Footwear with a closure system

Abstract

The footwear includes an upper and a sole structure that define a central plane extending through the toe tip and the heel end, a plurality of retainers disposed along the upper and intersecting the central plane, and a cord including a first segment and a second segment. The cord is configured to engage the plurality of retainers to adjust the tightening degree of the footwear such that at least one of the plurality of retainers is not engaged by the cord. The distance between the plurality of retainers and the sole structure varies from a first retainer to a second retainer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to footwear including a closure system, and more specifically, to a closure system including a disc pulley fastener mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Many conventional shoes or other footwear generally include an upper and a sole attached to the lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space for receiving the user's foot before the shoe is fixed to the foot, that is, a void or cavity formed by the inner surfaces of the upper and the sole. The sole is attached to the lower surface or boundary of the upper and is disposed between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some cases, the sole may include multiple components such as an outsole, a midsole, and a top. The outsole can provide traction on the bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole can be attached to the inner surface of the outsole and can provide cushioning or additional stability to the sole. For example, the sole may include a specific foaming material that can increase stability at one or more desired positions along the sole, or a foaming material that can reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when the user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also 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.

[0003] The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an internal cavity that completely or partially encloses the foot. In most cases, the upper extends across the instep and toe regions, as well as across its inner and outer sides. Many footwear also may include a shoe tongue that extends across the instep region and bridges the gap between the inner and outer edges of the upper, defining an opening into the cavity. The shoe tongue also may be positioned under a lacing system and between the inner and outer sides of the upper to allow adjustment of the shoe's fastening. The shoe tongue further may be operable by the user to allow entry or exit of the foot into or from the internal space or cavity. Additionally, the lacing system may allow the user to adjust specific dimensions of the upper or sole, thereby enabling the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having various sizes and shapes.

[0004] The upper of many shoes can include a wide variety of materials that can be utilized to form the upper and selected for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper also may include portions that include various materials specific to particular regions of the upper. For example, it may be desirable to add stability adjacent the front or heel regions of the upper to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of the shoe may include a soft woven fabric to provide regions having stretch resistance, flexibility, breathability, or moisture absorbency.

[0005] However, in many cases, footwear having an upper with improved comfort and a better fit, along with an improved closure mechanism, is desired. One common closure mechanism for fastening an upper and a shooter to a user's foot is by using a shoelace. Shoelaces provide a reliable closure mechanism, but shoelaces can break or become untied. Additionally, shoelaces can loosen over time, making them aesthetically unappealing. Accordingly, there is a need for footwear that can selectively and tightly fit an upper and a shooter to a user's foot without using shoelaces, and that can selectively and loosely fit an upper and a shooter to a user's foot. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The footwear described herein can have various configurations. The footwear may have an upper and a sole structure connected to the upper. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0007] In some aspects, the footwear includes an upper attached to a sole structure having a midfoot region, a heel region, an inner side, and an outer side. The upper includes a shooter disposed in the midfoot region. The shooter has a plurality of retainers including a lower retainer having a first notch and a second retainer having a second notch. An inner pulley and an outer pulley are disposed in the heel region and are fixed to the inner and outer sides of the upper, respectively. The cord has a closed loop, and the first notch and the second notch are configured to selectively receive the closed loop. A first configuration of the cord is defined such that the closed loop is guided to be received by the inner pulley, the outer pulley, the first notch, and the second notch.

[0008] In some aspects, the footwear includes an upper and sole structure that defines a central plane extending through the toe tip and heel tip regions, a plurality of retainers disposed along the upper and intersecting the central plane, and a cord including a first segment and a second segment. The cord is configured to engage the plurality of retainers to adjust the tightness of the footwear, and at least one of the plurality of retainers is not engaged by the cord.

[0009] In some embodiments, the distance between the plurality of retainers and the sole structure varies from a first retainer to a second retainer. In some embodiments, the cord includes a first segment and a second segment that selectively engage the plurality of retainers. In a first configuration, the cord is configured to engage the first retainer. Further, both the first segment and the second segment are configured to engage the first retainer. In a second configuration, the cord is configured to engage the first retainer and the second retainer. Further, the first segment is configured to engage the first retainer and the second segment is configured to engage the second retainer. In a third configuration, the cord is configured to engage the second retainer. Further, both the first segment and the second segment are configured to engage the second retainer. In some embodiments, the first segment and the second segment of the cord are connected to each other to form a closed loop.

