Footwear having a closure system

Abstract

A closure system for footwear includes a reel and a cord configured to be operatively engaged with an upper of the footwear, wherein a first segment of the cord is attached to the reel, and the reel is configured to be actuated by pulling the first segment of the cord to tighten the footwear.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to footwear that includes a lacing or closure system. [Background technology]

[0002] Many conventional shoes or other footwear generally include an upper and a sole attached to the lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an interior space, i.e., a void or cavity formed by the interior surfaces of the upper and the sole, that receives the user's foot before fastening the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to the lower surface or boundary of the upper and is disposed between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is worn. In some cases, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and a top. The outsole may provide traction to the bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to the inner surface of the outsole and provide cushioning and / or additional stability to the sole. For example, the sole may include certain foam materials that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or foam materials that may reduce stress or impact energy to the foot or leg when the user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates embedded in the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

[0003] The upper generally defines an interior cavity that extends upward from the sole and completely or partially encases the foot. In most cases, the upper extends across the instep and toe regions of the foot, as well as across its medial and lateral sides. Many footwear items may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region and bridges the gap between the medial and lateral edges of the upper, defining an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be located under the lacing system and between the medial and lateral sides of the upper to allow adjustment of the tightness of the shoe. The tongue may further be operable by the user to allow entry or exit of the foot from the interior space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow the user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having different sizes and shapes.

[0004] Many shoe uppers can include a wide variety of materials that can be utilized to form the upper and selected for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions that include various materials specific to certain areas of the upper. For example, additional stability may be desired next to the front or heel area of ​​the upper to provide a higher degree of resistance or stiffness. In contrast, other portions of the shoe may include soft woven fabrics to provide areas that are stretch-resistant, flexible, breathable, or moisture-wicking. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is often a desire for footwear having uppers with increased comfort and a better fit along with improved closure mechanisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The footwear described herein can have a variety of configurations. The footwear may have an upper and a sole structure connected to the upper.

[0007] In some embodiments, a closure system for footwear includes a reel and a cord configured to be operatively engaged with an upper of the footwear, wherein a first segment of the cord is attached to the reel, and the reel is configured to be actuated by pulling the first segment of the cord to tighten the footwear.

[0008] In another aspect, the footwear includes a sole attached to an upper having an outer layer and a base layer. Additionally, the footwear includes a closure system having a reel and a cord. The cord has a first segment and a second segment, the first segment configured to activate the closure system. The second segment of the cord is configured to be retrieved by the closure system, and the first segment of the cord is operably coupled to the second segment of the cord by the reel.

[0009] In yet another aspect, a closure system for footwear includes a reel, a cord, and a wrap operably connected to the reel by the cord. The wrap is operably connected to the reel for fastening the footwear.

[0010] Other aspects of the footwear, including its features and advantages, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the drawings and detailed description herein, and all such aspects of the footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a bottom and medial perspective view of a piece of footwear configured as a right shoe including an upper and sole structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the footwear of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a top view of the footwear of FIG. 1 with the upper removed and the user's skeletal foot structure superimposed thereon; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a perspective side and heel side view of footwear configured as a left shoe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic diagram of a medial side view of the footwear of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following description and the accompanying drawings disclose various embodiments or configurations of shoes and sole structures. Although the embodiments of the shoes or sole structures are disclosed with respect to sports shoes, such as running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, etc., the concepts related to the embodiments of the shoes or sole structures may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including, for example, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats. The concepts of the shoes or sole structures may also be applied to footwear that is considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, certain concepts described herein may also be applied to and incorporated into other types of clothing or other athletic equipment, including helmets, pads or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Furthermore, certain concepts described herein may be incorporated into cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Thus, the concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0013] The term "about," as used herein, refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur through, for example, typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for footwear or other products that may include embodiments disclosed herein, inadvertent errors in these procedures, differences in manufacture, source, or purity of ingredients used to make a composition or mixture, and the like. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values ​​of ±5% of the numerical value that the term precedes.

[0014] The present disclosure is directed to footwear and / or specific components of footwear, such as uppers and / or soles or sole structures. The uppers may include knitted components, woven fabrics, and / or nonwoven fabrics. Knitted components may be made by knitting yarns, weaving yarns, and nonwoven fabrics by producing a single nonwoven web. Knitted fabrics include fabrics formed by warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and / or other suitable knitting operations. Knitted fabrics may have, for example, a plain knit construction, a mesh knit construction, and / or a rib knit construction. Woven fabrics include fabrics formed by any of a number of weaving configurations, such as, but not limited to, plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weave, and / or double cloth weave. Nonwoven fabrics include, for example, fabrics produced by airlaid and / or spunlaid processes. The upper may comprise different materials, such as first threads, second threads, and / or third threads, which may have different properties or different visual characteristics.

