Gesture recognition device for footwear motor actuation

Abstract

To provide a gesture recognition device configured to detect a gesture performed by a user for operating a motor of a closing machine of an article of footwear.SOLUTION: A gesture recognition device may include a sensor unit with an accelerometer sensor, and an analysis unit in operative communication with the sensor unit. The analysis unit may be configured to execute a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject possible gesture event data received from the sensor unit as a true gesture event. If the gesture confirmation algorithm confirms the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, the analysis unit may output a signal to actuate the motor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Each aspect of the present disclosure generally relates to a circuit configured to be integrated into an article of footwear, and a process executed by the circuit to enhance posture recognition for operating a motor within the footwear.

Background Art

[0002] This embodiment generally relates to footwear, and more particularly to an article of footwear having a gesture recognition device for operating a motor device within the footwear.

[0003] Articles of footwear generally include two main elements: an upper structure and a sole structure. The upper is typically formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched together or integrally adhesively engaged to form a void for comfortably and securely receiving the foot within the footwear. More specifically, the upper forms a structure that extends around the heel region of the foot along the inner and outer sides of the foot from the instep to the toe region. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system that not only adjusts the fit of the footwear but also allows access to the void within the upper of the foot. Additionally, the upper may include tongues that extend beneath the lacing system to improve the adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.

[0004] The sole structure is fixed to the lower part of the upper so as to be located between the foot and the ground. In sports shoes, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed of a polymer foam material that weakens the ground reaction force (provides a cushioning effect) during walking, running, and other walking activities. For example, the midsole may also include a chamber, plate, cushioning material, or another element filled with a fluid that further weakens the force, improves stability, or affects the movement of the foot. The outsole forms the ground contact element of the footwear and is usually made of a durable and wear-resistant rubber material including texturing for providing static friction. The sole structure may include an insole located within the upper and close to the lower surface of the foot to improve the comfort of the footwear.

[0005] To achieve an improvement in the fitting of the footwear article to the user's foot, an electronic actuation mechanism for tightening or loosening the footwear article on the user may be used. In one example, the electronic actuation mechanism may enable fine adjustment of the tightening during wear when the user exercises throughout the day. The electronic actuation mechanism may also improve the speed at which the user puts on and takes off the footwear article. Additionally, the electronic actuation mechanism for further tightening the footwear article may enable a user with reduced hand motor skills or other impairments to effectively tighten the footwear article on the foot. However, existing mechanisms for controlling the operation of such electronic actuation mechanisms cannot effectively recognize gestures intended to operate the mechanism and cannot exclude signals that do not indicate the intended gesture by the user.

[0006] Therefore, an improved system and method for solving at least one or more of these technical drawbacks are required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Based on the above background, to provide a basic understanding of multiple aspects of the present invention, a simplified summary of the present disclosure is presented below. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify key elements or critical elements of the present invention or to delineate the scope of the present invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the present invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Each aspect of the present invention relates to an article of footwear that may include a motor configured to operate a lacing system of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may additionally include a gesture recognition device configured to detect gestures made by a user to operate the motor. The gesture recognition device may include a sensor unit including an accelerometer sensor and a buffer module, and an analysis unit operably communicating with the sensor unit. The analysis unit may be configured to execute a gesture confirmation algorithm that confirms or rejects possible gesture event data received from the buffer module as a true gesture event. When the gesture confirmation algorithm confirms the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, the analysis unit may output a signal to operate the motor.

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description of embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Each aspect of the present disclosure relates to the acquisition, storage, and / or processing of motion data related to the physical movements of an athlete. The motion data can be actively or passively sensed and / or stored on one or more non-transitory storage media. Another aspect relates to using the motion data to generate outputs such as, for example, calculated motion characteristics, feedback signals for providing guidance, and / or other information. These and other aspects are discussed in connection with the following specific examples of a personal training system.

[0013] In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the headings within the present disclosure are not to be construed as limiting aspects of the present disclosure, and exemplary embodiments are not limited to the exemplary headings.

[0014] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and are not limiting. The steps, processes, and operations of the methods described herein are not necessarily to be construed as requiring execution in the particular order shown or described, unless explicitly specified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0015] When an element or layer is said to be "on" another element or layer, or "engaged with", "connected to", "attached to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly on", "directly engaged with", "directly connected to", "directly attached to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, intervening elements or layers may not be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (i.e., "between" vs. "directly between", "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0016] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated in the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of an exemplary configuration.

[0017] I. Examples of Personal Training Systems A. Specific Network

[0018] Each aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems and methods that can be utilized across multiple networks. In this regard, certain embodiments may be configured to adapt to a dynamic network environment. Further embodiments may operate in different individual network environments. FIG. 1 is an example of a personal training system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary system 100 may include one or more interconnected networks, such as, for example, a specific body area network (BAN) 102, a local area network (LAN) 104, and a wide area network (WAN) 106. As shown in FIG. 1 (and as described throughout the present disclosure), one or more networks (i.e., BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106) may overlap with each other or be included in another way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific networks 102-106 are logical networks that may each include one or more different communication protocols and / or network architectures, and may be configured to have gateways to each other or to other networks. For example, each of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106 may be operably connected to the same physical network architecture, such as a cellular network architecture 108 and / or a WAN architecture 110. For example, a portable electronic device 112 may be regarded as a component of both BAN 102 and LAN 104, and may convert data and control signals into network messages or from network messages according to one or more communication protocols, such as, for example, the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Internet Protocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), via one or more architectures 108 and / or 110. These protocols are well known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0019] Network architectures 108 and 110 can include one or more information distribution networks of any type or topology (e.g., cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc.) alone or in combination, and thus can be configured in various ways, for example, having one or more wired or wireless communication channels (including but not limited to WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC), and / or ANT technology). Thus, any device within the network of FIG. 1 (e.g., portable electronic device 112 or other device described herein) can be considered to be included in one or more different logical networks 102-106. In view of the above, exemplary components of specific BAN and LAN (couplable to WAN 106) will be described.

[0020] 1. Exemplary Local Area Network LAN 104 can include one or more electronic devices such as, for example, computer device 114. Computer device 114, or any other component of system 100, can include a portable terminal such as a telephone, music player, tablet, netbook, or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer device 114 can include a media player or recorder, desktop computer, server, game console such as, for example, a Microsoft® XBOX®, Sony® Playstation, and / or Nintendo® Wii game console. Those skilled in the art will understand that these are merely exemplary devices for illustrative purposes only and that the present disclosure is not limited to consoles or computing devices.

[0021] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the design and structure of computer device 114 may vary depending on several factors such as the intended purpose. FIG. 2, which shows a block diagram of computing device 200, provides one implementation of computer device 114. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosure of FIG. 2 may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. Device 200 may include one or more processors such as processors 202-1 and 202-2 (herein generally referred to as "processor 202" or "processors 202"). Processors 202 can communicate with each other or with other components via an interconnect network or bus 204. Processor 202 may include one or more processing cores such as cores 206-1 and 206-2 (referred to herein as "multiple cores 206" or more generally "core 206") that may be implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0022] Core 206 may include a shared cache 208 and / or private caches (e.g., caches 210-1 and 210-2 respectively). One or more caches 208 / 210 can locally cache data stored in system memory such as memory 212 for fast access by components of processor 202. Memory 212 may communicate with processor 202 via chipset 216 or communication bus 216. Cache 208 may be a part of system memory 212 in certain embodiments. Memory 212 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and one or more solid-state memories, and may also include optical or magnetic storage, and / or any other medium that can be used to store electronic information. However, in other embodiments, system memory 212 may be omitted.

[0023] System 200 may include one or more I / O devices (i.e., for example, I / O devices 214-1 to 214-3, generally referred to as I / O device 214 respectively). I / O data from the one or more I / O devices 214 may be stored in one or more caches 208, 210 and / or system memory 212. Each I / O device 214 may be permanently or temporarily configured to communicate with components of system 100 using any physical communication protocol or wireless communication protocol.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 1, it is shown that four exemplary I / O devices (displayed as elements 116-122) are communicating with computer device 114. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the devices 116-122 may be stand-alone devices or may be associated with another device other than computer device 114. For example, one or more I / O devices may be associated with and / or interact with components of BAN 102 and / or WAN 106. The I / O devices 116-122 may include, but are not limited to, motion data acquisition units such as sensors. One or more I / O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and / or measure motion parameters from a user such as user 124. For example, but not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, positioning devices (such as GPS), optical (including visible light) sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient temperature and / or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitors, image capture sensors, moisture sensors, force sensors, compasses, angular velocity sensors, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] In further embodiments, the I / O devices 116-122 can be used for providing output (i.e., audible, visual, or tactile cues) and / or receiving input such as user input from the athlete 124. Examples of the use of these specific I / O devices are provided below, but those skilled in the art will understand that such descriptions are merely illustrative of some of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Further, any reference to an arbitrary data acquisition unit, I / O device, or sensor is to be construed as disclosing embodiments that may have (either alone or in combination) one or more I / O devices, data acquisition units, and / or sensors as disclosed herein or known in the art.

[0026] Information from one or more devices (via one or more networks) is used (or used to form) to provide various different parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristics, which can include, but are not limited to, motion parameters (such as speed, acceleration, distance, steps taken, direction, relative movement of a particular body part or object relative to another particular body part or object), or other motion parameters (such as angular velocity, linear velocity, or a combination thereof), or physiological parameters (such as calories, heart rate, detection of sweat, force applied, oxygen consumption, oxygen kinetics, and other metrics that may belong to one or more categories such as pressure, impact force, information about the athlete (height, weight, age, demographic information, and combinations thereof, etc.)).

[0027] System 100 may be configured to transmit and / or receive exercise data including parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristics collected within or provided to System 100. As an example, WAN 106 may include server 111. Server 111 may have one or more components of system 200 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, server 111 includes at least one processor and memory, such as processor 206 and memory 212. Server 111 may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may include exercise data such as raw data or processed data collected within System 100. System 100 may be configured to send data such as energy consumption points to a social networking website or host such a site. Server 111 may be utilized to enable one or more users to access and / or compare athletic data. Thus, server 111 may be configured to send and / or receive notifications based on exercise data or other information.

[0028] Returning to LAN 104, computer device 114 is shown to operably communicate with display device 116, image capture device 118, sensor 120, and exercise device 122, which will be described sequentially below with reference to exemplary embodiments. In one embodiment, display device 116 can provide visual instructions to athlete 124 to perform special exercise movements. The visual instructions may be provided in response to computer-executable instructions executed on computer device 114 or any other device including BAN 102 or WAN. Display device 116 may be a touch screen device or may be configured to receive user input.

[0029] In one embodiment, data may be obtained from other sensors such as image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120. Sensor 120 may be used alone or in combination with other devices to detect (and / or measure) motion parameters or stored information. Image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120 may include a transceiver. In one embodiment, sensor 128 may include an infrared (IR), electromagnetic wave (Em), or acoustic transceiver. For example, image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120 may include a direction towards athlete 124 and transmit a waveform to an environment that receives a “reflection” or detects a change in these emitted waveforms. One of ordinary skill in the art can readily recognize that signals corresponding to a number of different data spectra may be utilized according to various embodiments. In this regard, devices 118 and / or 120 may detect waveforms emitted from an external source (i.e., not system 100). For example, devices 118 and / or 120 may detect heat emitted from user 124 and / or the surrounding environment. Accordingly, image capture device 126 and / or sensor 128 may include one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, image capture device 126 and / or sensor 128 may include an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology.

[0030] In one embodiment, the exercise device 122 can be any device configured to enable or facilitate physical movement of the athlete 124, such as, for example, a treadmill, a step machine, etc. There is no need to fix the device. In this regard, since wireless technology enables the use of portable devices, a bicycle or other mobile exercise device can be utilized according to a particular embodiment. One skilled in the art will understand that the device 122 is an interface for receiving an electronic device including exercise data executed remotely from the computer device 114, or constitutes an interface. For example, the user can use a sports device (described later in relation to BAN102) and download the exercise data to the element 122 of the system 100 or any other device when returning home or to the location where the device 122 is located. Any I / O device described in this document can be configured to receive activity data.

[0031] 2. Body Area Network BAN102 may include two or more devices configured to facilitate the reception, transmission, or collection of exercise data (including passive devices). Exemplary devices may include, but are not limited to, one or more data acquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosed herein, including the I / O devices 116 - 122. Two or more components of BAN102 may communicate directly, but in other embodiments, communication can be performed via a third device that may be part of BAN102, LAN104, and / or WAN106. One or more components of LAN104 or WAN106 may form part of BAN102. In a particular embodiment, whether a device such as the portable device 112 is part of BAN102, LAN104, and / or WAN106 may depend on the proximity to the athlete's access point for enabling communication with the mobile cellular network architecture 108 and / or WAN architecture 110. User activity and / or preferences may also affect whether one or more components are utilized as part of BAN102. Exemplary embodiments are provided below.

[0032] User 124 may be associated with any number of devices, such as portable device 112, shoe-mounted device 126, wrist-worn device 128, and / or detection locations, such as detection location 130 (i.e., all carry, wear, and / or interaction), which may include physical devices or locations used for information collection. One or more of devices 112, 126, 128, and / or 130 may not be specifically designed for fitness or sports purposes. In fact, each aspect of the present disclosure relates to collecting, detecting, and / or measuring motion data using data from multiple devices, some of which are not fitness devices. In certain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN 102 (or any other network) may include fitness or sports devices specifically designed for a particular sports use. As used herein, the term "sports device" includes any physical object that may be used or involved during a particular sports or fitness activity. Exemplary sports devices include, but are not limited to, golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, power balls, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may include objects within a sports environment where special sports occur, such as the environment itself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard, etc., and parts of the field, such as the center line, outer boundary markers, bases, and combinations thereof.

[0033] In this regard, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that one or more sports devices may be part of (or form) the structure, and conversely, the structure may include one or more sports devices or may be configured to interact with a sports device. For example, the first structure includes a basketball hoop and a backboard, which are removable and can be replaced with a goal post. In this regard, one or more sports devices may include one or more sensors that provide information used in combination with other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one or more structures, such as the one or more sensors described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. For example, the backboard may include a first sensor configured to measure the force and direction of force by a basketball on the backboard, and the hoop may include a second sensor for detecting force. Similarly, a golf club may include a first sensor configured to detect grip characteristics on the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure the impact by a golf ball.

[0034] Looking at a specific portable device 112, it can be a multi-purpose electronic device, for example, a telephone or digital music player, IPOD (registered trademark), IPAD (registered trademark), or iPhone (registered trademark), a branded device available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, a California or Zune (registered trademark) or Microsoft (registered trademark) Windows device available from Microsoft of Redmond, Washington. As is known in the art, a digital media player can function as an output device, an input device, and / or a storage device for a computer. The device 112 can be configured as an input device for receiving raw or processed data collected from one or more devices within the BAN 102, LAN 104, or WAN 106. In one or more embodiments, the portable device 112 can include one or more components of the computer device 114. For example, the portable device 112 can include a display 116, an image capture device 118, and / or one or more data collection devices such as any of the I / O devices 116-122 described above, with or without additional components, to include a portable terminal.

[0035] a. Specific apparel / accessory sensors In certain embodiments, the I / O device can be formed within or associated with the clothing or accessories of the user 124, including a wristwatch, a bracelet, a wristband, a necklace, a shirt, shoes, etc. These devices can be configured to monitor the user's movement actions. It should be understood that the movement actions can be detected while the user 124 is interacting with the computer device 114 and / or while operating independently of the computer device 114 (or any other device disclosed herein). For example, one or more devices within the BAN 102 can be configured to function as all-day activity monitoring that measures activities regardless of the user's proximity or interaction with the computer device 114. It should also be understood that the sensing system 302 shown in FIG. 3 and the device assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4, described in the following paragraphs respectively, are only specific examples.

[0036] i. Boot-mounted device In certain embodiments, the device 126 shown in FIG. 1 may include footwear that may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor system 302 that provides one or more sensor assemblies 304. Assembly 304 may include one or more sensors such as, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a positioning component, a force sensor, and / or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In a specific embodiment, assembly 304 incorporates a plurality of sensors that may include force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors 306, although other sensors may be utilized. Port 308 can be located within the sole structure 309 of the shoe and is generally configured to communicate with one or more electronic device ports. Port 308 may optionally be provided to communicate with an electronic module 310, and the sole structure 309 may optionally include a housing 311 or other structure for receiving module 310. Sensor system 302 may further include a plurality of leads 312 that connect FSR sensors 306 to port 308 to enable communication with module 310 and / or other electronic devices via port 308. Module 310 may be included within a well or cavity in the sole structure of the shoe, and housing 311 may be located within the well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a single housing such as module 310 and / or housing 311. In at least one further embodiment, one or more sensors are provided that are configured to provide direction information and angular velocity data when operable. Port 308 and module 310 include complementary interfaces 314, 316 for connection and communication.

[0037] In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor 306 shown in FIG. 3 may include a first and a second electrode or electrode electrical contacts 318, 320 disposed between electrodes 318, 320 to integrally and electrically connect the electrodes 318, 320 and a force-sensitive material 322. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material 322, the resistivity and / or conductivity of the force-sensitive material 322 changes, causing a change in the potential between electrodes 318, 320. To detect the force applied to the sensor 316, the change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system 302. The force-sensitive resistive material 322 can vary its resistance under pressure in various ways. For example, the force-sensitive material 322 may have an internal resistance that decreases as the material is compressed. In further embodiments, “volume-based resistance” that can be implemented via “smart materials” may be utilized. As another example, the resistance of the material 322 can be changed by altering the degree of surface-to-surface contact, such as between two force-sensitive materials 322 or between the force-sensitive material 322 and one or both of the electrodes 318, 320. In some cases, this type of force-sensitive resistive operation may be described as “contact-based resistance”.

