Fixing system for an article

Abstract

The footwear article fixing system comprises an upper having an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer being provided with a fixing mechanism arranged along the inner layer and a plurality of openings defined along the outer layer. The fixing mechanism has a fixing member rotatable in a first and a second direction, and a plurality of fixing elements spaced apart from the fixing member and corresponding to the corresponding openings. The fixing elements are connected to the fixing member by connecting elements, and when the fixing member is rotated in the first direction, the fixing elements simultaneously rotate from a first position towards a second position. The fixing system is configured to be movable between a loosened configuration in which the fixing elements are in the first position and aligned within the corresponding openings, and a tightened configuration in which the fixing elements are in the second position and offset with respect to the corresponding openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 342,289, filed on May 16, 2022, entitled "Fixing System for Articles", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Reference to Federally Sponsored Research and Development] Not applicable

[0003] [Sequence Listing] Not applicable

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a fixing system for articles, and more specifically to an article comprising a fixing system including a fixing member and a plurality of fixing elements.

Background Art

[0005] Many conventional shoes or other footwear items generally have an upper and a sole attached to the lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a cavity or chamber, formed by the inner surfaces of the upper and the sole, which receives the user's foot before the shoe is secured to the foot. The sole is attached to the lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when wearing the shoe. In some examples, the sole may include multiple components such as an outsole, a midsole, a top portion, etc. The outsole can provide traction to the bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole is attached to the inner surface of the outsole and may provide cushioning or additional stability to the sole. For example, the sole can include a specific foam material that can enhance stability at one or more desired positions along the sole, or a foam material that can reduce the stress and impact energy applied to the foot and leg when the user runs, walks, or engages in other activities. Additionally, the sole may include additional components such as a plate embedded in the sole to increase the overall rigidity of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

[0006] The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an internal cavity that completely or partially encloses the foot. In many cases, the upper extends across the instep and toe regions, as well as the inner and outer sides. Also, many footwear items may include a tongue that extends across the instep region to fill the gap between the edges of the inner and outer sides of the upper and defines an opening into the cavity. Additionally, the tongue may be positioned between the inner and outer sides of the upper below the lacing system so that the tightening of the shoe can be adjusted. The tongue may further be made operable by the user to allow the foot to be inserted into and removed from the internal space or cavity. Further, a fastening system allows the user to adjust the dimensions of the upper or the sole, whereby the upper can accommodate various types of feet with different sizes and shapes.

[0007] Many shoe uppers can be composed of a variety of materials, which are utilized to form the upper and may be selected for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. Also, the upper may include portions that contain various materials specialized for specific regions of the upper. For example, in regions adjacent to the front or heel areas of the upper, it may be desirable to add stability to provide higher resistance and rigidity. In contrast, other parts of the shoe may include a soft woven fabric to provide stretch resistance, flexibility, breathability, or moisture absorption and dissipation properties.

[0008] Similarly, other articles such as clothing generally include a fastening system for opening and closing a part of the clothing. For example, conventional clothing such as a pair of trousers or shorts can include one or more fly sections along the waistband, and the outer flap of the fly section is fastened to the inner flap by one or more of buttons and zippers disposed on one or both of the inner and outer flaps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] Many currently available articles such as footwear items have various features related to the above-described characteristics, but in many cases, there is a desire for an article having a fastening system that can be tightened or loosened more easily and quickly by the user, along with an improved aesthetic appeal of any visible part of such a fastening system.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] An article as described herein can have various configurations. For example, a footwear item can have an upper and a sole structure connected to the upper.

[0011] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fastening system for a footwear article, the fastening system including an inner layer, a fastening mechanism that can be disposed along the inner layer, and an upper having an outer layer that can define a plurality of openings along the outer layer. The fastening mechanism can include a fastening member rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction, and a plurality of fastening elements arranged in a row and separable from the fastening member. The plurality of fastening elements can be operably connected to the fastening member by a connecting element. Each of the plurality of fastening elements can correspond to a respective one of the plurality of openings. The fastening mechanism is configured such that when the fastening member is rotated in the first direction, each of the plurality of fastening elements simultaneously rotates from a first position toward a second position. The fastening system is configured to be shiftable between a loosened configuration in which each of the fastening elements is in the first position and aligned within each of the plurality of openings, and a tightened configuration in which each of the fastening elements is in the second position and displaced from each of the plurality of openings.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a footwear article including a sole attached to an upper including a first layer and a second layer, and a fastening system. The fastening system includes a plurality of openings disposed along the first layer and a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes a fastening member, a plurality of fastening elements, and a connecting element. The fastening member is disposed at least partially along the second layer and is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The plurality of fastening elements are disposed at least partially along the second layer and correspond to respective ones of the plurality of openings. The connecting element operably connects the plurality of fastening elements to the fastening member. The fastening mechanism is configured such that when the fastening member is rotated in the first direction, each of the plurality of fastening elements simultaneously rotates from a first position toward a second position. The fastening mechanism is configured to be adjustable between a loosened configuration in which the plurality of fastening elements are in the first position and aligned within the plurality of openings, and a tightened configuration in which the plurality of fastening elements are in the second position and displaced from the plurality of openings.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fastening system, and an article including an opening having a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion configured to be fastened to the first fastening portion to close the opening of the article. The fastening system includes a plurality of openings and a fastening mechanism. The plurality of openings are defined along the second fastening portion and extend at least partially through the second fastening portion. The fastening mechanism includes a fastening member rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction, and a plurality of fastening elements arranged in a row and spaced apart from the fastening member. The plurality of fastening elements are operably connected to the fastening member by connecting elements, and each of the plurality of fastening elements corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of openings. The fastening mechanism is configured such that when the fastening member is rotated in the first direction, each of the plurality of fastening elements is simultaneously rotated from a first position toward a second position. The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a loosened configuration in which each of the fastening elements is in the first position and aligned within each of the plurality of openings, and a tightened configuration in which each of the fastening elements is in the second position and displaced from each of the plurality of openings.

[0014] Other aspects of the fastening system for an article such as a footwear article having the fastening system will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the figures and detailed description herein, including its features and advantages. Accordingly, all such aspects of the fastening system for an article including a footwear article having the present fastening system are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The following discussion and several aspects of the accompanying drawings disclose various embodiments or configurations of an article of footwear or an article such as a shoe and a sole structure. Embodiments of the shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to sports shoes such as running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, etc., but the concepts related to embodiments of the shoe or sole structure can be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles such as, for example, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, track cleats, etc. The concepts of the shoe or sole structure can also be applied to footwear articles that are intended for non-competitive use, such as dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, heels, etc. In addition to footwear, the specific concepts described herein can also be applied to and incorporated into other types of clothing items or other sports equipment including helmets, pads or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Further, the specific concepts described herein can be incorporated into cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, the concepts described herein can be utilized in a variety of products.

[0017] As used herein, the term "about" refers to variations in numerical quantities that can occur, for example, through typical measurement and manufacturing procedures used in an article of footwear or other manufactured article that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein, through inadvertent error in these procedures, through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the components used to make or carry out the methods for making a composition or mixture, etc. Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values of ±5% of the value of the numerical term that they precede.

[0018] As used herein, the term "elastomer" refers to the elastic properties of a material, such as a polymer, or properties such as those of rubber. For example, the term "elastomeric material" is intended to refer to a material configured to elastically deform when a load is applied to the material and return to its original shape when the load is removed from the material. Thus, the first material may have elastomeric properties, or may be configured to have a first elasticity that is greater than or less than that of a second material, whether or not the second material has elastomeric properties, or may be configured to have a certain second elasticity.

[0019] Further, as used herein, unless otherwise specifically defined or limited, terms regarding directions are used for the convenience of reference for discussing a particular figure or example. For example, references to "downward" or other directions, or "down" or other positions, may be used to discuss a particular example or aspect of a drawing, but do not necessarily require the same directions or arrangements in all installations or configurations. Terms such as first, second, third, etc. as used herein may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", etc. and other ordinal numbers do not mean order or sequence unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to footwear articles and / or particular components of footwear, such as uppers and / or soles or sole structures. The upper may be composed of knit parts, woven fabrics, and / or non-woven fabrics. The knit parts can be manufactured by knitting of yarns, the woven textile can be manufactured by weaving of yarns, and the non-woven textile can be manufactured by production of an integral non-woven web. Knit fabrics include fabrics formed by warp knitting, weft knitting, plain knitting, circular knitting, and / or other suitable knitting operations. The knit fabric can have, for example, a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and / or a rib knit structure. Woven textiles include textiles formed by any of a number of weaving forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobby weave, jacquard weave, double weave, and / or double cloth weave, but are not limited thereto. Non-woven textiles include textiles made, for example, by the airlaid method and / or the spunlaid method. The upper may be composed of various materials such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and / or a third yarn, which may have various properties or various visual properties.

[0021] The following discussion and the accompanying FIGS. 1-13 disclose various embodiments or configurations of a footwear article. The footwear article can be provided as a pair of shoes including a first shoe or left shoe and a second shoe or right shoe. The left and right shoes may be similar in all material aspects except that the left and right shoes are sized and shaped such that the left shoe and the right shoe receive the user's left and right feet, respectively. For ease of disclosure, a single shoe or footwear article is referred to in order to describe aspects of the present disclosure. In some of the drawings, the footwear article is depicted as a right shoe, and in some of the drawings, the footwear article is depicted as a left shoe. The following disclosure regarding the footwear article is applicable to both the left and right shoes. In some embodiments, there may be differences other than the left / right configuration between the left and right shoes. In some embodiments, the left shoe may include a frame, and the right shoe may not include a frame, or vice versa. Further, in some embodiments, the left shoe may include one or more additional elements not included in the right shoe, or vice versa.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of a footwear article 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 104 is shown. The upper 102 is attached to the sole structure 104 and together defines an internal cavity 106 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) into which a foot can be inserted. For reference, the footwear article 100 defines a toe region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The toe region 108 generally corresponds to a portion of the footwear article 100 that encloses a portion of the foot including the toes, the ball of the foot, and the joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones to the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent and proximate to the toe region 108 and generally corresponds to a portion of the footwear article 100 that encloses the arch of the foot along with the bridge of the foot. The heel region 112 is adjacent and proximate to the midfoot region 110 and generally corresponds to a portion of the footwear article 100 that encloses the rear portion of the foot including the heel or calcaneus, the ankle, and / or the Achilles tendon.