[0010] In some aspects, the footwear includes an upper and sole structure having a midfoot region disposed between a forefoot region and a heel region. A pulley is disposed in the heel region and rotatably attached to the upper. The cord is movably coupled to the pulley. The cord has a first segment and a second segment that are connected to each other to form a closed loop. The pulley and the cord are configured to adjust the tightness of the footwear.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pulley includes a first pulley disposed inside the upper and a second pulley disposed outside the upper. In some embodiments, at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley is configured to move within a slot formed in the upper. In some embodiments, the cord is configured to selectively engage with at least one retainer disposed on the upper.

[0012] In some aspects, the footwear includes an upper and a sole structure defining a central plane extending through the toe end and the heel end, a plurality of retainers disposed along the upper, a pulley, and a cord. The plurality of retainers are spaced apart from each other and intersected by the central plane. The pulley is disposed in the heel region of the footwear and rotatably attached to the upper. The cord is configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of retainers and the pulley to adjust the tightening degree of the footwear.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of retainers are disposed in the midfoot region of the footwear. In some embodiments, the pulley is rotatable about an axis disposed closer to the sole structure relative to the plurality of retainers. In some embodiments, a distance is defined between the pulley and each retainer of the plurality of retainers, and the distance varies across the plurality of retainers. In some embodiments, the cord is selectively engaged with two of the plurality of retainers and configured to be movably attached to the pulley. In some embodiments, the pulley includes a first pulley located inside the footwear and a second pulley located outside the footwear, and at least one of the first and second pulleys is configured to move and rotate on the upper.

[0014] Other aspects of the footwear, including its features and advantages, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the drawings and the detailed description herein. Accordingly, all such aspects of the footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0017] As used herein, the term "about" refers to typical measurements and manufacturing procedures used for footwear or other products, which may include embodiments of the disclosure herein, inadvertent errors in these procedures, differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the components used to make a composition or mixture, and variations in numerical amounts that may occur through equivalents. Throughout the disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values of ±5% of the numerical value that the term precedes.

[0018] The present disclosure is directed to footwear and / or specific components of footwear, such as an upper and / or sole or sole structure. The upper may include knit components, woven fabrics, and / or non-woven fabrics. The knit components may be made by knitting of yarns, woven fabrics by weaving of yarns, and non-woven fabrics by manufacture of a single non-woven web. The knitted fabric includes fabrics formed by knitting operations such as weft knitting, warp knitting, plain knitting, circular knitting, and / or other suitable knitting operations. The knitted fabric may have, for example, a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and / or a rib knit structure. Examples of woven fabrics include, but are not limited to, fabrics formed by any of a number of weaving patterns such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobby weave, jacquard weave, double weave, and / or double cloth weave. Examples of non-woven fabrics include, for example, fabrics manufactured by an airlaid method and / or a spunlaid method. The upper may comprise various materials such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and / or a third yarn that may have various properties or various visual properties.

[0019] Figures 1-3 show exemplary embodiments of a footwear 100 including an upper 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and a sole structure 104. The upper 102 is attached to the sole structure 104 and together defines an internal cavity 106 (see FIG. 2) into which a foot can be inserted. For reference, the footwear 100 defines a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112. The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the portion of the foot that includes the toes, the ball of the foot, and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones to the phalanges or toe bones. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent and proximate to the forefoot region 108 and generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 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 the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the rear portion of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus, the ankle, and / or the Achilles tendon.

[0020] Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., fabrics, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leathers, and synthetic leathers) that are joined by bonding or stitching at seams. In some embodiments, the upper 102 of the footwear 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 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another region of the upper 102 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, the properties of the upper 102 can vary across the upper 102 by selecting specific yarns for different regions of the upper 102.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, with respect to the material including the upper 102, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn imparts to the region of the knit component may depend at least in part on the materials forming the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton can provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to the knitted material. Elastane and drawn polyester can each provide a knit component having the desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a highly lustrous and hygroscopic material, wool may provide a material with enhanced hygroscopicity, nylon may provide a wear-resistant and durable material, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic and durable material.

[0022] Other aspects of the knit component can also affect the properties of the knit component and can be varied to provide the desired attributes. For example, the yarn forming the knit component can include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn can include filaments formed from two or more different materials, respectively. Additionally, the knit component can be formed using a particular knitting process to impart a region of the knit component having specific properties. Thus, both the material forming the yarn and the other aspects of the yarn can be selected to impart various properties to specific regions of the upper 102.

