Closure system, centralized closure system, and footwear

Abstract

A closure system for footwear includes an actuation mechanism, a release mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a cord. The cord is configured to be operatively engaged with an upper of the footwear. The actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled to actuate the closure system to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration. Further, the release mechanism is configured to adjust the footwear from the tightened configuration to the loosened configuration. [Representative diagram] Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to footwear that includes a fastening 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 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 the medial and lateral sides thereof. Many footwear items may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region of the foot 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 the foot to move in and out of 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, in many cases, there is 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 aspects, a closure system for footwear includes an actuation mechanism, a release mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a cord. The cord is configured to be operatively engaged with an upper of the footwear. The actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled to actuate the closure system to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration. Further, the release mechanism is configured to adjust the footwear from the tightened configuration to the loosened configuration.

[0008] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is a strap and the release mechanism is a dial. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism is a disk. Further, the closure mechanism is configured to hold the footwear in a fastened configuration. The cord is comprised of a plurality of segments operably coupled to one another by the closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the fastened configuration comprises various levels of fastening, including a first level, a second level, and a third level. Further, the third level is tighter than the second level, and the second level is tighter than the first level.

[0009] In another aspect, a closure system for footwear having a sole connected to an upper is provided, the closure system including an actuation mechanism, a release mechanism, and a closure mechanism, the closure system being distributed and operably connected by a cord extending along the footwear.

[0010] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is disposed in a heel region of the footwear and the release mechanism is disposed in a midfoot region of the footwear. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism is disposed on the upper in the midfoot region of the footwear. In other embodiments, the closure mechanism is disposed in the sole of the footwear. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism and the release mechanism are disposed in the midfoot region of the footwear. Further, the cord includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment extends between the actuation mechanism and the closure mechanism and the second segment extends from the closure mechanism to the retention member. Further, the first segment of the cord is formed of a resilient material configured to retract the actuation mechanism from the actuated configuration to the rest configuration.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a centralized closure system for footwear is provided. The centralized closure system includes an actuation mechanism, a release mechanism, and a closure mechanism. The centralized closure system is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user. Further, the actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled to actuate the closure system, and the actuation mechanism is configured to retract after actuation of the closure system.

[0012] In some embodiments, the closure mechanism is operably engaged with the cord to tighten the footwear. Additionally, the actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled away from the closure mechanism to actuate the closure system. The actuation mechanism is operably engaged with a coil spring disposed within the closure mechanism, the coil spring configured to retract the actuation mechanism toward the closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism and the closure mechanism are operably coupled to one another and disposed within a midfoot region of the footwear.

[0013] In some embodiments, the footwear includes an upper attached to the sole, a longitudinal axis extending between a rear end and a front end of the footwear, and a midfoot region disposed between a forefoot region and a heel region. The footwear further includes a heel portion disposed adjacent the rear end in the heel region. The heel portion has a central portion including a pad or foam. The footwear further includes a fastening system having a release mechanism operably engaged with a cord. The release mechanism includes a disk-shaped housing attached to a top of the upper in the midfoot region. The cord is threaded through a plurality of conduits disposed on the upper. A distance is defined between a central portion of the heel portion and the upper. The distance is configured to be adjusted between a first configuration and a second configuration. The central portion of the heel portion is configured to move rearward and upward relative to the longitudinal axis, and the central portion of the heel portion is configured to move forward and downward relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In some embodiments, the central portion of the heel portion is configured to be gripped by a user. In some embodiments, the central portion extends between a first end and a second end of the heel portion. The first end is disposed adjacent the medial side and the second end is disposed adjacent the lateral side. In some embodiments, the central portion of the heel portion is concavely curved between the medial and lateral sides relative to the toe end of the footwear. In some embodiments, the central portion of the heel portion is configured to at least partially deform when moving between the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cord is disposed on the upper between the medial and lateral sides of the footwear, forming a V-shaped pattern. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is disposed centrally between the lateral and medial sides of the footwear.

[0015] Other aspects of the footwear, particularly its features and advantages, will be 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]

[0016] [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 in accordance with 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 view of the medial and heel end of footwear configured as a left shoe in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic diagram of the outside of the footwear of FIG. 4 in a worn and activated configuration. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the footwear of FIG. 4 in an unworn, resting configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the lateral side and toe of another piece of footwear configured as a left shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a perspective lateral and toe view of yet another piece of footwear configured as a left shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exploded partial view of a closure system for the footwear of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a perspective lateral and toe view of yet another piece of footwear configured as a left shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a bottom and medial perspective view of yet another piece of footwear configured as a right shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a top view of yet another article of footwear configured as a left shoe with the upper removed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In some embodiments, the elasticity of the knit structure may be measured based on comparing the width or length of the knit structure in a first, unstretched state to the width or length of the knit structure in a second stretched state after the knit structure has had a force applied to the knit structure 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 type, thread type, or properties associated with different stitch types or thread types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, breathability, or abrasion resistance, may be varied.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 narrowest portion 148 of the footwear 100. The narrowest portion 148 of the footwear 100 is defined as the narrowest portion of the footwear 100 measured across a second line 150 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120. Heel region 112 extends from narrowest portion 148 of footwear 100 to heel end 146 .

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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., widest portion 142, to a second line 150, i.e., narrowest 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 .

[0033] 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., narrowest portion 148, at which point the lateral side 116 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 144. Upon reaching the second line 150, 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 .

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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, etc.), 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. One 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.