[0023] Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., fabrics, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather) that are joined by adhesion or stitching at seams. In some embodiments, the upper 102 of the footwear article 100 is formed from a knit structure or knit components. In various embodiments, the knit components can incorporate various types of yarns that can provide different properties to the upper. For example, one region of the upper 102 can be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another region of the upper 102 can 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 across the upper 102 by selecting specific yarns for different regions of the upper 102.

[0024] With respect to the material(s) forming the upper 102, the specific properties imparted to a region of the knit component by a particular type of yarn can at least partially depend on the materials forming the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton can impart a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knit material. Elastane and stretch polyester each impart a desired stretchability and recoverability to a knit material. Rayon can provide a lustrous and hygroscopic material, wool can provide a material with improved hygroscopicity, nylon can provide a wear-resistant and durable material, and polyester can provide a hydrophobic and durable material.

[0025] Other aspects of the knit component can be varied to affect the properties of the knit component and provide desired properties. For example, the yarns forming the knit component can include monofilament yarns or multifilament yarns, or the yarns can include filaments each formed from two or more different materials. Additionally, the knit component can be formed using a particular knitting process to impart specific properties to regions of the knit component. Thus, both the material forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn can be selected to impart various properties to specific regions of the upper 102.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elasticity of the knit structure may be measured based on a comparison between the width or length of the knit structure in a first non-stretched state and the width or length of the knit structure in a second stretched state after a force is applied laterally to the knit structure. In further embodiments, the upper 102 may also include additional structural elements. In some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) may be provided within the heel region 112 to provide additional support to the user's heel. In some embodiments, other elements, such as plastic materials, logos, trademarks, etc., can also be applied and fixed to the outer surface using an adhesive or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the 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 scuff resistance, may be varied.

[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1, the sole structure 104 is connected or fixed to the upper 102 and extends between the user's foot and the ground when the footwear article 100 is worn by the user. The sole structure 104 may include one or more components, which may include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a vamp, and / or an insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure 104 may include an outsole that provides traction to the user and structural integrity to the sole structure, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that supports the user's arch. Further, the insole may be a strobel board, a toe board, a lasting board, etc., or a combination thereof, the insole may be provided between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, or the insole may be provided as part of the upper 102.

[0028] Furthermore, the insole can be disposed within the inner cavity of the upper and can directly contact the user's foot while the footwear article is being worn. Further, the upper 102 can include a liner (not shown) that can enhance comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the user's foot and the upper, insole, sole, etc., and / or by providing moisture absorption and dissipation characteristics. The liner may cover the entire inner cavity or only a part thereof. In some embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround the opening of the inner cavity to fix the liner to the upper and / or to provide an aesthetic element to the footwear article.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the footwear article 100 also defines an outer side surface 116 and an inner side surface 118. When the user is wearing the shoe, the outer side surface 116 corresponds to the portion facing the outside of the footwear article 100, while the inner side surface 118 corresponds to the portion facing the inside of the footwear article 100. Thus, the footwear article 100 has opposing outer and inner side surfaces 116, 118. The outer and inner side surfaces 116, 118 are adjacent to each other along a longitudinal center plane or axis 120 of the footwear article 100 that is coplanar with the longitudinal axis L of FIG. 1. As further discussed herein, the longitudinal center plane or axis 120 can define a central intermediate axis between the outer and inner side surfaces 116, 118 of the footwear article 100. In other words, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 extends between the proximal end 122 at the rear of the footwear article 100 and the distal end 124 at the front of the footwear article 100 and may continuously define the middle of the insole 126, sole structure 104, and / or upper 102 of the footwear article 100. That is, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 is a straight axis that extends from the proximal end 122 at the rear of the heel region 112 to the distal end 124 at the front of the toe region 108.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, and referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the footwear article 100 may be defined by a toe region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112. The toe region 108 generally corresponds to a portion of the footwear article 100 that encompasses a portion of the foot 128 including the toes or phalanges 130, the ball of the foot 132 of the foot 128, and one or more of the joints 134 that connect the midfoot bone 136 of the foot 128 to the toes or phalanges 130. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent and proximate to the toe region 108. The midfoot region 110 generally corresponds to a portion of the footwear article 100 that encompasses the arch and bridge of the foot 128. The heel region 112 is adjacent and proximate to the midfoot region 110. The heel region 112 generally corresponds to a portion of the footwear article 100 that encompasses the back portion of the foot 128 including the heel or calcaneus 138, the ankle (not shown), and / or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side surface 116, and the inner side surface 118 are intended to define the boundaries or regions of the footwear article 100. To this end, the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side surface 116, and the inner side surface 118 generally characterize the sections of the footwear article 100. Certain aspects of the present disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coaxial with one or more of the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side surface 116, and / or the inner side surface 118. Further, both the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be characterized as referring to portions within the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and / or portions along the outer side surface 116 and / or the inner side surface 118. Accordingly, the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, and / or the individual portions of the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, may include portions disposed within the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and / or portions disposed along the outer side surface 116 and the inner side surface 118.

[0032] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side surface 116, and the inner side surface 118 are shown in detail. The toe region 108 extends from the toe tip 140 to the widest part 142 of the footwear article 100. The widest part 142 is defined or measured along a first line 144 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120 extending from the distal part of the toe tip 140 to the distal part of the heel end 146 on the opposite side of the toe tip 140. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest part 142 to the thinnest part 148 of the footwear article 100. The thinnest part 148 of the footwear article 100 is defined as the thinnest part of the footwear article 100 measured across a second line 150 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120. The heel region 112 extends from the thinnest part 148 to the heel end 146 of the footwear article 100.

[0033] Considering the foregoing description, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous modifications are apparent and that each of the individual components can be incorporated into a number of footwear articles. Accordingly, the side surfaces and components thereof of the footwear article 100 may be described with reference to the general regions or parts of the footwear article 100, but it should be understood that the boundaries of the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side surface 116, and / or the inner side surface 118 described herein may vary between footwear articles. However, the side surfaces and the individual components thereof of the footwear article 100 can also be described with reference to the exact regions or parts of the footwear article 100, and the scope of the claims appended hereto can incorporate limitations related to these boundaries of the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side surface 116, and / or the inner side surface 118 described herein.

[0034] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner side surface 118 begins at the distal toe tip 140 and arches outwardly along the inside of the footwear article 100 from the toe region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The inner side surface 118 reaches a first line 144, at which point the inner side surface 118 curves inwardly and arches toward the central longitudinal axis 120. The inner side surface 118 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward a second line 150, i.e., the thinnest portion 148, and at that point, i.e., beyond the first line 144, the inner side surface 118 enters the midfoot region 110. When reaching the second line 150, the inner side surface 118 warps outwardly away from the longitudinal central axis 120, and at that point, i.e., when crossing the second line 150, the inner side surface 118 extends into the heel region 112. Thereafter, the inner side surface 118 warps outwardly and then warps inwardly toward the heel end 146, terminating at the point where the inner side surface 118 contacts the longitudinal central axis 120.

[0035] The outer side surface 116 also begins at the distal toe tip 140 and warps outwardly along the outside side surface of the footwear article 100 from the toe region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The outer side surface 116 reaches a first line 144, at which point the outer side surface 116 curves inwardly and arches toward the longitudinal central axis 120. The outer side surface 116 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward a second line 150, i.e., the thinnest portion 148, and at that point, i.e., when crossing the first line 144, the outer side surface 116 enters the midfoot region 110. When reaching the second line 150, the outer side surface 116 warps outwardly away from the longitudinal central axis 120, and at that point, i.e., when crossing the second line 150, the outer side surface 116 extends into the heel region 112. Thereafter, the outer side surface 116 warps outwardly and then warps inwardly toward the heel end 146, terminating at the point where the outer side surface 116 contacts the longitudinal central axis 120.

[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper 102 extends across the toe region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 along the outer and inner side surfaces 116, 118, and houses and wraps the user's foot. When fully assembled, the upper 102 also includes an inner surface 152 and an outer surface 154. The inner surface 152 faces inward and generally defines the inner cavity 106, and the outer surface 154 of the upper 102 faces outward and generally defines the outer perimeter or boundary of the upper 102. Also, the upper 102 includes an opening 156 that is at least partially located in the heel region 112 of the footwear article 100, and this opening provides access to the inner cavity 106 and allows the foot to be inserted and removed through this opening. In some embodiments, the upper 102 can also include a vamp region 158 that extends from the opening 156 in the heel region 112 to a region proximate the toe region 108 across the region corresponding to the instep. The vamp region 158 can comprise a region similar to the region where the tongue 160 of this embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 does not include a tongue 160, i.e., the upper 102 is tongue-less.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole 162 and an outsole 164. The outsole 164 may define the bottom end or bottom surface 166 of the sole structure 104 across the heel region 112, the midfoot region 110, and the toe region 108. Further, the outsole 164 may be the portion of the sole structure 104 that engages the ground, may include the portion that engages the ground, and may be on the opposite side of the insole. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 166 of the outsole 164 may include a tread pattern 168 that can include various shapes and configurations. The outsole 164 can be formed from one or more materials to impart durability, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, or traction to the sole structure 104. In some embodiments, the outsole 164 may be formed from any type of elastomeric material, such as rubber including thermosetting elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers, or a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the outsole 164 can define a Shore A hardness up to 95. Further, the outsole 164 may be manufactured by a process including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing, i.e., an additive manufacturing system or method, etc.