[0023] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the elasticity of the knit structure can be measured based on comparing the width or length of the knit structure in a first non-stretched state to the width or length of the knit structure in a second stretched state after a force is applied to the knit structure in the lateral direction. In further embodiments, the upper 102 may also include additional structural elements. For example, in some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) can be provided over the heel region 112 to provide additional support to the user's heel. In some examples, other elements, such as plastic materials, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to the outer surface using an adhesive or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the properties associated with the upper 102, such as the type of stitch, the type of thread, or properties associated with different types of stitches or threads, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, breathability, or scratch resistance, can be varied.

[0024] 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 100 is worn by the user. The sole structure 104 can include one or more components that can include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a bump, and / or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, the sole structure can include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, an outsole that provides traction to the user, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that supports the user's arch. Also, the insole can be a strobel board, a forefoot board, a lasting board, etc., or a combination thereof, the insole can be provided between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, or the insole can be provided as part of the upper 102.

[0025] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the insole can be disposed within the inner cavity of the upper, and the insole can be in direct contact with the user's foot while the footwear is being worn. Further, the upper can also include a liner (not shown) that can increase comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the user's foot and the upper, sole, insole, etc., and / or by providing moisture-wicking properties. The liner can line all or only a portion of the inner cavity. In some embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround the opening of the inner cavity to secure the liner to the upper and / or to provide an aesthetic element to the footwear.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the footwear 100 also defines an outer side 114 and an inner side 116. When the user is wearing the shoe, the outer side 114 corresponds to the portion facing the outside of the footwear 100, and the inner side 116 corresponds to the portion facing the inside of the footwear 100. Thus, the footwear 100 has opposing outer side 114 and inner side 116. The inner side 116 and the outer side 114 are adjacent to each other along a longitudinal central plane or central axis 118 of the footwear 100 that is in the same plane as the longitudinal axis L of FIG. 1. As further described herein, the central axis 118 can define a central intermediate axis between the inner side 116 and the outer side 114 of the footwear 100. In other words, the central axis 118 may extend between the rear proximal 120 of the footwear 100 and the front distal 122 of the footwear 100 and may continuously define the center of the insole 124, sole structure 104, and / or upper 102 of the footwear 100, i.e., the central axis 118 is a straight axis that extends from the rear proximal 120 of the heel region 112 to the front distal 122 of the forefoot region 108.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, unless otherwise specified, the footwear 100 may be defined by a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112. The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses a portion of the foot 126 including the toes or phalanges 128, a set of metatarsal heads of the foot 130, and a set of joints 132 connecting the set of midfoot bones 134 of the foot 126 to the set of toes or phalanges 128. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent and proximate to the forefoot region 108. The midfoot region 110 generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the arch 136 of the foot 126, together with the bridge 138 of the foot 126. The heel region 112 is adjacent and proximate to the midfoot region 110. The heel region 112 generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the rear portion of the foot 126 including the heel or calcaneus 140, the ankle (not shown), and / or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the inner side 116, and the outer side 114 are intended to define boundaries or regions of the footwear 100. To that end, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the inner side 116, and the outer side 114 generally characterize a section of the footwear 100. Some aspects of the present disclosure may refer to portions or elements having the same extent as one or more of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the inner side 116, and / or the outer side 114. Further, both the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be characterized as having portions along the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and / or the inner side 116 and / or the outer side 114. Accordingly, the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, and / or the individual portions of the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, can include that portion disposed along the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and / or the inner side 116 and / or the outer side 114.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the inner side 116, and the outer side 114 are shown in detail. The forefoot region 108 extends from the toe tip portion 142 to the widest portion 144 of the footwear 100. The widest portion 144 is defined or measured along a first line 146 perpendicular to a central axis 118 that extends from the distal portion of the toe tip portion 142 to the distal portion of the heel end portion 148 opposite the toe tip portion 142. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest portion 144 of the footwear 100 to the narrowest portion 150. The narrowest portion 150 of the footwear 100 is defined as the narrowest portion of the footwear 100 measured across a second line 152 perpendicular to the central axis 118. The heel region 112 extends from the narrowest portion 150 of the footwear 100 to the heel end portion 148.