[0038] ii. Wrist-worn device As shown in FIG. 4, device 400 (similar to or may include the sensing device 128 shown in FIG. 1) may be configured to be worn by user 124 on the wrist, arm, ankle, neck, etc. Device 400 may include an input mechanism such as input button 402 configured to be used during operation of device 400. Input button 402 may be operably connected to controller 404 and / or any other electronic component such as one or more of the elements described with respect to computer device 114 shown in FIG. 1. Controller 404 may be embedded in housing 406 or may be part of housing 406. Housing 406 may be formed of one or more materials including elastic components and may include one or more displays such as display 408. The display may be regarded as an illuminable part of device 400. Display 408 may include lighting elements or lighting members such as a series of individual LED lights 410. The lights are formed in an array and may be operably connected to controller 404. Device 400 may include an indicator system 412 regarded as part of or a component of the entire display 408. Indicator system 412 may operate with display 408 (which may have pixel members 414) to illuminate or may be completely separated from display 408. Indicator system 412 may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or lighting members which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In a particular embodiment, the indicator system may provide a visual display of a goal by illuminating a portion of the lighting members of indicator system 412 to indicate achievement of one or more goals. Device 400 may be configured to display data represented by activity points or currency acquired by the user based on the user's activity via either display 408 and / or indicator system 412.

[0039] The fastening mechanism 416 that can position the device 400 around the wrist or part of the user 124 may be loosened, and then the fastening mechanism 416 can be placed in the engaged position. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 416 may include an interface for operable interaction with devices such as the computer device 114 and / or the device 120 and / or 112, including but not limited to a USB port. In certain embodiments, the fastening member may include one or more magnets. In one embodiment, the fastening member has no movable parts and can rely entirely on magnetic force.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the device 400 may include a sensor assembly (not shown in FIG. 4). The sensor assembly may include a plurality of different sensors, including those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly may include sensors disclosed herein or known in the art or be capable of being operably connected thereto. The device 400 and / or its sensor assembly may be configured to receive data obtained from one or more external sensors.

[0041] iii. Apparel and / or Body Position Sensing Element 130 shown in FIG. 1 indicates a possible exemplary sensing location associated with a physical device such as a sensor, a data acquisition unit, or other device. However, in other embodiments, it may be a special location of a body part or region monitored via, for example, an image capture device (i.e., image capture device 118). In certain embodiments, element 130 may include a sensor, and elements 130a and 130b may be sensors incorporated into apparel such as sportswear / athletic wear. Such sensors can be placed at any desired location on the body of user 124. Sensors 130a / b can communicate (i.e., wirelessly) with one or more devices of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106 (including other sensors). In certain embodiments, the passive sensing surface can reflect waveforms such as infrared rays emitted by image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120. In one embodiment, a passive sensor located on the apparel of user 124 can generally include a spherical structure made of glass or other transparent or translucent surface that can reflect waveforms. Different classes of apparel are available, where a given class of apparel has special sensors configured to be located near a special part of the body of user 124 when properly worn. For example, golf apparel may include one or more sensors located on apparel of a first configuration, while soccer apparel may include one or more sensors located on apparel of a second configuration.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows specific positions for sensing input (see, e.g., sensing positions 130a - 130o). In this regard, the sensor may be a physical sensor located on / in the user's clothing, although in other embodiments, the sensor positions 130a - 130o may be based on the identification of the relationship between two moving body parts. For example, the sensor position 130a can be determined by identifying the movement of the user 124 with an image capture device such as the image capture device 118. Thus, in certain embodiments, the sensor is not physically disposed at a special location (such as one or more of the sensor positions 130a - 130o), but can be configured to sense the characteristics of the corresponding position with, for example, image capture device 118 or other sensor data collected from other positions. In this regard, the overall shape or part of the user's body can enable the identification of specific body parts. Whether image capture is utilized, and / or whether a physical sensor is located on the user 124, and / or whether data from other devices (such as the sensing system 302), device assembly 400, or any other device or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art is utilized, the sensor can sense the current position of the body part and / or track the movement of the body part. In one embodiment, the sensing data associated with position 130m can be used to determine the center of gravity (also referred to as the center of mass) of the user. For example, the relationship between position 130a and positions 130f / 130l with respect to one or more of the positions 130m - 130o can be used to determine whether the user's center of gravity has risen along the vertical axis (such as during a jump), or whether the user is trying to "disguise" a jump by bending or moving their knees. In one embodiment, the sensor position 1306n can be located near the sternum of the user 124. Similarly, the sensor position 130o can be located near the navel of the user 124. In certain embodiments, the data from the sensor positions 130m - 130o can be used (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity of the user 124.In a further embodiment, the relationship between multiple sensor positions (e.g., sensors 130m - 130o) can be utilized to determine the orientation and / or rotational force of user 124, such as the torso twist of user 124. Further, one or more positions (e.g., the position, etc.) can be utilized as the center (or an approximation thereof) of the moment position. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of positions 130m - 130o can be used as points relative to the center of the moment position of user 124. In another embodiment, one or more positions can be used as the center of the moment of a particular body part or region.

[0043] Aspects of the present invention relate to an energy harvesting device (otherwise also referred to as an energy capture device or an energy capture and storage device), and a new method of utilizing one or more energy harvesting devices. Advantageously, aspects of the present invention described herein relate to using a thermoelectric power generation device to supply electrical energy to one or more electronic components of a motion activity monitoring device (e.g., devices 128, 400), in particular. In this way, electrical energy can be provided to one or more electronic components (e.g., in particular a processor, memory, transceiver) without the user having to provide an energy storage device / media such as a battery with a wired energy source, where the wired energy source may be from an electrical outlet (i.e., may not require a wired connection to recharge one or more on-board batteries of the motion activity monitoring device). In one implementation, one or more thermoelectric power generation modules configured to be utilized within the energy harvesting device can generate electrical energy in response to a thermal gradient without using an energy storage device or media (i.e., in particular excluding storage of the body or a phase change material). In one example, one or more energy harvesting devices can be incorporated into an item of the user's sports wear, whereby thermal energy can be stored when the item of sports wear is laundered. The thermal energy can then be used to generate electrical energy using one or more thermoelectric power generation modules as described in the following disclosure. Thus, a device incorporating a thermoelectric power generation module may not include additional elements for energy storage (i.e., may not include a battery or otherwise referred to as an auxiliary energy storage medium) as described herein. In another example, a device incorporating a thermoelectric power generation module such as those described herein can utilize a hybrid of battery storage in particular in addition to using the thermoelectric power generation module to generate electrical energy.

[0044] FIG. 6 schematically shows an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. The article of footwear 600 may include any type of footwear configured to be worn when participating in athletic activities and other daily or formal events. The article of footwear 600 may be referred to as shoe 600 and is not limited to an enclosed footwear embodiment. The article of footwear 600 is shown as including a motor 606, a gesture recognition device 604, and a power source 608. The motor 606 is configured to operate a lacing system, a closure system, or a closing mechanism of the article of footwear 600, whereby it is envisioned that the motor 606 can tighten or tighten and loosen the article of footwear 600 on the user's foot. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it is envisioned that without departing from the scope of these disclosures, the motor 606 may have an electromechanical implementation and may be configured to operate various closing mechanisms within the article of footwear 600. The operation of the motor 606 may be based on a signal received from the gesture recognition device 604. Both the gesture recognition device 604 and the motor 606 can receive electrical energy from the power source 608. The power source 608 may include one or more chemical cells configured as a battery. Further, or alternatively, the power source 608 may include elements configured to store energy in a phase change material and generate electrical energy using a thermoelectric generator. The power source 608 may additionally or alternatively include elements configured to convert the dynamic energy of user movement into electrical energy distributable to the gesture recognition device 604 and the motor 606. The article of footwear 600 and various assemblies of the article of footwear 600, as well as related processes including the gesture recognition process, described throughout this disclosure may additionally or alternatively include elements of U.S. Patent No. 10,568,381 of this disclosure, "Gesture Controllable Motorized Shoes" and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0046886 of this disclosure (U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 453,997, filed on August 7, 2014, entitled "Gesture Recognition"), the entire disclosures of these two disclosures are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes.

[0045] The relative positioning of the gesture recognition device 604, the motor 606, and the power source 608 is assumed to be different from that schematically illustrated in FIG. 6. In one example, the gesture recognition device 604, the motor 606, and the power source 608 may be encapsulated within the sole structure 610 of the article of the footwear 600. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the gesture recognition device 604, the motor 606, and the power source 608 may be located within one or more structures of the upper 612 of the article of the footwear 600. It is assumed that the elements 604, 606, and 608 can communicate operably with each other using a wired connection. However, it is assumed that one or more of the elements 604, 606, 608 can be wirelessly connected to each other using a wireless data transmission protocol and / or wireless power transfer. In another example, two or more of the elements 604, 606, and 608 may be implemented as an integrated unit within the article of the footwear 600, and thus, two or more of the elements 604, 606, 608 may be encapsulated within a single structure and / or implemented in a single integrated circuit device. In one example, the power source 608 may be configured using an interface for receiving electrical energy from an external source. This interface may include a connection port configured to receive a wired connection or may be an interface configured to perform wireless charging when the article of the footwear 600 is placed in proximity to an external wireless charging dock or source. Further, the gesture recognition device 604 and / or the motor 606 may be configured to receive data from one or more sources external to the article of the footwear 600. Thus, the gesture recognition device 604 and / or the motor 606 may include an interface configured to transmit and receive data wired or wirelessly to an external data source such as an external computing device. This external data source may be configured to receive activity data from the gesture recognition device 604 or may be configured to update the firmware of one or more of the gesture recognition device 604 and the motor 606. Each of the elements 604, 606, and 608 is assumed to be configured to be encapsulated within the article of the footwear 600 so as to be shielded from contaminants such as dust, dirt, or water.

[0046] FIG. 7 schematically shows a gesture recognition device 700 operably connected to a power supply 750 and a motor 760 according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the gesture recognition device 700 may be similar to the gesture recognition device 604, the power supply 750 may be similar to the power supply 608, and the motor 760 may be similar to the motor 606 described in connection with FIG. 6. The gesture recognition device 700 includes a sensor unit 702 and an analysis unit 732. Each of the sensor unit 702, the analysis unit 732, the power supply 750, and the motor 760 can operably communicate with each other for the transfer of electrical energy / power and / or data. Such transfer of electrical energy and / or data can be facilitated by wired or wireless transmission. As schematically shown in FIG. 7, each of the elements 702, 732, 750, and 760 can be configured using an input / output (I / O) interface. Specifically, the sensor unit 702 includes an I / O interface 714, the analysis unit 702 includes an I / O interface 740, the power supply 750 includes an I / O interface 752, and the motor 760 includes an I / O interface 762. These I / O interfaces 714, 740, 752, and 762 are assumed to be composed of hardware, firmware, and / or software configured to receive wired or wireless data transmission and / or power transmission using any suitable transmission protocol and / or method. It is also assumed that these I / O interfaces 714, 740, 752, and 762 may include different interface types using different transfer protocols or media without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0047] In FIG. 7, the gesture recognition device 700 is schematically shown as a single structure including a sensor unit 702 and an analysis unit 732. Further, a power supply 750 and a motor 760 are schematically shown in FIG. 7 as separate elements with respect to the gesture recognition device 700. However, each of the elements 702, 732, 750, and / or 760 may be combined within / on a single physical structure / chip without departing from the scope of these disclosures, or may be implemented as separate elements.

[0048] The sensor unit 702 further includes a processor 704. The processor 704 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU). In another example, the processor 704 may represent a microcontroller. In yet another example, the sensor unit 702 may be configured as an integrated microcontroller. The processor 704 may be implemented with any processing speed, with one or more processing cores, and may utilize any chip architecture. The sensor unit 702 further includes a memory 706 called a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions may be executed by the processor 704 of the sensor unit 702 and / or additional elements. It is assumed that the memory 706 may have any memory hardware chip design and any memory storage capacity. The memory 706 may be in the form of persistent memory or may include volatile memory. The firmware related to the operation of any element of the sensor unit 702 may be stored by the memory 706 or may be stored in the hardware within each of the schematically shown elements of the sensor unit 702. The sensor unit 702 may further include a buffer 708, and the buffer 708 may also be called a buffer module 708 or a sensor unit buffer module 702. The buffer 708 may be in the form of volatile memory configured to temporarily store data received from one or more of an accelerometer 710 and a gyroscope 712.

[0049] Buffer 708 can be implemented in any hardware configuration and may include one or more memory register circuits. Further, buffer 708 can be configured to execute different memory storage operations / algorithms in response to an operation mode signal received from processor 704. This operation mode signal may include a data signal containing instructions to switch the operation mode of buffer 708 between a plurality of different operation modes. In one example, buffer 708 can be set to operate in a continuous mode or a first-in first-out (FIFO) mode. When set to operate in the continuous mode, buffer 708 receives sensor data from one or more of accelerometer 710 and gyroscope 712, and stores the latest data point (alias data item) of the received sensor data in an empty memory unit of buffer 708, or replaces the oldest data item stored in buffer 708 if there is no empty memory unit available in buffer 708. When set to operate in the first-in first-out mode, the sensor data received from one or more of accelerometer 710 and / or gyroscope 712 is stored in an empty memory unit within buffer 708 until buffer 708 is full. The data stored in buffer 708 can communicate with a device or element external to processor 704 and / or sensor unit 702 via interface 714. In one example, analysis unit 732 exchanges signals requesting to transmit the data stored in buffer 708 to interface 740 of analysis unit 732.

[0050] In one example, buffer 708 can be configured to store 500 to 1,000 sample data generated by accelerometer 710. These samples can include the acceleration values of each of the three axes of accelerometer 710. In a specific example, the accelerometer is configured to store 670, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 690, 692, or 700 samples of the acceleration data received from accelerometer 710. In one example, buffer 708 can have a storage capacity of 2 to 10 kB. In a specific example, buffer 708 can have a storage capacity of 4 kB.

[0051] The accelerometer 710 of the sensor unit 702 can include a three-axis accelerometer. It is assumed that the accelerometer 710 can be implemented using any hardware such as a MEMS element. The gyroscope 712 of the sensor unit 702 can include a three-axis gyroscope. Similarly, the gyroscope 712 can be implemented using a hardware implementation such as a MEMS element. In one example, the accelerometer 710 is sampled at a frequency of 350 to 450 Hz. In a specific example, the accelerometer 710 is sampled at a frequency of 409, 410, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420, or 421 Hz. In yet another example, the accelerometer 710 is sampled at one or more frequencies in the range between 0.1 Hz and 10 MHz.

[0052] The analysis unit 732 may include a memory 734 that may be similar to the memory 706, and a buffer 738 (also referred to as the analysis unit buffer module 738) that may be similar to the buffer 708. Further, the analysis unit 732 may include a processor 734. The processor 734 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processor 734 may be implemented with any processing speed, with one or more processing cores, and may utilize any chip architecture. The processor 734 may be similar to the processor 704, or may be a different type of processor configured to operate at a different processing speed and / or power consumption value. In one specific example, the processor 734 may be configured to have relatively higher processing power and / or power consumption than the processor 704. Thus, the processor 734 may be configured to operate in a low-power configuration that may also be referred to as an idle, sleep, standby, or low-power state. Further, the processor 734 may be configured to operate in a high-power configuration that may also be referred to as a wake state. In one example, the processor 734 may execute one or more algorithms to switch between a high-power configuration and a low-power configuration, or between a low-power configuration and a high-power configuration. In one example, this transition may be prompted by a signal received from an external source via the interface 740. In another example, the processor 734 may switch between a high-power configuration and a low-power configuration in response to detecting that one or more processing tasks have been completed, or in response to the expiration of one or more timers. Thus, the processor 734 may switch between a low-power configuration and a high-power configuration periodically, or in response to timeout timer durations of different lengths. In one specific example, an interrupt signal that may be received by the processor 734 enables the processor 734 to execute an interrupt algorithm. In addition to the processor 734 executing an additional algorithm or task, the interrupt algorithm may also cause the operating mode of the processor 734 to switch from a low-power configuration to a high-power configuration. In one example, the interrupt signal received by the processor 734 may also be referred to as a hardware interrupt signal.The hardware interrupt signal can be a special hardware interrupt input of the processor 734 and can be received from the interface 740.

[0053] For clarity, in some cases, the processor 704 may be referred to as the first processor 704, and the processor 734 may be referred to as the second processor 734. Similarly, the memory 706 may be referred to as the first memory 706, and the memory 736 may be referred to as the second memory 736. The buffer 708 may be referred to as the first buffer 708, and the buffer 738 may be referred to as the second buffer 738.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 of one or more processes for recognizing gesture events according to one or more aspects described herein. More specifically, the flowchart 800 illustrates one or more processes configured to recognize gesture events for actuating a motor of an article of footwear. As such, the flowchart 800 may be executed by the gesture recognition device 700 to operate the motor 760. Block 802 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by the gesture recognition device 700 to monitor sensor data. In one example, block 802 may represent a process executed by the sensor unit 702 to monitor data output from the accelerometer 710 / generated by the accelerometer 710. In one example, the sensor unit 702 may continuously monitor data from the accelerometer 710. The accelerometer data may be received in the buffer 708 and / or the memory 706. In one example, the buffer 708 may be configured to receive and store data at a higher rate than possible using the memory 706. The processor 704 may be configured to analyze the accelerometer data received in the buffer 708 and / or the memory 706. The memory 706, buffer 708, and processor 704 are assumed to be operable at any operating speed or frequency.

[0055] Block 806 of flowchart 800 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by gesture recognition device 700 to execute a gesture confirmation algorithm. In one example, block 806 can represent a process executed by analysis unit 732 to receive possible gesture event data from sensor unit 702 and determine whether the received possible gesture event data represents a true gesture event. In one example, a possible gesture event can be detected by sensor unit 702 as a possible double tap by a user of sensor unit 702, or as a structure to which sensor unit 702 is coupled. In additional or alternative implementations, a possible gesture event can be a single tap, triple tap, quadruple tap, quintuple tap, etc. of sensor unit 702 by the user. A tap gesture can be executed by the user by applying force to sensor unit 702 using an appendage of the user (including a leg or arm or a part thereof such as a foot, hand, finger, etc.). Block 808 of flowchart 800 represents a decision point in one or more processes configured to identify true gesture events in the received possible gesture event data. If analysis unit 732 determines that the received possible gesture event data does not represent a true gesture event, the process proceeds to block 802 of flowchart 800. If analysis unit 732 determines that the received possible gesture event data represents a true gesture event, the process proceeds to block 810 of flowchart 800. Accordingly, block 810 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by gesture recognition device 700 and outputs a signal for actuating a footwear motor such as motor 760. Next, actuation of the motor can be configured to selectively tighten or loosen a closure or lacing system of an article of footwear worn by the user.