[0037] In embodiments in which the midsole 172 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may be formed in an autoclave, an injection molding machine, or by injection with a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO 2 , N 2 , or mixtures thereof) with a material that is preferably molten (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof). In one exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized vessel, and then the pressure in the vessel is released, causing the molecules of the supercritical fluid to rapidly convert to gas and form small pockets in the material, 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 expansion presses, injection molding machines, pellet expansion processes, cold foaming processes, 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 specific shape.

[0038] 4 is a schematic diagram of footwear 200 having a fastening or closure system 204 that includes a strap or heel portion 208 that operably engages with a cord 212 to activate the closure system 204 and tighten the footwear 200 around a user's foot, for example, adjusting the footwear 200 from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration. Additionally, the closure system 204 includes a release mechanism 216 in the form of a switch or dial that is operably engaged with the cord 212 to unlock and / or release the footwear 200 after tightening, for example, from a tightened configuration to a loosened configuration. Additionally, the closure system 204 includes a closure mechanism or disc 220 that operably engages with the cord 212 to selectively lock or hold the footwear 200 in the tightened configuration, and that is selectively unlocked or released by operation of the release mechanism 216.

[0039] 4, the strap 208 is disposed on the upper 102 and within the heel region 112 of the footwear 200. In particular, the strap 208 is located at the heel end 146 of the footwear 200 and extends in a generally U-shaped path between a pair of openings 224a, 224b, only one of which is visible from the view of FIG. 4. The openings 224a, 224b are disposed on the medial side 118 and lateral side 116 of the upper 102, respectively, within the heel region 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 208 is spaced from the sole 104 and beneath a collar 228 that surrounds the opening 166 to the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102. Additionally, the openings 224a, 224b are disposed equidistant from the sole 104 and are also spaced apart from one another. Openings 224 a , 224 b are formed in upper 102 and connect to a channel (not shown) that extends in heel region 112 toward midfoot region 110 .

[0040] In FIG. 4, the strap 208 is shown in a rest configuration with a gap 232 formed between the upper 102 and the strap 208. In particular, in the rest configuration, the central portion 236 of the strap 208 is located at a distance G from the upper 102 such that the strap 208 extends rearward and upward relative to the longitudinal axis L from the heel end 146 of the upper 102. The central portion 236 of the strap 208 is relatively thicker than the peripheral portions of the strap 208. To that end, the central portion 236 may include padding, e.g., foam, to provide comfort, durability, and resilience when gripped by a user. Additionally, the central portion 236 extends between the first end 240 and the second end 244 of the strap 208 such that the strap 208 and the central portion 236 are concavely curved between the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 relative to the toe end 140. In the rest configuration, the first and second ends 240, 244 of the strap 208 are disposed within or adjacent the openings 224a, 224b and a channel (not shown) of the upper 102. From FIG. 4 it can be seen that the first and second ends 240, 244 of the strap 208 are coupled to the cord 212 for operable engagement and / or actuation of the closure system 204. In the rest configuration, the first and second ends 240, 244 are coupled to portions of the cord 212 adjacent the openings 224a, 224b and are at least partially hidden within the upper 102. It is contemplated that the strap 208 is formed of an elastic material configured to retain its shape in the rest configuration, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0041] 4, the cord 212 is disposed on the upper 102 in the heel region 112 and midfoot region 110 of the footwear 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord 212 defines a wrap region 248 across the upper 102 and / or sole 104, which may extend across several regions of the footwear 200. The cord 212 is comprised of multiple segments including a first segment 252 that extends between the strap 208 and the release mechanism 216 and / or disc 220. Additionally, the cord 212 includes a second segment 256 that extends between the release mechanism 216 and / or disc 220 and a retention member 260 disposed on the upper 102. The retention member 260 may be provided in the form of a loop or a series of loops, although other configurations are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 260 is disposed in the forefoot region 108 of the upper 102 and spaced apart from the release mechanism 216 and / or disc 220, although other configurations are possible. The second segment 256 of the cord 212 may be coupled to the sole 104 at a point between the retention member 260 and the release mechanism 216 and / or disc 220. In some embodiments, multiple retention members 260 are disposed on the upper 102 and / or sole 104 to retain the cord 212.

[0042] The cord 212, including the first segment 252 and the second segment 256, is configured to convert tension applied by the strap 208 and / or the disc 220 into compression, e.g., a clamping force, and distribute such compression around the footwear 200 to tighten around the user's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 252 and the second segment 256 of the cord 212 extend along both the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 of the upper 102, although other configurations are possible. Specifically, the first segment 252 of the cord 212 of the closure system 204 is disposed in a V-shaped pattern between the openings 224a, 224b and the disc 220 and / or the release mechanism 216, with a first nadir 264 disposed on the upper 102 adjacent the sole 104 in the heel region 112. It is contemplated that the first nadir point 264 may be located on or within the sole 104 and in a different region of the footwear 200. The second segment 256 of the cord 212 may also be disposed in a V-shaped pattern between the disc 220 and / or release mechanism 216 and the retention member 260, with the second nadir point 268 being located on the upper 102 adjacent the sole 104 in the midfoot region 110. It is contemplated that the second nadir point 268 of the second segment 256 may be located on or within the sole 104 and in a different region of the footwear 200. Additionally, it is contemplated that the first nadir point 264 of the first segment 252 and the second nadir point 268 of the second segment 256 may be positioned at different heights relative to the sole 104 and / or the longitudinal axis L.