[0030] In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations are possible, and it should be understood that the individual components can be incorporated into numerous footwear. Thus, aspects of the footwear 100 and its components can be described with reference to the general regions or portions of the footwear 100 by understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the inner side 116, and / or the outer side 114 as described herein. However, aspects of the footwear 100 and its individual components can also be described with reference to the exact regions or portions of the footwear 100, and the scope of the appended claims herein can incorporate limitations related to these boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the inner side 116, and / or the outer side 114 discussed herein.

[0031] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner side 116 begins at the distal toe tip 142 and curves outwardly along the inner side of the footwear 100 along the forefoot region 108 towards the midfoot region 110. The inner side 116 reaches a first line 146, at which point the inner side 116 bends inwardly towards the central axis 118. The inner side 116 extends from the first line 146, i.e., the widest portion 144, towards a second line 152, i.e., the narrowest portion 150, at which point the inner side 116 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 146. Upon reaching the second line 152, the inner side 116 curves outwardly away from the central axis 118, at which point the inner side 116 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., crosses the second line 152. Next, the inner side 116 curves outwardly and then curves inwardly towards the heel end 148, terminating at the point where the inner side 116 contacts the central axis 118.

[0032] The outer side 114 also begins at the distal toe tip 142 and curves outwardly along the outer side of the footwear 100 along the forefoot region 108 towards the midfoot region 110. The outer side 114 reaches the first line 146, at which point the outer side 114 bends inwardly towards the central axis 118. The outer side 114 extends from the first line 146, i.e., the widest portion 144, towards a second line 152, i.e., the thinnest portion 150, at which time the outer side 114 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 146. Once reaching the second line 152, the outer side 114 curves outwardly away from the central axis 118, at which point the outer side 114 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., crosses the second line 152. Next, the outer side 114 curves outwardly and then curves inwardly towards the heel end 148, terminating at the point where the outer side 114 intersects the central axis 118.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the upper 102 extends across the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 along the outer side 114 and the inner side 116, accommodating and surrounding the user's foot. When fully assembled, the upper 102 also includes an inner surface 154 and an outer surface 156. The inner surface 154 faces inward and generally defines the internal cavity 106, and the outer surface 156 of the upper 102 faces outward and generally defines the outer perimeter or boundary of the upper 102. The upper 102 also includes an opening 158 that is at least partially located in the heel region 112 of the footwear 100, and this opening 158 provides access to the internal cavity 106 through which the foot can be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may also include an instep region 160 that extends from the opening 158 in the heel region 112 across the region corresponding to the instep to the region adjacent to the forefoot region 108. The instep region 160 may include a region similar to the region where the shooter 162 of this embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 does not include a shooter 162, that is, the upper 102 has no shooter.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole 164 and an outsole 166. The outsole 166 may define the bottom end or bottom surface 168 of the sole structure 104 that traverses the heel region 112, the midfoot region 110, and the forefoot region 108. Further, the outsole 166 may be the ground-engaging portion of the sole structure 104, or may include a ground-engaging surface, and may be on the opposite side of the insole of the sole structure 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 168 of the outsole 166 may include a tread pattern 170 that can include various shapes and configurations. The outsole 166 may be formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear resistance, frictional resistance, or traction to the sole structure 104. In some embodiments, the outsole 166 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 166 may define a Shore A hardness of up to 95. Further, the outsole 166 may be manufactured by a process including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing, i.e., an additive manufacturing system or method, etc.

[0035] The midsole 164 may be individually constructed from a thermoplastic material such as, for example, polyurethane (PU), and / or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), their copolymers, or similar types of materials. In other embodiments, the midsole 164 is an EVA-solid sponge ("ESS") material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite TM, IGNITE foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, organic sheet, thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or supercritical foam. The midsole 164 may be a single polymer material or a blend of materials such as EVA copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and / or olefin block copolymer. An example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®. In some embodiments, the midsole 164 is manufactured by a process including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing, i.e., an additive manufacturing system or method, etc.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, in embodiments where the midsole 164 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam is an autoclave, an injection molding device, or a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO 2 , N 2 , or a mixture thereof) and preferably a molten material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or a mixture thereof) in any sufficiently heated / pressurized container capable of treating the mixing, a microporous foam or particulate foam such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or a mixture thereof can be included. In one exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressure vessel, and then the pressure inside the vessel is released. As a result, the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas, forming small pockets within the material and expanding the material into a foam. In further embodiments, the midsole 164 may be formed using alternative methods known in the art including the use of an expansion press, an injection molding machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, compression molding techniques, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 164 may be formed using a process including an initial foaming step where supercritical gas is used to foam the material and then compression molded or die cut into a specific shape.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the footwear 200 having the fastener system 204 is configured as a left shoe 208 and includes an upper 212 having a shooter 216, a midsole 220, and an outsole 224. The shooter 216 includes a plurality of retainers 228 arranged in the form of an array including a first or lower retainer 232 and a second or upper retainer 236. The lower retainer 232 is disposed at a shorter distance from the sole structure 104 than the upper retainer 236, such that the plurality of retainers 228 are at different heights relative to each other. Each of the plurality of retainers 228 has a first or retainer body 240 including a first or notch surface 244. The notch surface 244 is formed in a concave shape and is configured to face the forefoot region 108.