[0056] FIG. 9 is one or more process flowcharts 900 executed by a gesture recognition device 700 to monitor sensor data for possible gesture events. In one example, flowchart 900 further details the process executed at block 802 of flowchart 800. Thus, in one example, flowchart 900 may be executed by sensor unit 702 of gesture recognition device 700. Block 902 of flowchart 900 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by sensor unit 702 to receive an operation mode signal. The operation mode signal may be received from an external source or from analysis unit 732. The operation mode signal may be received by processor 704 via interface 714. In response to receiving the operation mode signal, processor 704 can selectively set the operation mode of sensor unit 702. The operation mode of sensor unit 702 can be selectively set as a continuous mode or a first-in first-out mode. In one example, the operation mode of sensor unit 702 can be set to the continuous mode unless a possible gesture event is detected.

[0057] Block 904 of flowchart 900 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by sensor unit 702 to receive data from accelerometer sensor 710. Block 906 of flowchart 900 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by sensor unit 702 to store the received sensor data in buffer 708. In one example, accelerometer 710 can continuously generate data stored in buffer 708. Further, processor 704 can continuously analyze the generated sensor data. Block 908 of flowchart 900 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by sensor unit 702 to analyze the generated sensor data to determine whether the generated sensor data represents a possible gesture. Thus, in one example, the process or algorithm executed at block 908 represents a gross or high-level analysis of the data generated by accelerometer sensor 710 to identify possible gestures. In one example, possible gestures identified at block 908 can include a double-tap by a user of sensor unit 702, or the structure to which sensor unit 702 is coupled. In additional or alternative implementations, possible gesture events can be a single tap, triple tap, quadruple tap, quintuple tap, etc. The possible gesture events identified at block 900 can then be confirmed as true gesture events by analysis unit 732.

[0058] Decision block 910 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by sensor unit 702 in response to the execution of the possible gesture algorithm at block 908. If it is determined that the received sensor data represents a possible gesture event, the flow proceeds to block 912 of flowchart 900. However, if it is determined that the received sensor data does not represent a possible gesture event, the flow proceeds to block 904 of flowchart 900.

[0059] Block 912 of flowchart 900 represents one or more processes executed by sensor unit 702 to output an interrupt signal. This interrupt signal can be output via interface 714 and received by interface 740 of analysis unit 732. In one example, the interrupt signal may be a hardware interrupt signal configured to interact with a special hardware port of processor 734.

[0060] Figure 10 is a flowchart 1000 of one or more processes executed by the analysis unit 732 to execute the gesture confirmation algorithm. In one example, flowchart 1000 further details the process executed at block 806 of flowchart 800. Block 1002 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed in response to an interrupt signal being received by the processor 734 from the sensor unit 702. In one example, upon receipt of the interrupt signal, the processor 734 executes an interrupt algorithm that switches the processor 734 from a low-power mode to a high-power mode. Block 1004 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by the processor 734 to start a timer. This timer has a predetermined timer duration. When the predetermined timer duration elapses, the processor 734 can execute subsequent processes. It is assumed that the predetermined timer duration can include any value. In one specific example, the predetermined timer duration is 10 to 100 ms. In a particular example, the predetermined timer duration is 35, 40, or 45 ms. When the timer elapses, the analysis unit 732 can output an operation mode signal to the sensor unit 702. Advantageously, the timer associated with block 1004 may be utilized to ensure that buffer 708 captures sufficient accelerometer data from the accelerometer sensor 710 to facilitate accurately determining whether possible gesture event data represents a true gesture event. If the timer associated with block 1004 is not used, the buffer is set to operate in a first-in, first-out mode and may be filled with accelerometer data before there is time for all the data necessary to confirm that a possible gesture event is a true gesture event to enter buffer 708. The timer associated with block 1004 can include one or more timers, can be implemented by the processor 734, and / or can be implemented by a dedicated timer circuit. The one or more processes or algorithms executed to output this operation mode signal can be executed at block 1006.In one example, the operation mode signal sent from the analysis unit 732 to the sensor unit 702 may instruct the sensor unit to set its operation mode to the first-in-first-out mode. Accordingly, the timer of block 1004 and the operation mode signal of block 1006 can be used to extend the storage history of the sensor unit 702 by delaying the switch to the first-in-first-out mode of adding data to buffer 708 until buffer 708 is full. This extension of the storage history allows data to be captured in buffer 708 and not otherwise stored or processed by the analysis unit 732. Thus, the extension of the storage history of the sensor unit 702 can enable more accurate identification of true gesture events in the detected sensor data received from sensors 710 and / or 712.

[0061] Block 1008 of flowchart 1000 represents one or more processes of receiving possible gesture event data from the sensor unit 702. In one example, when the operation mode of the sensor unit 702 is set to the first-in-first-out mode, buffer 708 stores data from accelerometer 710 until buffer 708 is full. When full, buffer 708 and / or processor 704 may generate a signal that can be received by the analysis unit 732. Upon receiving a signal indicating that buffer 708 is full, the analysis unit 732 can execute one or more processes or algorithms to receive the data stored in buffer 708.

[0062] The decision block 1012 represents one or more processes or algorithms executed by the analysis unit 732 to determine whether the received possible gesture event data is a true gesture event. Thus, the decision block 1012 can represent one or more processes or algorithms configured to execute a gesture confirmation algorithm that confirms or rejects possible gesture event data as a true gesture event. In the decision block 1012, if it is determined that the possible gesture event data does not represent a true gesture event, the flow proceeds to block 1014 of the flowchart 1000. In the decision block 1012, if it is determined that the possible gesture event data represents a true gesture event, the flowchart 1000 proceeds to block 810 of the flowchart 800, whereby the analysis unit 732 outputs a signal to activate the footwear motor. Further, if it is determined that the possible gesture event data represents a true gesture event, the flowchart 1000 proceeds to block 1014. In block 1014, one or more processes can be executed by the analysis unit 732 to set the operating mode of the sensor unit 702 to a continuous mode, which corresponds to the buffer 708 storing the latest data item of the sensor data received from the accelerometer 710 in an empty memory unit within the buffer 708 or replacing the oldest data item stored within the buffer 708.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 of a gesture confirmation algorithm. The flowchart 1100 further details these processes executed at block 1012 of flowchart 1000. For the possible gesture event data received from the sensor unit 702, the gesture confirmation algorithm of flowchart 1100 can be executed by the sensor unit 702. Block 1102 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed to identify a first impulse response in the received possible gesture event data using the received possible gesture event data. This first impulse response is assumed to be based on the magnitude of the acceleration signal identified on a special axis of one of the three axes of the accelerometer 710. In another example, the first impulse response can be identified based on the magnitude of the acceleration signal identified on any of the three axes of the accelerometer 710. In yet another example, the first impulse response can be identified based on the average, maximum, or minimum acceleration values of two or more of the three axes of the accelerometer 710. It is assumed that the first impulse response can be based on an acceleration value that exceeds a threshold value, and / or an acceleration value that exceeds a threshold duration, and / or an acceleration value that exceeds a threshold energy value or power value.

[0064] In a particular example, one or more impulse response processes or algorithms executed in block 1102 (and block 1106) may further include transmitting possible gesture event data received from sensor unit 702 through a low-pass filter. The output from the low-pass filter can be used to estimate a preset DC offset within the acceleration data received from accelerometer 710. In one example, this DC offset may be used as a reference value for comparison with the remaining accelerometer data from accelerometer 710. In a particular example, the process or algorithm executed in block 1102 may include analyzing input data within a rolling window and causing the rolling window to analyze a subset of the received possible gesture event data. The size of the subset of the received possible gesture event data can vary between one data point and all the data received from sensor unit 702. In one example, one or more processes executed in block 1102 can analyze the variance of the signals of one or more axes of the accelerometer data and flag a data point or a plurality of consecutive data points indicating an impulse when the acceleration signal deviates from the average value by a predetermined amount. In one example, this predetermined amount may be between 0.05 and 0.15 g (g = acceleration due to gravity). In a particular example, this predetermined deviation amount may be at least 0.1 g from the average.

[0065] The decision block 1103 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed by the analysis unit 732 to determine whether the first impulse response has been successfully identified. If the first impulse response has been successfully identified, the process proceeds to decision block 1104 of flowchart 1100. If the first impulse response has not been successfully identified, the process proceeds to block 1110 of flowchart 1100 and the received data is rejected. The decision block 1104 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed by the analysis unit 732 to identify a low dispersion state following the identification of the first impulse response in the received possible gesture event data. In one example, the first impulse response identified in block 1102 should return to a low dispersion (silent) state within a threshold silent time after the high dispersion impulse state. This threshold silent time is less than 0.2 seconds, or less than 0.15 seconds. However, alternative silent time thresholds such as less than 1.0 second, less than 0.9 second, less than 0.7 second, etc. may be used. In one example, this threshold time may be based on the sampling rate of the accelerometer 710 and may be expressed as the number of samples of the data received from the accelerometer 710. Thus, in one example, the silent time can correspond to 10 to 100 data samples received from the accelerometer 710. In a particular example, if the accelerometer data does not return to a silent state within the threshold silent time from the high dispersion data identified in block 1102, the possible gesture event data can be rejected as a non-event. Further, the low dispersion state can be identified based on the magnitude of the acceleration in a similar manner as the identification described in relation to block 1102. Further, the low dispersion state associated with decision block 1104 can be identified based on the acceleration data received from the accelerometer 710 falling below a threshold acceleration magnitude, energy, or power over a low dispersion duration between a lower time threshold and an upper time threshold. In one example, the lower time threshold of the low dispersion duration is 0.05 seconds and the upper time threshold of the low dispersion duration may be 1.0 second. In a particular example, the lower time threshold of the low dispersion duration is 0.1 second and the upper time threshold of the low dispersion duration may be 0.7 second.However, it is contemplated that any lower and upper time thresholds can be utilized for the low dispersion duration without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Also, it is assumed that the low dispersion duration can correspond to many samples of data from the accelerometer 710, rather than a particular number of seconds / fractional seconds. In one example, the low dispersion duration range can correspond to a number of samples between 10 and 300, or between 30 and 280, among many other samples. Thus, one or more processes or algorithms executed by the decision block 1104 can analyze the data to determine whether the signal has returned to a low dispersion duration length that persists, for example, between 30 and 280 samples. If the timer duration for which the low dispersion state persists is outside the range between the lower time threshold and the upper time threshold, the analysis unit 732 rejects the possible gesture event data as non-events. This rejection of possible gesture event data is explained in connection with block 1110 of the flowchart 1100.

[0066] When a low variance state is identified in decision block 1104, the process proceeds to block 1106 of flowchart 1100. Block 1106 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed by analysis unit 732 to identify a second impulse response in the received possible gesture event data. Thus, the process executed at block 1106 may be similar to the process executed at block 1102. Decision block 1107 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed by analysis unit 732 to determine whether the second impulse response has been successfully identified. If the first impulse response has been successfully identified, the process proceeds to decision block 1108 of flowchart 1100. If the second impulse response has not been successfully identified, the process proceeds to block 1110 of flowchart 1100 and the received data is rejected. Block 1108 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms to confirm that the possible gesture event data corresponds to a genuine gesture event. When the possible gesture event data is confirmed as a genuine gesture event at block 1108, one or more processes associated with block 810 of flowchart 800 may be executed.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 of one or more processes executed by an analysis unit 732 to identify impulse responses in possible gesture event data received from an accelerometer 1200 of a sensor unit. Flowchart 1200 further details one or more processes or algorithms executed in blocks 1102 and / or 1106 of flowchart 1100. Block 1202 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed by analysis unit 732 and identifies a high incidence rate of dispersion in possible gesture event data. The high incidence rate of dispersion in possible gesture event data can be identified based on the magnitude of the acceleration signal identified on one particular axis of the three axes of accelerometer 710. In another example, the incidence rate of the high dispersion response can be identified based on the magnitude of the acceleration signal identified on any of the three axes of accelerometer 710. In yet another example, the incidence rate of the high dispersion can be identified based on the average, maximum, or minimum acceleration values of two or more of the three axes of accelerometer 710. The incidence rate of the high dispersion response can be based on acceleration values that exceed a threshold value, and / or acceleration values that persist during a threshold period, and / or acceleration values that have an energy or power value that exceeds a threshold.

[0068] In response to identifying a high incidence of variance in the possible gesture event data, the process proceeds to block 1204 of flowchart 1200, where analysis unit 732 can store a subset of the possible gesture event data in buffer 738. The subset of possible gesture event data stored in buffer 738 is assumed to be of any size. In one example, the subset of possible gesture event data stored in buffer 738 is a moving window in which the analysis of the data is performed by analysis unit 732. In a particular example, buffer 738 can be configured to store between 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 samples of accelerometer data received as part of the possible gesture event data. In one example, 30 samples of accelerometer data may constitute a subset of the possible gesture event data as a moving window. Thus, all of the possible gesture event data received from sensor unit 702 is supplied via buffer 738, and 30 consecutive samples can be analyzed at a time as a moving window analysis. In a particular example, it is possible to analyze 5 to 200 samples within buffer 738, or 1 to the maximum number of samples received from sensor unit 702 can be analyzed within buffer 738. In one example, buffer 738 may have a hardware configuration similar to buffer 708. In another example, buffers 708 and 738 may have different storage capacities and / or hardware configurations.

[0069] Block 1206 of flowchart 1200 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms executed by analysis unit 732 to perform a fast Fourier transform on a subset of the data stored in buffer 738. It is assumed that all fast Fourier transform processes can be utilized without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, the fast Fourier transform may be configured to determine the frequency content of a subset of possible gesture event data within buffer module 738. Decision block 1208 corresponds to one or more processes or algorithms that may be executed by analysis unit 732 to identify a threshold of energy of the frequency content identified using the fast Fourier transform. The frequency content is analyzed to determine whether the energy threshold is within a predetermined impulse frequency band. For example, analysis unit 732 is related to the identification of an intentional gesture by the user and excludes frequency content that does not indicate an intentional gesture by the user. In one example, one or more processes executed at decision block 1208 may analyze possible gesture event data over a frequency range of 0 to 100 Hz. In another example, the analysis may take into account a frequency range of 0 to 60 Hz. However, it is assumed that any frequency range may be used with the described analysis without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, one or more processes executed at block 1208 may be configured to analyze a subset of the frequency range (0 to 100 Hz, 0 to 60 Hz, other subsets of the frequency range). This analysis of a subset of the frequency content of the received possible gesture event data is configured to analyze frequency content close to the natural frequency of sensor unit 702. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that when an impulse is received by a hit / tap, all structures vibrate at their natural frequency / state. In this case, analysis unit 732 is configured to identify when the user tapped sensor unit 702.The natural frequency / damped natural frequency of the sensor unit 702 or the composite sensor unit 702 and one or more structures coupled to the sensor unit 702 or the composite sensor unit 702 can be measured. In one example, this natural frequency may be in the range of 30 to 45 Hz. In another example, the natural frequency may be about 36 Hz. However, the methods described herein are assumed to be usable with any natural frequency structure without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Thus, when the user hits / taps, the sensor unit 702 / composite sensor unit 702 and one or more structures to which the sensor unit 702 is coupled can vibrate at their natural frequencies. The frequency response also includes energy within a range near the natural frequency. The analysis unit 732 may search for a frequency response having a threshold of the amount of energy within a predetermined impulse frequency band that is a subset of the entire frequency range analyzed by the fast Fourier transform of block 1206 to identify the impulse response. For example, at block 1208, the analysis unit 732 may determine that a subset of the possible gesture event data is an impulse if at least 70% of the energy of the acceleration signal is within the impulse frequency band of 10 to 100 Hz. In another example, the threshold of the amount of energy may be at least 80%. However, it is assumed that any threshold of the amount of energy can be utilized without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In another example, the impulse frequency band may be 14 to 56 Hz. However, it is assumed that any impulse frequency band can be utilized without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0070] As described above, the total frequency range analyzed by the fast Fourier transform in block 1206 may be in the range of 0 to 100 Hz, or 0 to 60 Hz, etc. This represents a partial fast Fourier transform and does not include higher frequencies, because higher frequencies cannot be considered relevant to the identification of the impulse response indicating the gesture performed by the user. In one example, the full fast Fourier transform considers frequencies in the range from 0 Hz to half of the sampling frequency of the accelerometer 710. In a specific example, the sampling frequency of the accelerometer 710 may be 350 to 450 Hz. In a specific example, the sampling frequency of the accelerometer may be 410 Hz or 416 Hz. Advantageously, this partial fast Fourier transform can be executed more quickly and use less energy by the analysis unit 732 compared to the full fast Fourier transform. Next, this enables the gesture recognition device 700 to recognize the gestures realized by the user more quickly and with higher energy efficiency than conventional devices. In a specific example, the energy within the range of 0 to 10 Hz is assumed to be not indicative of a gesture attempt and is associated with human movement. As described above, the fast Fourier transform can be performed on a subset of the possible gesture event data, and the subset is a moving window of a certain number of data samples from the accelerometer 710. In one example, the subset may include 30 samples, and the fast Fourier transform may utilize a frequency resolution of approximately 14 Hz per band. Therefore, the energy contained within 0 to 14 Hz is determined to be human movement that is not indicative of a gesture event. The energy contained in the bands of 14 to 28 Hz, 28 to 42 Hz, and 42 to 56 Hz may be due to the impulse response from a tap associated with a gesture attempt on the sensor device 702. In a specific example, an impulse is detected in block 1208 if at least 70% or at least 80% of the energy of the sample signal used to generate the fast Fourier transform is contained within the band of 14 to 56 Hz.In one example, to improve the memory efficiency of the fast Fourier transform, a Taylor series approximation of the basis functions of the fast Fourier transform executed in block 1206 may be utilized.