[0043] It is contemplated that the cord 212 may include multiple separate sections that are joined or bonded together, such as the first segment 252 joined to the second segment 256 by the release mechanism 216 and / or the disk 220. In some embodiments, the cord 212 is comprised of multiple sections that are integrally formed as a single member. Additionally, the cord 212 may be formed from a variety of elastic and flexible materials, such as, for example, elastic or thermoplastic materials, woven or nonwoven or fibrous materials, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cord 212 is secured to the upper 102 and / or sole 104 by multiple retention members 260 disposed in several regions of the footwear 200. Additionally or alternatively, the cord 212 may be laced or threaded into multiple conduits 270 formed within the upper 102 and / or sole 104, such as passages formed between layers or substrates that comprise the upper 102 and / or sole 104. In some embodiments, the conduit 270 may extend continuously along the upper 102 and / or sole 104 such that the entirety of the cord 212 is enclosed therein. In some embodiments, the conduit 270 is provided in distinct sections such that portions or segments of the cord 212 are exposed on the outside of the upper 102 or inside the interior cavity 106.

[0044] Additionally, the cord 212 may be attached to the insole 126 along its periphery or a portion thereof. It is contemplated that the cord 212 may be woven and / or interwoven into the upper 102 or a layer or substrate thereof, with the upper 102 being integrally formed with the cord 212 embedded therein. In this manner, manufacturing of the upper 102 and the cord 212 may be accomplished efficiently with fewer steps and less labor. Additionally, it is contemplated that the cord 212 may be formed from multiple materials having different material properties to achieve different functions. For example, segments of the cord 212 may be configured to be more flexible than other segments to control tension distributed along a particular region or area of ​​the footwear 200. Additionally, the cord 212, through its material properties and attachment or integration with the upper 102, is configured to withstand repeated use, repeated tension and flexing, and outdoor environments.

[0045] 4, the release mechanism 216 is disposed on an apex 272 of the upper 102 in the midfoot region 110 of the footwear 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the release mechanism 216 is provided as a generally rounded component on the tongue 170 of the upper 102 centrally located between the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 of the footwear 200 and adjacent the opening 166, although other configurations are possible. The upper 102 of the footwear 200 includes an apex 272 that extends from the forefoot region 108 to the heel region 112, around the opening 166 and into the interior cavity 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the apex 272 is thickened relative to the remainder of the upper 102. It is contemplated that the apex 272 may include or surround the tongue 170. The release mechanism 216 is configured to be exposed on the upper 102 and coupled to the cord 212 between the first segment 252 and the second segment 256. In this manner, the release mechanism 216 is configured to be actuated by a user to operate the closure system 204. In some embodiments, the release mechanism 216 is configured to be twisted or turned by the user. In other embodiments, the release mechanism 216 is configured to be pushed into the upper 102 by the user. In some embodiments, the release mechanism 216 can be twisted and pushed such that the user can actuate the release mechanism 216 in either manner. Upon actuation, the release mechanism 216 actuates a release feature of the closure system 204 to allow the footwear 200 to be loosened.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the disc 220 is disposed on the upper 102 in the midfoot region 110 of the footwear 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the disc 220 is centrally located between the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 of the footwear 200 adjacent the opening 166 and is provided as a generally rounded component on the tongue 170 of the upper 102, although other configurations are possible. A portion of the disc 220 is partially exposed on the upper 102 and below the release mechanism 216 such that the disc 220 is operatively coupled to and concealed by the release mechanism 216. In this manner, the disc 220 is configured to be actuated by a user to operate the closure system 204. Additionally, the disc 220 is configured to be operatively coupled to the cord 212. The disc 220 is configured to be actuated by the first segment 252 of the cord 212 to tighten and / or loosen the footwear 200. Additionally, the disc 220 is configured to be actuated by the release mechanism 216 to loosen the footwear 200 .

[0047] 5 shows a schematic diagram of the lateral side 116 of footwear 200 having a closure system 204. In the illustrated embodiment, similar to the medial side 118, the cord 212 of the closure system 204 includes a first segment 252 extending in a V-shaped pattern between the openings 224a, 224b and the disc 220 and / or release mechanism 216, and a second segment 256 is disposed in a V-shaped pattern between the disc 220 and / or release mechanism 216 and the retention member 260. Additionally, a first nadir 264 of the first segment 252 is disposed in the heel region 112 of the lateral side 116, and a second nadir 268 of the second segment 256 is disposed in the forefoot region 108 of the lateral side 116.

[0048] 5 illustrates the footwear 200 while worn by a user and the closure system 204 in an actuated configuration in which the strap 208 is pulled or moved rearward and upward relative to the longitudinal axis L (see FIG. 4 ) by the user's hand 276, away from the openings 224a, 224b on the heel end 146 of the upper 102. As a result, the gap 232 between the strap 208 and the upper 102 increases in size, particularly with respect to the distance G between the central portion 236 of the strap 208 and the upper 102, and the central portion 236 of the strap 208 at least partially deforms and / or changes curvature relative to the toe end 140. In the actuated configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 , a portion of the first segment 252 of the cord 212 is pulled out of the upper 102 through the openings 224a, 224b, becoming at least partially exposed. To that end, when a user pulls the strap 208 from a rest configuration (see FIG. 4 ) to an actuated configuration (see FIG. 5 ), the strap 208 exerts a tension force that is transmitted through the first segment 252 of the cord 212 to the disk 220 and / or the second segment 256 of the cord 212. As a result of the tension force applied to the cord 212 and transmitted to the disk 220, the closure system 204 adjusts the footwear 200 to a tightened configuration. Thus, the disk 220 and / or the first segment 252 of the cord 212 exerts a tension force on the second segment 256 of the cord 212, which further distributes the compressive force around the footwear 200 in several directions and in several areas, allowing for a comfortable and consistent tightening of the footwear 200 around the user's foot. As a result of tension applied to the first segment 252 and the second segment of the cord 212, a first nadir 264 of the first segment 252 may change position, e.g., to be displaced farther from the sole 104, and a second nadir 268 of the second segment 256 may also change position, e.g., to be displaced further from the sole 104. In this manner, the cord 212 is restricted and / or tightened to surround and compress the user's foot within the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102.Additionally, the cords 212 can apply tension to the lateral side 116 and medial side 118 of the sole 104 such that the footwear 200 further encircles and compresses the user's foot in multiple directions for improved comfort and fit.