[0038] The plurality of retainers 228 are spaced apart from each other longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the central axis 118. In some embodiments, each of the retainers 228 is disposed along the midfoot region 110 and intersects the central plane of the central axis 118 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retainers 228 is offset toward the outer side 114 or the inner side 116 and does not intersect the central plane of the central axis 118. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retainers 228 is located in the forefoot region 108 or the heel region 112. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of retainers 228 is disposed on the sole structure 104. A first or outer pulley 248 is shown in the heel region 112 facing the outer side 114 of the footwear 200. The pulley 248 is held along a second surface or outer surface 252 of the upper 212. The pulley 248 includes a second or pulley body 256 having a third or circumferential surface 260 perpendicular to the outer surface 252. The circumferential surface 260 defines a first or pulley channel 264.

[0039] The cord 268 has a third or cord body 272 that includes a first or upper segment 276 and a second or lower segment 280. The cord 268 is flexible and configured to transmit tension or tensile force. In some embodiments, the cord 268 is configured as a closed loop 284. That is, the cord 268 is provided as a continuous band and has no free ends. In some embodiments, the cord 268 is provided as a strand and has a free end (not shown). The closed loop 284 of the cord 268 is configured to be received in the pulley channel 264 such that the upper segment 276 extends from the pulley channel 264 toward a plurality of retainers 228 from the first or upper end 288 of the pulley 248, and the lower segment 280 extends from the pulley channel 264 toward a plurality of retainers 228 from the second or lower end 292 of the pulley 248. The lower end 292 of the pulley 248 is disposed closer to the outsole 224 than the upper end 288 of the pulley 248, i.e., at a shorter distance from the outsole 224. The upper segment 276 and the lower segment 280 are configured to be held or received on the notch surface 244 by any of the plurality of retainers 228.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5 showing the inner side 116 of the footwear 200 configured as the right boot 295, the second or inner pulley 296 is disposed on the inner side 116 and is shown as being identical to that introduced as part of the outer pulley 248 of the left boot 208 in FIG. 4, but with mirrored elements. The closed loop 284 of the cord 268 is received or retained on the pulley channels 264 of both the inner pulley 296 and the outer pulley 248. Further, the upper segment 276 and the lower segment 280 of the cord 268 are fixed or retained to one of the notch surfaces 244 of the plurality of retainers 228. In some embodiments, the closed loop 284 of the cord 268 is received in the pulley channel 264 of the inner pulley 296, the pulley channel 264 of the outer pulley 248, and at least one notch surface 244 of the plurality of retainers 228. Thus, the cord 268 is stretched beyond its rest state and the cord 268 is placed in a tension state. Accordingly, the cord 268 applies a pressure, i.e., a compression, to the upper 212 of the footwear 200. Increasing the distance by which the cord 268 is stretched increases the potential energy 300 stored in the tension of the cord 268. As the tension of the cord 268 increases, the amount of potential energy 300 increases. The tension of the cord 268 creates a compressive force on the footwear 200, such as in the midfoot region 110, thereby clamping the footwear 200 onto the user's foot. As the amount of potential energy 300 stored in the cord 268 increases, the magnitude of the compression in the midfoot region 110 increases. Referring to FIG. 5, the upper segment 276, the lower segment 280, or both can be removed from one of the notch surfaces 244 and moved to another notch surface 244 of the notch surfaces 244 by a first movement 308.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, pulley 248 is configured to rotate about a first axis or pulley axis 312 and is capable of rotation 316 when receiving a rotational force. In the illustrated embodiment, pulley 248 is rotatably attached to upper 102. In some embodiments, pulley 248 is rotatably attached to sole structure 104. Lower segment 280 and upper segment 276 of cord 268 are movably coupled to pulley 248. In the illustrated embodiment, lower segment 280 and upper segment 276 of cord 268 can circulate toward and away from pulley 248 by one of lower segment 280 or upper segment 276 moving toward pulley 248 along a first or rearward direction 320 and the other of lower segment 280 or upper segment 276 moving away from pulley 248 along a second or forward direction 324. Thus, cord 268 can circulate, preventing the formation of worn segments of cord 268, thereby tending to extend the life of cord 268. Further, pulley 248 can be configured to provide audible feedback, such as a clicking noise, to indicate rotation and thus adjustment to the user. In some embodiments, pulley channel 264 includes a first or left sidewall 328 and a second or right sidewall 332 spaced apart between a fourth or receiving surface 336 disposed on circumferential surface 260. Left sidewall 328, right sidewall 332, and receiving surface 336 are configured to facilitate the reception of closed loop 284 of cord 268 within pulley channel 264.