions 396b are alternately arranged around the outer wall 392 and do not overlap in the axial direction of the pulley 310. In other examples, different lengths and spaces may be used such that the protrusions 396a, 396b overlap each other in the axial direction.

[0145] The upper protrusion 396 a and the lower protrusion 396 b cooperate with the outer wall 392 of the pulley 310 to define a groove 398 configured to receive a portion of the cable 402 therein. As described above, where the flanges 394 a, 394 b are defined by the protrusions 396 a, 396 b, the groove 398 may be intermittently and alternately defined by the protrusions 396 a, 396 b. Thus, the cable 402 is continuously supported within the groove 398 by at least one of the upper protrusion 396 a and the lower protrusion 396 b.

[0146] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 24 , each of the pulleys 310 is configured to be received within a respective one of the annular recesses 342 of the housings 304a, 304b such that the distal end 348 of one of the prongs 344 extends into the space formed between adjacent ones of the lower protrusions 396b. Thus, the distal end 348 of the prongs 344 interferes with the rotational path of the lower protrusions 396b. As the pulley 310 rotates, the lower protrusions 396b intermittently engage the distal end 348 of the prongs 344. This intermittent engagement provides both audible feedback in the form of a clicking noise and tactile feedback in the form of intermittent increases in resistance. Thus, cooperation between the pulleys 310 and the prongs 344 may be referred to as forming a feedback mechanism 349 of the cable lock 300.

[0147] 17 and 22 are top views of cable lock 300, 300a with cover 306, 306a removed to show locking member 308, release cable 384, and cable 402 disposed within locking channel 332 of housing 304, 304a, 304b while in the locked state. In some examples, locking member 308 is biased to the locked state by first biasing member 312. For example, FIGS. 17 and 22 show that an engagement force F is applied to locking member 308 to bias second end 370 of locking member 308 toward second end 318 of housing 304, 304a, 304b, thereby biasing locking member 308. E 3 shows a first biasing member 312 that applies a force.

[0148] During the locked state, the locking member 308 limits movement of the cable 402 relative to the housings 304, 304a, 304b by pinching the cable 402 between the engagement surface 334 and the locking surface 372. Thus, the locked state of the locking member 308 is maintained by a relaxation force F L When a force is applied to the cable 402, the cable 402 moves in a relaxed direction D L In the illustrated example, the locking member 308 limits movement to a clamping force F T When a force is applied to the control portion 406, this direction causes the cable 402 to apply a force to the locking member 308 due to the generally wedge-shaped shape of the locking member 308, thereby moving the locking member 308 toward the unlocked state, thereby allowing movement of the cable 402. The locking member 308 automatically returns to the locked state when the force applied to the control portion 406 is released due to the force applied to the locking member 308 by the first biasing member 312.

[0149] 18 and 23 provide top views of cable lock 300 with covers 306, 306a removed to show locking member 308 positioned within locking channel 332 of housing 304, 304a, 304b during an unlocked state. In some examples, a release cable 384 attached to tab 374 of locking member 308 applies a release force F to locking member 308 to move locking member 308 away from engagement surface 334. R where the release force F R is the engagement force F of the first biasing member 312 to allow the locking member 308 to move relative to the housing 304 such that the pinching of the locking segments 420, 422 of the cable 402 between the locking surface 372 and the engagement surface 334 is released. E In some instances, the engagement force F E is the release force F applied by the release cable 384 R When removed, it causes the locking member 308 to return to the locked state.

[0150] During the unlocked state, the locking member 308 allows movement of the cable 402 relative to the housings 304, 304a, 304b by allowing the locking segments 420, 422 of the cable 402 to move freely between the respective locking surfaces 372 and engagement surfaces 334. The unlocked state of the locking member 308 is maintained by a tension force F T , F L is applied to the control portion 406 and the fastening portion 408, respectively, the tightening direction D of the cable 402 T , relaxation direction D L Tightening direction D allows movement in both directions. T Movement of the cable 402 in the relaxation direction D decreases the effective length of the fastening portion 408 and tightens the adjustment regions 112, 114 of the upper 100, thereby moving the upper 100 to a tightened state to close the interior space 102 around the foot, while movement of the cable 402 in the relaxation direction D decreases the effective length of the fastening portion 408 and tightens the adjustment regions 112, 114 of the upper 100, thereby moving the upper 100 to a tightened state to close the interior space 102 around the foot. L Movement of cable 402 at increases the effective length of fastening portion 408, allowing adjustment regions 112, 114 to return to their flat, relaxed state, thereby facilitating the transition of upper 100 from a fastened state to a relaxed state so that the foot can be removed from interior cavity 102.