[0038] Referring still to FIG. 1, the midsole 162 can be individually constructed from, for example, a thermoplastic material such as polyurethane (PU), and / or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), its copolymers, or similar types of materials. In other embodiments, the midsole 162 can be an EVA-solid-sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam LiteTM, IGNITE foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, organosheet, a thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. The midsole 162 can be a single polymer material, or a blend of materials such as an 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 162 is manufactured by a process including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing, i.e., an additive manufacturing system or method, etc.

[0039] In embodiments where the midsole 162 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam is produced using a process that takes place in an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or a sufficiently heated / pressurized vessel that can process a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO2, N2, or a mixture thereof), and preferably a molten material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or a mixture thereof), and includes a microcellular foam or particulate foam such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX®. During an exemplary process, a solution of the supercritical fluid and the molten material is pumped into a pressurized vessel, after which the pressure within the vessel is released and the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to a gas, forming small pockets within the material and causing the material to expand into a foam. In further embodiments, the midsole 162 can 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 162 may include an initial foaming step of foaming a material using a supercritical gas, followed by a step of compression molding or die cutting into a specific shape.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary footwear article 200 is shown that includes a sole structure 204 having a midsole 262 and an outsole 264, an upper 202 attached to the sole structure 204, and a fastening system 270. The fastening system 270 includes a fastening mechanism 272 configured to operatively engage a channel 274 within the upper 202 having a plurality of apertures 276 to fasten and / or loosen the footwear article 200 around a user's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 270 is disposed on an outer side surface 216 of the upper 202 adjacent to the top region 258 of the footwear 200 and is at least partially disposed within each of the midfoot region 210 and the heel region 212. In some embodiments, the fastening system 270 is entirely disposed within the midfoot region 210. In some embodiments, the fastening system 270 is disposed within each of the toe, midfoot, and heel regions 208, 210, 212 of the footwear 200. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of the outer side surface 216, the fastening system 270 is disposed on an inner side surface (not shown) of the upper 202 of the footwear 200. For example, in some embodiments, the fastening system 270 is at least partially disposed on each of the outer side surface 216 and the inner side surface (not shown) of the upper 202 of the footwear 200. In some embodiments, the fastening system 270 is disposed along the top region 258 adjacent to both the opening 256 and the distal end 224 of the upper 202 on an opposite side of the proximal end 222 of the footwear article 200.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the fixing mechanism 272 of the fixing system 270 of the footwear 200 is shown in more detail. Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the fixing mechanism 272 includes a fixing member 278 and a plurality of fixing elements 280 that are operably engaged with the fixing member 278 via a connecting element 282. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fixing elements 280 includes a first or proximal fixing element 280a disposed adjacent to the fixing member 278, a second or middle fixing element 280b disposed opposite the fixing member 278 and adjacent to the first fixing element 280a, and a third or distal fixing element 280c disposed opposite the first fixing element 280a and adjacent to the second fixing element 280b. In other words, the plurality of fixing elements 280 are arranged in a row, spaced apart from the fixing member 278, with the first fixing element 280a being closest to the fixing member 278, the third fixing element 280c being farthest from the fixing member 278, and the second fixing element 280b being between the first and third fixing elements 280a, 280c. In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing elements 280 may include two or more than four fixing elements operably connected to the fixing member 278.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing elements 280 may include a plurality of first fixing elements and a plurality of second fixing elements having different characteristics than the plurality of first fixing elements, such as shape, color, and material. In such embodiments, one or more of the plurality of first fixing elements may have different characteristics than the other plurality of first fixing elements and the plurality of second fixing elements. In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing elements 280 may include two or more fixing elements each having different characteristics from one another. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of fixing elements 280 may be disposed from a first side of the fixing member 278, and one or more of the plurality of fixing elements 280 may be disposed from a second side opposite the first side of the fixing member 278.

[0043] Referring specifically to FIG. 6 here, the fixing member 278 of the fixing mechanism 272 is shown in more detail. The fixing member 278 has a first or inner end 290, a second or outer end 292 opposite the inner end 290, and a fixing member shaft 294 extending through the inner and outer ends 290, 292. Further, the fixing member 278 has a first or inner portion 296 extending from the inner end 290 towards the outer end 292, a second or outer portion 298 extending from the outer end 292 towards the inner end 290, and a third or central portion 300 extending between the inner and outer portions 296, 298. The fixing protrusion 302 extends outwardly from the outer portion 298 and is configured such that a user can grasp and rotate the fixing member 278 about the fixing member shaft 294 in a first direction 304 or a second direction 306 opposite the first direction 304. The inner portion 296 has a first outer circumference 308 having a first geometric shape, and the outer portion 298 has a second outer circumference 310 having a second geometric shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second geometric shapes of the first and second outer circumferences 308, 310 of the inner and outer portions 296, 298 of the fixing member 278 have a similar circular shape. In some embodiments, the first geometric shape of the first outer circumference 308 may be different from the second geometric shape of the second outer circumference 310 of the fixing member 278.

[0044] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing member 278 includes a first opening 312 extending into the central portion 300 towards the first or upper circumferential side surface 314, and a second opening 316 extending into the central portion 300 near the second or lower circumferential side surface 318 of the fixing member 278. As will be discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the first and second openings 312, 316 of the fixing member 278 can be connected to form an internal connection opening or internal passage 320 of the fixing member 278. In some embodiments, the first and second openings 312, 316 may extend only partially into the central portion 300 of the fixing member 278.

[0045] The fixing member 278 is intended to be configured such that the outer side and the central portions 298, 300 can rotate relative to the inner portion 296 and / or relative to each other. For example, referring again to FIG. 6, the inner portion 296 can include a coupling protrusion 322 that extends upward along the fixing member axis 294, and this coupling protrusion can be received within a coupling recess 324 of the central portion 300 that is aligned with and configured to receive the coupling protrusion of the inner portion 296. In such an embodiment, when the user rotates the fixing protrusion 302 of the outer portion 298 in the first direction 304, the central and outer portions 298, 300 rotate in the first direction 304 while the inner portion 296 remains stationary. In other embodiments, other known structures can be included on and / or within the fixing member 278 to enable the outer portion 298 to be rotatable at least relative to the inner portion 296. For example, in some embodiments, the fixing member 278 can include an outer lip (not shown) that is disposed along the central portion 300 and can be received slidably within an inner channel (not shown) of the inner portion 296 of the fixing member 278.

[0046] Referring particularly to FIG. 7 here, one of the plurality of fixing elements 280 is shown in more detail. For purposes of illustration, only one of the plurality of fixing elements 280 is shown in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second, and third fixing elements 280a, 280b, 280c of the plurality of fixing elements 280 are each configured generally similarly to the illustrated fixing element 280. As shown in FIG. 7, the fixing element 280 has a first or inner end 332 and a second or outer end 334 opposite the inner end 332, and a fixing element axis 336 extends through the inner and outer ends 332, 334. Further, a first or inner portion 338 extends from the inner end 332 toward the outer end 334, a second or outer portion 340 extends from the outer end 334 toward the inner portion 338, and a third or central portion 342 extends between the inner and outer portions 338, 340 of the fixing element 280.

[0047] Referring further to FIG. 7, the inner portion 338 has a first outer periphery 344 having a first geometric shape, and the outer portion 340 has a second outer periphery 346 having a second geometric shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second geometric shapes of the first and second outer peripheries 344, 346 of the inner and outer portions 338, 340, respectively, of the fixing element 280 are each formed as an elongated rhombus in which two opposing points are aligned along the longitudinal axis 348 of the fixing element. In some embodiments, the first geometric shape of the first outer periphery 344 of the inner portion 338 may be different from the second geometric shape of the second outer periphery 346 of the outer portion 340. In some embodiments, the first outer periphery 344 of the inner portion 338 may be circular, while the second outer periphery 346 of the outer portion 340 may be triangular. In some embodiments, the first geometric shape of the first outer periphery 344 may be non-polygonal, while the second geometric shape of the second outer periphery 346 may be polygonal, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the second outer periphery 346 of the outer portion 340 can have a regular or irregular polygonal shape, such as, for example, a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal shape.

[0048] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, the fixed element 280 has a first longitudinal side surface 350 and a second longitudinal side surface 352 opposite the first longitudinal side surface 350, and the longitudinal axis 348 of the fixed element extends through the first and second longitudinal side surfaces 350, 352. In the illustrated embodiment, a first opening 354 extends at least partially into the central portion 342 toward the first longitudinal side surface 350 on a third side surface 356 of the fixed element 280, and a second opening 358 extends at least partially into the central portion 342 toward the second longitudinal side surface 352 on the third side surface 356. Further, a third opening 362 extends at least partially into the central portion 342 toward the first longitudinal side surface 350 opposite the first opening 354 on a fourth side surface 364 opposite the third side surface 356, and a fourth opening 366 extends at least partially into the central portion 342 on the fourth side surface 364 opposite the second opening 358. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, at least the first and third openings 354, 362 of the first and second fixed elements 280a, 280b can form internally connected openings or a first internal passage 368, and the second and fourth openings 358, 366 can form internally connected openings or a second internal passage 370. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least the third fixed element 280c can include only the first and second openings 354, 358 that form internally connected openings or a third internal passage 372.