[0049] It is contemplated that the strap 208 is configured to automatically retract from the activated configuration to the rest configuration. To that end, a biasing mechanism (not shown) may be included to return the strap 208 from the activated configuration to the rest configuration, thereby decreasing the distance G between the intermediate section 236 of the strap 208 and the upper 102 (see FIG. 4) such that the strap 208 moves forward and downward relative to the longitudinal axis L. It is contemplated that the first segment 252 of the cord 212 may be formed from a flexible or elastic material that acts as a biasing mechanism to allow deformation, i.e., stretching, when a pulling force is applied, and then return to an undeformed state when the pulling force is released, converting the strap 208 from the activated configuration to the rest configuration. In other embodiments, where first segment 252 of cord 212 may not be flexible or may only be partially flexible, a biasing mechanism (not shown) may be coupled to first segment 252 at an end opposite strap 208 such that the biasing mechanism simultaneously moves first segment 252 of cord 212 and strap 208 to the rest configuration. The biasing mechanism (not shown) may be a spring, such as a coil spring, disposed within disc 220 and operably connected to first segment 252 of cord 212, although it is contemplated that other configurations are possible.

[0050] 4 and 5, the footwear 200 is adjusted from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration by pulling an actuation mechanism, i.e., the strap 208, to actuate the closure system 204. Further, the footwear is adjusted from a tightened configuration to a loosened configuration by manipulating, e.g., twisting or pushing, a release mechanism, i.e., the release mechanism 216, to unlock the closure system 204. Thus, the closure system 204 is provided to allow a user to quickly and efficiently tighten and loosen the footwear 200 by providing a one-touch actuation via the strap 208 and one-touch release via the release mechanism 216. To that end, the closure system 204 is also configured to allow re-tightening and / or increased tightening of the footwear 200 as needed, even after the footwear 200 is already in a tightened configuration. It is contemplated that different levels of tightening may be provided for different activities. For example, more vigorous activities, such as sporting activities involving rapid directional changes, or activities involving a higher degree of footwear reinforcement, such as training or hiking on uneven terrain, may require a higher level of tightness to prevent displacement of the foot in and / or out of the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102. Thus, the closure system 204 is configured to provide various levels of tightness when in a fastened configuration.

[0051] To that end, the tightened configuration may include multiple tightening levels for selection by the user. For example, an initial or first tightening level is reached upon a first actuation of the strap 208, i.e., pulling the strap 208 once to reach the actuated configuration and allowing the strap 208 to return to the resting configuration. Then, a second tightening level is reached after a second actuation of the strap 208, a third tightening level is reached after a third actuation of the strap 208, and so on. It is contemplated that several tightening levels may be provided by the closure system 204, and the strap 208 may be repeatedly actuated in this manner to reach each successive incremental tightening level. It is also contemplated that a higher level of tightening may be achieved by applying a greater tension to the strap 208, thereby pulling the strap 208 a greater distance G from the upper 102. In this manner, the user may select a tightening level of the footwear 200 that is best suited for a desired activity.

[0052] 6, which is a schematic illustration of a top view of footwear 200, release mechanism 216 is shown having a generally circular surface 280 intersecting a longitudinal plane extending through longitudinal axis L and approximately centered between lateral side 116 and medial side 118. Additionally, insole 126 is shown within interior cavity 106 of upper 102 and is visible through opening 166 in heel region 112 of upper 102. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, strap 208 is in a rest configuration at heel end 146 of footwear 200. Additionally, second segment 256 of cord 212 is shown extending across upper 102 on lateral side 116 and medial side 118 in midfoot region 110 and forefoot region 108. A portion of second segment 256 extends through retention member 260 in top 272 of upper 102.