[0151] In some examples, the release force F applied to the release cable 384 R A sufficient magnitude and / or duration of the engagement force F causes the release cable 384 to apply an engagement force F such that the locking member 308 moves relative to the housing 304, 304a, 304b away from the engagement surface 334 and toward the first end 316 of the housing 304, 304a, 304b. E A release force F is applied to the locking member 308 in the direction opposite to the direction of R At least one of the retention features 350 of the housings 304, 304a, 304b applies a release force F, as shown in FIGS. Rmay engage a detent 378 of the locking member 308 when the locking member 308 is moved a predetermined distance away from the engagement surface 334 of the housing 304. Here, the engagement of the detent 378 of the locking member 308 with the at least one retention feature 350 of the housing 304, 304a, 304b is effected by a release force F R When the engagement force F of the first biasing member 312 is released, the locking member 308 remains in the unlocked state. E and the force applied to the retention feature 350 by the pair of second biasing members 314 is such that the locking member 308 moves a predetermined distance and a release force F R After pressure is no longer applied, protrusion 360 of retention feature 350 locks into engagement with detent 378 of locking member 308 .

[0152] In some scenarios, the first magnitude-related release force F R may be applied to the release cable 384 to move the locking member 308 away from the engagement surface 334 a distance less than a predetermined distance, thereby disengaging the retention feature 350. In these scenarios, a release force F associated with the first magnitude R The cable 402 can be moved in a relaxed direction D to adjust the fit of the interior cavity 102 around the foot. L (For example, a loosening force F L (by applying a force) or tightening direction D T (For example, the clamping force F T Once the desired fit of the interior cavity 102 around the foot is achieved, the release force F R is released, returning locking member 308 to the locked state, resulting in movement of cable 402 in the relaxation direction D L Even when the locking member 308 is in the locked state, the cable 402 can be tightened in the tightening direction D T In this way, the relaxation force F Lis released and the desired fit is achieved, the locking member 308 automatically maintains the desired fit by locking the position of the cable 402 relative to the housings 304, 304a, 304b.

[0153] In other scenarios, a release force F associated with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude R may be applied to the release cable 384 to move the locking member 308 a predetermined distance away from the engagement surface 334 to engage the corresponding retention feature 350 with the detent 378. The engagement of the retention feature 350 occurs when the locking member 308 is pulled against the biasing force F applied by the second biasing member 314 when the release cable 384 is pulled the predetermined distance. B This is facilitated by providing a tapered biasing surface 364 on the protrusion 360 of the retention feature 350 that faces the locking member 308 to allow the retention feature 350 to move more easily. In these scenarios, engagement of the corresponding retention feature 350 with the detent 378 is facilitated by a release force F R is released, maintaining the locking member 308 in an unlocked state.

[0154] The locking member 308 has a clamping force F T is applied to the control portion 406, it returns to the locked state. T When a force is applied to the control portion 406, the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 are placed in tension that applies a force to the second biasing member 314 via the distal ends 356 of the tabs 352 of the retaining feature 350 as the first control segment 412 and the second control segment 414 pass through the first opening 330a, as shown in Figures 17 and 22. In doing so, the distal ends 356 of the retaining feature 350 compress the second biasing member 314, thereby moving the protrusions 360 of the retaining feature 350 away from each other and disengaging the detents 378 of the locking member 308, thereby allowing the first biasing member 312 to return the locking member 308 to the locked state.

[0155] The following provisions provide exemplary configurations for articles of footwear and cable locks in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0156] Clause 1: An article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and having a first region and a second region, and a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear further includes (i) a cable having a first fastening segment extending across the first region to a first termination secured to one of the upper and the sole structure and a second fastening segment extending across the second region to a second termination secured to the one of the upper and the sole structure, and (ii) a cable lock attached to one of the upper and the sole structure, the cable lock configured to receive the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment and operable to secure the position of each of the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment independently of one another.