[0049] One or more of the plurality of fixing elements 280 are intended to be able to include two or more materials. For example, still referring to FIG. 7, at least one of the inner and outer portions 338, 340 of the plurality of fixing elements 280 may include a first material, and the central portion 342 of such a fixing element 280 may include a second material having properties different from those of the first material. In such an embodiment, the inner and outer portions 338, 340 of the fixing element 280 may include a rigid material, while the central portion 342 may include an elastomeric material or a flexible material, whereby the central portion 342 can be configured to be elastically deformable along the fixing element axis 336 when a tensile force is applied to the inner portion 338 and / or the outer portion 340. In some embodiments, one or more of the inner portions 338, outer portions 340, and / or central portions 342 of one or more of the plurality of fixing elements 280 may include two or more materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the longitudinal side surfaces 350, 352 of the outer portion 340 may include a first material, while the remaining portion of the outer portion 340 may include a second material having properties different from those of the first material.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection element 282 of the fixing mechanism 272 is a wire 380 arranged to be connected to each of the plurality of fixing elements 280 and the fixing member 278. More specifically, the wire 380 is connected to the fixing member 278 through each of the first and second openings 312, 316. The wire 380 extends through each of the first, second, third, and fourth openings 354, 358, 362, 366 of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b, and through each of the first and second openings 354, 358 of the third fixing element 280c. In some embodiments, the wire 380 is fixedly attached to each of the fixing member 278 and the plurality of fixing elements 280. In some embodiments, the wire 380 is slidably connected to one or more of the fixing member 278 and / or the plurality of fixing elements 280. In some embodiments, the wire 380 is fixedly attached to or mounted within at least the first and third openings 354, 362 and the second and fourth openings 358, 366 of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b.

[0051] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the connection element 282 may include a plurality of wires. In such embodiments, for example, the connection element 282 can include a first wire and a second wire. Referring further to FIG. 5, the first wire can have a first end fixedly attached to or within the first opening 312 of the fixing member 278, a second end fixedly attached to or within the first opening 354 of the third fixing element 280c, and an intermediate portion extending through the first internal passage 368 (see FIG. 7) of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b. Similarly, the second wire can have a first end fixedly attached to or within the second opening 316 of the fixing member 278, a second end fixedly attached to or within the second opening 358 of the third fixing element 280c, and an intermediate portion extending through the second internal passage 370 (see FIG. 7) of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b. In some embodiments, the plurality of wires can be fixedly attached to or within each of the openings 312, 316 of the fixing member 278 and each of the openings 354, 358, 362, 366 of the plurality of fixing elements 280.

[0052] In such an embodiment, for example, a plurality of wires are fixedly attached to or within the first opening 312 of the fixing element 280, the first wire fixedly attached to or within the first opening 354 of the first fixing element 280a, the second wire fixedly attached to or within the third opening 362 of the first fixing element 280a and fixedly attached to or within the first opening 354 of the second fixing element 280b, the third wire fixedly attached to or within the third opening 362 of the second fixing element 280b and fixedly attached to or within the first opening 354 of the third fixing element 280c, the fourth wire fixedly attached to or within the second opening 358 of the third fixing element 280c and fixedly attached to or within the fourth opening 366 of the second fixing element 280b, the fifth wire fixedly attached to or within the second opening 358 of the second fixing element 280b and fixedly attached to or within the fourth opening 366 of the first fixing element 280a, and the sixth wire fixedly attached to or within the second opening 358 of the first fixing element 280a and fixedly attached to or within the second opening 316 of the fixing member 278.

[0053] It is further contemplated that the connecting element 282 may include only a single wire. For example, referring to FIGS. 5-7, in such an embodiment, the first end of a single wire is fixedly attached to or within the first opening 312 of the fixing element 280 and can extend through the first internal passage 368 of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b, the third internal passage 372 of the third fixing element 280c, and the second internal passage 370 of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b, and the second end of the wire can be fixedly attached to or within the second opening 316 of the fixing element 280. In some embodiments, the wire 380 may be a closed-loop wire. In such an embodiment, for example, the closed-loop wire can extend from the internal passage 320 of the fixing member 278 through the first internal passage 368 of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b, the third internal passage 372 of the third fixing element 280c, and the second internal passage 370 of the first and second fixing elements 280a, 280b.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 5, the wire 380 of the fixing mechanism 272 can include various materials such as conventional cotton, nylon, or polyester, for example, and can have a circular cross-section to prevent twisting along the fixing member 278 and the plurality of fixing elements 280 while providing improved operation of the fixing system 270. In some embodiments, the wire 380 can be configured to be elastically deformable along its length, such as when the wire 380 is subjected to tensile force. In some embodiments, the wire 380 includes a high-elastic polyethylene fiber cable having increased strength and wear resistance compared to conventional shoelaces. In some embodiments, the wire 380 can include a first wire including a first material and a second wire including a second material having different properties from the first material, such as color, thickness, or elasticity. In some embodiments, the wire 380 has a diameter in the range between about 0.20 millimeters (mm) and about 3.0 mm, between about 0.40 mm and about 2.5 mm, between about 0.60 mm and about 2.0 mm, or between about 0.8 mm and about 1.2 mm.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 8 - 10, the fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 is shown in more detail. Referring particularly to FIG. 8, a cross - sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 4 shows a fastening mechanism 272 that is partially disposed within a channel section 384 of a channel 274 of the upper 202 of the footwear 200 and extends through a channel opening 386 of the channel 274 that is defined by the outer surface 254 of the upper 202 and extends along the channel section 384. The channel section 384 of the channel 274 can be at least partially defined by the inner and outer surfaces 252, 254 of the upper 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel section 384 is defined by a first or inner layer 388 of the upper 202 that at least partially defines the inner surface 252 and a second or outer layer 390 of the upper 202 that at least partially defines the outer surface 254. In other words, the fastening mechanism 272 is disposed along the inner layer 388 of the upper 202. The channel 274 has a first or proximal end 392, a second or distal end 394 opposite the proximal end 392, and a longitudinal channel axis 396 that extends through the proximal and distal ends 392, 394.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 392 of the channel 274 is open, while the distal end 394 of the channel 274 is closed. In some embodiments, both the proximal and distal ends 392, 394 of the channel 274 are closed or open. In some embodiments, the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 may be included only along a portion of the outer layer 390 that includes the channel opening 386. In some embodiments, the inner layer 388 can be connected to the outer layer 390 at least around the periphery of the channel section 384. In some embodiments, the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 can extend across at least a portion of the ridge region 258 between the outer and inner sides 216, 218 (see FIG. 4) of the upper 202. In some embodiments, the inner layer 388 can extend along the entire outer layer 390. In some embodiments, the inner layer 388 can include a first material, and the outer layer 390 can include a second material having one or more properties different from the first material, such as elasticity, permeability, etc. In some embodiments, the upper 202 may be a single layer, and the channel section 384 may be defined in a portion of the upper 202 where the inner and outer surfaces 252, 254 of the upper 202 are cut along the channel opening 386.

[0057] Referring still to FIG. 8, the plurality of apertures 276 are disposed along the channel opening 386, extend through the outer surface 254 of the upper 202 and the outer layer 390, and open into the channel compartment 384. In other words, the plurality of apertures 276 are defined along the outer layer 390 of the upper 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of apertures 276 include a first or proximal aperture 276a disposed toward the proximal end 392 of the channel 274, a second or mid-proximal aperture 276b disposed adjacent the first aperture 276a between the first aperture 276a and the distal end 394 of the channel 274, a third or mid-distal aperture 276c disposed adjacent the second aperture 276b between the second aperture 276b and the distal end 394 of the channel 274, and a fourth or distal aperture 276d disposed adjacent both the distal end 394 of the channel 274 and the third aperture 276c. In other words, the plurality of apertures 276 of the channel 274 are arranged in a row along the channel opening 386, with the first aperture 276a being closest to the proximal end 392 of the channel 274, the fourth aperture 276d being closest to the distal end 394 of the channel 274, the second aperture 276b being closer to the proximal end 392 of the channel 274 than the third aperture 276c, and the third aperture 276c being closer to the distal end 394 of the channel 274. Further, the first aperture 276a is closer to the proximal end 222 of the footwear 200 than at least the second aperture 276b, and the fourth aperture is closer to the distal end 224 of the footwear 200 than at least the third aperture 276c (see FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the first aperture 276a may be disposed closer to the distal end 224 of the footwear 200 than at least the fourth aperture 276d. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 276 of the channel 274 may include two, three, five, or more apertures.

[0058] The plurality of openings 276 can have various geometric shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 276a has a first geometric shape, while the second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d have a second geometric shape different from the first geometric shape of the first opening 276a. More specifically, the first opening 276a is generally circular in shape, and the second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d have a similar generally irregular rhombus shape. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of openings 276 may have the same geometric shape. In some embodiments, the second opening 276b may have a geometric shape different from the geometric shape of the third opening 276c and / or the fourth opening 276d. In some embodiments, the fourth opening 276d may have a geometric shape different from the geometric shape of the second opening 276b and / or the third opening 276c.

[0059] Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, the fixing mechanism 272 is at least partially disposed within the channel section 384 of the channel 274 such that the fixing member 278 is aligned with and received by the first opening 276a, the first fixing element 280a is aligned with the second opening 276b, the second fixing element 280b is aligned with the third opening 276c, and the third fixing element 280c is aligned with the fourth opening 276d. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end 290 of the fixing member 278 and the inner ends 332 of the plurality of fixing elements 280 are connected to the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 along the channel section 384 adjacent to the inner surface 252 of the upper 202. Further, the inner portions 296 of the fixing member 278 and the inner portions 338 of the plurality of fixing elements 280 are disposed within the channel section 384, while the central portion 300 of the fixing member 278 and the central portions 342 of the plurality of fixing elements 280 are adjacent to the channel opening 386. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fixing member 278 and the plurality of fixing elements 280 is rotatably mounted to the inner layer 388 along the channel section 384 such that the fixing member 278 is rotatable within the channel 274 about the fixing member axis 294 and the plurality of fixing elements 280 are each rotatable within the channel 274 about the fixing element axis 336. In some embodiments, the fixing system 270 can be configured such that one or more of the plurality of fixing elements 280 are slidable within the channel section 384 along the inner layer 388 and toward one or both of the proximal end 392 and the distal end 394 of the channel 274 along the channel axis 396. In some such embodiments, one or more of the plurality of fixing elements 280 can be rotatable about the fixed axis 336 and slidable along the channel axis 396.