[0053] For illustrative purposes, a yellow directional arrow is provided near the release mechanism 216 to indicate that rotating, i.e., twisting, the release mechanism 216 in a counterclockwise direction releases the closure system 204 from the tightened configuration. As a result, the cord 212 is released by the locking mechanism, e.g., the disk 220, allowing the footwear 200 to be loosened. It is contemplated that the release mechanism 216 also automatically returns to its original position by rotating clockwise, such that the user does not need to hold the release mechanism 216 in its rotated position to release the closure system 204 or to loosen the footwear 200. Such automatic retraction may be enabled by the same biasing mechanism (not shown) that retracts the strap 208 or by a different biasing mechanism dedicated only to the release mechanism 216. It is further contemplated that the cord 212, upon release, may relax from a deformed or stretched state to an undeformed, relaxed state. In doing so, the compressive forces distributed along the footwear 200, and in particular to the user's foot, are at least partially released. However, a partial amount of compression and tension still exists immediately after the release mechanism 216 releases or unlocks the closure system 204 due to frictional forces, for example, within the channel (not shown) or due to the retaining member 260, that exist between the cord 212 and the upper 102 and / or sole 104. Thus, when in the released configuration, the user can further expand and loosen the footwear 200 through contact with a portion of the footwear 200, such as the heel region 112, as shown in FIG. 6, to remove the foot from the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102 without resistance from the cord 212. In doing so, the cord 212 further loosens and relaxes within the upper 102 and / or sole 104, facilitating removal of the foot from the upper 102.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows another schematic view of the exterior 116 of footwear 300 similar to footwear 200. In the illustrated embodiment, footwear 300 has a closure system 304 similar to closure system 204. In particular, closure system 304 includes an actuation mechanism in the form of a strap 308 that operably engages with a cord 312 to tighten and / or loosen footwear 300. Closure system 304 further includes a release mechanism in the form of a button 316 that is also operably coupled to cord 312 to loosen footwear 300. Additionally, closure system 304 has a closure mechanism or disc 320 that is operably coupled to strap 308 via cord 312 for actuation to tighten and / or loosen footwear 300. Disc 320 is also operably connected to button 316 to unlock closure system 304 and loosen footwear 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 308 is disposed in the midfoot region 110 of the upper 102. Additionally, the strap 308 is disposed on a top 324 of the upper 102 and is centrally located between the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118 of the footwear 300. Thus, the strap 308 has a central portion 328 extending between a first end 332 and a second end 336 that are located adjacent openings 340a, 340b formed in the top 324 of the upper 102. It is contemplated that the openings 340a, 340b are connected to channels (not shown) that extend into and along the upper 102 as passageways for the cord 312 and the strap 308.

[0055] 7, the button 316 and disc 320 are disposed on the lateral side 116 of the upper 102 in the midfoot region 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 316 and disc 320 are disposed on a portion of the top 324 of the upper 102 adjacent the strap 308. The button 316 is configured to be pressed medially, i.e., toward the interior cavity 106, into the upper 102 to release the closure system 304 from a locked or fastened configuration. In addition, the disc 320 surrounds the button 316, such that the disc 320 is also disposed on the lateral side 116 of the upper 102.

[0056] As described in connection with the closure system 204, the cord 312 includes a first segment 344 that extends from the disc 320 and / or button 316 to the strap 308 and along the upper 102 toward the medial side 118 of the footwear 300. The first segment 344 of the cord 312 is operatively coupled to the strap 308 and the disc 320 and / or button 316 to activate the closure system 304 to tighten the footwear 300. Additionally, the cord 312 includes a second segment 348 that extends from the disc 320 and / or button 316 along the upper 102 and downward along the lateral side 116 of the footwear 300. The second segment 348 of the cord 312 is operatively coupled to the button 316 and the disc 320, with the second segment 348 extending along the upper 102 in the forefoot region 108 and midfoot region 110. Both the first segment 344 and the second segment 348 of the cord 312 extend in a V-shaped pattern on the respective medial side 118 and lateral side 116 such that each extends diagonally downward from the apex 324 towards the sole 104, then extends diagonally upward towards the apex 324 in the forefoot region 108 where the first segment 344 intersects with the second segment 348, and finally terminates at an anchor 352, one of which is shown in FIG. 7. It is contemplated that the first segment 344 and the second segment 348 may be arranged on the footwear 300 in different configurations such that the second segment 348 intersects with the first segment 344 in the forefoot region 108 or in another region of the footwear 300, among other configurations.

[0057] Thus, when the closure system 304 is actuated by the tension strap 308, tension is applied to the first segment 344 and the second segment 348, which is transferred to the anchor 352. As a result, the first segment 344 and the second segment 348 are clamped between the disk 320 and the anchor 352, which distributes a compressive force to the upper 102 and / or the sole 104, tightening the footwear 300 around the user's foot. Additionally, the upper 102 of the footwear 300 includes panels 354 superimposed along the lateral side 116 and medial side 118, and within the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, and heel region 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 354 are joined with the upper 102 and are defined between a pair of edges 356 that extend in a curved manner across the footwear 300 and along the upper 102, including various convex and concave curvatures. It is contemplated that one or both of the edges 356 may also include a third segment 358 of the cord 312, such that the third segment 358 is operatively coupled to the disc 320 to further distribute compressive forces along the upper 102 and / or sole 104. Additionally, the panel 354 includes a hole or eyelet 360 through which the cord 312 is threaded or laced.