[0071] If it is confirmed that the threshold of the energy of the frequency content is within a predetermined impulse frequency band, it may proceed to block 1210 of flowchart 1200. In block 1210, the analysis unit 732 can output a signal confirming that a subset of the data stored in buffer 732 corresponds to an impulse. However, if it is determined by one or more processes executed in block 1208 that there is no energy threshold within the predetermined impulse frequency band, it may proceed to block 1212 of flowchart 1200, and the data stored in buffer 738 is rejected as an impulse.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 13 - 16, an example of an article of footwear 3010 including a system for providing variable tension is disclosed. In some implementations, the article of footwear 3010 includes an upper 2100 and a sole structure 2200 attached to the upper 2100. The article of footwear 3010 further includes a tensioning system 2300 and a tensioning device 2400 incorporated into at least one of the upper 2100 and the sole structure 2200, respectively. The tensioning system 2300 includes a cable 2302 and a series of cable arrangement elements 2304, 2306, 2308 configured to manage the tension of the upper 2100. The upper 2100, the tensioning system 2300, and the tensioning device 2400 cooperate to move the article of footwear 3010 between a relaxed state and a tightened state. Specifically, the cable 2302 can move in the tightening direction D T to move the article of footwear 3010 to the tightened state. In some implementations, the upper 2100 and the sole structure 2200 cooperate to provide a passage and a guide for arranging a portion of the cable 2302 via the tensioning device 2400. The tensioning device 2400 is configured to selectively move the cable 2302 and fix it in the tightened state.

[0073] The articles and components of the footwear 3010 can be described as including a front end 3012 associated with the foremost point of the footwear 3010 and a rear end 3014 corresponding to the rearmost point of the footwear 3010. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 16, the longitudinal axis A of the footwear 3010 10 extends from the front end 3012 to the rear end 3014 along the length of the footwear 3010 and generally divides the footwear 3010 into an outer side 3016 and an inner side 3018. Thus, the outer side 3016 and the inner side 3018 respectively correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 3010 and extend from the front end 3012 to the rear end 3014.

[0074] The articles of the footwear 3010 can be divided into one or more regions along the longitudinal axis A 10 These regions can include a forefoot region 3020, a midfoot region 3022, and a heel region 3024. The forefoot region 3020 can correspond to the toes and the joints connecting the midfoot bones and the phalanges of the foot. The midfoot region 3022 can correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 3024 can correspond to the rear region of the foot including the calcaneus.

[0075] The upper 2100 forms an enclosure having a plurality of components that cooperate to define an inner void 2102 and an ankle opening 2104, and the inner void 2102 and the ankle opening 2104 cooperate to receive and secure the foot on the sole structure 2200. For example, the upper 2100 includes a pair of quarter panels 2106 in the midfoot region 3022 on the opposite side of the inner void 2102. The vamp 2108 extends across the upper portion of the upper 2100 and defines a instep region that extends between the quarter panels 2104 from the ankle opening 2104 to the forefoot region 3020. In the illustrated example, the vamp 2108 is surrounded by a material panel that extends between the opposing quarter panels in the instep region and covers the inner void 2102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 2108 can be formed from a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 2106.

[0076] The upper 2100 of the article of footwear 3010 may be described as further including a heel side panel 2110 that extends through a heel region 3024 along an outer side 3016 and an inner side 3018 of the ankle opening 2104. A heel counter 2112 wraps around a rear end 3014 of the footwear 3010 and is coupled to the heel side panel 2110. The uppermost edges of the vamp 108, the heel side panel 2110, and the heel counter 2112 cooperate to form a collar 2114 that defines the ankle opening 2104 of the internal void 2102.

[0077] The upper 2100 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or engaged together to define the internal void 2102. Suitable materials for the upper 2100 include, but are not limited to, fibers, foams, leathers, and synthetic leathers. An exemplary upper 2100 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 2100 and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 3010 between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics, which may be, but are not limited to, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of any one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or other materials / weaves that do not impart elastic properties.

[0078] As described above, the sole structure 2200 is attached to the upper 2100 and defines the ground contact surface 3026 of the footwear 3010. The sole structure 2200 includes a top surface 2202 and a bottom surface 2204 formed on the opposite side of the sole structure 2200 from the top surface 2202. The ground contact surface 3026 of the footwear 3010 can be defined by the bottom surface 2204 of the sole structure 2200. The sole structure 2200 further includes a peripheral side surface 2206 extending between the top surface 2202 and the bottom surface 2204, and the peripheral side surface 2206 defines the outer periphery of the sole structure 2200. The sole structure 2200 extends continuously from the first end portion 2208 at the front end 3012 of the footwear 3010 to the second end portion 2210 at the rear end 3014 of the footwear 3010.

[0079] The sole structure 2200 may also include one or more engagement features 2212 formed on the peripheral side surface 2206. In the illustrated example, the sole structure 2200 includes an arch-shaped lip 2212 extending from the second end portion 2210 of the sole structure 2200. Here, the lip 2212 extends along an arch-shaped path and forms a concave upper surface configured to receive the other front end 3012 of the article of the footwear 3010. Accordingly, the front end 3012 of the article of the first footwear 3010 can be engaged with the lip 2212 of the article of the second footwear 3010, facilitating the removal of the article of the second footwear 3010. Specifically, the rear end 3014 of the article of the second footwear 3010 may be held by the lip 2212 so that the user can step out of the article of the footwear 3010. Optionally, the wearer may use the lip 2212 with bare feet or by hand to pull the article of the footwear 3010 off the foot.

[0080] As described in the present application and the claims, the sole structure 2200 and the upper 2100 define a "byte line" 3028 where the peripheral side surface 2206 and the upper 2100 intersect during the assembly of the footwear 3010. The byte line 3028 can extend along the entire footwear 3010, either or both laterally and medially, from the first end portion 2208 to the second end portion 2210, and can also extend around the first end portion 2208, the second end portion 2210, or both.

[0081] The sole structure 2200 is configured to receive a portion of the tensioning device 2400 and the tensioning system 2300, and can include one or more cavities or conduits formed therein. In the illustrated example, the sole structure 2200 includes an opening or cavity 2214 formed between a top surface 2202 and a bottom surface 2204. The cavity 2214 is configured to receive the tensioning device 2400 within the sole structure 2200. In some examples, the tensioning device 2400 can be encapsulated in the sole structure 2200.

[0082] As described above, a pair of interwoven straps 2116, 2118 operable to move the upper 2100 between a relaxed or loose state (Figs. 13A and 17A) and a contracted or tightened state (Figs. 13B and 17B) may be attached to the upper 2100. Although described herein as part of the upper 2100, the straps 2116, 2118 can also be described as being included in the tensioning system 2300, as described below. For example, the straps 2116, 2118 cooperate with the cables 2302 of the tensioning stem 2300 to move the article of footwear 3010 between a contracted or tightened state and a relaxed state.

[0083] Each strap 2116, 2118 extends across the vamp 2108 of the upper 2100. As described in more detail below, each strap 2116, 2118 is connected to respective tension strands 2316, 2318 of the tension element 2312 of the cable 2302 and cooperates with each other via the tensioning device 2400 to selectively switch the upper 2100 between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The cable 2302 is routed from the tensioning device 2400 within the sole structure 2200 through a plurality of guides 2304 and loops 2306 to the straps 2116, 2118. In some examples, the tensioning system 2300 can include a heel strap 2308 that extends around the rear end 3014 of the upper 2100 and includes one or more guides 2304 or loops 306 for positioning the tension strands 2316, 2318 of the tension element 2312.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the straps 2116, 2118 of the footwear 3010 include a first strap 2116 extending from the outer side 3016 of the upper 2100 onto the throat 2108 and a second strap 2118 extending from the inner side 3018 of the upper 2100 onto the throat 2108. Specifically, the first strap 2116 extends above the throat 2108 from a fixed end 2122 attached to the outer side 3016 of the article of the footwear 3010 to a free end 2124 on the inner side 3018 of the upper 2100. Similarly, the second strap 2118 extends above the throat 2108 from a fixed end 2122 attached to the inner side 3018 of the article of the footwear 3010 to a free end 2126 on the outer side 3016 of the upper 2100. In the illustrated example, the fixed ends 2120, 2122 are attached to the article of the footwear 3010 at the bite line 3028 formed between the upper 2100 and the sole structure 2200. Thus, the straps 2116, 2118 cooperate to completely surround the upper 2100 in the midfoot region 3022.

[0085] As shown, each strap 216, 2118 spreads in the direction from the free ends 2124, 2126 to the fixed ends 2120, 2122, and thus the width W 116 ,W 118 of each strap 2116, 2118 increases along the direction from the free ends 2124, 2126 to the fixed ends 2120, 2122. In other words, the straps 2116, 2118 can be described as being tapered along the direction from the fixed ends 2120, 2122 to the free ends 2124, 2126. The fixed ends 2120, 2122 of each strap 2116, 2118 are located on the front end 3012 side of the respective free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2118. Thus, each strap 2116, 2118 can be described as extending at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A 10 of the article of the footwear 3010. As shown, with this arrangement, the straps 2116, 2118 cross and overlap each other across the throat 2108, forming an X-shaped enclosure above the upper 2100.

[0086] Each of the straps 2116, 2118 includes a plurality of bands 2128 that extend parallel (i.e., non-intersecting) along a direction from the free ends 2124, 2126 to the fixed ends 2120, 2122. In the illustrated example, each of the bands 2128a - 2128d extends from the first ends 2132a - 2132d of the fixed ends 2120, 2122 of the straps 2116, 2118 to the second ends 2134a - 2134d of the free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2126. Here, the first ends 2132a - 2132d of the bands 2128 are individually attached to the bit lines 3028 and together form the fixed ends 2120, 2122 of each of the straps 2116, 2118. Thus, the bands 2128a - 2128d are spaced apart from each other at the fixed ends 2120, 2122. Conversely, the second ends 2134a - 2134d of the bands 2128a - 2128d are connected to each other at the free ends 2124, 2126 of each of the straps 2116, 2118. Adjacent ones of the bands 2128a - 2128d of each of the straps 2116, 2118 define grooves 2130a - 2130c that continuously extend from the first ends 2132a - 2132d to the second ends 2134a - 2134d.

[0087] As shown in the figure, the free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2118 may include a header 2136 that attaches the second ends 2134a - 2134d of the bands 2128a - 2128d together. In the illustrated example, the header 2136 and the bands 2128a - 2128d are integrally formed of the same material. However, in other examples, the header 2136 may be a separate component to which the second ends 2134a - 2134d are attached. In some illustrations, the header 2136 may be formed of a material different from that of the bands 2128. For example, the header 2136 may be formed of a rigid material such as plastic, composite, metal, etc. As will be described in more detail below, the header 2136 functions as a connection interface between the plurality of bands 2128a - 2128d of each of the straps 2116, 2118 and the tension strands 2316, 2318 of the tension element 2312.

[0088] In the illustrated example, each strap 116, 118 includes four bands 2128a - 2128d that extend parallel to each other. For clarity, the bands 2128a - 2128d of each strap 2116, 2118 are described as a first band 2128a closest to the front end 3012, a second band 2128b arranged in series from the first band 2128a, a third band 2128c, and a fourth band 2128d. However, each strap 2116, 2118 may include more or fewer bands 2128a - 2128d. For example, each strap 2116, 2118 can include two bands 2128a, 2128b.

[0089] As described above, the straps 2116, 2118 can be described as a first strap 2116 extending from the outer side 3016 and a second strap 2118 extending from the inner side 3018. Generally, when assembling the articles of the footwear 3010, at least one of the bands 2128a - 2128d of the first strap 2116 includes a first portion that overlaps at least one of the bands 128a - 2128d of the second strap 2118 and a second portion that overlaps at least one of the other bands 2128a - 2128d of the second strap 2118. Similarly, at least one of the bands 2128a - 2128d of the second strap 2118 includes a first portion that overlaps at least one of the bands 128a - 2128d of the first strap 2116 and a second portion that overlaps at least one of the other bands 2128a - 2128d of the first strap 2116. Accordingly, the bands 2128a - 2128d of the straps 2116, 2118 are configured in a braided configuration.

[0090] In the illustrated example, each band 2128a - 2128d of the first strap 2116 is disposed below one or more bands 2128a - 2128d of the second strap 2118. Generally, each band 2128a - 2128d of the first strap 2116 is disposed below the bands 2128a - 2128d of the second strap, and the bands 2128a - 2128d of the second strap correspond to and are respectively positioned in front of each of the bands 2128a - 2128d of the first strap 2128a - 2128d. For example, the first band 2128a of the first strap 2116 is disposed below the first band 2128a of the second strap 2118 and above the subsequent bands 2128b - 2128d of the second strap 2118. The second band 2128b of the first strap 2116 is disposed below the first band 2128a and the second band 2128b and above the subsequent bands 2128c, 2128d of the second strap 2118. The third band 2128c of the first strap 2116c is disposed below the previous three bands 2128a - 2128c and above the fourth band 2128d. The fourth band 2128d of the first strap 2116 is disposed below all of the four bands 2128a - 2128d of the second strap 2118.

[0091] Optionally, the arrangement of the bands 2128a - 2128d of each strap 2116, 2118 can be described with respect to the grooves 2130a - 2130c of the other straps 2116, 2118. For example, the first band 2128a of the first strap 2116 is routed through the first groove 2130a of the second strap 2118, the second band 2128b is routed through the second groove 2130b, and the third band 2128c is routed through the third groove 2130c. In the illustrated example, the first strap 2116 at the outer side 3016 and the second strap 2118 at the inner side 3018 are shown, but the arrangement of the straps 2116, 2118 can be switched such that the first strap 2116 is at the inner side 3018 and the second strap 2118 is at the outer side 3016. Further, the straps 2116, 2118 are illustrated and described as being woven together, but the straps 2116, 2118 can be alternately laminated such that one of the straps 2116, 2118 extends completely over the other strap 2116, 2118.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 13 - 15, the tensioning system 2300 includes a cable 2302 and a plurality of cable arrangement elements 2304, 2306, 2308 configured to arrange the cable 2302 along the upper 2100 via the sole structure 2200. Here, the tensioning system 2300 includes one or more cable guides 2304 or loops 2306 attached to the upper 2100 to arrange the cable 2302 and distribute the tension of the cable 2302 along the upper 2100. The heel strap 2308 extends around the heel counter 2112 and includes one or more cable guides 2304 or loops 2306.

[0093] The cable 2302 can have high lubricity and / or can be formed from one or more fibers having a low elastic modulus and a high tensile strength. For example, the fibers can include high modulus polyethylene fibers having a high strength-to-weight ratio and a low elastic modulus. Additionally or alternatively, the cable 2302 may be formed from woven steel with or without a molded monofilament polymer and / or other lubricating coating. In some examples, the cable 2302 includes materials of a plurality of strands woven together.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, the cable 2302 includes a tension element 2312 that cooperates with cable arrangement elements 2304, 2306, 2308 and a tension device 2400 to move an article of the footwear 3010 between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The tension element 2312 is movable in a tightening direction D T to move the article of the footwear 3010 to a tightened state and is movable in a loosening direction D L to enable switching of the article of the footwear 3010 to a relaxed state. In the illustrated example, a tightening force F T can be applied to the tension element 2312 by a tension device 2400 disposed in the sole structure.

[0095] As best shown in FIGS. 13-16, the tension element 2312 can be described as including an outer tension strand 2316 and an inner tension strand 2318. Referring to FIG. 14, the outer tension strand 316 of the tension element 2312 extends from a first end 2324 of the tension device 2400, passes through the heel strap 2308 along the outer side 3016 of the upper 2100, and is arranged to reach a second end 2326 attached to the free end 2124 of the second strap 2118. Referring to FIG. 15, the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 extends from a first end 2324 of the tension device 2400, passes through the heel strap 2308 along the inner side 3018 of the upper 2100, and is arranged to reach a second end 2330 attached to the free end 2126 of the second strap 2118.

[0096] In some examples, the tensioning system 2300 may include one or more cable guides 2304. The cable guides 2304 can be formed of a rigid low-friction material (such as high-density polyethylene, etc.) and can have an arcuate inner surface for receiving the tensioning element 2312. In some examples, the inner (i.e., cable contact) surface of the cable guide 2304 is lined or coated with a low-friction material such as a lubricious polymer (such as polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) that facilitates the movement of the tensioning element 2312 internally. By coating the cable guide 2304 with a low-friction material, each lacing pattern can increase the number of turns wound without creating a detrimental high level of friction (e.g., reduced functionality) throughout the cable path.

[0097] Additionally, or instead of the rigid cable guide 2304, the tensioning system may include fabric loops 2306 that are affixed at various locations on the upper 2100 to dispose the tensioning element along the exterior of the upper 2100. The loops 2306 are formed of a mesh or fabric material and can define a passage for slidably receiving the tensioning element 2312. In the illustrated example, the tensioning system 2300 includes one of the loops 2306 disposed on each of the outer and inner panels 2110.

[0098] The tensioning system 2300 further includes a heel strap 2308 that extends around the heel counter 2112 of the upper 2100. As shown, the heel strap 2308 includes a central portion 2342 that is affixed to the upper 2100 at the rear end 3014 and a pair of end portions 2344 that extend around the heel counter 2112 in opposite directions from the central portion 2342. Accordingly, the first of the end portions 2344 is disposed on the outer side 3016 of the heel counter 2112, and the second of the end portions 2344 is disposed on the inner side 18 of the heel counter 2112. Each end 2344 of the heel strap 2308 includes one of the cable guides 2304, and one of the tensioning strands 2316, 2318 of the tensioning element 2312 is disposed through the cable guide 2304.