[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 is configured to transition between an initial or relaxed configuration in which the wire 380 has a first tension (as shown in FIG. 9), and a tightened configuration in which the wire 380 has a second tension greater than the first tension (as shown in FIG. 10). More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fastening elements 280 are rotated simultaneously about the fastening element axis 336 (see FIG. 8) between a first or relaxed position (as shown in FIG. 9) and a second or tightened position (as shown in FIG. 10) via rotation of the fastening member 278 about the fastening member axis 294 (see FIG. 8) in the first or second directions 304, 306.

[0061] As discussed herein, the fastening system 270 is configured such that the geometry of the plurality of openings 276 of the channel 274 generally resembles the geometry of at least the second outer perimeter 346 of the plurality of fastening elements 280 and the second outer perimeter 310 of the fastening member 278. Thus, when the fastening system 270 is in the relaxed configuration (as shown in FIG. 9), the plurality of fastening elements 280 are in a relaxed position in which the longitudinal axis 348 of the plurality of fastening elements 280 is substantially parallel to the channel longitudinal axis 396. With the plurality of fastening elements 280 in the relaxed position (as shown in FIG. 9), the second outer perimeters 346 of the first, second, and third fastening elements 280a, 280b, 280c are aligned with the second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d of the channel opening 386, respectively, such that at least the outer portions 340 of the first, second, and third fastening elements 280a, 280b, 280c can move within the second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d, respectively.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 4-10, the securing system 270 is movable between a loosened configuration (as shown in FIG. 9) and a tightened configuration (as shown in FIG. 10) by rotation of the securing member 278 in a first direction 304. In particular, when the securing member 278 is rotated in the first direction 304 about the securing member axis 294, the plurality of securing elements 280 simultaneously rotate in the first direction 304 from a loosened position (as shown in FIG. 9) to a tightened position where the longitudinal axis 348 of the plurality of securing elements 280 is substantially perpendicular to the channel longitudinal axis 396 (as shown in FIG. 10). As the securing member 278 rotates in the first direction 304, the first opening 312 of the securing member 278 rotates towards the first securing element 280a while the second opening 316 rotates away from the first securing element 280a, such that the plurality of securing elements 280 are pulled and rotated by the wire 380 at the first opening 354.

[0063] More specifically, the first securing element 280a is pulled by the wire 380 at the first opening 354, whereby the first securing element 280a rotates about the securing element axis 336 in the first direction 304 towards the tightened position. As the first securing element 280a rotates in the first direction 304, the wire 380 connected to or within both the third opening 362 of the first securing element 280a and the first opening 354 of the second securing element 280b further rotates the second securing element 280b in the first direction 304 towards the tightened position. As the second securing element 280b rotates in the first direction 304, the wire 380 connected to or within both the third opening 362 of the second securing element 280b and the first opening 354 of the third securing element 280c further rotates the third securing element 280c in the first direction 304 towards the tightened position.

[0064] Specifically, referring to FIG. 10, when a plurality of fixing elements 280 are in the tightened position (as shown in FIG. 10) and at least the outer portion 346 is received within the plurality of openings 276, the second outer circumference 346 of the outer portion 340 of the first, second, and third fixing elements 340 is offset from the second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d of the channel opening 386, respectively. For this reason, at least the outer portions 340 of the first, second, and third fixing elements 280a, 280b, 280c cannot move within the second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d, respectively. Further, the inner surfaces (see FIG. 8) of the outer portions 340 of the first, second, and third fixing elements 280a, 280b, 280c in the tightened position contact the outer surface 254 of the upper 202 adjacent to the corresponding second, third, and fourth openings 276b, 276c, 276d. Further, when the plurality of fixing elements 280 are in the tightened position, the wire 380 is at least partially wound around the central portion 300 of the fixing member 278 and the central portions 342 of the plurality of fixing elements 280, and thus has a second tension. Since the wire 380 has the second tension, the plurality of fixing elements 280 rotatably attached to the fixing mechanism 272 and the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 (see FIG. 8) pull the outer side surface 216 and the inner side surface 218 of the upper 202 inward toward the channel 274, and further pull the upper region 258 downward toward the sole structure 204 (see FIG. 4).

[0065] Furthermore, when the fixing system 270 is in a tightened configuration, the plurality of fixing elements 280 are pulled towards the fixing member 278 along the longitudinal channel axis 396 by a wire 380 having a second tension. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the fixing system 270 is in a loosened configuration and the wire 380 has a first tension, the fixing mechanism 272 has a first overall length L1 measured from the fixing element longitudinal axis 348 of the third fixing element 280c to the fixing member axis 294 of the fixing member 278. As shown in FIG. 10, when the fixing system 270 is in a tightened configuration and the wire 380 has a second tension, since the wire 380 pulls each of the plurality of fixing elements 280 towards the fixing member 278, the fixing mechanism 272 has a second overall length L2 that is smaller than the first overall length L1. The fixing mechanism 272 has the second overall length L2, and when the plurality of fixing elements 280 are attached to the inner surface 252 of the upper 202, the upper 202 is further tightened around the user's foot disposed within the internal cavity 206 of the upper 202 (see FIG. 4).

[0066] At least the fixing member 278 of the fixing mechanism 272 can hold the plurality of fixing elements 280 in a tightened position (as shown in FIG. 10) so as to be releasable, and thus it is contemplated that a fixing holding mechanism (not shown) configured to hold the fixing system 270 in a tightened configuration may be included. In some embodiments, the fixing holding mechanism can be disposed between the inner and central portions 296, 300 of the fixing member 278, and at least the central portion 300 can be configured to hold it in a position releasable with respect to the inner portion 296 and / or the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 along the channel partition 384. In other embodiments, a tension holding mechanism can be disposed along a part of the channel partition 384 of the channel 274 and the first outer periphery 308 of the inner portion 296 of the fixing member 278, and the tension holding mechanism can be configured to hold the entire fixing member 278 in a position releasable with respect to the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 along the channel partition 384.

[0067] In some embodiments, the tension holding mechanism may be a ratchet system that includes a plurality of teeth disposed along an upper surface of an inner portion 296 adjacent to the central portion 300, and one or more pivoting claws disposed on an inner surface of the central portion 300 configured to releasably engage the plurality of teeth of the inner portion 296 of the fixing member 278, or vice versa. In such embodiments, one or more pivoting claws of the ratchet system can pivot via a lever or button (not shown) disposed on the outer portion 298 of the fixing member 278 or elsewhere along the upper 202 of the footwear article 200, and / or via a fixing protrusion 302. In some embodiments, the fixing system 270 can be configured such that one or both of the fixing member 278 and the plurality of fixing members 280 are biased towards a loosened position or a tightened position, for example by a spring.

[0068] Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the fixing system 270 is movable to return from a tightened configuration (as shown in FIG. 10) to a loosened configuration (as shown in FIG. 9) by rotation of the fixing member 278 in a second direction 306. When the fixing member 278 rotates in the second direction 306, each of the plurality of fixing elements 280 is simultaneously rotated in the second direction 306 from a tightened position (as shown in FIG. 10) to a loosened position (as shown in FIG. 9). In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 272 can be configured to rotate the fixing member 278 about the fixing member axis 294 from a first or initial position up to about 45 degrees in a first direction 304 (as shown in FIG. 9), thereby moving the fixing system 270 from a loosened configuration in which the wire 380 has a first tension to a first tightened configuration in which the wire 380 has a second tension greater than the first tension. In such embodiments, with the fixing member 278 in the first tightened configuration, by further rotating the fixing member 278 about the fixing member axis 294 from the first position up to about 90 degrees in the first direction 304, the fixing system 270 can be moved from the first tightened configuration to a second tightened configuration in which the wire 380 has a third tension greater than the first and second tensions. In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 272 can be configured to have at least three tightened configurations.

[0069] The fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 is intended to be configured to automatically transition between a loosened configuration and a fastened configuration in addition to, or instead of, rotation of the fastening member 278 by the user, via one or more user inputs. For example, in some embodiments, the fastening system 270 can include an electric actuator (not shown) configured to transition the fastening system 270 between a loosened configuration and a fastened configuration, and a controller (not shown) configured to control the electric actuator. In some such embodiments, the controller of the fastening system 270 can be configured to control the electric actuator based on one or more user inputs received by the controller, such as pressing a button, swiping, or an electronic input from a wireless device in wireless communication with the controller.

[0070] In such embodiments, a pair of footwear including the footwear article 200 with the fastening system 270 can be simultaneously transitioned between a loosened configuration and a fastened configuration via a user input on a single wireless device simultaneously received by the respective controllers of the pair of footwear. In some such embodiments, the fastening system 270 can further include one or more sensors (not shown) configurable to sense when the user's foot is inserted into the inner cavity 206 of the upper 202, such as a proximity sensor or a pressure sensor, and the controller can be configured to automatically command the electric actuator to transition the fastening mechanism 272 from a loosened configuration to a fastened configuration in response to a signal received from one or more sensors indicating the presence of the user's foot.

[0071] In some such embodiments, the controller of the securing system 270 may be further configured to command an electric actuator to move the securing mechanism 272 from a relaxed configuration to one of a plurality of tightened configurations in response to one or more user inputs corresponding to incremental levels of tightening of the footwear article 200. In some such embodiments, the securing system 270 may further include a battery (not shown) configured to supply power to the controller and the electric actuator. In some such embodiments, the battery of the securing system 270 can be disposed at least partially within the sole structure 204, or may be disposed along the upper 202, such as on the proximal end 222 (see FIG. 4) of the upper 202 for example.

[0072] In some embodiments, the securing member 278 can be configured as an electric actuator (not shown) of the securing system 270. In other embodiments, the electric actuator of the securing system 270 may include an electric motor and a gear system (not shown). In such embodiments, the gear system can be mechanically coupled to at least the securing member 278, and the motor can be configured to rotate the securing member 278 in a first or second direction 304, 306 via the gear system. In some embodiments, the gear system of the securing system 270 can be configured to hold the securing member 278 in at least a tightened position. In such embodiments, the gear system and motor of the securing system 270 may be configured to allow rotation of the securing member 278 by the user, in addition to, or in place of, a user input received by the controller.