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the exterior 116 of footwear 400, similar to footwear 300 and footwear 200. Footwear 400 has a closure system 404 including an actuation mechanism in the form of a strap 408, a release mechanism 412 in the form of a switch or button, and a cord 416. Additionally, closure system 404 has a closure mechanism or disc 420 connected to release mechanism 412 and operably coupled to cord 416 and strap 408, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, strap 408 extends from openings 424a, 424b formed in a circular face 428 of closure system 404, with axis of rotation R extending centrally through face 428. Notably, release mechanism 412 and disc 420 are axially aligned, intersecting axis of rotation R, although other configurations are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord 416 includes a first segment 432 and a second segment 436 (see FIG. 9 ) that extend outwardly from a first passageway 440 and a second passageway 444, respectively, of the disc 420 to fasten the upper 102 and / or the sole 104 of the footwear 400. Referring again to FIG. 8 , the closure system 404 is provided as an integrated unit or package configured for centralized attachment to the footwear 400. In contrast, the closure systems 204 and 304 are decentralized in that the actuation mechanisms, i.e., straps 208 and 308, and the closure mechanisms, i.e., discs 220 and 320, are spaced apart from one another on the footwear 200 and 300, respectively. Further, as shown in Figure 8, the ring 446 is disposed about, e.g., surrounds, the disc 420, and although not shown in Figure 9, the ring 446 conceals the passageways 440, 444 through which the first and second segments 432, 436 of the cord 416 extend (see Figure 9). In some embodiments, the ring 446 is configured to be rotated or twisted about the axis of rotation R to release or unlock the closure system 404 in addition to or as an alternative to the release mechanism 412.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9 , the centralized closure system 404 has a shaft 448 on which the release mechanism 412 is mounted for rotational movement relative to the disk 420. Additionally, the disk 420 includes a housing 450 having a plurality of teeth 452 radially disposed on an inner surface 456 of a sidewall 460 for rotational engagement with a gear (not shown) provided on a spool 464 of the release mechanism 412. A portion of the cord 416 is wound on the spool 464 of the release mechanism 412. In some embodiments, a first segment 432 of the cord 416 is threaded into the first passageway 440 and wound around the spool 464. In other embodiments, a second segment 436 of the cord 416 is threaded into the second passageway 444 and wound around the spool 464. In yet other embodiments, both the first segment 432 and the second segment 436 are wound around the spool 464. Additionally, the disk 420 receives a coil spring 468 concentrically disposed within a chamber 472 of the housing 450 and axially aligned with the axis of rotation R. When the closure system 404 is assembled, the coil spring 468 is positioned between the disk 420 and the spool 464 of the release mechanism 412, although other configurations are possible.

[0060] In one embodiment in which the second segment 436 is wound around the spool 464, the closure system 404 is actuated by a user applying a tensile force, i.e., pulling the strap 408 away from the release mechanism 412 against the force of the coil spring 468 to reach an actuated configuration (as shown in FIG. 9 ), causing the spool 464 of the release mechanism 412 to rotate about the axis of rotation R. As the spool 464 rotates, both the face 428 and the disk 420 of the release mechanism 412 remain fixed in position and do not rotate about the axis of rotation R. Additionally, as the spool 464 rotates, the second segment 436 of the cord 416 is retrieved through the second passageway 444 and wound around the spool 464, thereby applying a tensile force to the second segment 436 and conveying it to the footwear 400 as a compressive force to tighten the footwear 400. Additionally, as the spool 464 rotates about the axis of rotation R within the disk 420, a gear (not shown) engages with a plurality of teeth 452 disposed on the disk 420 to prevent reverse rotation or unwinding and repeatedly lock the spool 464 in its rotational displacement about the axis of rotation R. The mechanical interaction between the gear (not shown) and the plurality of teeth 452 of the disk 420 produces an audible sound similar to a "click" and a perceptible vibration to provide audio and tactile feedback to the user so that the user can associate such feedback with the operation of the closure system 404.

[0061] Subsequently, after the user releases the strap 408, the coil spring 468 retracts the strap 408 towards the release mechanism 412 to the rest configuration, while the spool 464 remains locked in its radially displaced position by the interaction between the gear (not shown) and the plurality of teeth 452 on the disk 420. At this point, when the spool 464 is locked in its radially displaced position and the strap 408 returns to the rest configuration, the first segment 432 and the second segment 436 are locked or secured against movement, and thus the closure system 404 has reached the first tightening level of the tightened configuration of the footwear 400. It is contemplated that upon again pulling the strap 408, the further radial displacement of the spool 464 within the disk 420 will result in a second tightening level of increased compressive force, i.e., more tightened, than the first tightening level at which the spool 464 is locked in place by the interaction between the gear (not shown) and the plurality of teeth 452. In this manner, an increased level of tightness beyond the second level of tightness can be achieved, as desired by the user. To release or unlock the closure system 404 from the tightened configuration, the user can depress the face 428 of the release mechanism 412 to disengage the gear (not shown) from engagement with the plurality of teeth 452, thereby unlocking the spool 464 from the disc 420 and allowing reverse or backward rotation.

[0062] In another embodiment, the closure system 404 is released or unlocked by rotating or twisting the ring 446 (see FIG. 8). With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the ring 446 can be configured to be rotated to disengage a gear (not shown) of the release mechanism 412 from the plurality of teeth 452 of the disk 420. For example, the ring 446 can be coupled to the release mechanism 412 and axially displace the release mechanism 412 from the disk 420 such that a gear (not shown) on the spool 464 of the release mechanism 412 is axially displaced from engagement with the plurality of teeth 452 of the disk 420. As a result, the first segment 432 and the second segment 436 of the cord 416 are unlocked or loosened, and thus the footwear 400 is adjusted from a tightened configuration to a loosened configuration by the rotation of the ring 446.