[0099] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the arrangement of the tension elements 2312 along each of the outer side 3016 and the inner side 3018 is shown. Generally, each of the outer tension strands 2316 and the inner tension strands 2318 of the tension element 2312 is disposed within the sole structure 2200 along one of the outer side 3016 or the inner side 3018 from the tension device 2400 to one of the respective headers 2136 of the straps 2116, 2118. In some illustrations, the outer tension strands 2316 and the inner tension strands 2318 may be connected to each other within the tension device 2400.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 14, at the outer side 3016 of the article of the footwear 3010, the outer tension strand 2316 includes a first end 2324 received by the tension device 2400 and a second end 2326 attached to the free end 2126 of the second strap 2118. Here, the outer tension strand 2316 is disposed from the tension device 2400 through the sole structure 2200 to a part of the bite line 3028 in the heel region 3024 of the outer side 3016. The first segment of the outer tension strand 2316 extends from the bite line 3028 along the outer panel 2110 to the cable guide 2304 attached to the outer end 2344 of the heel strap 2308. Here, the outer tension strand 2316 is disposed through the cable guide 2304, and the second segment of the outer tension strand 2316 returns along the outer panel 2110 and is attached to the free end 2126 of the second strap 2118. Accordingly, the outer tension strand 2316 is configured to control the tension of the second strap 2118 that crosses the upper 2100.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 15, in the inner side 3018 of the article of the footwear 3010, the inner tension strand 2318 includes a first end portion 2328 received by the tension device 2400 and a second end portion 2330 attached to the free end 2124 of the first strap 2116. Here, the inner tension strand 2318 is disposed from the tension device 2400 through the sole structure 2200 to a part of the bite line 3028 in the heel region 224 of the inner side 3018. The first segment of the inner tension strand 2318 extends from the bite line 3028 along the inner panel 2110 to the cable guide 2304 attached to the inner end 2344 of the heel strap 2308. Here, the inner tension strand 2318 is disposed through the cable guide 2304, and the second segment of the inner tension strand 2318 returns along the inner panel 2110 and is attached to the free end 2124 of the first strap 2116. Therefore, the inner tension strand 2318 is configured to control the tension of the first strap 2116 that crosses the upper 2100.

[0102] In the illustrated example, the tension device 2400 can be an electric lacing system, and thus, the tension element 2312 can extend or retract from the tension device 2400 to loosen in the direction D L and the tightening direction D T to move. Therefore, the tension device 2400 can include an electric spool that simultaneously winds up and winds back each of the outer tension strand 2316 and the inner tension strand 2318. Referring to FIG. 13A, the article of the footwear 3010 is shown with the straps 2116, 2118 loose on the upper 100 and the upper 2100 being able to extend around the wearer's foot.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 13B, by retracting the tension element 2312 into the tension device 2400, the article of the footwear 3010 is moved to a tightened state, whereby the tension strands 2316, 2318 move in the tightening direction D T to move. As each tension strand 2316, 2318 moves in the tightening direction, the tightening force F in each tension strand 2316, 318T As a result, each of the free ends 2126, 2124 of the respective straps 2118, 2116 is pulled toward the bit line 3028, and the upper 2100 moves to a contracted or tightened state. As described above, when the straps 2116, 2118 are pulled toward the bit line 3028 beyond the throat 2108, each of the bands 2128a - 2128d of each strap 2116, 2118 passes through the corresponding grooves 2130a - 2130c formed in the other of the straps 2116, 2118. This interwoven relationship between the bands 2128a - 2128d of the straps 2116, 2118 maintains a strengthened frictional interface between the straps 2116, 2118 in the tightened position of the straps during use.

[0104] To return the upper 2100 and the article of the footwear 3010 to a loose or relaxed state, the tensioning device 2400 is actuated in the opposite direction to wind back or extend the tensioning strands 2316, 2318 from the tensioning device 2400. Accordingly, the free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2118 can move away from the bit line 3028, and the tensioning strands 2316, 2318 can relax along the upper 2100 in a direction D L to enable movement thereto.

[0105] Referring particularly to FIGS. 17A - 17B, there is provided an article a of footwear 3010 including an upper 2100, a sole structure 2200, and a tensioning system 2300a configured to operate with unpowered or manual tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b. With respect to the article a of footwear 3010, in the following and in the drawings, like reference numerals are used to identify like components considering the structural and functional substantial similarity of the components associated with the article of footwear 3010, while like reference numerals including letter extensions are used to identify these components that have been changed.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 17A - 17B, the tensioning system 2300a includes a cable 2302a and a plurality of cable placement elements 2304, 2306, 2308, 2310 configured to arrange the cable 2302a along the upper 2100 via the sole structure 2200. The tensioning system 2300a can include one or more sheaths 2310 for managing the slack of the cable 2302a in addition to the cable guide 2304, the loop 2306, and the heel strap 2308 described above with respect to the tensioning system 2300. As will be described next, the sheath 2310 maintains the cable 2302a in a retracted state relative to the upper 2100 when the upper 2100 is in a tightened state (FIG. 17B).

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 17A - 17B, the cable 2302a includes a tensioning element 2312 and a control element 2314 that cooperate with the cable placement elements 2304, 2306, 2308, 2310 and the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b to move the article a of the footwear 3010 between a tightened state and a relaxed state. Here, the tensioning element 2312 and the control element 2314 can be collectively referred to as adjustment elements 2312, 2314. The adjustment elements 2312, 2314 are movable in a tightening direction D T to move the article a of the footwear 3010 to a tightened state and are movable in a loosening direction D L to enable switching of the article a of the footwear 3010 to a relaxed state. In some examples, a tightening force F T applied to the control element 2314 is transmitted via the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b to at least a portion of the tensioning element 2312, moving the tensioning element 2312 in the tightening direction D T

[0108] ​As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the tension element 2312 and the control element 2314 can be described as including outer strands 2316, 2320 and inner strands 2318, 2322. Thus, the control element 2314 includes an outer control strand 2320 and an inner control strand 2322 in addition to the outer tension strands 2316 and the inner tension strands 2318 of the tension element 2312 described above. In the illustrated example, the outer tension strand 2316 of the tension element 2312 is connected to the outer control strand 2320 of the control element 2314 by tension devices 2400a, 2400b as shown in FIG. 20. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 20, the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 is connected to the inner control strand 2322 of the control element 2314 via the tension devices 2400a, 2400b. Therefore, by moving each of the outer control strand 2320 and the inner control element 2322 of the control element 2314, the positions of the outer tension strand 2316 and the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 can be adjusted.

[0109] As described above and shown in FIG. 18, the outer control strand 2320 of the control element 2314 is connected to the outer tension strand 2316 of the tension element 2312 via the tension devices 2400a, 2400b, and extends from the first end 2332 of the tension devices 2400a, 2400b along the upper 2100 to the second end 2334. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19, the inner control strand 2322 of the control element 2314 is connected to the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 via the tension devices 2400a, 2400b, and extends from the first end 2336 of the tension devices 2400a, 2400b along the upper 2100 to the second end 2338. Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the second end 2334 of the outer control strand 2320 is connected to the second end 2338 of the inner control strand 2322, and the outer control strand 2320 and the inner control strand 2322 can form a continuous strand extending over the throat portion 2108 of the upper 2100. In other examples, the second ends 2334, 2338 of the outer control strand 2320 and the inner control strand 2322 may be indirectly connected by an intermediate connecting element (not shown).

[0110] A portion of the control element 2314 extending around the upper 2100 may be enclosed within one or more sheaths 2310. Each sheath 2310 may be formed from a material and / or woven fabric, and the material and / or woven fabric allows the sheath 310 and the control element 2314 to move from a relaxed state to an extended or expanded state when the control element 2314 moves in a direction away from the upper 2100 by the tightening force F T (i.e., when the control element 2314 moves in the tightening direction D T ). When the tightening force F T is removed, as shown in FIG. 17B, the sheath 2310 automatically contracts to a relaxed state by the material and / or woven fabric of the sheath 2310 and receives the bundle of the control element 2314 therein. As shown in the figure, the control element 2314 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the ankle opening 2104 through the sheath 2310 and beyond the throat 2108 of the upper 2100. Accordingly, the control element 2314 extends across the upper 2100 in front of the wearer's ankle.

[0111] Continuing to refer to FIG. 18, the sheath 2310 and the outer control strands 2320 of the control element 2314 are disposed upwardly through the outer quarter panel 2106, exit the outer quarter panel 2106, and extend outside of 2100 across the throat 108. Similarly, the inner control strands 2322 and the sheath 2310 of the control element 2314 are disposed in a similar manner from the inner quarter panel 2106 to the throat 2108 of the upper 2100, whereby the second ends 2334, 2338 of the outer control strands 2320 and the inner control strands 2322 are adhered to each other, directly or indirectly, to form a continuous control element 2314 extending over the throat 2108 of the upper 2100.

[0112] In the illustrated example, a separate tightening grip 2340 is operatively coupled to the sheath 2310 at an attachment location near the throat 2108, and the user applies a tightening force F T to pull the control element 2314 from the upper 2100, enabling each of the control element 2314 and the tension element 2312 to move in the tightening direction D T Other configurations may include operatively coupling one or more tightening grips 2340 to other portions of the sheath 2310 along the length of the control element 2314. In some implementations, the tightening grip 2340 is omitted and the sheath 2310 is directly grasped by the user.

[0113] As described above with respect to the article and tensioning system 2300 of the footwear 3010 of FIGS. 13A-16, the upper 2100 is movable between a relaxed state and a tightened state by adjusting the position of the straps 2116, 2118 by applying or releasing a tightening force F T to the free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2118. In the example of FIGS. 17A-20, the upper 2100 is also movable between a relaxed state and a tightened state by selectively applying or releasing a tightening force F T to the tension element 2312. However, the tensile force FT Unlike the example before the tensile force is applied by the tension device 2400, in the examples of FIGS. 17A to 20, the tightening force F T includes a dynamic tension system 2300a in which the tensile element 2312 can be pulled by the user.

[0114] As shown, by applying the tightening force F to the control element 2314, the cable 2302a of the tension system 2300a can be moved in the tightening direction D T . For example, the user can apply the tightening force F to the control element 2314 by pulling the tightening grip 2340 and the sheath 2310 from the upper 2100, and move the control element 2314 in the tightening direction D T . Here, the tightening force F is applied to each control strand 2320, 2322 and transmitted to each tensile strand 2316, 2318 via the tension devices 2400a, 2400b. The tightening force F T pulls the free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2126 across the throat 2108 toward the bite line 3028 side by pulling the tensile strands 2316, 2318 in the tightening direction. T As described above, the locking device or the tension devices 2400a, 2400b can be arranged in the cavity of the sole structure 2200 and can be biased to the locked state to limit the movement of the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 in their respective loosening directions sD T . The tensile element 2312 and the control element 2314 approach and pass through the housing 2402 of the tension devices 2400a, 2400b from opposite directions respectively. In some configurations, when in the locked state, the tension devices 2400a, 2400b allow the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 to move in the tightening direction D T . The release mechanism 2404 switches the tension devices 2400a, 2400b from the locked state to the unlocked state, so that the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 can move in D

[0115] As described above, the locking device or the tension devices 2400a, 2400b can be arranged in the cavity of the sole structure 2200 and can be biased to the locked state to limit the movement of the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 in their respective loosening directions sD L to prevent movement. The tensile element 2312 and the control element 2314 approach and pass through the housing 2402 of the tension devices 2400a, 2400b from opposite directions respectively. In some configurations, when in the locked state, the tension devices 2400a, 2400b allow the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 to move in the tightening direction D T . The release mechanism 2404 switches the tension devices 2400a, 2400b from the locked state to the unlocked state, so that the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 can move in D T , D Fenable movement in both directions.

[0116] The release mechanism 2404 is operable to switch the tensioning devices 2400a from a locked state to an unlocked state in order to enable the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 to move in both directions of D T ,D F . For example, the release mechanism 2404 can include a release string or cable 2404 that is operable to move the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b from a locked state to an unlocked state when the release string 2404 is pulled. The release string 2404 can extend from a first end 2406 attached to the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b to a distal end 2408 fixed to the rear end 3014 of the upper 2100, thereby enabling the user to grasp and pull the release string 2404 to move the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0117] In some examples, the release string 2404 includes a release grip 2410, such as a loop or sheath, for example, the release grip 2410 is located remotely from the tensioning device 2400a, and enables the user to grasp and pull the release string 2404 when it is necessary to move the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b to an unlocked state and / or release the tensioning devices 2400a, 2400b from an unlocked state. FIGS. 18 and 19 show a release grip 2410 formed at the rear end of the ankle opening 2104 where the release string 2404 extends from the sole structure 2200 and along the heel counter 2112.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 21-24, in some implementations, the tensioning device 2400a includes a housing 2402a and a locking member 2412 that is slidably disposed within the housing 2402a and surrounded by a lid 2414 fixed to the housing 2402a. FIG. 22 provides an exploded view of the tensioning device 2400a of FIG. 21 showing the locking member 2412 and the lid 2414 removed from the housing 2402a. The housing 2402a defines a length that extends between a first end 2416 and a second end 2418. The housing 2402a includes a base portion 2420 having a cable receiving surface 2422 and a mounting surface 2424 disposed on the base portion 2420 opposite the cable receiving surface 2422 and facing the outer surface of the upper 2100. The lid 2414 is on the opposite side of the cable receiving surface 2422 of the base portion 2420 and defines a locking member cavity 2426 configured to receive the locking member 2412 and a portion of the tensioning system 2300a. In some configurations, the locking member cavity 2426 is bounded by a first engagement surface 2428 and a second engagement surface 2430 (FIGS. 23 and 24) that converge towards each other, such that the locking member cavity 2426 is associated with a wedge-shaped configuration that tapers towards the second end 2418 of the housing 2402a. Accordingly, the first engagement surface 2428 and the second engagement surface 2430 converge towards each other and extend between the lid 2414 and the cable receiving surface 2422 of the base portion 2420, including the corresponding side walls of the housing 2402a that define the locking member cavity 2426.

[0119] As described above, the cable 2302a of the tensioning system 2300a may include a tensioning element 2312 and a control element 2314 that are connected to each other by a locking element 2315. The locking element 2315 extends through the locking member cavity 2426 and includes a first portion that extends along the first engagement surface 2428 and a second portion that extends along the second engagement surface 2430. The tensioning element 2312 exits from a corresponding groove 2432 (FIGS. 23 and 24) formed adjacent the first end 2416 through the opposing side walls of the housing 2402a. The control element 2314 exits from a corresponding groove 2432 (FIGS. 23 and 24) formed adjacent the second end 418 through the opposing side walls of the housing 2402a.

[0120] In some implementation forms, the locking member 2412 includes a first locking surface 2434 facing the first engaging surface 2428 of the housing 2402a, and a second locking surface 2436 facing the second engaging surface 2430 of the housing 2402a when the locking member 2412 is disposed in the locking member cavity 2426 of the housing 2402a. In some examples, the first locking surface 22434 and the second locking surface 2436 converge with each other. Additionally or alternatively, the first locking surface 2434 may be substantially parallel to the first engaging surface 2428, and the second locking surface 2436 may be substantially parallel to the second engaging surface 2430. In the illustrated example, the locking surfaces 2434, 2436 have a surface with a protrusion or tooth at an angle that allows movement by the tension system 2300a in the tightening direction D T (i.e., when the tightening force F T is applied to the control element 2314), and includes a protrusion or tooth with an angled surface that allows movement by the tension system 2300a. On the other hand, when the locking member 2412 is in the locked state, the movement by the tension system 2300a is restricted by gripping the locking element 2315 in the direction D L . The biasing member 2438 (e.g., a spring) may include a first end 2440 attached to the second end 2418 of the housing 2402a, and a second end 2442 attached to the first end 2444 of the locking member 2412 to attach the locking member 2412 to the housing 2402a.

[0121] In some embodiments, the lock member 2412 is slidably disposed within the housing 2402a and is movable between a locked position (FIG. 23) associated with the locked state of the tensioning device 2400a and an unlocked position (FIG. 24) associated with the unlocked state of the tensioning device 2400a. In some examples, the release mechanism 2404 (i.e., the release string 2404) moves the lock member 2412 from the locked position (FIG. 23) to the unlocked position (FIG. 24). The lock member 2412 may include a tab portion 2446 that extends from an end of the lock member 2412 opposite the first end portion 2444. In one configuration, the first end portion 2406 of the release string 2404 is attached to the tab portion 2446 of the lock member 2412. The tab portion 2446 is formed in a corresponding one of the first locking surface 2434 and the second locking surface 2436 and may include a pair of retaining mechanisms or recesses 2448 that selectively receive one or more retaining mechanisms 2450 associated with the housing 2402a to maintain the tensioning device 2400a in the unlocked state. The retaining mechanisms 2450 associated with the housing 2402a include a first retaining mechanism 2450 and a second retaining mechanism 2450 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 2402a, and the retaining mechanisms 2450 are biased inwardly toward each other by corresponding biasing members 2452 toward the cavity 2426. The retaining mechanism 2450 may be a protrusion formed integrally with the housing 2402a, and thus, the retaining mechanism 2450 functions as a living hinge movable between a retracted state (FIG. 23) and an extended state (FIG. 24).

[0122] FIG. 23 provides a plan view of the tensioning device 2400a of FIG. 21 with the lid 2414 removed to show the lock member 2412 disposed within the cavity 2426 of the housing 2402a when in the locked position. In some examples, the lock member 2412 may be biased toward the locked position. For example, FIG. 23 shows that the biasing member 2438 applies a biasing force F B (in direction D BAdd (shown by), and push the first end 2444 of the lock member 2412 toward the second end 2418 of the housing 2402a to bias the lock member 2412 to the locked position. While in the locked position, the lock member 2412 restricts the movement of the tension system 2300a relative to the housing 2402a by sandwiching the lock element 2315 of the tension system 2300a between the locking surfaces 2434, 2436 and the engaging surfaces 2428, 2430. Therefore, due to the locked position of the lock member 2412, the tension system 2300a is restricted from moving in the direction D L in which it slackens. In the illustrated example, when a tightening force F T is applied to the tightening grip 2340, the lock member 2412 enables the movement of the tension system 2300a. In this direction, due to the lock member 2412 being generally wedge-shaped, the tension system 2300a applies a force to the lock member 2412 to move the lock member 2412 to the unlocked state. The lock member 2412 automatically returns to the locked state when the force applied to the tightening grip 2340 is released due to the force applied to the lock member 2412 by the biasing member 2438

[0123] FIG. 24 provides a plan view of the tension device 2400a of FIG. 21 with the cover 414 removed to show the lock member 2412 disposed within the cavity 2426 of the housing 2402a when in the unlocked position. In some examples, a release string 2404 attached to the tab portion 2446 of the lock member 2412 applies a release force F R to the lock member 2412 and moves the lock member 2412 away from the first engaging surface 2428 and the second engaging surface 2430 with respect to the housing 2402a. Here, since the release force F B is sufficient to overcome the biasing force F R of the biasing member 2438, the lock member 2412 can move with respect to the housing 2402a to release the clamping of the lock element 2315 of the tension system 2300a between the locking surfaces 2434, 2436 and the engaging surfaces 2428, 2430. In some examples, when the release force F R applied by the release string 2404 is released, the biasing force F BThe locking member 2412 returns to the locked position by R When a release force F of sufficient or predetermined magnitude is applied to pull the release string 2404 away from the upper 2100 with respect to the figure of FIG. 24, the release string 2404 may apply the release force F R .