[0015] 1-3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of footwear 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 104. The upper 102 is attached to the sole structure 104, and together they define an interior cavity 106 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) into which the foot may be inserted. For reference, footwear 100 defines a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 100 that encases the portion of the foot, including the toes, the ball of the foot, and the joints that connect the metatarsals to the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 110 is closely adjacent to the forefoot region 108 and generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 100 that encases the arch of the foot, along with the bridge of the foot. Heel region 112 is closely adjacent to midfoot region 110 and generally corresponds to that portion of footwear 100 that wraps around the rear of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus, ankle, and / or Achilles tendon.

[0016] Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements, such as textiles, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather, which are joined by gluing or stitching at seams. In some embodiments, the upper 102 of the footwear 100 is formed from a knit construction or knitted components. In various embodiments, the knitted components can incorporate different types of yarns that can provide different properties to the upper. For example, one region of the upper 102 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another region of the upper 102 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, the properties of the upper 102 can be varied throughout the upper 102 by selecting specific yarns for different regions of the upper 102.

[0017] With regard to the materials that make up the upper 102, the particular properties that a particular type of yarn imparts to an area of ​​the knitted component may depend, at least in part, on the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a knitted material with a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic. Elastane and oriented polyester may each provide the knitted component with desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture wicking material, wool may provide a material with increased moisture wicking, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic and durable material.

[0018] Other aspects of the knitted component may also be altered to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, the yarns forming the knitted component may include monofilament or multifilament yarns, or the yarns may each include filaments formed from two or more different materials. In addition, the knitted component may be formed using a particular knitting process to impart regions of the knitted component with particular properties. Thus, both the materials forming the yarns and other aspects of the yarns may be selected to impart various properties to particular regions of the upper 102.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elasticity of the knitted structure may be measured based on comparing the width or length of the knitted structure in a first, unstretched state to the width or length of the knitted structure in a second, stretched state after the knitted structure has had a force applied to it outwardly. In further embodiments, the upper 102 may also include additional structural elements. For example, in some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) may be provided on the heel region 112 to provide additional support to the user's heel. In some examples, other elements, such as plastic materials, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and secured to the outer surface using adhesives or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, properties associated with the upper 102, such as stitch types, thread types, or properties associated with different stitch types or thread types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, breathability, or scuff resistance, may be varied.

[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the sole structure 104 is connected or secured to the upper 102 and extends between the user's foot and the ground when the footwear 100 is worn by the user. The sole structure 104 can include one or more components, which can include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a vamp, and / or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, the sole structure can include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, an outsole that provides traction to the user, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that supports the user's arch. Also, the insole can be a strobel board, a forefoot board, a lasting board, or the like, or a combination thereof, and the insole can be provided between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, or the insole can be provided as part of the upper 102.

[0021] Additionally, an insole can be disposed within the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102, which can be in direct contact with the user's foot while the footwear 100 is worn. Additionally, the upper 102 can also include a liner (not shown), which can enhance comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the user's foot and the upper 102, sole 104, insole, etc., and / or by providing moisture wicking properties. The liner may line the entire interior cavity 106 or only a portion of it. In some embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround the opening of the interior cavity 106 to secure the liner to the upper 102 and / or to provide an aesthetic element on the footwear 100.

[0022] 2 and 3, the footwear 100 also defines a lateral side 116 and a medial side 118. The lateral side 116 corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that faces outwardly and the medial side 118 corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that faces inwardly when the shoe is worn by a user. Thus, the footwear 100 has opposing lateral sides 116 and 118. The medial side 118 and the lateral side 116 are adjacent to one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis 120 of the footwear 100 that is coplanar with the longitudinal axis L of FIG. 1. As discussed further herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis 120 may define a central mid-axis between the medial side 118 and the lateral side 116 of the footwear 100. In other words, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 may extend between the rear proximal end 122 of the footwear 100 and the front distal end 124 of the footwear 100, and may continuously define the center of the insole 126, sole structure 104, and / or upper 102 of the footwear 100, i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis 120 is a linear axis extending through the rear proximal end 122 of the heel region 112 to the front distal end 124 of the forefoot region 108.