[0063] FIG. 10 shows another schematic diagram of a side view of footwear 500 having a closure system 504 disposed within the midfoot 110 of the footwear 500. The closure system 504 is contemplated to be similar to the centralized packaged closure system 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system 504 has a combined actuation and release mechanism in the form of a latch assembly 508 that extends from the lateral side 116 to the medial side 118 of the sole 104 and around the midfoot region 110 of the upper 102. Additionally, the closure system 504 has a closure mechanism or disc 512 mounted on the sole 104 within an arch region 516 of the midfoot region 110. The arch region 516 is an area that corresponds to the location of the arch of the user's foot within the upper 102 when the footwear 500 is worn. The disc 512 includes an external ridge 520 that is exposed and configured to be accessible to the user within the arch region 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 508 includes a hook 524 disposed on a first distal end 528 of a first wire frame 532 extending from a first base (not shown) disposed on the medial side 118 of the footwear 500. As shown in FIG. 10 , the hook 524 is positioned in a rest configuration and configured to be actuated by articulation toward the lateral side 116 of the footwear 500. Additionally, the latch assembly 508 includes a latch 540 at a second distal end 542 on a second wire frame 544 extending from a second base 548 disposed on the lateral side 116 of the footwear 500. Similar to the hook 524, the latch 540 is shown in the rest configuration in FIG. 10 and configured to be articulated toward the medial side 118 of the footwear 500. The second wire frame 544 forms a slot 552 into which the hook 524 is received when the hook 524 is articulated, for example, by bending or rotating the first wire frame 532 around the first base (not shown) toward the outside 116 and the latch 540.

[0064] To loosen or unlock the closure system 504, the user can disengage the hook 524 from the latch 540 by articulating the hook 524 toward the outer side 116 beyond engagement with the latch 540, which can also be assisted by articulating the latch 540 toward the inner side 118 and then pulling vertically upward away from the upper side 102 until the hook 524 is retracted toward the inner side 118 by bending and / or displacement from a rest configuration by the self-biasing force provided by the first wire frame 532 and the first base (not shown). To that end, the first wire frame 532 and the second wire frame 544 are preferably formed of a resilient and flexible material. Additionally, the closure system 504 can be tightened or loosened by manipulation, e.g., rotation, of the disk 512 to move the first base (not shown) and the second base 548 toward each other. Alternatively, movement of the disc 512 may retract portions of the first wire frame 532 and / or the second wire frame 544 such that the latch assembly 508 becomes increasingly restricted around the upper 102, and thus around the user's foot, when the footwear 500 is worn. In some embodiments, the disc 512 is rotated counterclockwise to tighten the footwear 500 and rotated clockwise to unlock or release the footwear 500 from the tightened configuration, thereby allowing the user to loosen the footwear 500.

[0065] 11, which shows a schematic diagram of footwear 600, a closure system 604 is disposed on the sole 104 in the midfoot region 110 of the footwear 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system 604 includes a closure mechanism or 608 attached to the bottom surface 176 of the sole 104 and operatively engaging a cord 612 to tighten and loosen the footwear 600. It is contemplated that the closure system 604 may incorporate any of the actuation and release mechanisms described in connection with the closure systems 204, 304, 404, 504. As shown in FIG. 11, the cord 612 operatively engages the disc 608 and includes a plurality of segments 616a-h that extend in a web-like wrapping pattern across the sole 104 and upper 102. By locating the discs 608 on the sole 104 and in the midfoot region 110 of the footwear 600, the mass of the discs 608 is centralized on the footwear 600 to provide a balanced distribution of the mass or center of gravity of the footwear 600, which may be desirable for applications involving high performance characteristics. Additionally, the discs 608 are at least partially hidden beneath the footwear 600 so as to be unobtrusive, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes.

[0066] 12 shows a schematic diagram of a top view of the sole 104 of footwear 700 having a closure system 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure system 704 includes a closure mechanism or disc 708 attached to the sole 104 in the midfoot region 110. In particular, the disc 708 is at least partially embedded in an upper surface 712 of the sole 104 and is centrally located between the lateral side 116 and medial side 118 of the footwear 700. Additionally, the disc 708 is located within the arch 716 of the sole 104, which is a region that corresponds to the location of the arch of a user's foot within the upper 102 when the footwear 700 is worn. It is contemplated that the closure system 704 may incorporate any of the actuation and release mechanisms described in connection with the closure systems 204, 304, 404, 504. As shown in FIG. 12, the cord 720 is operatively engaged with the disc 708 and includes a plurality of segments 724a-h that extend across the sole 104 in a web-like wrapping pattern.

[0067] In some embodiments, footwear 700 can include an insole 126 (see FIG. 2 ) for covering disc 708, such that disc 708 is encapsulated between insole 126 and other portions of sole 104 and is accessible by removal or displacement of insole 126. In some embodiments, an access plug (not shown) may be provided on sole 104 of footwear 700 for accessing disc 708. Additionally, disc 708 may be completely enclosed and inaccessible without permanently deforming footwear 700. Regardless of whether disc 708 is accessible or inaccessible, encapsulating disc 708 provides protection from damage due to impact with external surfaces or objects during use, outdoor environments, or handling or impacts applied by the user. By locating the discs 708 within the sole 104 and within the midfoot region 110 of the footwear 700, the mass of the discs 708 is centralized on the footwear 600 to provide a balanced distribution of the mass or center of gravity of the footwear 700, which may be desirable for applications involving high performance characteristics. Additionally, the discs 708 are unobtrusively hidden, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes. It is contemplated that the closure system 704 may be embedded within the sole 104, fully enclosed within the sole 104, or at least partially enclosed or embedded within the sole 104 for protection from outdoor environments, impacts from use, and the like.

[0068] It is also contemplated that any of the closure systems 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704 described herein may incorporate closure mechanisms similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patents 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 Puma SE and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, it is contemplated that the discs 220, 320, 420, 512, 608, 708 may include one or more aspects of such closure mechanisms to provide tightening or loosening functions when attached to the respective footwear 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 of the present disclosure.