[0157] The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein either or both of the first region and the second region comprise an elastic material.

[0158] Clause 3: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cable lock is disposed within the sole structure.

[0159] Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cable lock further includes a release cable operable to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0160] Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first region is disposed on an inner side of the upper and the second region is disposed on an outer side of the upper.

[0161] Clause 6: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region includes an upper edge including a first series of cable guides and a lower edge including a second series of cable guides, and at least one of the first fastening segments and the second fastening segments are routed alternately between the first series of cable guides and the second series of cable guides along a length of at least one of the first region and the second region.

[0162] Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first terminal end is secured to an inner side of the upper and the second terminal end is secured to an outer side of the upper.

[0163] Clause 8: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cable includes a first control segment connected to the first fastening segment through a cable lock, and a second control segment connected to the second fastening segment through a cable lock.

[0164] Clause 9: The article of footwear of clause 8, wherein a tensile force applied to the first control segment induces a first clamping force on the first fastening segment and a second clamping force on the second fastening segment.

[0165] Clause 10: The article of footwear of clause 9, wherein the first clamping force is either greater than or less than the second clamping force.

[0166] Clause 11: A footwear product according to any of clauses 1-4 and 8-10, wherein the first region is positioned closer to the ankle opening of the upper than the second region, and the second region is positioned closer to the toe region of the upper than the first region.

[0167] Clause 12: An article of footwear includes an upper defining an interior void and having a first region and a second region, and a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear further includes: (i) a cable having a first fastening segment extending across the first region to a first terminal end secured to the upper, a second fastening segment extending across the second region to a second terminal end secured to the upper, and a control portion operable to provide at least one of a first fastening force to the first fastening segment and a second fastening force to the second fastening segment, the first fastening force being either greater than or less than the second fastening force; and (ii) a cable lock attached to one of the upper and the sole structure and receiving a portion of the cable therein, the cable lock operable between a locked state that prevents movement of the cable and an unlocked state that allows movement of the cable.

[0168] Clause 13: The article of footwear of clause 12, wherein the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment are connected to the control portion at a cable lock.

[0169] Clause 14: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cable lock is disposed within the sole structure.

[0170] Clause 15: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cable lock further includes a release cable operable to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0171] Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first region is disposed on an inner side of the upper and the second region is disposed on an outer side of the upper.

[0172] Clause 17: The article of footwear of any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region extends from the ankle opening to the forefoot region of the upper.

[0173] Clause 18: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region includes an upper edge including a first series of cable guides and a lower edge including a second series of cable guides, and at least one of the first fastening segments and the second fastening segments are routed alternately between the first series of cable guides and the second series of cable guides along the length of at least one of the first region and the second region.

[0174] Clause 19: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first terminal end is disposed on an inner side of the upper and the second terminal end is disposed on an outer side of the upper.

[0175] Clause 20: The article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the control portion includes a first control segment connected to the first fastening segment by the sole structure, and a second control segment connected to the second fastening segment by the sole structure.

[0176] Clause 21: The article of footwear of clause 20, wherein a tensile force applied to the first control segment induces a first clamping force on the first fastening segment and a second clamping force on the second fastening segment.

[0177] Clause 22: The footwear product of any of clauses 12 to 15 and clauses 19 to 21, wherein the first region is positioned closer to the ankle opening of the upper than the second region, and the second region is positioned closer to the toe region of the upper than the first region.

[0178] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be modified in various ways. Such modifications are not considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Footwear products: An upper having a first region defining an internal cavity and a second region extending continuously with the first region, the second region extending from a first end adjacent to the opening of the internal cavity to a second end of either the forefoot region or the midfoot region, so as to form a continuous adjustment region; The sole structure attached to the upper; A cable including a first fastening segment extending in a meandering manner across the first region to a first end fixed to one of the upper and sole structures, and a second fastening segment extending in a meandering manner across the second region to a second end fixed to one of the upper and sole structures; A cable lock coupled to one of the upper and sole structures, configured to receive first and second fastening segments, and operable to independently fix the positions of the first and second fastening segments; The cable includes a first control segment connected to the first fastening segment by the cable lock, and a second control segment connected to the second fastening segment by the cable lock, wherein the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment form a continuous loop, and the first fastening segment and the second fastening segment form a continuous length of the cable. The first fastening segment is configured to adjust the fit of the upper along the first region, and the second fastening segment is configured to adjust the fit of the upper along the second region, independently of the fit of the upper along the first region. Footwear products.