[0023] 2 and 3, unless otherwise noted, footwear 100 may be defined by a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112. The forefoot region 108 may generally correspond to a portion of footwear 100 that encases a portion of a foot 128 including one or more of the toes or phalanges 130, the ball of the foot 132, and the joints 134 that connect the metatarsals 136 of the foot 128 to the toes or phalanges 130. The midfoot region 110 is proximate and adjacent to the forefoot region 108. The midfoot region 110 generally corresponds to a portion of footwear 100 that encases the arch of the foot 128 along with the bridge of the foot 128. The heel region 112 is proximate and adjacent to the midfoot region 110. Heel region 112 generally corresponds to that portion of footwear 100 that wraps around the rear of foot 128, including the heel or calcaneus 138, the ankle (not shown), and / or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

[0024] 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, medial side 118, and lateral side 116 are intended to define boundaries or regions of the footwear 100. To that end, the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, medial side 118, and lateral side 116 generally characterize sections of the footwear 100. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to portions or elements coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, medial side 118, and / or lateral side 116. Additionally, both the upper 102 and sole structure 104 may be characterized as having portions along the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, and / or medial side 118 and / or lateral side 116. Thus, the upper 102 and sole structure 104, and / or individual portions of the upper 102 and sole structure 104, may include the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and / or portions thereof located along the medial side 118 and / or the lateral side 116.

[0025] 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, medial side 118, and lateral side 116 are shown in detail. The forefoot region 108 extends from the toe end 140 to the widest portion 142 of the footwear 100. The widest portion 142 is defined or measured along a first line 144 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120 that extends from a distal portion of the toe end 140 to a distal portion of the heel end 146 opposite the toe end 140. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest portion 142 to the thinnest portion 148 of the footwear 100. The thinnest portion 148 of the footwear 100 is defined as the thinnest portion of the footwear 100 measured across a second line 150 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120. Heel region 112 extends from the thinnest portion 148 of footwear 100 to heel end 146 .

[0026] In view of the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and that individual components thereof may be incorporated into numerous pieces of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of footwear 100 and its components may be described with reference to general areas or portions of footwear 100, with an understanding of the boundaries of forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, medial side 118, and / or lateral side 116, as described herein. However, aspects of footwear 100 and its individual components may also be described with reference to precise areas or portions of footwear 100, and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate limitations related to these boundaries of forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, medial side 118, and / or lateral side 116, as discussed herein.

[0027] 2 and 3, the medial side 118 begins at the distal toe tip 140 and curves outward along the medial side of the footwear 100, along the forefoot region 108, and toward the midfoot region 110. The medial side 118 reaches a first line 144, at which point the medial side 118 curves inward toward the central longitudinal axis 120. The medial side 118 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward a second line 150, i.e., the thinnest portion 148, at which point the medial side 118 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 144. Upon reaching the second line 150, the medial side 118 curves outward away from the central longitudinal axis 120, at which point the medial side 118 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., crosses the second line 150. The medial side 118 then curves outward and then inward toward the heel end 146 , terminating at the point where the medial side 118 intersects with the central longitudinal axis 120 .

[0028] The lateral side 116 also begins at the distal toe tip 140 and curves outward along the lateral side of the footwear 100, along the forefoot region 108, and toward the midfoot region 110. The lateral side 116 reaches a first line 144, at which point the lateral side 116 curves inward toward the central longitudinal axis 120. The lateral side 116 extends from the first line 144, i.e., widest portion 142, toward a second line 150, i.e., thinnest portion 148, at which point the lateral side 116 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 144. Once the second line 150 is reached, the lateral side 116 curves outward away from the central longitudinal axis 120, at which point the lateral side 116 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., crosses the second line 150. The lateral side 116 then curves outwardly and then inwardly towards the heel end 146 , terminating at the point where the lateral side 116 intersects with the central longitudinal axis 120 .