[0069] 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 may 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 may be modified to function with any type of footwear, garment, or other athletic equipment.

[0070] As previously mentioned, while the present invention has been described above with reference to certain 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, 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 by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] 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.

[0072] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 292,289, filed December 21, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. an actuation mechanism; A release mechanism; a closure mechanism; a cord configured to be operatively engaged with an upper of the footwear; the actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled to actuate a closure system to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration, the release mechanism is configured to adjust the footwear from a tightened configuration to a loosened configuration, the release mechanism is located at a top of the upper, and the actuation mechanism extends from the upper at a location spaced from the release mechanism; the cord includes a first segment having a first end terminating in the actuation mechanism and a second end terminating in the release mechanism; the first segment includes a first lowest point located between the first end and the second end of the first segment; A closure system for footwear, wherein the first lowest point is configured to change position when a force is applied to the first segment.

2. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the actuation mechanism includes a strap.

3. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism includes a dial.

4. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the closure mechanism includes a disk.

5. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the closure mechanism is configured to retain the article of footwear in the fastened configuration.

6. The closure system of claim 1 , wherein the cord is comprised of a plurality of segments operatively coupled to one another by the closure mechanism.

7. A closure system as described in claim 1, further comprising a retaining member positioned on the upper to retain a portion of the cord.

8. the clamped configuration includes various levels of clamping, including a first level, a second level, and a third level; 10. The closure system of claim 1, wherein the third level is tighter than the second level, and the second level is tighter than the first level.

9. 1. A closure system for footwear having a sole connected to an upper, comprising: an actuation mechanism; A release mechanism; a closure mechanism having a circular surface; the closure system is decentralized and operably connected by a cord extending along the footwear, and the actuation mechanism includes a strap extending from an upper portion at a location spaced from the release mechanism; the cord includes a first segment having a first end terminating at the first end of the strap and a second end terminating at the release mechanism; the first segment includes a first lowest point located between the first end and the second end of the first segment; A closure system for footwear, wherein the first lowest point is configured to change position when a force is applied to the first segment.

10. The closure system of claim 9 , wherein the actuation mechanism is located in a heel region of the footwear and the release mechanism is located in a midfoot region of the footwear.

11. The closure system of claim 9 , wherein the closure mechanism is positioned on the upper in a midfoot region of the footwear.

12. The closure system of claim 9 , wherein the closure mechanism is disposed within the sole of the footwear.

13. The closure system of claim 9 , wherein the closure mechanism and the release mechanism are located in a midfoot region of the footwear.

14. 10. The closure system of claim 9, wherein the cord further includes a second segment, the first segment extending between the actuation mechanism and the closure mechanism, and the second segment extending from the closure mechanism to a retention member.

15. The closure system of claim 14 , wherein the first segment of the cord is formed from a resilient material configured to retract the actuation mechanism from an actuated configuration to a rest configuration.

16. 1. A centralized closure system for footwear, comprising: an actuation mechanism; A release mechanism; a closure mechanism defining an axis of rotation; The centralized closure system is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user, the actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled outward from the closure mechanism in a direction parallel to the rotation axis to actuate the centralized closure system and tighten the cord, the actuation mechanism is configured to be pulled toward the closure mechanism by a coil spring after actuation of the centralized closure system, and an annular ring is disposed around the closure mechanism to conceal at least one opening through which the cord extends.

17. 17. The central closure system of claim 16, wherein the closure mechanism is operatively engaged with the cord to tighten the article of footwear.

18. The centralized closure system of claim 16 , wherein the coil spring is disposed within the closure mechanism.

19. The centralized closure system of claim 16, wherein the actuation mechanism and the closure mechanism are operatively coupled to one another and disposed within a midfoot region of the footwear.

20. An upper attached to a sole; a longitudinal axis extending between the rear end and the front end of the footwear; a midfoot region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region; a heel portion disposed adjacent the rear end in the heel region and having a central portion including a pad; a fastening system including a release mechanism operably engaged with the cord; the release mechanism defines a circular upper surface shape and is attached to an upper portion within the midfoot region of the upper, the cord being threaded through a plurality of conduits disposed in the upper; a distance is defined between the central portion of the heel portion and the upper, the distance being configured to be adjusted between a first configuration and a second configuration, the central portion of the heel portion being configured to move rearward and upward relative to the longitudinal axis, and the central portion of the heel portion being configured to move forward and downward relative to the longitudinal axis; the upper defines an edge that partially surrounds the tongue; the plurality of conduits disposed in the upper are spaced outwardly from the edge relative to the longitudinal axis; The cord is routed through the conduit formed in the forefoot region.

21. Footwear as described in claim 20, wherein the central portion of the heel portion is configured to be gripped by a user.

22. Footwear as described in claim 21, wherein the central portion of the heel portion extends between a first end and a second end of the heel portion, the first end being positioned adjacent to the medial side and the second end being positioned adjacent to the lateral side.

23. Footwear as described in Claim 22, wherein the central portion of the heel portion is concavely curved between the inner and outer sides relative to the toe end of the footwear.

24. Footwear as described in claim 23, wherein the central portion of the heel portion is configured to at least partially deform when moving between the first configuration and the second configuration.

25. Footwear as described in claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the cord is positioned on the upper between the medial and lateral sides of the footwear to form a V-shaped pattern.

26. Footwear as described in claim 25, wherein the release mechanism is positioned centrally between the outer side and the inner side of the footwear.

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