[0124] While in the unlocked position, the locking member 2412 allows the tension system 2300a to move relative to the housing 2402a by freely moving the locking element 2315 of the tension system 2300a between the locking surfaces 2434, 2436 and the engaging surfaces 2428, 2430. Due to the unlocked position of the locking member 2412, when a force F T, F L is applied to each of the control element 2314 and the tension element 2312, the tension system 2300a can move in both the tightening direction D T and the loosening direction D L .

[0125] In some examples, when a release force F of sufficient magnitude and / or timer duration is applied to the release string 2404, the release string 2404 applies the release force F R in a direction opposite to the direction of the biasing force F R (FIG. 24) to the locking member 2412, so that the locking member 2412 moves away from the engaging surfaces 2428, 2430 with respect to the housing 2402a. At least one retaining mechanism 2450 of the housing 2402a may engage the retaining mechanism 2448 of the locking member 2412 when the release force F B (FIG. 23) causes the locking member 2412 to move a predetermined distance away from the first engaging surface 2428 and the second engaging surface 2430 of the housing 2402a. Here, when the release force F R is released, the engagement between the retaining mechanism 2448 of the locking member 2412 and at least one retaining mechanism 2450 of the housing 2402a maintains the locking member 2412 in the unlocked position. When the locking member 2412 moves a predetermined distance and the release force F R is no longer applied, the biasing force F R of the biasing member 2438 BThe force applied to the retaining mechanism 2450 by the pair of biasing members 2452 locks the retaining mechanism 2448 of the locking member 2412 to engage with the retaining mechanism 2450 of the housing 2402a.

[0126] In some scenarios, a release force F associated with a first magnitude is applied to the relaxation cord 2404 to move the locking member 2412 a distance less than a predetermined distance from the engagement surfaces 2428, 2430 so that the retaining mechanisms 2448, 2450 do not engage. R In these scenarios, when it is desirable to move the tensioning system 2300a in the relaxing direction D or the tightening direction D (i.e., by applying a tightening force F to the tightening grip 2340) to adjust the fit of the internal void 2102 around the foot, the release force F associated with the first magnitude can be maintained. L or the tightening direction D T to move (i.e., by applying a tightening force F to the tightening grip 2340) the release force F associated with the first magnitude can be maintained. T When the desired fit of the internal void 2102 around the foot is achieved, the release force F is released and the locking member 2412 can return to the locked position, as a result, the movement of the tensioning system 2300a in the relaxing direction D is restricted and the desired fit can be maintained. Note that even when the locking member 2412 is in the locked position, the tensioning system 2300a can move in the tightening direction D. R Thus, when the release force F is released and the desired fit is achieved, the locking member 2412 automatically maintains the desired fit by locking the position of the tensioning system 300a relative to the housing 2402a. R is released and the locking member 2412 can return to the locked position, as a result, the movement of the tensioning system 2300a in the relaxing direction D L is restricted and the desired fit can be maintained. Note that even when the locking member 2412 is in the locked position, the tensioning system 2300a can move in the tightening direction D T Please note that it can move. R Thus, when the release force F is released and the desired fit is achieved, the locking member 2412 automatically maintains the desired fit by locking the position of the tensioning system 300a relative to the housing 2402a.

[0127] In other scenarios, a release force F associated with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude RIn addition to the release string 2404, the locking member 2412 can be separated from the engagement surfaces 2428, 2430 by a predetermined distance so that the corresponding holding mechanisms 2448, 2450 engage. The engagement of the holding mechanisms 2448, 2450 allows the locking member 2412 to move more easily against the biasing force F B applied to the holding mechanism 2450 by the biasing member 2452 when the release string 2404 is pulled a predetermined distance. In these scenarios, the release force F R when released, the engagement between the corresponding holding functions 2448, 2450 maintains the locking member 2412 in the unlocked position.

[0128] When a clamping force F T is applied to the control element 2314, the locking member 2412 returns to the locked position. That is, when forces are applied to the outer control strand 2320 and the inner control element 2322, these control strands 2320, 2322 are placed in a tensioned state, and when the control strands 2320, 2322 pass through a part of the holding mechanism 2450, a force is applied to the biasing member 2452 through the holding mechanism 2450. In this way, the holding mechanism 2450 compresses the biasing member 2452, separates the biasing members 2450 from each other, and disengages the holding mechanism 2448 of the locking member 2412, enabling the biasing member 2438 to return the locking member 2412 to the locked position.

[0129] In use, the tensioning system 2300a can be used to selectively move the articles of the footwear 3010 between a relaxed state (FIG. 17A) and a tightened state (FIG. 17B). When the footwear 3010 is initially provided in a relaxed state, the effective lengths of the tension strands 2316, 2318 of the tension element 2312 (i.e., the length from the first ends 2324, 2328 to the second ends 2326, 2330) are maximized, and while the tension element 2312 and the straps 2116, 2118 are in a relaxed state around the upper 2100, the effective lengths of the control strands 2320, 2322 of the control element 2314 (i.e., the length from the first ends 2332, 2336 to the second ends 2334, 2338) are minimized. Accordingly, the user's foot can be inserted into the internal space 2102 of the footwear 3010, and the upper 2100 can stretch to receive the foot inside by the material of the upper 2100.

[0130] With the user's foot inserted into the internal void 2102 of the upper 2100, the tensioning system 2300a can be moved by the user to a tightened state to secure the footwear 3010 to the foot. As described above, by applying a tightening force F T to the tightening grip 2340 of the control element 2314, the tensioning system 2300a can be moved to a tightened state and the control element 2314 can be moved in the tightening direction D T When the control element 2314 moves in the tightening direction D T the cable 2302a is pulled through the housing 2402a of the tensioning device, thereby shortening the effective lengths of the tension strands 2316, 2318 of the tension element 2312. Accordingly, the effective length of the tension element 2312 is minimized about the upper 2100, and the upper 2100 moves to a tightened state around the foot.

[0131] As described above, when the tension element 2312 moves in the tightening direction D T the outer tension strand 2316 and the inner tension strand 2318 are under the tightening force F Tis distributed to the free ends 2124, 2126 of the straps 2116, 2118 to tightly pull the straps 2116, 2118 to the laryngeal part 2108. The outer tension strand 2316 and the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 apply a tightening force F T to the end 2344 of the heel strap 2308 to contract the heel counter 2112 around the back of the user's ankle. At the same time, the effective length of the control element 2314 can increase as the tensioning system 2300a moves into the tightened state. However, as shown in FIG. 17B, by enabling the control element 2314 to "converge" within the sheath 2306 when the sheath 2310 contracts, due to the elasticity of the sheath 2310 adapting to the increased effective length of the control element 2314, the control element 2314 is maintained in a tensioned position relative to the upper 2100.

[0132] If the user wants to remove the article of the footwear 3010 from the foot, the tension stem 2300a can be moved to the relaxed state to relax the upper 2100 around the foot. First, as described above, a release force F B sufficient to overcome the biasing force F R of the biasing member 2438 must be applied to move the tensioning device 2400a to the unlocked state. Once the tensioning device 2400a is moved to the unlocked state, by pulling the article of the footwear 3010 from the user's foot, the cable 2302a can be pulled in the relaxing direction D L through the housing 2402a of the tensioning device, which essentially expands the upper and increases the effective lengths of the tension strands 2316, 2318 of the tension element 2312.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 29, another example of the manual tensioning device 2400b is shown, and the tensioning device 2400b is embodied as a rotating mechanism. FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the tensioning device 2400b showing a housing 2402b defining a cavity 2454 configured to rotatably support a spool 2456, a first pole 2458, and a second pole 2460. The tensioning device 2400b can include a lid 2462 fixed to the housing 2402b to prevent access to the cavity 2454 when the lid 2462 is fixed to the housing 2402b and to allow access to the cavity 2454 when the lid 2462 is removed from the housing 2402b. One or more fixtures 2464 extend through the lid 2462 and are fixed to screw holes 2466 in the housing 402b to fix the lid 2462 to the housing 2402b.

[0134] The housing 2402b defines a plurality of cage grooves 2468, and each cage groove 2468 is configured to receive and support a respective cable retainer 2470 through which a cable adjustment element is disposed within the cavity 2454 of the housing 2402b. The housing 2402b can support a plurality of cable retainers 2470 such that the ends of the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 extend through respective ones of the respective cable retainers 2470.

[0135] As will be described in more detail below, the housing 2402b can further include a retaining wall 2472 disposed within the cavity 2454. The retaining wall 2472 is configured to cooperate with the first pole 2458. The retaining wall 2472 can further include a tactile groove 2474 configured to receive one or more tactile domes 2476. Referring to FIGS. 26 to 29 and as will be described in more detail below, the first pole 2458 can engage one or more tactile domes 2476 to provide a click sound or other sound indicating that the spool 2456 has changed position relative to the housing 2402b and / or that the tensioning device 2400b has switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0136] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the housing 2402b showing a pair of mounting flanges 2478, 2480 disposed on the opposite side of the housing 2402b. The mounting flanges 2478, 2480 are located on the inner surface of the cavity 2214 of the sole structure 2200 and can mount the tensioning device 2400b within the sole structure 2200. Optionally, the flanges 2478, 2480 can be attached to the strobel of the upper 2100. The strobel can be any support structure that forms the foot portion of the footwear 3010 disposed at least between the sole structure 2200 and the void 2102. In some examples, a bonding agent such as an adhesive and / or epoxy can be applied to the contact surfaces of the mounting flanges 2478, 2480 and / or the inner surface of the cavity 2214 of the sole structure 2200 to attach the housing 2402b within the cavity 2214. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting flanges 2478, 2480 can define one or more mounting holes 2482 that are formed to allow the mounting flanges to pass through and are configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for attaching the housing 2402b to the sole structure 2200.

[0137] FIG. 27 shows the housing 2402b with the poles 2458, 2460, the adjustment elements 2312, 2314, and the other components of the tensioning device 2400b removed, exposing the elongated passage 2484 formed through the housing 2402b. As will be described in more detail below, the elongated passage 2484 is aligned with the attachment point of the first pole 2458, allowing the release string 2404 to pass under the housing 2402b and over the feed groove 2486 defined by the attachment flange 2480. The attachment flange 2480 also defines a notch region 2477 proximate to the supply groove 2486, providing a larger clearance for the release string 2404 (and / or the conduit surrounding the release string 2404) to extend from the housing 2402b. The attachment flanges 2478, 2480 may define a lip around the outer periphery of the housing 2402b such that the housing 402b is spaced from the cavity's 2214 mounting surface or strobel, allowing the placement of the release string 2404 between the housing 2402b and the mounting surface or strobel of the cavity 2214. Thus, the release string 2404 may freely extend below the housing 2402b between the elongated passage 2484 and the supply groove 2486. In some examples, the supply groove 2486 has a curved edge to prevent the release string 2404 from being captured or restricted by the housing 2402b.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 26, the spool 2456 is supported within the cavity 2454 of the housing 2402b and is rotatable relative to the housing 2402b. In some examples, when the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 move in the tightening direction D T the spool 2456 rotates relative to the housing 2402b in a first direction D S1 and when the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 move in the loosening direction D L the spool 2456 rotates in an opposite second direction D S2It rotates to. The spool 2456 includes a first passage or annular groove 2488 configured to collect a part of the tension element 2312 and a second passage or annular groove 2490 configured to collect a part of the control element 2314. The spool 2456 can include one or more anchor grooves 2492 formed through a partition wall separating the passages 2488, 2490 to fix the respective rotational positions of the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 with respect to the spool 2456.

[0139] The tension device 2400b also includes a ratchet mechanism 2494 associated with the spool 2456, circumferentially located around the axis of the ratchet mechanism 2494, and having a plurality of teeth 2496 projecting radially inward therefrom. In some implementations, the ratchet mechanism 2494 is integrally formed on the inner peripheral wall of the spool 2456, and the plurality of teeth 2496 project radially inward from the passages 2488, 2490. In other examples, the ratchet mechanism 2494 is supported to rotate with the spool 2456.

[0140] The first pole 2458 is disposed within the cavity 2454 of the housing 2402b and is configured to selectively prevent and permit the rotation of the spool 2456 in cooperation with the ratchet mechanism 2494, and as a result, selectively prevent and permit the movement of the adjustment elements 2312, 2314. In some examples, the first pole 2458 includes one or more teeth 2498 configured to selectively and engagingly engage with the plurality of teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494. In some implementations, the first pole 2458 is such that the first pole 2458 rotates about the first pole rotation axis A FP with respect to the housing 2402b. It includes a first pole shaft 2500 configured to support the first pole 458 within the housing 2402b to enable rotation about the axis.

[0141] The first pole spring 2502 is operably connected to the first pole shaft 2500 and a retaining wall 2472 disposed within the cavity 2454 of the housing 2402b, and biases the first pole 2458 in a first direction D FP about the pole rotation axis A FP1can be biased. The first pole rotation axis A FP can be substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the spool 2456 when the spool 2456 is received in the cavity 2454. Accordingly, the first pole spring 2502 can interact with the retaining wall 2472 and the first pole 2516 to apply a biasing force, and due to the biasing force, the first pole 2458 rotates about the pole rotation axis A in the first direction D FP1 about the pole rotation axis A FP and engages with a plurality of teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494, whereby the tension device 2400b operates in a locked state to restrict movement of the adjusting elements 2312, 2314 in the loosening direction sD L thereof.

[0142] Figures 28 and 29 each show a plan view of the first pole 2458 of the tension device 2400b. The first pole 2458 defines a first receiving surface 2504 configured to support the first pole spring 2502. The first pole shaft 2500 projects from the first receiving surface 2504 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first receiving surface 2504. The first pole shaft 2500 can be integrally formed with the first pole 2458. The first pole 2458 also defines a second receiving surface 2506 configured to support the second pole spring 2516. The opening 2508 is formed through the second receiving surface 2506 and is configured to receive the second pole shaft 2514. The anchor post 2510 may project in a direction substantially parallel to the first pole shaft 2500 and away from the receiving surfaces 2504, 2506. The anchor post 2510 can define an opening 2512 for providing an attachment position for attaching the first end 2406 of the release string 2404 to the anchor post 2510. The anchor post 2510 can be integrally formed with the first pole 2458.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 26, the second pole shaft 2514 rotatably attaches the second pole 2460 to the first pole 2458 and enables the second pole 2460 to rotate about the second pole rotation axis A with respect to both the first pole 2458 and the housing 2402b. The second pole rotation axis A SP enables rotation about the second pole rotation axis A SP is the first pole rotation axis AFP and can extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the spool 2456. In some examples, the second pole 2460 is associated with a second pole spring 2516, and the second pole spring 2516 is such that when the spool 2456 rotates in the second direction D S2 the engagement between the first pole 2458 and the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494 is released to enable rotation, the second pole 2460 is configured to be biased to engage a control surface 2518 associated with the inner circumference of the spool 2456.

[0144] FIG. 26 provides a perspective view of the tensioning device 2400b in a locked state, where the first pole teeth 2498 of the first pole 2458 engage the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494 to selectively limit rotation of the spool 2456 in the second direction D S2 and limit movement of the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 in their respective relaxing directions D L In some examples, the plurality of teeth 2496 are inclined such that when the teeth 2498 of the first pole 22458 engage the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494, the spool 2456 can rotate in a first direction D S1 thereby enabling the tension member 2312 to move in the tightening direction D T and enabling the control member 2314 to move in the tightening direction D T in response to the tightening force F T applied to the tightening grip 2340.

[0145] When the spool 2456 rotates in the first direction D S1 the control element 2314 is withdrawn from the second passage 2490 of the spool 2456, and when the spool 2456 rotates in the first direction D S1 simultaneously the tension element 2312 retracts into the first passage 2488 of the spool 2456. Thus, the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 are moved in their respective tightening directions D TBy moving it, the effective length of the control element 2314 increases while the effective length of the tension element 2312 decreases, whereby the upper 2100 moves to a tightened state and closes the internal gap 2102 around the user's foot. Here, the control element 2314 is in the tightening direction D while the first pole 2458 (i.e., the first pole teeth 2498) and the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494 are continuously engaged with each other respectively. T It gradually moves in the direction, and thus, as the upper 2100 moves to a tightened state, the tension applied to the outer tension strand 2316 and the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 is gradually increased to tighten so as to fit into the internal gap 2102 around the foot. More specifically, since each of the outer tension strand 2316 and the inner tension strand 2318 of the tension element 2312 is connected to and disposed in the first passage 2488 of the spool 2456, each of the tension strands 2316, 2318 is wound up or unwound by the spool 2456 at the same speed, and substantially uniform tightening of the upper 2100 around the foot is provided.

[0146] In some examples, the release string 2404 is operably connected to the anchor post 2510 of the first pole 2458 and selectively disengages the first pole 2458 from the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494 when a predetermined release force F R is applied to the release string 2404. When the second pole 2460 engages with the control surface 2518, the second pole 2460 is in the second direction D S2 so as not to get entangled when being collected (i.e., wound up) or released (i.e., unwound) from each of the first passage 2488 and the second passage 2490 of the spool 2456 as the adjustment elements 2312, 2314 rotate in the second direction D S2Operably controls the rotational speed of the spool 2456. In some configurations, the second pole 2460 includes a cam surface that maintains engagement with one of each of the two control surfaces 2518 when the engagement with the teeth 2496 of the first pole 2458 is maintained in a disengaged state (i.e., when the tensioning device 2400b is operable in an unlocked state). Each control surface 2518 may be axially disposed on the opposite side of the ratchet mechanism 2494 such that the teeth 2496 are disposed between the control surfaces 2518 and project radially inwardly.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 28, when the tensioning device 2400b is in the locked state, the first pole 2458 is biased to engage a plurality of teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494. Here, the first pole 2458 rotates in a first direction D about the first pole rotation axis A FP1 such that the teeth 2498 of the first pole 2458 engage the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494. In some examples, the first pole 2458 includes a tactile protrusion 2520 configured to engage the tactile dome 2476 and provide a "click" indicating a gradual change in the position of the spool 2456 while the first pole 2458 and the teeth 2496 are continuously engaged. FP

[0148] Referring to FIG. 29, the first end 2406 of the release string 2404 is attached to the anchor post 2510 of the first pole 245 such that when a predetermined release force F R is applied to the release string 2404, the release string 2404 selectively disengages the first pole 2458 from the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494. For example, the user may grip the release grip 2410 of the release string 2404 and apply a predetermined force F R to disengage the first pole 2458 from the teeth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494. Here, the predetermined force F R overcomes the biasing force of the first pole spring 2502 and enables the first pole 2458 to rotate about the first pole rotation axis A FP in a second direction D FP2 R is applied. Further, the predetermined force F RWhen the first pole 2458 is disengaged from the engagement with the tooth 2496 and moves to switch the tension device 2400b to the unlocked state by [mechanism], the tactile protrusion 2520 can engage with the tactile dome 2476 to provide a "click sound".