[0029] 2 and 3, the upper 102 extends along a lateral side 116 and a medial side 118 across the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 to contain and encase the user's foot. When fully assembled, the upper 102 also includes an inner surface 162 and an outer surface 164. The inner surface 162 faces medially and generally defines the interior cavity 106, and the outer surface 164 of the upper 102 faces outward and generally defines the periphery or boundary of the upper 102. The upper 102 also includes an opening 166 located at least partially in the heel region 112 of the footwear 100, which provides access to the interior cavity 106 through which the foot can be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, upper 102 may also include an instep region 168 that extends from opening 166 in heel region 112, across an area corresponding to the instep of the foot, to an area adjacent forefoot region 108. Instep region 168 may include an area similar to the area in which tongue 170 of this embodiment is located. In some embodiments, upper 102 does not include tongue 170, i.e., upper 102 is tongueless.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole 172 and an outsole 174. The outsole 174 may define a bottom end or surface 176 of the sole structure 104 across the heel region 112, the midfoot region 110, and the forefoot region 108. Additionally, the outsole 174 may be a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure 104 or may include a ground-engaging surface, and may be the opposite side of the insole of the sole structure 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 176 of the outsole 174 may include a tread pattern 178, which may include a variety of shapes and configurations. The outsole 174 may be formed from one or more materials to impart durability, abrasion resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure 104. In some embodiments, the outsole 174 may be formed from any type of elastomeric material, such as rubber, including thermoset or thermoplastic elastomers, or a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the outsole 174 may define a Shore A hardness of up to 95. Additionally, the outsole 174 may be manufactured by processes including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing, i.e., additive manufacturing systems or methods, and the like.

[0031] 1, the midsole 172 may be individually constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as, for example, polyurethane (PU), and / or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or similar types of materials. In other embodiments, the midsole 172 may be constructed from an EVA-Solid-Sponge ("ESS") material, EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite TM, IGNITE foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, organic sheet, thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin), or supercritical foam. The midsole 172 may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials such as EVA copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and / or olefin block copolymer. An example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®. In some embodiments, the midsole 172 is manufactured by a process including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing, i.e., additive manufacturing systems or methods, and the like.

[0032] In embodiments in which the midsole 172 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may include microporous or particulate foams such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, produced using a process carried out in an autoclave, injection molding machine, or any sufficiently heated / pressurized vessel capable of processing the mixture of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO2, N2, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof), preferably molten. In one exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized vessel, after which the pressure in the vessel is released, causing the molecules of the supercritical fluid to rapidly convert to gas, forming small pockets within the material and expanding the material into a foam. In further embodiments, the midsole 172 may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection molding machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, compression molding techniques, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 172 may be formed using a process that includes an initial foaming step in which a supercritical gas is used to foam a material that is then compression molded or die cut into a particular shape.

[0033] 4 shows a schematic diagram of footwear 200 having a fastening or closure system 204 including a closure mechanism in the form of a reel 208 operatively engaged with a cord 212 to tighten and / or loosen the footwear 200 around a user's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the reel 208 is attached to the upper 102 of the footwear 200 on the lateral side 116 within the midfoot region 110 and / or heel region 112, although other configurations are possible. The cord 212 includes a first segment 216 configured to be pulled away from the reel 208 by a user to actuate the closure system 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 216 of the cord 212 includes a free end 220 having a ring 224 into which a user's finger 228 may be inserted to facilitate manipulation, e.g., pulling, of the cord 212 away from the reel 208. Further, the second segment 232 of the cord 212 extends between the reel 208 and the upper 102 and / or sole 104. The second segment 232 is operatively engaged with the reel 208 and further connects the reel 208 to the upper 102 and / or sole 104 to transmit tension thereto for tightening the footwear 200 around the user's foot. In particular, when the closure system 204 is actuated to tighten the footwear 200, the reel 208 acts on the second segment 232 of the cord 212 by rotating about the rotation axis R, thereby causing a portion of the second segment 232 of the cord 212 to be retrieved by the reel 208. As the second segment 232 of the cord 212 is coupled to the upper 102 and / or sole 104, tension generated by the rotation of the reel 208 is transmitted to the upper 102 and / or sole 104.