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, the notch surface 244 of the lowermost retainer 232 is at a first or longer distance 340 from the pulley axis 312, and the notch surface 244 of the uppermost retainer 236 is at a second or shorter distance 344 from the pulley axis 312. The long distance 340 is longer than the short distance 344. As the cord 268 is more stretched, the cord 268 tends to transmit more tension when the upper segment 276 and the lower segment 280 are fixed or held by the notch surface 244 of the lowermost retainer 232. As the tension transmitted by the cord 268 increases and more potential energy 300 is stored in the cord 268, and as one or both of the upper segment 276 and the lower segment 280 are held by the notch surface 244 of the lowermost retainer 232, the magnitude of compression in the midfoot region 110 increases.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, the first configuration 348 of the code 268 has an upper segment 276 and a lower segment 280 held on the notch surface 244 of the lowermost retainer 232. In the second configuration 352 of the code 268, as shown in FIG. 8, one of the lower segment 280 or the upper segment 276 is held on the notch surface 244 of the lowermost retainer 232, and the other of the lower segment 280 and the upper segment 276 is held on the notch surface 244 of the uppermost retainer 236. In the third configuration 356 of the code 268, as shown in FIG. 9, both the lower segment 280 and the upper segment 276 are held on the notch surface 244 of the uppermost retainer 236. Thus, in each of the first configuration 348, the second configuration 352, and the third configuration 356, the code 268 is configured to engage fewer than all of the plurality of retainers 228. In other words, the code 268 is configured to engage the plurality of retainers 228 such that at least one retainer is not engaged by the code 268. Thereby, each of the plurality of retainers 228 is in a binary operating state where it is selectively engaged or disengaged. In the first configuration 348, the code 268 is selectively engaged with the lowermost retainer 232 such that only one of the plurality of retainers 228 is in an engaged state. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of retainers 228 includes five retainers, and thus the first configuration 348 corresponds to 80% of the retainers being in a disengaged state. In the second configuration 352, the code 268 is selectively engaged with the lowermost retainer 232 and the uppermost retainer 236 such that two of the plurality of retainers 228 are engaged. In the illustrated embodiment, the second configuration 352 corresponds to 60% of the plurality of retainers being in a non-engaged state. The plurality of retainers 228 may include any total number of retainers, and thus it is contemplated that the ratio of disengaged and engaged retainers may vary as a function of the total number.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 7, the first configuration 348 has a greater magnitude of potential energy 300 stored in the cord 268 than the potential energy 300 stored in the code 268 of the second configuration 352 (see FIG. 8). Further, the magnitude of the potential energy 300 stored in the cord 268 is greater than the magnitude of the potential energy 300 stored in the cord 268 in the third configuration 356 (see FIG. 9). Thus, the compression within the midfoot region 110 of the footwear 200 in the first configuration 348 is greater than the compression within the midfoot region 110 in the second configuration 352, which is greater than the compression within the midfoot region 110 in the third configuration 356. Thus, one way to control, adjust, and regulate the compression in the midfoot region 110 is to adjust the particular notch surface 244 in which the upper segment 276, the lower segment 280, or both are held. In this way, the user can adjust the cord 268 among the first configuration 348 (see FIG. 7), the second configuration (see FIG. 8), and the third configuration (see FIG. 9) to select the level or magnitude of compression of the footwear 200. For example, more or fewer configurations are envisioned, such as a fourth configuration (not shown) in which at least one of the upper segment 276 and the lower segment 280 may include an arrangement received by the uppermost retainer 236, the lowermost retainer 232, and an intermediate or in-between retainer 228. Thus, by providing a plurality of retainers 228 along the upper 212 of the footwear 200, the fastener system 204 is configured to allow multiple levels of compression between different configurations or arrangements of the cord 268 with respect to the plurality of retainers 228 and pulleys 248, 296.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the footwear 200 includes an oval slot 360 disposed within, on, or in the upper 212 of the heel region 112 along either the inner side 116 (see FIG. 5) or the outer side 114 (see FIG. 4) of the footwear 200. The slot 360 has a fourth or slot body 364 that includes a fifth or concave surface 368 perpendicular to the sixth or side wall surface 372. The side wall surface 372 includes a first rounded end 376 and a second rounded end 380 located at opposite ends of the concave surface 368. The concave surface 368 and the side wall surface 372 define a volume that forms an oval slot cavity 384. The slot cavity 384 is configured to hold the pulley 248 at least in a first or front region 388 and a second or rear region 392, which may be understood as the front and rear regions or volumes formed by the slot 360. In some embodiments, the slot 360 is absent and the pulley 248 is fixed to the outer surface 156 of the upper 212. In some embodiments, the pulley 248 can be configured to be disposed at a front position within the front region 388 or at a rear position within the rear region 392, or the pulley 248 can be configured to move, e.g., vibrate or slide, between the front region 388 and the rear region 392. In some embodiments, the pulley 248 can be moved between the front region 388 and the rear region 392 by an actuator shaft 396 (see FIG. 12).