[0073] In some embodiments, the securing system 270 can further include one or more lighting elements (not shown), such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the controller can be further configured to control the one or more lighting elements to provide a visual indication that can correspond to one or more characteristics of the securing system 270, such as the current tightening level of the securing mechanism 272 or the battery level of the battery, or one or more dynamic characteristics of the footwear article 200. In such embodiments, the one or more lighting elements can be disposed on the securing member 278 and / or on one or more of the plurality of securing elements 280 such that the one or more lighting elements are visible from the outside of the footwear article 200, including the user wearing the footwear 200. For example, in such embodiments, at least the outer portion 298 of the securing member 278 and / or the outer portion 340 of the securing element 280 can include a translucent or transparent material, and the one or more lighting elements of the securing system 270 can be disposed within the securing member 278 and / or the securing element 280.

[0074] It is further contemplated that the connection element 282 of the fixing mechanism 272 of the fixing system 270 may have other configurations or structures. In some embodiments, the connection element 282 of the fixing mechanism 272 may be an interconnected substrate disposed on the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 along the channel section 384 (see FIG. 8), to which a plurality of fixing elements 280 and the fixing member 278 are attached. In such embodiments, the substrate can be configured such that each of the fixing member 278 and the plurality of fixing elements 280 is connected to a corresponding substrate portion. The plurality of substrate portions may be configured such that they do not contact each other when the plurality of fixing elements 280 are in a loosened position (as shown in FIG. 9), and contact each other to provide tension along the upper 202 (see FIG. 4) when the plurality of fixing elements 280 are rotated to a tightened position via rotation of the fixing member 278 (as shown in FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the interconnected substrate may include a material having elastomeric properties. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner layer 388 of the upper 202 may be the interconnected substrate. In some embodiments, the upper 202 can be configured such that the interconnected substrate is visible from the outside of the footwear article 200. For example, in such embodiments, at least a portion of the outer layer 390 of the upper 202 adjacent to the channel opening 386 of the channel 274 (see FIG. 8) may include a material having translucent or transparent properties.

[0075] It is further contemplated that the fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 can include a plurality of fastening mechanisms disposed at various locations on the upper 202. For example, referring again to FIG. 4, the fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 can include, for example, a first channel and a first fastening mechanism disposed on the outer side surface 216 of the upper 202, similar to the fastening mechanism 272 disposed within the channel 274, and a second channel and a second fastening mechanism disposed on the inner side surface (not shown) of the upper 202, configured similarly to the first channel and the first fastening mechanism. In such an embodiment, with both the first and second fastening mechanisms in a tightened configuration, the upper region 258 of the upper 202 is symmetrically pulled downwardly towards the sole structure 204 from the outer side surface 216 and the inner side surface (not shown).

[0076] It is further contemplated that the fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 can include one or more support elements, such as, for example, straps, laces, or wings, that are extendable from the sole structure 204 to the fastening mechanism 272. For example, in some embodiments, a first or lateral support element can extend from the sole structure 204 along the outer side surface 216 of the upper 202 to the channel 274, and a second or inner support element can extend from the sole structure 204 across the upper region 258 along the inner side surface (not shown) of the upper 202 to the channel 274. In such an embodiment, the first and second support elements can be connected to the fastening mechanism 272 such that, when the fastening system 270 is in a tightened configuration, at least the second support element is pulled across the upper region 258 towards the outer side surface 216 of the sole structure 204, providing support along the upper region 258. In other embodiments, one or more support elements of the fastening system 270 can be coupled to a plurality of fastening elements 280 such that, when the fastening mechanism 272 is in a tightened configuration, the one or more support elements are directly pulled by the plurality of fastening elements 280.

[0077] The fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200 is further intended to be implementable on the upper 202 to fasten or release the tongue of the upper 202. In this regard, FIGS. 11-13 show another exemplary embodiment of a footwear article 200' having a fastening system 270' and an upper 202', the upper 202' including a tongue 360 extending along the upper region 258 of the upper 202' between the outer and inner side surfaces 216, 218 of the upper 202'. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 270' is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration in which the tongue 360 is movable away from the sole structure 204 (see FIG. 4) (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12), and a tightened configuration in which the tongue 360 is pulled inwardly towards the sole structure 204 (see FIG. 4) and held against the upper 202'. In particular, a first or lateral fastening mechanism 272a is disposed on the lateral side surface 216 of the upper 202' adjacent to the first or lateral side surface 360a of the tongue 360, and a second or inner fastening mechanism 272b is disposed on the inner side surface 218 of the inner side surface. Referring particularly to FIG. 11, the lateral fastening mechanism 272a includes a first or lateral fastening member 278a disposed along the lateral side surface 216 of the upper 202' adjacent to both the opening 256 of the upper 202' and the third or upper end 360c of the tongue 360. The lateral fastening mechanism 272a further includes a first or lateral plurality of fastening elements 281a extending from the lateral fastening member 278a adjacent to the outer side surface 360a of the tongue 360 towards the distal end 224 (see FIG. 4) of the upper 202' along the first fastening mechanism longitudinal axis 396a (see FIG. 12). Similarly, the inner fastening mechanism 272b includes a second or inner fastening member 278b disposed along the inner side surface 218 of the upper 202' adjacent to both the opening 256 of the upper 202' and the upper end 360c of the tongue 360. The inner fastening mechanism 272b further includes a second or inner plurality of fastening elements 281b extending from the inner fastening member 278b adjacent to the inner side surface 360b of the tongue 360 towards the distal end 224 (see FIG. 4) of the upper 202' along a second fastening mechanism longitudinal axis (not shown).

[0078] Referring still to FIG. 11, the tongs 360 define both a first or lateral plurality of openings 276a disposed adjacent the outer side surface 360a and a second or inner plurality of openings 276b disposed adjacent the inner side surface 360b. In other words, the outer side surface 360a of the tongs 360 and the outer side surface 216 of the upper 202' form a first or lateral channel 274a of the fixing system 270', and the inner side surface 360b of the tongs 360 and the inner side surface 218 of the upper 202a form a second or inner channel 274b of the fixing system 270'. The lateral and inner channels 274a, 274b include an inner portion (not shown) formed by the upper 202', for example, between the inner and outer surfaces of the upper 202', and an outer portion (not shown) formed by the tongs 360, for example, the outer surface of the tongs 360 along the outer and inner side surfaces 360a, 360b. Accordingly, the outer and inner pluralities of openings 276a, 276b are disposed on the outer portions (not shown) of the corresponding outer and inner channels 274a, 274b, while the outer and inner fixing mechanisms 272a, 272b are disposed on or within the inner portions of the corresponding outer and inner channels 274a, 274b.

[0079] Referring particularly to FIG. 12, when the outer and inner fixing mechanisms 272a, 272b are in a first or unfastened position (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12), and thus the fixing system 270' is in a loosened configuration, the lateral and inner pluralities of openings 276a, 276b of the tongs 360 are each receivable by the outer and inner pluralities of fixing elements 281a, 281b of the outer and inner fixing mechanisms 272a, 272b, but are not engaged. Accordingly, in the loosened configuration of the fixing system 270' (as shown in FIG. 12), the tongs 360 are freely movable or rotatable relative to the upper 202' so as to be separated from the opening 256 of the upper 202' or the sole structure 204 (see FIG. 4), whereby the outer and inner pluralities of openings 276a, 276b of the tongs 360 can completely disengage from the engagement with the outer and inner pluralities of fixing elements 281a, 281b.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 13, when a plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b of the outer and inner fixing mechanisms 272a, 272b are received within corresponding outer and inner openings 276a, 276b of the tongue 360, the fixing system 270' can be transitioned to a tightened configuration by rotating the plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b to a second or tightened position (as shown in FIG. 13). In a state where the plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b are in the tightened position, the plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b engage corresponding outer and inner openings 276a, 276b such that the tongue 360 is pulled downwardly toward the sole structure 204 (see FIG. 4) of the footwear article 200 and is fixed or held to the upper 202' adjacent to the opening 256 of the upper 202'.

[0081] In some embodiments, the fixing system 270' can be configured to be movable between a position where the plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b are not tightened and a tightened position by rotation of a single fixing member operatively connected to both the plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b via two or more connecting elements. For example, in some such embodiments, the single fixing member can be disposed on the upper 202', for example, on one of its outer side surface 216, inner side surface 218, proximal end 222, or distal end 224 (see FIG. 4), and operatively connected to each of the plurality of outer and inner fixing elements 281a, 281b. In some embodiments, one or both of the outer and inner fixing mechanisms 272a, 272b can be disposed on the tongue 360, for example, on the lower side of the tongue 360, and one or both of the plurality of outer and inner openings 276a, 276b can be defined on the outer and inner side surfaces 216, 218 of the upper 202', respectively.

[0082] It is further contemplated that the securing system 270' of the footwear article 200' can further include one or more support elements, such as straps or laces, the one or more support elements extending across the topline region 258 of the upper 202' and into each of the first and second channels, and coupling with each of the first and second securing mechanisms, such that when at least one of the first and second securing mechanisms is in a tightened configuration, the first and second securing mechanisms can be pulled towards each other by the one or more support elements. In some embodiments, the one or more support elements can extend along the outer surface 254 of the upper 202' across the topline region 258. In some embodiments, the one or more support elements can extend across the tongue 360 of the upper 202' between the first and second securing mechanisms. In some embodiments, the one or more support elements can include a first support element extending from the outer side surface 216 of the sole structure 204 to the first securing mechanism and a second support element extending from an inner side surface (not shown) of the sole structure 204 to the second securing mechanism. In some such embodiments, the one or more support elements can further include a third support element extending across the topline region 258 of the upper 202', which third support element may or may not be coupled to one or both of the first and second support elements.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 4 - 13, various components of exemplary footwear articles 200, 200' that include one or more components or structures of the fastening systems 270, 270' can be formed by additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. To that end, a number of 3D printing techniques such as vat photopolymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, material extrusion, directed energy deposition, and / or sheet lamination may be implemented to form the footwear article 200 having the fastening system 270. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 272 can be 3D printed as a single integral piece. In other embodiments, at least the inner portions 296, 338 of the fastening member 278 or the plurality of fastening elements 280 can be 3D printed within the channel sections 384 of the uppers 202, 202' separately from the outer or central portions 298, 300, 340, 342 and later joined. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the fastening member 278 or the plurality of fastening elements 280 can be 3D printed with a first material and other portions of the fastening member 278 or the plurality of fastening elements 280 can be 3D printed with a second material.