[0034] It is contemplated that the first segment 216 and the second segment 232 of the cord 212 may be provided as separate, distinct cords that are operably coupled by the reel 208. In some embodiments, the first segment 216 extends from a first opening 236 of the reel 208, and the second segment 232 extends from a second opening 240 of the reel 208. The first opening 236 and the second opening 240 are radially spaced apart from one another, e.g., positioned 180 degrees apart from one another about an axis of rotation R that extends centrally through the reel 208. However, in other embodiments, the first opening 236 and the second opening may be radially spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the first segment 216 and the second segment 232 of the cord 212 are integrally formed as part of the same cord 212. For example, the cord 212 may be wrapped around a portion of the reel 208 such that as the first segment 216 is pulled off the reel 208, the reel 208 rotates in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of rotation R, thereby tightening the footwear 200. Additionally, the cord 212 may be formed from a variety of elastic and flexible materials, such as, for example, an elastic or thermoplastic material, a woven or nonwoven or fibrous material, or some combination thereof. It is contemplated that the first segment 216 and the second segment 232 of the cord 212 may be formed of different materials. Additionally, it is contemplated that the cord 212 may comprise a variety of thicknesses or diameters, cross-sectional shapes, and combinations thereof.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the first segment 216 of the cord 212 may be pulled away from the reel 208 to actuate the closure system 204 to tighten and / or loosen the footwear 200 around the user's foot. For reference, an imaginary coordinate system is provided with three axes X, Y, Z, which are disposed orthogonally to one another and define opposing directions, e.g., directions indicated as positive (+) and negative (-). In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 216 of the cord 212 is pulled outward from the reel 208 in a +Z direction, which may be considered a forward or toe direction. When the user releases the ring 224 and / or the first segment 216 of the cord 212, it is contemplated that a return mechanism (not shown) automatically retracts the first segment 216 of the cord 212 toward the reel 208 in a -Z direction, which may be considered a rearward or heel direction. Additionally, because the reel 208 is illustrated as being disposed on the lateral side 116 of the upper 102, it is contemplated that the first segment 216 of the cord 212 may be pulled outwardly from the reel 208 in some combination of directions indicated by the coordinate system, such as, for example, in a forward +Z direction and a lateral -X direction. As a result, the first segment 216 of the cord 212 may be automatically retracted toward the reel 208 in a medial +X and heelward -Z direction. To that end, the first segment of the cord 212 is pulled in one or more directions away from the reel 208 to actuate a tightening and / or loosening function of the closure system 204.

[0036] In some embodiments, the reel 208 may be actuated in different ways to provide different functions. In one aspect, the reel 208 may be configured such that pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 in a particular direction actuates a particular function of the reel 208 to achieve a particular output. For example, when the first segment 216 of the cord 212 is pulled primarily in a forward +Z direction, the reel 208 retrieves the second segment 232 of the cord 212 to tighten the footwear 200, and then when the first segment 216 of the cord 212 is pulled primarily in an upward +Y direction, the reel 208 unlocks to release the second segment 232 of the cord 212 to allow it to loosen, thereby loosening the footwear 200. Additionally or alternatively, pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 in an outward -X direction or an inward +X direction can adjust the tightening or loosening output of the reel 208, such that subsequent actuation of the reel 208 to retrieve or release the second segment 232 of the cord 212 can be accomplished by pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 a greater or lesser distance from the reel 208, or by pulling in a different direction, or by providing different tightening or loosening boundaries, i.e., tightening thresholds, adjusted according to user preference. In this manner, the first segment 216 of the cord 212 is configured to be pulled away from the reel 208 in multiple directions that can be associated with multiple functions. To that end, any of the directions -Z, +Z, -X, +X, -Y, and +Y can be considered as a first direction associated with a first function, e.g., tightening or loosening or releasing or adjusting, and any of the remaining directions -Z, +Z, -X, +X, -Y, and +Y can be considered as a second direction associated with a second function different from the first function.

[0037] It is further contemplated that the closure system 204 may include a button (not shown) that may be pressed to unlock or adjust the tightness and / or looseness of the footwear 200. For example, once the reel 208 has been actuated to tighten the footwear 200, a user may press a button (not shown), which may be disposed on the upper 102 integral with or near the reel 208, to cause the closure system 204 to unlock and / or release the tightening force transmitted by the second segment 232 of the cord 212, thereby allowing the user to loosen the footwear 200. In some embodiments, the button (not shown) may be provided as a pair of buttons (not shown) disposed on the upper 102 in the heel region 112, one disposed on the lateral side 116 and the other disposed on the medial side 118. Often times, a user has a natural tendency to grip the heel region 112 of the upper 102 when removing the footwear 200 from the user's foot, such that the thumb and index finger are positioned on opposite sides of the footwear 200, i.e., the lateral and medial sides, to squeeze and pull the foot from the footwear 200. Taking advantage of this natural tendency, a pair of buttons (not shown) may be positioned in such areas to provide an ergonomic and intuitive release of the closure system 204. In some embodiments, the pair of buttons (not shown) may need to be actuated simultaneously such that pressing only one of the pair of buttons (not shown) is not sufficient to release the closure system 204.