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the actuator mechanism 404 (see FIG. 11) includes an actuator shaft 396 and a fifth or shaft body 400 embodied as an actuator end 408 having a seventh or front face 412. In some embodiments, the front face 412 includes a marking or indicium 416 (see FIG. 11), such as the word "open". The indicium 416 can provide feedback to an end user on how to operate the actuator mechanism 404 of the fastener system 204 (see FIG. 4) embodied as the actuator end 408. In some embodiments, the actuator shaft 396 is fixed to a flexible shroud 420 to form a first or shroud seal 424 at a first or circumferential edge 428 (see FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the shroud 420 serves to block dust, debris, fluid, or other intrusion present in the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the shroud 420 is a curved disk or plate, whereby the shroud seal 424 can be more easily maintained, and one or both of the shroud 420 and the shroud seal 424 can be decorated in a decorative manner, such as with indicia or logos or markings.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 12, some elements of the fastener system 204 are shown, including the actuator shaft 396, the shroud 420, a spring 432, an elastic wedge 436, and a hollow shaft 440. The actuator shaft 396 has a front face 412 on the actuator end 408, and the front face 412 extends from an elongated shaft 444 that extends from a release mechanism 448 embodied as a release end 452. The actuator end 408 has an eighth or spring face 456 facing in a direction opposite to the front face 412. In some embodiments, the release end 452 has a frustoconical ninth or drive face 460. In some embodiments, the release end 452 or the actuator end 408 is fixed to the remainder of the actuator shaft 396 by threads, an adhesive, or welding.

[0048] The hollow shaft 440 has a sixth or shaft body 464 having a first or front opening 468 and a second or rear opening 472 connected by a tenth or inner surface 476 disposed concentrically with a second or axle 480. An internal cavity 484 defines a volume between the front opening 468, the rear opening 472, and the inner surface 476. The hollow shaft 440 has an eleventh or spring seat surface 488, a twelfth or wedge surface 492, and a thirteenth outer surface 496 facing radially away from the inner surface 476. The spring seat surface 488 faces away from the wedge surface 492. The outer surface 496 of the hollow shaft 440 is configured to hold the pulley 248 when the pulley 248 rotates. In some embodiments, the hollow shaft 440 rotates with the pulley 248. In some embodiments, the pulley 248 rotates relative to the hollow shaft 440. The outer surface 496 of the hollow shaft 440 includes a plurality of shroud retainers 500. In some embodiments, the shroud 420 is configured to be held by the plurality of shroud retainers 500. In some embodiments, the shroud 420 can rotate relative to the plurality of shroud retainers 500. The shroud retainers 500 of the hollow shaft 440 can contact the shroud 420 and generate audible feedback, such as a clicking noise, during relative rotation therewith. Additionally, or alternatively, the audible feedback can be generated by the interaction between the shroud retainer 500 and the pulley 248. In some embodiments, the audible feedback is generated by the interaction between the pulley 248 and the upper 102, or between the pulley 248 and the elastic wedge 426. In some embodiments, the audible feedback is generated by the interaction between the actuator shaft 396 and one of the hollow shaft 400, the elastic wedge 426, the spring 432, or the slot 360, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the audible feedback is a clicking sound generated by relative movement of opposing teeth or gears (not shown) provided between components, such that continuous relative movement generates a series of continuous clicking sounds that persist as long as the relative movement occurs.Opposing teeth or gears (not shown) may further be provided as a locking mechanism to allow rotation in one direction, e.g., the tightening direction, and prevent or resist rotation in the opposite direction, e.g., the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the elastic wedge 436 may be pressed against the pulley 248 as the actuator shaft 396 is acted upon by the spring 432, such that relative rotation between the pulley 248 and the elastic wedge 436 causes opposing teeth (not shown) provided thereon to interact with each other to generate audible feedback and prevent reverse rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the opposing teeth (not shown) may be provided between the elastic wedge 436 and the slot 360, or between the pulley 248 and the upper 102.