[0149] Figure 29 shows that when a predetermined force F R is applied to the release string 2404, the release string 2404 selectively disengages the first pole 2458 from the tooth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494, corresponding to the tension device 2400b in the unlocked state. When the first pole 2458 is disengaged from the tooth 2496 of the ratchet mechanism 2494 and is in the unlocked state, the spool 2456 can rotate in the second direction D S2 and a relaxing force F L is applied to the tension element 2312, enabling the tension element 2312 to move in the relaxing direction D L . In some examples, when the spool 2456 rotates in the second direction D S2 , the first passage 2488 of the spool 2456 collects the tension element 2312 while the second passage 2490 of the spool 2456 relaxes the control element 2314. Therefore, the movement of the control element 2314 in the relaxing direction D L enables an increase in the effective length of the tension element 2312, allowing the tension strands 2316, 2318 to relax, and thereby easily switching the upper 2100 from the tightened state to the relaxed state and removing the feet from the internal void 2102.

[0150] Referring back to FIG. 25, the cover 2462 and the housing 2402b of the tension device 2400b may each include a hub 2522 configured to support the first pole shaft 2500 of the first pole 2458. The cover 2462, respectively, allows the first pole 2458 to rotate about the first pole rotation axis A FP1 in either the first direction D FP2 or the second direction D FPWhen pivoting about , an elongated passage 2524 may be included that cooperates with the elongated passage 2484 of the housing 2402b to allow the anchor post 2510 of the first pole 2458 to rotate freely with respect to the housing 2402b and the lid 2462.

[0151] In use, the tensioning system 2300a can be used to selectively move the articles of the footwear 3010 between a tightened state and a relaxed state. When the footwear 3010 is initially provided in the relaxed state, the effective length of the tensioning element 2312 is maximized, whereby the first cable is in a relaxed state around the upper 2100, while the effective length of the control element 2314 is minimized when the control element 2314 is wound around the spool 2456 of the tensioning device 2400b. Accordingly, the user's foot can be inserted into the internal space 2102 of the footwear 3010, and the upper 2100 can stretch to receive the foot therein by the material of the upper 2100.

[0152] With the user's foot inserted into the internal void 2102 of the upper 2100, the tensioning system 2300a can be moved by the user to the tightened state to secure the footwear 3010 to the foot. As described above, the tensioning system 2300a moves to the tightened state by applying a tightening force F T to the tightening grip 2340, thereby moving the control element 2314 in the tightening direction D T When the control element 2314 moves in the tightening direction D T the spool 2456 rotates in the first direction D S1 and the control element 2314 is released from the second passage 2490. At the same time, the tensioning element 312 is wound up in the first passage 2488, such that the tensioning element 2312 retracts into the tensioning device 2400b. Accordingly, the effective length of the tensioning element 2312 is minimized about the upper 2100 and the upper 2100 moves to a tightened state around the foot.

[0153] Before, during, or after the tensioning system 2300a transitions to the tightened state, a release force F applied to the release string 404 ROnce overcome by the first pole spring 2502, the first pole 2458 can be moved to the locked position by the biasing force of the first pole spring 2502. When the tension device 2400b is in the locked state, the teeth 2496 of the spool 2456 engage with the teeth 2498 of the first pole 2458, preventing the spool 2456 from rotating in the second direction D S2 (i.e., the loosening direction D L ). Thus, the tension device 2400b can maintain the tension system 2300a in the tightened state as long as the tension device 2400b is maintained in the locked position.

[0154] If the user wants to remove an item from the footwear 3010 from the foot, the tension stem 2300a can be moved to the relaxed state, and the upper 2100 can be relaxed around the foot. First, the tension device 2400b must move to the unlocked state by applying a sufficient release force F R to overcome the biasing force of the first pole spring 2502. When the biasing force is overcome by the release force F R , the engagement between the teeth 2498 of the first pole 2458 and the teeth 2496 of the spool 2456 is released, and the spool 2456 can rotate in the second direction D S2 .

[0155] A loosening force F L is applied by the user to the tension element 2312, and by moving the first cable in the loosening direction D L , the effective length of the tension element 2312 is maximized, enabling the upper 2100 to be relaxed. In the illustrated example, by pulling the front end 3012 of the upper 2100 downward, the loosening force F L can be indirectly applied to the tension element 2312, thereby forcibly opening the internal void 2102 and allowing the foot to be removed. Optionally, the tension element 2312 may be provided with one or more loosening grips (not shown) to allow the user to directly apply the loosening force F T to the tension element 2312.

[0156] When the tension element 2312 moves in the loosening direction D L , the spool 2456 rotates in the second direction DS2 Rotates to, and the tension element 2312 is released from the first passage 2488. As the tension element 2312 is released, the effective length of the tension element 2312 becomes longer, the tension strands 2316, 2318 relax, and the first strap 2116 and the second strap 2118 can relax around the upper 100. At the same time, the control element 2314 is wound up into the second passage 2490, and as a result, the control element 2314 retracts into the tension device 2400b. Therefore, the effective length of the control element 2314 is minimized.

[0157] FIG. 30 generally shows a block diagram of components of an example of an electric tension device 2400 for an article of the footwear 3010 of FIGS. 13 - 16. This schematic diagram partially includes components of a lacing engine 2401, a receptacle 2532 (FIG. 34), and an electric tension system including the lower footwear 3010, and does not necessarily include all of them. As shown, the electric tension device 2400 includes a lacing engine housing 2402 surrounding an interface button 2534, an interface button actuator 2536, a foot detection sensor 2538, and a main PCB 2540 and a user interface PCB 2542. The user interface PCB 2542 includes the button 2534, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 2544 that can illuminate the button actuator 2536 or provide illumination visible outside the article of the footwear 3010, an optical encoder unit 2546, and an LED driver 2548 that can supply power to the LEDs 2544. The main PCB 2540 includes a processor circuit 2550, an electronic data storage unit 2552, a battery charging circuit 2554, a wireless transceiver 2556, one or more sensors 2558 such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc., and a motor driver 2560.

[0158] The lacing engine 2401 further includes a foot detection sensor 2538 such as a capacitance sensor, a motor 2562, a transmission 2564, a spool 2566, a battery or power supply 2568, and a charging coil 2570. The processor circuit 2550 is configured by instructions from the electronic data storage 2552 to cause the motor driver 2560 to drive the motor 2562 to rotate the spool 2566 via the transmission 2564 in order to apply a desired amount of tension to the cable 2302 wound around the spool 2566. The processor circuit 2550 can receive inputs from various sources including the foot detection sensor 2538, the sensor 2558, and a button 2534 for determining to increase or decrease the tension of the cable 2302 according to instructions. For example, the foot detection sensor 2538 may detect the presence of a foot within the footwear 3010, and the processor circuit 2552 can set the tension to the current tension level. The sensor 2558 can detect movements corresponding to a specific activity level (i.e., casual walking, intense physical activity), and the processor circuit 2550 can set the tension to a level corresponding to the activity level, for example, relatively loose for casual walking and relatively tight for intense physical activity. The user can manually command a gradual or linear increase or decrease in tension by pressing the button actuator 2536 as needed.

[0159] The battery 2568 generally supplies power to the components of the lacing engine 2401 and is, in an exemplary embodiment, a rechargeable battery. However, alternative power sources such as non-rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, etc. are also contemplated. In the illustrated example, the battery 2568 is coupled to a charging circuit 2554 and a charging coil 2570. When the charging coil 2570 is disposed in proximity to an external charger 2574, the charging circuit 2576 can excite a transmitting coil 2578 to induce a current in the charging coil 2570, and the current can be utilized by the charging circuit 2554 to recharge the battery 2568. Alternative recharge mechanisms (e.g., a piezoelectric generator located within the footwear 3010) are contemplated.

[0160] Wireless transceiver 2556 is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote user device 2580 such as a smartphone, wearable device, tablet computer, personal computer, or the like. In the illustrated example, wireless transceiver 2556 is configured to communicate according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy mode, but wireless transceiver 2556 can communicate according to any suitable wireless method including near field communication (NFC), 802.11 WiFi, and the like. Further, wireless transceiver 2556 can be configured to communicate with a plurality of external user devices 2580 and / or according to a plurality of different wireless methods. Wireless transceiver 2556 can receive commands from user device 2580, for example, using an application operating on user device 2580, to enter a predetermined operating mode or to control a lacing engine 2401 that includes incrementally or linearly increasing or decreasing the tension of cable 2302. Wireless transceiver 2556 can further transmit information regarding lacing engine 2401 to user device 2580, such as, for example, the amount of tension on cable 2302, the orientation of spool 2566, the amount of charge remaining on battery 2234, and any other desired information generally regarding lacing engine 2401.

[0161] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of an example of a string tightening engine 2401c for an electric tensioning device. The string tightening engine 2401c includes a housing 2402 including an upper portion 2419 and a base portion 2420 that generally surround the string tightening engine 2401c, except for certain components that are external to the housing 2402. These components include a button actuator 2536 (and associated O-ring 2582 for protecting the string tightening engine 2401c from environmental conditions such as moisture), a spool 2566 fixed to a transmission 2564 via a set screw 2584 and enclosed by a lid 2414c, and a dielectric form 2586 of a foot detection sensor 538. Inside the housing 2402, a main PCB 2540, a user interface PCB 2542, a motor 2562, a transmission 2564, a battery 2568, a charging coil 570, and electrodes 2588 and a form 2590 of a foot detection sensor 2538 are enclosed. The optical encoder unit 546 is partially shown in the exploded view of FIG. 32 as shown in FIG. 31. Specifically, a three-dimensional encoder 2592 of the optical encoder unit 2546 is coupled to the motor 2562 and rotates with the rotation of the motor 2562.

[0162] FIGS. 32A and 32B show a string tightening engine housing 2402d and a lid 2414d of another example of a string tightening engine 2401d. In the block diagram of FIG. 30, the string tightening engine housing 2402d and the lid 2414d can be utilized as the housing 2402 and the lid 2414, respectively. The string tightening engine housing 2402d can be sized to surround the string tightening engine 2401d or any suitable string tightening engine. The string tightening engine housing 2402d includes a tab 2600 that is connected to a pin 2602 on the lid 2414d via a snap fit or the like to form a hinge 2604 for the lid 2414d that can rotate relative to the housing 2402d.

[0163] FIG. 32A shows a lid 2414d in an open configuration in which the spool 2566d is exposed and the cable 2302 (not shown) is accessible or deployable into the lacing groove. FIG. 32B shows a lid 2414d in a closed configuration in which the tab 2606 is snapped into a predetermined position on the side surface 2608 of the housing 2402d. In the closed configuration, the lid 2414d tends to restrain the cable 2302 within the lacing groove.

[0164] The housing 2402d and the lid 2414d can be manufactured from any suitable material including plastic or other polymers and metals as required. The housing 2402d and / or the combination of the housing 2402d and the lid 2414d can provide at least some degree of isolation to the lacing engine 2401d against environmental conditions such as moisture and sweat, as well as forces (including shock and mechanical stress) that may act on the housing 2402d. The housing 2402d may be disposed within a sleeve or other structure that can provide environmental isolation.

[0165] As shown, the housing 2402d includes an opening 2608 that enables the light emitted from the LED 2208 to be visible outside the housing 2402d. In the illustrated example, two openings 2608 are aligned with the tab 2606.

[0166] FIG. 33A is a perspective view of an electric tensioning device 2400e having a lacing prevention lacing passage 2612 for a lacing engine 2401e in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 33B is a top view of the electric tensioning device 2400e of FIG. 33A showing a take-up passage 2614 that extends through the modular spool 2566e and is aligned with the lacing passage 2612 through the housing structure 2402e. Similar to the spool 566 described above, the modular spool 2566e provides a storage location for a string such as the cable 302 when the modular spool 2566e is wound up to tightly fasten the cable 2302 downwardly to the upper of the footwear article. The modular spool 2566e is assembled from various components such as an upper plate 2616 and a lower plate 2618.

[0167] The modular spool 2566e can be positioned within a spool recess 2620 of a lacing passage 2612. The lacing passage 2612 is shaped to optimize or improve the performance of the modular spool 2566e when winding or unwinding the cable 2302 from the housing structure 2402e. In particular, as will be described next, the lacing passage 2612 can include a lacing passage switching portion 2622 and other shapes, geometries, and surfaces that help prevent the cable 2302 from jamming within the spool recess 2620, for example, due to bird's nesting. The lacing passage switching portion 2622 can provide a lacing passage 2612 of sufficient volume to store the cable 2302 without compressing or tangling the cable 2302.

[0168] An exemplary lacing engine 2401e can include an upper component 2419e and a lower component 2420e of the housing structure 2402e, case screws 2624, a lacing passage 2612 (also known as a lacing guide undulation 2612), a lacing passage wall 2626, a lacing passage switching portion 2622, a spool recess 2620, a button opening 2628, a button 2534, a button film seal 2632, a programming header 2634, a modular spool 2566e, and a take-up passage (lacing groove) 2614.

[0169] The housing structure 2402e is configured to provide, for example, a compact string tightening engine for insertion into the sole of a footwear article as described herein. The case screw 2624 can be used to maintain the engagement between the upper component 2419e and the lower component 2420e. The upper component 2419e and the lower component 2420e together provide an internal space for arranging components of the electric tension device 2400, such as components of the modular spool 2566e and the motor 2562. The string tightening passage wall 2626 can be shaped to guide the cable 2302 in and out of the housing structure 2402e, and the string tightening passage switching portion 2622 can be shaped to guide the string in and out of the modular spool 2566e. In one example, the string tightening passage wall 2626 extends substantially parallel to the main axis of the string tightening passage 2612, the string tightening passage switching portion 2622 extends obliquely with respect to the main axis of the string tightening passage 2612, and extends between the string tightening passage wall 2626 and the spool recess 2620. The spool recess 2620 can form a partial cylindrical socket for accommodating the modular spool 2566e.

[0170] The cable 2302 can be arranged to extend within the string tightening passage 2612 and the winding passage 2614. When the modular spool 2566e is rotated by the motor 2562, the cable 2302 is wound around the drum 2636 between the upper plate 2616 and the lower plate 2618. The button 2534 can extend through the button opening 2628 and can be used to activate the motor 2562 to rotate the modular spool 2566e in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The programming header 2634 can enable connection of the main circuit board 2540 of the string tightening engine 2401e to an external computing system to characterize, for example, the string tightening operation provided by the button 2534 and the operation of the motor 2562.

[0171] FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the components of the electric tensioning device 400 for an article of the footwear 3010 of FIGS. 13-16. Although the electric tensioning device 2400 is described with respect to an article of the footwear 3010, it should be recognized and understood that the principles described with respect to an article of the footwear 3010 are equally applicable to any of a variety of wearable articles. The tensioning device 2400 shown in FIG. 34 includes a lacing engine 2401e having a housing 2402e, a lid 2414e, an actuator 2530, and a receptacle 2532. However, other examples of lacing engines 2401c, 2401d may also be incorporated into the tensioning device 2400.

[0172] FIG. 34 shows the basic assembly procedure of the components of the electric tensioning device 2400, along with an example of the sole structure 2200 of an article of the footwear 3010. The tensioning device 2400 starts with a receptacle 2532 that is fixed within a cavity 2214 of the sole structure 2200. Next, the actuator 2530 is inserted into an opening on the outer side of the receptacle 2532 opposite an interface button 2534 that can be embedded in the sole structure 2200. Next, the lacing engines 2401c-2401e are placed into the lacing engine cavity of the receptacle 2532. In various examples that do not include the receptacle 2532, the lacing engines 2401c-2401e can be directly accommodated within the cavity 2214 of the sole structure 2200. In one example, the tensioning device 2400 is inserted under a continuous loop of the cable 2302, and the cable 2302 is aligned with a spool within the lacing engine 2401. Finally, the lids 2414c-2414e are inserted into the grooves of the receptacle 2532, fixed in the closed position, and locked into the recesses of the receptacle 2532. The lids 2414c-2414e can capture the lacing engine 2401 and help maintain the alignment of the lacing cable during operation.

[0173] The following clauses provide an exemplary configuration of the above article of footwear.

[0174] In clause 1, an article of footwear, comprising an upper, a first strap extending from a first fixed end attached to a first side of the upper to a first free end on a second side of the upper, and a second strap extending from a second fixed end attached to the second side of the upper to a second free end on the first side of the upper, wherein a first portion of the first strap overlaps a first portion of the second strap, and a second portion of the first strap overlaps a second portion of the second strap.

[0175] In clause 2, an article of footwear according to clause 1, wherein the first portion of the first strap is parallel to the second portion of the first strap.

[0176] In clause 3, an article of footwear according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the first portion of the second strap is parallel to the second portion of the second strap.

[0177] In clause 4, an article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first portion of the first strap is a first band extending from a first end of the first fixed end to a second end of the first free end, and the second portion of the first strap is a second band extending from the first end portion of the first fixed end to the second end portion of the first free end.

[0178] In clause 5, an article of footwear according to clause 4, wherein at the first free end of the first strap, the second end portion of the first band is attached to the second end portion of the second band.

[0179] In clause 6, an article of footwear according to clause 4, wherein the first end portion of the first band and the first end portion of the second band are separately attached to the first side of the upper.

[0180] In clause 7, an article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first free end of the first strap and the first free end of the second strap are each attached to a tensioning element operable to selectively apply a clamping force to the first free end of the first strap and the first free end of the second strap.