[0038] In another embodiment, the closure system 204 may be unlocked and / or released by moving the first segment 216 of the cord 212 a predetermined distance away from the reel 208. For example, the reel 208 may be actuated by pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 a first distance away from the reel 208, after which unlocking and / or releasing of the closure system 204 may be achieved by pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 a second distance away from the reel 208 that is greater than the first distance. In this manner, actuation of the closure system 204 to tighten and loosen the footwear 200 may be achieved through repetitive, familiar motions that may be particularly suited to users of a certain age, such as children, or users with limited dexterity or range of motion and / or flexibility.

[0039] In addition, it is contemplated that the closure system 204 may include several adjustment features to selectively adjust the parameters by which the footwear 200 may be tightened or loosened. For example, the closure system 204 may be configured with a variable ratio gear system, e.g., an internal gear and / or ratchet component (not shown), housed within the reel 208, which provides an adjustable wind ratio WR. Applying well-known principles of rotational kinematics, i.e., mechanical principles describing the radial and linear displacement of a rigid body about a fixed axis, it will be appreciated that the wind ratio WR of the reel 208 may be understood as a ratio between an input parameter and an output parameter for affecting the tightening and / or loosening of the footwear 200. In one particular embodiment, the input parameter is the distance, i.e., length, that the first segment 216 of the cord 212 is pulled away from the reel 208, and the output parameter is the distance, i.e., length, that the second segment 232 of the cord 212 is pulled into or towards the reel 208. To that end, the reel 208 may be set at a 1:1 winding ratio such that the distance the first segment 216 is pulled off the reel 208 is equal to the length of the second segment 232 removed by the reel 208.

[0040] Additionally, the turn ratio WR may be adjusted to increase or decrease, with an increase in the turn ratio WR meaning that the distance the first segment 216 is pulled is shorter than the length of the second segment 232 of the cord 212 retrieved by the reel 208. In some embodiments, the turn ratio WR may range from 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, or more. Because pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 requires the user to apply energy, increasing the turn ratio WR reduces the amount of energy required to tighten the footwear 200. Similarly, the turn ratio WR may be adjusted downward or decreased to allow for finer adjustment of the tightness of the footwear 200. For example, the distance the first segment 216 is pulled off the reel is longer than the length the second segment 232 is retrieved by the reel 208, allowing for smaller adjustments without requiring careful fine movements by the user.

[0041] It is further contemplated that the winding ratio WR may be adjusted by pulling the first segment 216 of the cord 212 in a particular direction. For example, the winding ratio WR may be incrementally increased from 1:1 to 2:1, or, for example, the reel 208 may be configured to automatically retract the first segment 216 of the cord 212 after being released by the user, as described above. Additionally, the reel 208 may include an automatic adjustment feature that is adjusted to provide a constant tightening force or pressure to the cord 212, and thus the second segment 232 of the footwear 200, within a particular range. For example, rather than the reel 208 being set to a particular radial position and locked in position depending on the shortened distance of the second segment 232 of the cord 212 to maintain the tightening of the footwear 200, the reel 208 may instead have a biasing member (not shown) operably engaged with the second segment 232 of the cord 212 to maintain a tightening set point, as desired by the user. In this manner, the user may select a tightness set point from a range of predetermined set points that may be influenced in part by the distance of the second segment 232 of the cord 212 in combination with adjustment of a biasing member (not shown) to maintain the tightness set point while allowing deviation within a predetermined band or range. In this manner, the reel 208 may act as a dial for the user to select a range of tightness for the footwear 200.

[0042] As mentioned above, the reel 208 of the closure system 204 may incorporate internal components (not shown) to accomplish fastening and loosening of the footwear 200. Such internal components may include, for example, disks or gears, shafts or spools, biasing mechanisms such as springs or magnetic elements or elastic members, ratchets or racks, fasteners, and buttons, among other suitable components. In some embodiments, the reel 208 may comprise a translucent or transparent housing to expose the internal components (not shown). In other embodiments, the reel 208 may be concealed by an opaque structure and embedded within the upper 102 and / or sole 104. Additionally, it is contemplated that the reel 208 may be configured as a centralized component within a cylindrically shaped housing, or the reel 208 may be distributed among various regions or sections of the footwear 200.