[0084] Aspects of the fastening systems 270, 270' are intended to be incorporated into articles other than the footwear articles 200, 200', such as, for example, clothing, gloves, bags. Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, an exemplary embodiment of an article 400 that includes a fastening system 470 having a fastening mechanism 472 is depicted. The fastening system 470 is similar to the fastening system 270 of the footwear article 200, and like elements are indicated with like reference numerals under the "4xx series" and "5xx series" of reference numerals. For example, the fastening mechanism 472 of the fastening system 470 includes a fastening member 478 that operably engages a plurality of fastening elements 480 via a connection element 482 in a manner similar to the fastening mechanism 272 of the fastening system 270 of FIGS. 4 - 10, which has a fastening member 278, a plurality of fastening elements 280, and a connection element 282.

[0085] The securing system 470 of the article 400 is similar in many aspects to the securing system 270 of the footwear article 200, but also has different aspects. In particular, the securing mechanism 472 of the securing system 470 is disposed on a first securing portion 452 of the securing opening 456 of the article 400 and is configured to be movable between a first or unfastened position (as shown in FIG. 14) and a second or fastened position (as shown in FIG. 15), and engages a plurality of apertures 476 disposed on a second securing portion 454 of the securing opening 456. Accordingly, the securing system 470 is movable between a loosened or unfastened configuration in which the second securing portion 454 is relatively movable with respect to the first securing portion 452 (as shown in FIG. 14), and a secured or fastened configuration in which the second securing portion 454 is secured to the first securing portion 452 to close the securing opening 456 (as shown in FIG. 15).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing mechanism 472 of the fixing system 470 is disposed on the first fixing portion 452 such that the fixing member 478 is rotatably attached to the first fixing portion 452 adjacent to both the first or upper end 586a and the first opening end 456a of the first fixing portion 452. A plurality of fixing elements 480 are rotatably attached to the first fixing portion 452 and are arranged in a row spaced apart from the fixing member 478 along a fixing mechanism longitudinal axis 596a extending from the fixing member 470 toward the second or lower end 588a of the first fixing portion 452 opposite the upper end 586a. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fixing elements 480 includes a first or upper fixing element 480a disposed adjacent to the fixing member 478, a second or intermediate fixing element 480b disposed adjacent to the first fixing element 480a, and a third or lower fixing element 480c disposed adjacent to the second fixing element 480b. In other words, the plurality of fixing elements 480 are arranged in series along the first fixing portion 452 from the fixing member 478. In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing elements 480 may include two or four or more fixing elements operatively connected to the fixing member 478. In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing elements 480 can include a first plurality of fixing elements and a second plurality of fixing elements having different characteristics from the first plurality of fixing elements, such as shape, color, and material.

[0087] Referring further to FIG. 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection element 482 is a wire 580 that is connected to each of the fixing member 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480. In particular, the wire 580 is connected to first and second openings (not shown) that extend, for example, into the first or inner portion 496 of the fixing member 478, similar to the first and second openings 312, 316 of the fixing member 278 of the fixing mechanism 272 (see FIG. 5), and is also connected to first, second, third, and fourth openings (not shown) that extend into the first or inner portion 538 of the plurality of fixing elements 480, similar to the openings 354, 358, 362, 366 of the plurality of fixing elements 280 of the fixing mechanism 272 (see FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the wire 580 is fixedly attached to the fixing member 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480. In some embodiments, the wire 580 is slidably coupled to the fixing member 478 and / or the plurality of fixing elements 480. In some embodiments, the wire 580 is fixedly attached to or received within first and third openings (not shown), and second and fourth openings (not shown), of at least first and second fixing elements 480a, 480b. In some embodiments, the connection element 482 may include a plurality of wires. In some embodiments, the wire 580 may be slidably received within one or more wire channels formed in the first fixing portion 452 of the article 400.

[0088] Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, a plurality of openings 476 extend from the first or upper end 586b adjacent to the first fixed portion 454 towards the second or lower end 588b on the side opposite the first end 586b, and are arranged along an opening longitudinal axis 596b adjacent to the second opening end 456b of the second fixed portion 454. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of openings 476 in the second fixed portion 454 include a first or upper opening 476a, a second or upper-middle opening 476b, a third or lower-middle opening 476c, and a fourth or lower opening 476d. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, when the second fixed portion 454 is moved adjacent to and superimposed on the first fixed portion 452, the fixing members 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480 arranged on the first fixed portion 452 are arranged to align with the plurality of openings 476.

[0089] Referring still to FIG. 14, the first opening 476a has a first geometric shape that is similar to the first geometric shape of the second or outer portion 498 of the fixing member 478 at the second outer circumference 510. Similarly, the second, third, and fourth openings 476b, 476c, 476d have a second geometric shape that is similar to the second geometric shape of the second outer circumference 546 of the outer portion 540 of each of the plurality of fixing elements 480. Thus, the plurality of openings 476 are configured to receive at least the outer portion 498 of the fixing member 478 and the outer portions 540 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 in a state where the second fixing portion 454 overlaps the first fixing portion 452 and each of the fixing member 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480 is in the first or non-fastened position (the state shown in FIG. 14). In the illustrated embodiment, the first geometric shape of the second outer circumference 510 of the outer portion 498 of the fixing member 478 is an hourglass shape with opposing wide ends aligned along the longitudinal axis 598 of the fixing member, and the second geometric shape of the second outer circumference 546 of the outer portion 540 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 is an elongated diamond shape with two opposing endpoints aligned along the longitudinal axis 548 of the fixing element. In some embodiments, the first geometric shape of the fixing member 478 is similar to the second geometric shape of the plurality of fixing elements 480. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of fixing elements 480 may have a third geometric shape that is different from each of the first and second geometric shapes.

[0090] Referring still to FIGS. 14 and 15, as described above, the securing system 470 for the article 400 is configured to be movable between an initial loosened or unfastened configuration (as shown in FIG. 14) and a fastened or tightened configuration (as shown in FIG. 15). In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of securing elements 480 are configured to rotate simultaneously via a wire 580 (see FIG. 14) between a first or unfastened position (as shown in FIG. 14) and a second or fastened position (as shown in FIG. 15) when an outer portion 498 of the securing member 478 is rotated by a user in a first or second direction 504, 506. When the securing system 470 is in the loosened configuration (as shown in FIG. 14), both the securing member 478 and the plurality of securing elements 480 are in an unfastened position where the longitudinal axis 598 of the outer portion 498 of the securing member 478 and the longitudinal axis 548 of the plurality of securing elements 480 are substantially parallel to the securing member axis 596a. With the securing member 478 in the unfastened position (as shown in FIG. 14), the second outer perimeter 510 of the securing member 478 can be arranged to align with the first opening 476a such that at least the outer portion 498 of the securing member 470 is movable within the first opening 476a. Similarly, with the plurality of securing elements 480 in the unfastened position (as shown in FIG. 14), the second outer perimeter 546 of the plurality of securing elements 480 can align with the second, third, and fourth openings 476b, 476c, 476d such that at least the outer portion 540 of the plurality of securing elements 480 is movable within the second, third, and fourth openings 476b, 476c, 476d.

[0091] Accordingly, when the fixing member 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480 are in a non-fastened position (as shown in FIG. 14), and the outer portions 498, 540 of the fixing member 478 and the fixing elements 480 are received in the respective plurality of corresponding openings 476 of the second fixing portion 454, the fixing system 470 can transition to a fastened configuration (as shown in FIG. 15) to fix the second fixing portion 454 to the first fixing portion 452. In particular, when the fixing member 278 is rotated in the first direction 504 from a non-fastened position (as shown in FIG. 14) to a fastened position (as shown in FIG. 15), the plurality of fixing elements 480 simultaneously rotate in the first direction via the wire 580 (see FIG. 14) from a non-fastened position (as shown in FIG. 14) to a fastened position (as shown in FIG. 15). As shown in FIG. 15, in the fastened position, the longitudinal axis 598 of the fixing member 478 and the longitudinal axes 548 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 are substantially perpendicular to both the fixing mechanism axis 596a and the opening axis 596b.

[0092] Referring particularly to FIG. 15, when the fixing member 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480 are in a fastened position, the second outer periphery 510 of the fixing member 478 and the second outer peripheries 546 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 are offset from the corresponding plurality of openings 476 such that at least the outer portion 498 of the fixing member 478 and the outer portions 540 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 are fixed within the plurality of openings 476. In particular, the inner surfaces (not shown) of the outer portion 498 of the fixing member 478 and the outer portions 540 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 contact the outer surfaces of the second fixing portion 454 adjacent to the corresponding plurality of openings 476. Accordingly, when the fixing system 470 is in the fastened configuration (as shown in FIG. 15), the second fixing portion 454 is fixed to the first fixing portion 452 by the fixing member 478 and the plurality of fixing elements 480 that are in the fastened position and received within the plurality of openings 476.