[0181] In clause 8, an article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first fixed end and the second fixed end are attached to the midfoot region of the upper.

[0182] In clause 9, an article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first strap and the second strap extend in the midfoot region of the upper.

[0183] In clause 10, an article of footwear according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the width of the first strap gradually decreases from the first fixed end to the first free end.

[0184] In clause 11, an article of footwear comprising an upper, a cable disposed along the upper and operable between a tightened state and a relaxed state, and a first strap including a plurality of first bands each attached to a first side of the upper and extending from a first end to a second end attached to a first portion of the cable on a second side of the upper, and a second strap including a plurality of second bands each attached to a second side of the upper and extending from a first end to a second end attached to a second portion of the cable on a first side of the upper, wherein the plurality of first bands of the first strap are interwoven with the plurality of second bands of the second strap and are operable to move through the plurality of second bands when moving the cable between the tightened state and the relaxed state.

[0185] In clause 12, an article of footwear according to clause 11, wherein the bands among the plurality of first bands are parallel to each other.

[0186] In clause 13, the footwear article of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the bands among the plurality of second bands are parallel to each other.

[0187] In clause 14, the footwear article of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the second ends of the plurality of first bands are attached to the outside of the body.

[0188] In clause 15, the footwear article of any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein each of the first ends of the plurality of first bands is separately attached to the first side of the upper.

[0189] In clause 16, the footwear article of any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the first ends of the plurality of first bands and the first ends of the plurality of second bands are attached to the midfoot region of the upper.

[0190] In clause 17, the footwear article of any one of clauses 11 to 16, wherein the first strap and the second strap extend across the midfoot region of the upper.

[0191] In clause 18, the footwear article of any one of clauses 11 to 17, wherein the width of the first strap gradually decreases from the first end to the second end.

[0192] In clause 19, the footwear article of any one of clauses 11 to 17, further comprising a sole structure attached to the upper and a tensioning device disposed within the sole structure and movable to selectively move between the tightened state and the relaxed state of the cable.

[0193] In clause 20, the footwear article of clause 19, wherein the cable includes a first strand forming the first portion of the cable and a second strand forming the second portion of the cable, and the first strand and the second strand are disposed through the tensioning device.

[0194] The present disclosure can be used with many other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices.

[0195] The present disclosure may be described in a general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present disclosure may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

[0196] The present disclosure provides technical advantages. In one example, the gesture recognition device 700 may be configured to recognize user input with higher accuracy than conventional sensor devices. Further, the gesture recognition device 700 may be configured such that the gesture recognition ability is improved while maintaining low power consumption. In one specific example, the gesture recognition device 700 utilizes the analysis unit 732 to improve the gesture recognition accuracy while maintaining low power consumption by selectively setting the analysis unit 732 to operate in a low power mode. Accordingly, the gesture recognition device 700 may be configured to provide an enhanced interface between a human user and an electromechanical device configured to tighten or loosen a closure mechanism of an article of footwear. In one specific example, it may be configured to recognize a double - tap gesture performed by a user on a part of an article of footwear with improved accuracy and reduced power consumption, and the double - tap gesture is converted into a signal configured to operate a motor such as the motor 760.

[0197] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented by general-purpose or special-purpose computer hardware. In one example, the computer hardware can include a processor (also known as a microprocessor) having one or more processing cores configured to enable parallel processing / execution of instructions. Thus, the various disclosures described herein may be implemented as software coding, and those skilled in the art of computers will recognize the various coding languages that may be used in conjunction with the disclosures described herein. Further, the disclosures described herein may be used for implementation of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or for implementation of various electronic components (also referred to as off-the-shelf components) including conventional electronic circuits. Further, those skilled in the art will understand that the various descriptions included in this disclosure may be implemented as data signals transmitted using a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, the descriptions of the various disclosures described herein can include one or more streams of data signals, data instructions, or requests and can be physically transmitted as bits or symbols represented by different voltage levels, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, optical fields, or combinations thereof.

[0198] One or more of the disclosures described herein can include a computer program product having a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, are configured to perform one or more of the methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. Thus, the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium can include operations that are executed to perform various steps of the methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. Further, the computer-readable medium can include a storage medium containing instructions configured to be processed by a computing device, particularly a processor associated with the computing device. Such computer-readable media can include, in the form of persistent or volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD), a tape drive, a floppy disk, a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a DRAM, a VRAM, a flash memory, a RAID device, remote data storage (such as cloud storage), or any other media type or storage device suitable for storing data. Further, combinations of different types of storage media can be implemented as a hybrid storage device. In one implementation, a first storage medium can be prioritized over a second storage medium, and different workloads can be implemented by storage media with different priorities.

[0199] Further, the computer-readable medium can store software code / instructions configured to control one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers. The software can be used to facilitate an interface between a user and the computing device and can include device drivers, an operating system, and applications. Thus, the computer-readable medium can store software code / instructions configured to perform one or more of the implementations described herein.

[0200] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary logical blocks, modules, circuits, techniques, or method steps described in this specification can be implemented as electronic hardware devices, computer software, or combinations thereof. Thus, throughout this disclosure, various exemplary modules / components have been described from a general functional perspective, where those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed description can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0201] One or more implementations described throughout this disclosure may utilize logical blocks, modules, and circuits that can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0202] The techniques or steps of the methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, software executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, any of the software modules, software layers, or threads described herein may include an engine that includes firmware or software and hardware configured to execute the embodiments described herein. The functionality of the software modules or software layers described herein may be embodied directly in hardware, or embodied as software executed by a processor, or embodied as a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read data therefrom and write data thereto. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside within a user device. Alternatively, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components within a user device.

[0203] In one aspect, an article of footwear can include a motor configured to operate a lacing system of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may additionally include a gesture recognition device configured to detect a gesture that a user performs to operate the motor. The gesture recognition device can include a sensor unit having an accelerometer sensor and a buffer module, and an analysis unit operably communicating with the sensor unit. The analysis unit can be configured to execute a gesture confirmation algorithm that confirms or rejects possible gesture event data received from the buffer module as a true gesture event. If the gesture confirmation algorithm confirms the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, the analysis unit can output a signal to operate the motor.

[0204] The sensor unit can further include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions configured to receive an operation mode signal when executed by the processor and selectively set an operation mode of the sensor unit to a continuous mode or a first-in first-out mode in response to receiving the operation mode signal. The computer-executable instructions can further include receiving accelerometer data from the accelerometer sensor, storing the received accelerometer data in the buffer module, executing an algorithm for detecting possible gesture events in the received accelerometer data, and outputting an interrupt signal in response to detecting possible gesture events in the received accelerometer data. When the sensor unit is set to the continuous mode, the most recent data entry of the received accelerometer data can be stored in an available memory unit in the buffer or replace the oldest data entry stored in the buffer. When the sensor unit is set to the first-in first-out mode, the received accelerometer data is stored in the buffer module until the buffer module is full.

[0205] The aforementioned processor of the footwear article may be a first processor, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium may be a first non-transitory computer-readable medium. The analysis unit may include a hardware interrupt input configured to receive an interrupt signal from the sensor unit, a second processor, and a second non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the second processor, a timer having a predetermined timer duration is started when an interrupt signal is received at the hardware interrupt input. The computer-executable instructions may further include setting the operation mode signal of the sensor unit to the first-in first-out mode when a predetermined timeout time elapses. The computer-executable instructions may further include receiving, from the buffer module, the stored accelerometer data as possible gesture event data, executing a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, and outputting an operation mode signal to the sensor unit to set the operation mode of the sensor to the continuous mode.

[0206] A true gesture event may be a double tap of the user on the structure to which the sensor unit is coupled. This structure to which the sensor unit is coupled may form part of the footwear article.

[0207] The gesture confirmation algorithm can confirm a possible gesture event as a true gesture event immediately after identifying a first impulse response, a low dispersion state that follows the first impulse response and persists between a lower time threshold and an upper time threshold, and a second impulse response that follows the low dispersion state in the received accelerometer data.

[0208] The buffer module may be a first buffer module, and the analysis unit may further include a second buffer module.

[0209] It is possible that the first impulse response or the second impulse response is identified by a gesture confirmation algorithm, which further includes identifying the occurrence rate of high dispersion of possible gesture event data, storing a subset of possible gesture event data in the second buffer module, performing a fast Fourier transform operation to determine the frequency content of the subset of possible gesture event data and the second buffer module, and identifying a threshold of the energy of the frequency content within a predetermined impulse frequency band.

[0210] The fast Fourier transform operation may be a partial fast Fourier transform that evaluates the frequency content of the subset of the possible gesture event data over a frequency range of 0 to 100 Hz.

[0211] The threshold of the energy of the impulse frequency band may be 70% and may be in the range of 10 to 100 Hz.

[0212] The impulse frequency band can include the natural frequency / damping natural frequency of the sensor unit.

[0213] A subset of possible gesture event data can be stored in the second buffer module as a rolling window via the received possible gesture event data.

[0214] The lower time threshold is 0.05 seconds, and the upper time threshold can be 1.0 second.

[0215] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, can be configured to start a timer having a predetermined timeout period immediately after receiving an interrupt signal from at least a sensor unit, and output an operation mode signal to the sensor unit to set the operation mode of the sensor unit to a first-in, first-out mode when the predetermined timer duration elapses. Thereby, when the sensor unit is set to the first-in, first-out mode, the accelerometer data generated by the sensor unit is stored in a buffer module until the buffer module is full. The computer-executable instructions can further receive, from the buffer module, the accelerometer data stored in the buffer module as possible gesture event data, execute a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, and output, in response to confirming the possible event data as a true gesture event, a signal indicating that the user has executed a true gesture event at a hardware output signal port.

[0216] The true gesture event can be a double-tap of the user on the structure to which the sensor unit is coupled.

[0217] The gesture confirmation algorithm can confirm the possible gesture event data as the true gesture event immediately after identifying a first impulse response, a low dispersion state that follows the first impulse response and lasts between a lower time threshold and an upper time threshold, and a second impulse response that follows the low dispersion state from the possible gesture event data.

[0218] It may further include that the first impulse response or the second impulse response is identified by a gesture confirmation algorithm, identifying the occurrence rate of high dispersion of possible gesture event data, storing a subset of possible gesture event data in a buffer module, performing a fast Fourier transform operation to determine the frequency content of the subset of possible gesture event data in the buffer module, and identifying a threshold of energy of frequency content within a predetermined impulse frequency band.

[0219] The fast Fourier transform operation may be a partial fast Fourier transform that evaluates the frequency content of a subset of possible gesture event data over a frequency range of 0 to 100 Hz.

[0220] The threshold of energy of the impulse frequency band may be 70% and may be in the range of 10 to 100 Hz.

[0221] The impulse frequency band can include the damping natural frequency / natural frequency of the sensor unit.

[0222] A subset of possible gesture event data can be stored in the second buffer as a rolling window via the possible gesture event data.

[0223] The lower time threshold may be 0.05 seconds and the upper time threshold may be 1.0 second.

[0224] A signal indicating that the user has performed a true gesture event may activate an external motor device.

[0225] In yet another aspect, the gesture recognition device includes an analysis unit, and the analysis unit can further include a hardware interrupt input, a hardware output signal port, a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions executed by the processor. The computer-executable instructions can be configured to start a timer having a predetermined timer duration when an interrupt signal is received at the hardware interrupt input. The instructions further include that when a predetermined timer duration elapses, an operation mode signal can be output to the sensor unit to set the operation mode of the sensor to the first-in first-out mode, and when the sensor unit is set to the first-in first-out mode, the accelerometer data generated by the sensor unit can be stored in the buffer module until the buffer module is full. The computer-executable instructions further include receiving the stored accelerometer data from the buffer module as possible gesture event data, executing a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, and in response to confirming the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, outputting a signal indicating that the user has executed a true gesture event at the hardware output signal port. Conclusion

[0226] Aspects of the embodiments are described from the perspective of their exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments, changes, and modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims upon reading this disclosure. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the steps shown in the exemplary drawings may be performed in an order different from the order in which they are described, and that one or more of the steps shown may be optional according to aspects of the embodiments.

[0227] Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is understood from the following claims, which should be construed as broadly as possible within the scope permitted by law.

[0228] [Cross - reference to related applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 130,059, filed on December 23, 2020, entitled "Gesture Recognition Device for Actuating a Footwear Motor" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 556,399, filed on December 20, 2021, entitled "Gesture Recognition Device for Actuating a Footwear Motor", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non - limiting purposes.

Claims

1. 1. An article of footwear comprising an upper; a motor configured to operate a lacing system of the article of footwear; a sensor unit including an accelerometer sensor and a sensor unit buffer module; an analysis unit in operative communication with the sensor unit, the analysis unit further comprising: a hardware interrupt input configured to receive an interrupt signal from the sensor unit; A hardware output signal port; A processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, outputting an operational mode signal to the sensor unit to set an operational mode of the sensor unit, the outputted operational mode signal extending a stored history of the sensor unit; receiving stored accelerometer data as gesture event data from the sensor unit buffer module; executing a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject the gesture event data as a true gesture event; and in response to validating the gesture event data as a true gesture event, outputting a signal at the hardware output signal port to operate the motor.

2. The processor is a first processor, the non-transitory computer readable medium is a first non-transitory computer readable medium, and the sensor unit further comprises: A second processor; and and a second non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the second processor, receiving the operational mode signal and selectively setting an operational mode of the sensor unit to a continuous mode or a first-in, first-out mode in response to receiving the operational mode signal; receiving accelerometer data from the accelerometer sensor; storing the received accelerometer data in the sensor unit buffer module; executing an algorithm to detect gesture events in the received accelerometer data; outputting the interrupt signal in response to detecting the gesture event in the received accelerometer data; when the sensor unit is set to the continuous mode, the most recent datum of the received accelerometer data is stored in a free memory unit in the sensor unit buffer module or replaces the oldest datum stored in the sensor unit buffer module; 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein when the sensor unit is set to the first-in, first-out mode, the received accelerometer data is stored in the sensor unit buffer module in the order received until the sensor unit buffer module is full, after which any remaining received accelerometer data is not stored in the sensor unit buffer module.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the true gesture event is a double tap by the user on a structure to which the sensor unit is coupled.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit is set to a first-in, first-out mode of operation after a predetermined duration has elapsed.

5. The gesture recognition algorithm comprises: in the received stored accelerometer data. A first impulse response; a low variance state following the first impulse response, the low variance state persisting during which the accelerometer data falls below a first threshold acceleration magnitude and between a lower time threshold and an upper time threshold; The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein identifying a second impulse response following the low variance state validates the gesture event data as the true gesture event.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5 , wherein the analysis unit further comprises an analysis unit buffer module.

7. The identification of the first impulse response or the second impulse response by the gesture recognition algorithm further comprises: identifying a high variance rate of occurrences where the accelerometer data exceeds a second threshold acceleration magnitude in the gesture event data; storing the subset of gesture event data in the analysis unit buffer module; performing a Fast Fourier Transform operation in the analysis unit buffer module to determine a frequency content of the subset of the gesture event data; and identifying a threshold value of energy of the frequency content in an impulse frequency band.

8. 8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the Fast Fourier Transform operation is a partial Fast Fourier Transform that evaluates the frequency content of the subset of the gesture event data over a frequency range of 0 to 100 Hz.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the energy threshold is 70% and the impulse frequency band is 10-100 Hz.

10. The article of footwear of claim 8 , wherein the impulse frequency band includes a damped natural circuit frequency of the sensor unit.

11. The article of footwear of claim 8 , wherein the subset of the gesture event data is stored in the analysis unit buffer module while the analysis unit buffer module is in a first-in, first-out mode.

12. 6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the lower time threshold is 0.05 seconds and the upper time threshold is 1.0 seconds.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform at least: outputting an operation mode signal to the sensor unit to set the operation mode of the sensor unit to a first-in-first-out mode, where when the sensor unit is set to the first-in-first-out mode, accelerometer data generated by the sensor unit is stored in the sensor unit buffer module in the order received until the sensor unit buffer module is full, and thereafter, the remaining received accelerometer data is not stored in the sensor unit buffer module; receiving accelerometer data from the sensor unit buffer module, the accelerometer data being stored in the sensor unit buffer module as gesture event data; executing a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject the gesture event data as a true gesture event; and in response to validating the gesture event data as a true gesture event, outputting at a hardware output signal port a signal indicating that a user has performed the true gesture event.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13 , wherein the true gesture event is a double tap by the user on a structure to which the sensor unit is coupled.

15. The gesture recognition algorithm comprises: In the gesture event data A first impulse response; a low variance state following the first impulse response, the low variance state persisting during which the accelerometer data falls below a first threshold acceleration magnitude and between a lower time threshold and an upper time threshold; 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein identifying a second impulse response following the low variance state validates the gesture event data as the true gesture event.

16. The step of identifying the first impulse response or the second impulse response by the gesture recognition algorithm comprises: identifying a high variance rate of occurrences where the accelerometer data exceeds a second threshold acceleration magnitude in the gesture event data; storing the subset of gesture event data in a buffer module; performing a Fast Fourier Transform operation in the buffer module to determine a frequency content of the subset of the gesture event data; and identifying a threshold value of energy of the frequency content in an impulse frequency band.

17. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the Fast Fourier Transform operation is a partial Fast Fourier Transform that evaluates the frequency content of the subset of the gesture event data over a frequency range of 0 to 100 Hz.

18. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the energy threshold is 70% and the impulse frequency band is 10-100 Hz.

19. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the lower time threshold is 0.05 seconds and the upper time threshold is 1.0 seconds.

20. A gesture recognition device, comprising: an analysis unit, the analysis unit further comprising: Hardware interrupt input, A hardware output signal port; A processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, outputting an operation mode signal to the sensor unit to set the operation mode of the sensor unit to a first-in-first-out mode, where when the sensor unit is set to the first-in-first-out mode, accelerometer data generated by the sensor unit is stored in the sensor unit buffer module in the order received until the sensor unit buffer module is full, and thereafter, the remaining received accelerometer data is not stored in the sensor unit buffer module; receiving stored accelerometer data as gesture event data from the sensor unit buffer module; executing a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject the gesture event data as a true gesture event; and in response to validating the gesture event data as a true gesture event, outputting a signal at the hardware output signal port indicating that a user has performed the true gesture event.

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