[0043] 5, the cord 212 is engaged with the upper 102 and sole 104 within a take-up region 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the second segment 232 of the cord extends from the reel 208 in a heel direction along the lateral side 116 of the heel region 112, across the heel end 146 in a curved manner that mimics the shape of the upper 102 at the heel end 146, and toward the medial side 118 within the take-up region 252 that extends along the medial side 118 of the footwear 200, although other configurations are possible. Within the take-up region 252, the cord 212 engages with a number of straps 256 attached along the upper 102 and sole 104. In particular, the upper 102 includes an outer layer or wrap 260 that extends from a first end 264 disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 200 to a second end 268 disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 200 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first end 264 of the wrap 260 is attached directly to the upper 102 and the sole 104, although other configurations are possible. Additionally, the second end 268 of the wrap 260 is attached to the upper 102 and the sole 104 by a second segment 232 of the cord 212. Additionally, the second segment 232 of the cord 212 operatively couples the wrap 260 to the reel 208 to tighten the footwear 200. As such, the wrap 260 is part of the closure system 204. To that end, the wrap 260 can include a release mechanism in the form of a tab 270 that can release the fastening force of the wrap 260 to loosen the footwear 200 when not fastened. Additionally, a plurality of flaps 272 extend from the second end 268 of the wrap 260 in the form of curved fingers, although other configurations are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the wrap 260 extends along over the base layer 276 of the upper 102, as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, the first end 264 of the wrap 260 contacts the sole 104 along the lateral side 116 of the footwear 200, and the second end 268 of the wrap 260 is spaced apart from the sole 104 along the medial side 118 of the footwear 200.It is contemplated that the tab 270 may be fastened to the base layer 276 of the upper 102 in a closed position (see FIG. 4) to maintain the clamping and compressive forces exerted by the wrap 260 on the user's foot, and the tab 270 may be unclamped to an open position (see FIG. 5) to release the clamping / compressive forces exerted by the wrap 260 on the user's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 270 is positioned within the heel region 112 at the heel end 146, although other configurations are possible.

[0044] 5, each flap 272 includes a strap 256 through which a portion of the cord 212 is received, e.g., tied, guided, or threaded. Additionally, the sole 104 has an upper periphery 280 along which the straps 256 are joined and spaced apart from one another and extend from the heel region 112 through the midfoot region 110 to the forefoot region 108, although other configurations are possible. It is further contemplated that more or fewer straps 256 may be provided on the footwear 200 within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of straps 256 includes a first set of straps 284 disposed on the sole 104 and a second set of straps 288 disposed on the second end 268 of the wrap 260 of the upper 102. 5, the first set of straps 284 and the second set of straps 288 are spaced apart in an offset pattern relative to one another. In this manner, the straps 256 form a winding path 292 that the cord 212 follows to distribute the clamping force between the upper 102 and the sole 104 along the footwear 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord 212 terminates at an anchor 296 on a front-most flap 300 of the wrap 260 of the upper 102 in the forefoot region 108, although other configurations are possible.

[0045] 4 and 5, the reel 208 may be disposed between the wrap 260 and the base layer 276 of the upper 102, and the second segment 232 of the cord 212 may extend between the wrap 260 and the base layer 276 and be partially or entirely concealed. The first segment 216 of the cord 212 may extend through an opening (not shown) formed in the wrap 260, and the ring 224 may be sized and shaped to prevent it from passing through the opening. In some embodiments, the wrap 260 is formed from a flexible and elastic material that may be different from the material used to form the base layer 276 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the wrap 260 extends continuously from the heel region 112 through the midfoot region 110 across the forefoot region 108 and from the lateral side 116 to the medial side 118 over the base layer 276 of the upper 102. To that end, the wrap 260 is configured to move relative to and independently of the base layer 276 of the upper 102. As the cords 212 tighten the wrap 260, the wrap 260 distributes the compression force along the base layer 276 of the upper 102 from the lateral side 116 to the medial side 118 and from the heel region 112 to the forefoot region 108 of the footwear 200, which provides a distribution of the tightening force around the user's foot.

[0046] It is contemplated that the wrap 260 may be provided in a variety of forms to impart the desired compressive force to the base layer 276, and thus to the user's foot. For example, the wrap 260 may be formed from separate sections having different material properties or compositions. Further, the wrap 260 may include seams or strands (not shown) to guide or direct tensile and / or compressive forces toward or away from particular sections or regions of the footwear 200. In addition, the wrap 260 may be provided as a unitary piece or as multiple portions connected or fastened together. Further, the wrap 260 may be layered directly onto the base layer 276 of the upper 102, or an intermediate substrate or layer may be provided between the wrap 260 and the base layer 276 of the upper 102.