2. Either or both of the first and second regions include an elastic material. The footwear product according to claim 1.

3. The footwear product according to claim 1, wherein the cable lock is disposed within the sole structure. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cable lock further includes a release cable that can be operated to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

5. At least one of the first region and the second region includes a first edge having a first series of cable guides and a second edge having a second series of cable guides, and at least one of the first fastening segments and the second fastening segments are alternately arranged between the first series of cable guides and the second series of cable guides along the length of at least one of the first region and the second region. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first terminal portion is fixed to the forefoot region, and the second terminal portion is fixed to the upper in the midfoot region. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The first end portion is fixed to the inner side of the upper, and the second end portion is fixed to the outer side of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The first region is positioned closer to the ankle opening of the upper than the second region, and the second region is positioned closer to the toe region of the upper than the first region. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The first region is located in the forefoot region of the upper, and the second region is located in the midfoot region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The first region and the second region extend along the instep region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The first fastening segment is operable to tighten the first region at a first speed, and the second fastening segment is operable to tighten the second region at a second speed different from the first speed. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The cable lock is positioned on either the tongue portion of the upper or the heel region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 1 or 2.

13. Footwear products: An upper comprising: defining an internal cavity and having a first region and a second region extending continuously with the first region, the second region extending from a first end adjacent to the opening of the internal cavity to a second end of either the forefoot region or the midfoot region, wherein the upper includes an inelastic region partially enclosing each of the first and second regions; The sole structure attached to the upper; A fastening cable comprising: a first fastening section extending across the first region to a first end fixed to the upper in the inelastic region; a second fastening section extending across the second region to a second end fixed to the upper in the inelastic region; and a control portion operable to independently provide at least one of a first fastening force to the first fastening section and a second fastening force to the second fastening section, wherein the first fastening force is either greater than or less than the second fastening force; A cable lock, attached to one of the upper and sole structures, which receives a portion of the cable internally, wherein the cable lock is operable between a locked state that prevents the cable from moving and an unlocked state that allows the cable to move; Footwear products.

14. The first fastening section and the second fastening section are connected to the control portion in the cable lock. The footwear product according to claim 13.

15. The cable lock is located within the sole structure. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The cable lock further comprises a release cable that is operable to move the cable lock from the locked state to the unlocked state. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

17. The first and second regions extend from the ankle opening to the forefoot region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

18. At least one of the first region and the second region includes a first edge having a first series of cable guides and a second edge having a second series of cable guides, and at least one of the first fastening section and the second fastening section is alternately arranged between the first series of cable guides and the second series of cable guides along the length of at least one of the first region and the second region. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

19. The first terminal portion is fixed to the forefoot region, and the second terminal portion is fixed to the upper in the midfoot region. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

20. The first end portion is positioned on the inner side of the upper, and the second end portion is positioned on the outer side of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

21. The control portion includes a first control segment connected to the first fastening section in the sole structure and a second control segment connected to the second fastening section in the sole structure. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

22. The tensile force applied to the first control segment induces a first tightening force in the first fastening section and a second tightening force in the second fastening section. The footwear product according to claim 21.

23. The first region is positioned closer to the ankle opening of the upper than the second region, and the second region is positioned closer to the toe region of the upper than the first region. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

24. The first region is located in the forefoot region of the upper, and the second region is located in the midfoot region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

25. The first region and the second region extend along the instep region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

26. The first fastening section is operable to tighten the first region at a first speed, and the second fastening section is operable to tighten the second region at a second speed different from the first speed. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

27. The cable lock is positioned on either the tongue portion of the upper or the heel region of the upper. The footwear product according to claim 13 or 14.

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