[0093] It is contemplated that at least one of the first and second securing portions 452, 454 can include a cover to prevent the securing mechanism 472 from undesirably contacting an article external to the article 400 when the article 400 is worn by a user. In some embodiments, the first securing portion 452 can include a securing mechanism cover (not shown) configured to at least partially surround the securing mechanism 472 such that only the outer portion 498 of the securing member 478 and the outer portions 540 of the plurality of securing elements 480 are not surrounded by the securing mechanism cover. In some embodiments, the second securing portion 454 can include an aperture cover or flap (not shown) configured to at least partially cover the plurality of apertures 476 such that the outer portion 498 of the securing member 478 and the outer portions 540 of the plurality of securing elements 480 are not exposed on the outer surface of the article 400 when the securing mechanism 472 is in the tightened configuration as shown in FIG. 15. In some such embodiments, the aperture cover or flap of the second securing portion 454 can include a translucent or transparent material. In some embodiments, the article 400 can be configured such that the securing system 470 is disposed along an inner surface of the article 400 adjacent the user and is not exposed on an outer surface of the article 400 facing the inner surface.

[0094] It is further contemplated that at least the first or second ends 586a, 586b, 588a, 588b of the first and second securing portions 452, 454 of the article 400 may be connected. In some embodiments, the second ends 588a, 588b of the first and second securing portions 452, 454 may be connected while the first ends 586a, 586b are not connected. In such embodiments, for example, the article 400 may be a pair of pants, such as trousers, sweatpants, shorts, etc., and the securing opening 456 may be the fly portion of the pants disposed along the waistband of the pants, or may be disposed at the bottom portion of the leg opening of the pants. In other such embodiments, the article may be a shirt, such as a "quarter zip" sweater or a sweatshirt, and the securing opening 456 may be the head opening portion of the shirt adjacent to the user's neck. In some embodiments, the article 400 may be gloves, such as golf gloves, baseball gloves, etc., and the securing opening may be the portion of the glove adjacent to the user's wrist.

[0095] In some embodiments, both the first and second ends 586a, 586b, 588a, 588b of the first and second securing portions 452, 454 can be connected. In such embodiments, for example, the article 400 can be a bag, such as a backpack, wallet, duffel bag, etc., and the securing opening 456 can be an opening to an interior compartment of the bag. In some embodiments, the first and second ends 586a, 586b, 588a, 588b of the first and second securing portions 452, 454 are not connected to each other. In such embodiments, for example, the article 400 can be a shirt or coat, such as a "button-down" shirt or a "full-zip" jacket, and the securing opening 456 of the article 400 can be an opening of the shirt adjacent to the user's abdomen. In some embodiments, the article 400 can be connected to the first and second securing portions 452, 454 disposed within the securing opening 456 and can include a securing opening connection portion (not shown) connected to at least a portion of the first and second securing portions 452, 454. In such embodiments, the securing opening connection portion (not shown) can have elastomeric properties such that the securing opening connection portion can expand when the securing system 470 is in a relaxed configuration (as shown in FIG. 14) and can retract to facilitate alignment of the plurality of openings 476 of the second securing portion 454 with the securing mechanism 472 of the first securing portion 452 and can include a material having such elastomeric properties.

[0096] At least a portion of the first and second fixed portions 452, 454 may include different materials configured to provide flexibility in a particular direction with respect to the article 400 relative to the fixing system 470 while preventing the plurality of openings 476 from deforming or expanding when the fixing system 470 is in the fastened configuration (see FIG. 15), or it is further contemplated that different material arrangements may be possible. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first fixed portion 452 adjacent to the fixing mechanism 472 can include a first material, and at least a portion of the second fixed portion 454 adjacent to the plurality of openings 476 can include a second material having elastomeric properties different from the first material. In some embodiments, a portion of the second fixed portion 454 adjacent to the plurality of openings 476 can be configured to provide a first level of elasticity in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the opening axis 596b and a second level of elasticity different from the first level of elasticity in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the opening axis 596b. In such embodiments, the second elastic level may be less than the first elastic level.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, various components of the exemplary article 400 including one or more components or structures of the fixing system 470 may be formed through additive manufacturing techniques such as one or more of the additive manufacturing techniques described above. In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 472 may be 3D printed as a single one-piece. In other embodiments, at least the inner portion 496 (see FIG. 14) of the fixing member 478 and the inner portions 538 of the plurality of fixing elements 480 may be 3D printed directly onto the surface of the first fixed portion 452. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the fixing member 478 and / or the plurality of fixing elements 480 may be 3D printed with a first material, and other portions of the fixing member 478 and / or the plurality of fixing elements 480 may be 3D printed with a second material having properties different from the first material.

[0098] In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, the specific features and combinations of features mentioned in the above discussion with respect to specific embodiments can be appropriately utilized in other embodiments and other combinations. Furthermore, any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in relation to other embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically shown types of footwear articles. Further, aspects of any of the footwear articles of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to cooperate with any type of footwear, apparel, or other sporting equipment.

[0099] As previously described, the present disclosure has been described in relation to specific embodiments and examples, but the present disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims appended hereto, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference as if each such patent or publication was individually incorporated herein by reference. The various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the claims below.

Industrial Applicability

[0100] Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. 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 present disclosure. Exclusive rights are reserved for all modifications included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An upper having an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the outer layer is provided with a fixing mechanism arranged along the inner layer and a plurality of openings defined along the outer layer, and the fixing mechanism includes a fixing member rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a plurality of fixing elements arranged in a row, spaced apart from the fixing member, and operably connected to the fixing member by connecting elements, each of the plurality of fixing elements corresponding to each of the plurality of openings, when the fixing member is rotated in the first direction, each of the plurality of fixing elements simultaneously rotates from a first position to a second position, a fixing system for an article of footwear configured to be shiftable between a loosened configuration in which each of the fixing elements is aligned within a corresponding one of the plurality of openings and a tightened configuration in which each of the fixing elements is misaligned with respect to the corresponding one of the plurality of openings when in the first position and the second position, respectively.

2. The fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is a wire connected to the fixing member and each of the plurality of fixing elements.

3. The fixing system according to claim 2, wherein the wire includes a first wire connected to a first side of the fixing member and each of the plurality of fixing elements, and a second wire connected to a second side of the fixing member and each of the plurality of fixing elements opposite to the first side.

4. The fixing system according to claim 2, wherein the wire is a closed-loop wire.

5. The fixing system according to claim 1, configured to define a first length when the fixing system is in the loosened configuration and a second length smaller than the first length when the fixing system is in the tightened configuration.

6. The fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is a substrate arranged along the inner layer of the upper, and the fixing member and the plurality of fixing elements are connected to the substrate.

7. Each of the plurality of fixing elements has a first portion extending from a first end, a second portion extending from a second end opposite to the first end, and a third portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, at least the second portion of each of the fixing elements being visible from the outside of the footwear while the user is wearing it, the fixing system according to claim 1.

8. Each of the first portions of the plurality of fixing elements is disposed within the channel partition and is rotatably attached to the inner layer of the upper. Each of the second portions of the plurality of fixing elements extends through the channel openings of the outer layer of the upper. The fixing system according to claim 7.

9. At least the third portion of the plurality of fixing elements includes an elastomeric material. The fixing system according to claim 7.

10. Each of the plurality of openings has a first geometric shape. At least the second portion of each of the plurality of fixing elements has an outer periphery having a second geometric shape different from the first geometric shape. The fixing system according to claim 7.

11. Each of the plurality of openings has a first geometric shape. At least the second portion of each of the plurality of fixing elements has an outer periphery having a second geometric shape similar to the first geometric shape. The fixing system according to claim 7.

12. The plurality of openings include a first opening and a second opening. The plurality of fixing elements include a first fixing element and a second fixing element. The first fixing element is disposed adjacent to the first opening, and the second fixing element is disposed adjacent to the second opening. The first fixing element and the first opening have a first geometric shape, and the second fixing element and the second opening have a second geometric shape different from the first geometric shape. The fixing system according to claim 1.

13. A sole attached to an upper including a first layer and a second layer, and A fixing system, the fixing system comprising: A plurality of openings disposed along the first layer, and A fixing mechanism, the fixing mechanism comprising: A fixing member disposed at least partially along the second layer and rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; A plurality of fixing elements disposed at least partially along the second layer, each corresponding to one of the plurality of openings, and A connecting element for operably connecting the plurality of fixing elements to the fixing member, When the fixing member is rotated in the first direction, each of the plurality of fixing elements simultaneously rotates from a first position to a second position. An article of footwear configured to be adjustable between a loosened configuration in which the plurality of securing elements are in the first position and aligned within the plurality of openings, and a tightened configuration in which the plurality of securing elements are in the second position and misaligned with the plurality of openings.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the securing mechanism is disposed on an outer side surface or an inner side surface of the upper.

15. The securing member has a first geometric shape, The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of securing elements has a second geometric shape different from the first geometric shape.

16. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the connecting element is visible from the outside of the footwear while the user is wearing it.

17. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the securing mechanism is disposed along a topline region of the upper.

18. The securing system is a first securing system, the securing mechanism is a first securing mechanism, the plurality of openings are a first plurality of openings, The article of footwear according to claim 17, further comprising a second securing system having a second securing mechanism and a second plurality of openings.

19. The upper has a tongue disposed along the topline region, The first securing system is disposed to engage an outer side surface of the tongue, the second securing system is disposed to engage an inner side surface of the tongue, The article of footwear according to claim 18, wherein when the first securing system and the second securing system are in the tightened configuration, the tongue is held adjacent to the upper, and when the first securing system and the second securing system are in the loosened configuration, the tongue is movable relative to the upper.

20. An opening including a first securing portion and a second securing portion, and An article including a securing system, the securing system including A plurality of openings defined along and at least partially extending through the second securing portion, and A securing mechanism having A securing member rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and A plurality of securing elements arranged in a row, spaced apart from the securing member and connected to the securing member to be operable by a connecting element. The second fixing part is configured to be fixed to the first fixing part to close the opening of the article. Each of the plurality of fixing elements corresponds to each of the plurality of openings. When the fixing member is rotated in the first direction, each of the plurality of fixing elements simultaneously rotates from a first position toward a second position. The fixing system is configured to be shiftable between a non-fastened configuration in which each of the fixing elements is in the first position and aligned within each of the plurality of openings, and a fastened configuration in which each of the fixing elements is in the second position and is offset with respect to each of the plurality of openings.

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