[0047] 5, the wrap 260 can include flaps 272 of various sizes and shapes that differ from one another. In this manner, the flaps 272 of the wrap 260 are configured to control the clamping and / or compressive forces applied from the cords 212 to the wrap 260 and then to the foot. Additionally, the flaps 272 can deform as the cords 212 exert a clamping force against the flaps 272, such that the flaps 272 are pulled or stretched in different directions across the base layer 276. In this manner, the flaps 272 and wrap 260 are configured to move relative to the base layer 276 to further define and control the winding path 292 of the cords 212, which allows for further distribution of compressive forces along the base layer 276.

[0048] It is also contemplated that any of the closure systems 204 described herein may incorporate closure mechanisms similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,325,613, 5,600,875, 5,606,778, 5,638,588, 5,651,198, and 5,669,116, all of which are commonly assigned to PumaSE and are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. For example, it is contemplated that the reel 208 may be modified to include one or more aspects of a closure mechanism to provide additional tightening or loosening functionality when used with the cord 212 and attached to the footwear 200 of the present disclosure.

[0049] In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, certain features and combinations of features presented with respect to certain embodiments in the above discussion can be utilized in other embodiments and other combinations, as appropriate. Furthermore, any of the embodiments described herein can be modified to include any of the structures or methods disclosed in connection with other embodiments. In addition, the disclosure is not limited to the type of footwear specifically shown. Furthermore, the footwear aspects of any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified to function with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

[0050] As previously mentioned, while the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, variations, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims appended hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference herein as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated herein by reference. Various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] In view of the foregoing description, numerous variations on the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

[0052] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 292,284, filed December 21, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. Reel and a cord configured to be operatively engaged with an upper of the footwear; Including, a first segment of the cord attached to the reel; A closure system for footwear, wherein the reel is configured to be actuated by pulling the first segment of the cord to tighten the footwear.

2. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the cord has a second segment extending between the reel and the upper.

3. the first segment of the cord is pulled off the reel; The closure system of claim 2 , wherein the second segment of the cord is collected by the reel.

4. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the second segment of the cord is formed of a different material than the first segment of the cord.

5. the closure system includes an adjustable take-up ratio having input and output parameters; the input parameters are associated with the first segment of the code; The closure system of claim 2 , wherein the output parameter is associated with the second segment of the code.

6. The closure system of claim 1 , further comprising a release mechanism for unlocking the closure system.

7. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein a ring is disposed at a free end of the cord.

8. a sole attached to an upper having an outer layer and a base layer; A closure system and Including, The closure system comprises: Reel and a cord having a first segment and a second segment; Including, the first segment is configured to actuate the closure system; the second segment is configured to be retrieved by the closure system; The first segment is operably coupled to the second segment by the reel.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8 , wherein the second segment is operatively connected to the outer layer of the upper.

10. The article of footwear of claim 8 , wherein the second segment is received through a plurality of straps disposed on the exterior layer of the upper.

11. 9. The footwear of claim 8, wherein the second segment is attached to the sole and the outer layer of the upper along a winding path formed by a plurality of straps arranged in an offset pattern along a medial side of the footwear.

12. 9. The footwear of claim 8, wherein the outer layer of the upper is configured to move relative to the base layer of the upper when the closure system is actuated.

13. the outer layer of the upper is attached to the sole at a first end and wrapped around a portion of the base layer of the upper; The footwear of claim 8 , wherein the second segment is attached to a second end of the outer layer, the second end and the first end being disposed on opposite sides of the footwear.

14. Reel and Code and a wrap operatively connected to the reel by the cord; Including, The wrap is operably coupled to the reel to fasten the footwear, the closure system for the footwear.

15. The closure system of claim 14 , wherein the reel is disposed in an upper of the footwear.

16. The closure system of claim 14, wherein the cord is at least partially hidden by the wrap.

17. The closure system of claim 14 , wherein the cord is configured to apply a clamping force to the wrap to tighten the footwear.

18. The closure system of claim 14 , wherein the cord includes a first segment configured to be pulled to actuate the closure system to tighten the footwear.

19. the first segment of the cord is configured to be pulled off the reel in multiple directions; a first direction associated with a first function of the closure system; a second direction associated with a second function of the closure system; 20. The closure system of claim 18, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction and the first function is different from the second function.

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