[0049] Referring further to FIG. 12, the elastic wedge 436 has a seventh or wedge body 504 that is generally cylindrical in shape and has a fourteenth or axle surface 508, a fifteenth or engagement surface 512, and a sixteenth or frustoconical surface 516. The elastic wedge 436 has a third or axial opening 520 concentrically disposed about a third or wedge axis 524. The frustoconical surface 516 contacts the axle surface 508 at the axial opening 520. In some embodiments, the axle surface 508 is perpendicular to the engagement surface 512. The elastic wedge 436 is made of an elastic material, such as flexible rubber or plastic, that allows the elastic wedge 436 to be compressed or deformed into different shapes or sizes. The release mechanism 448 includes a drive surface 460 on the release end 452 of the actuator shaft 396. When the drive surface 460 of the actuator shaft 396 is pushed into the frustoconical surface 516 of the elastic wedge 436, the elastic wedge 436 is compressed and distorted in shape. Accordingly, a closure mechanism 528 embodied as the engagement surface 512 of the elastic wedge 436 is pressed and extended radially outward from the wedge axis 524 to an extended position 532. The closure mechanism 528 is embodied by the extended position 532 of the engagement surface 512 of the elastic wedge 436.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the fastener system 204 can facilitate displacing the pulley 248 between a forward region 388 (see FIG. 10) and a rearward region 392 (see FIG. 10) within the slot 360 (see FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the pulley 248 has a fourth or central opening 536 that defines a central cavity 540. As the pulley 248 moves between the forward region 388 and the rearward region 392, the longer distance 340 (see FIG. 7) and the shorter distance 344 (see FIG. 7) change accordingly, which also changes the tension transmitted in the cord 268 (see FIG. 4), and thus results in a change in the magnitude of the potential energy 300 (see FIG. 4) stored in the cord 268. As described above, the change in the potential energy 300 stored in the cord 268 is proportional to the magnitude of the compression within the midfoot region 110. Thus, the displacement of the pulley 248 between the forward region 388 and the rearward region 392 is proportional to the magnitude of the compression applied by the cord 268 within the midfoot region 110. That is, the compression in the midfoot region 110 can be adjusted in two different and independent ways. The first way is the adjustment between the configurations of FIGS. 7-9, and the second way is the displacement of the pulley 248 within the slot 360.

[0051] When the notch surface 244 selected for the upper segment 276 or the lower segment 280 changes, the tension transmitted by the cord 268 changes. Alternatively, or in addition, when the outer pulley 248 or the inner pulley 296 (see FIG. 5) is moved between a forward position in the forward region 388 and a rearward position in the rearward region 392, the longer distance 340 and the shorter distance 344 change, and the tension transmitted by the cord 268 changes. In some embodiments, neither the inner pulley 296 nor the outer pulley 248 can move between the forward region 388 and the rearward region 392, and the positions of the two pulleys 248, 296 are fixed. In some embodiments, one of the inner pulley 296 or the outer pulley 248 is in a fixed position, and the other of the pulleys 296, 248 can move between the forward region 388 and the rearward region 392. In some embodiments, both of the pulleys 248, 296 can be moved between the forward region 388 and the rearward region 392 to vary the tension of the cord 268 between a maximum value and a minimum value. To facilitate the movement of the fastener system 204 (see FIG. 4) between the forward region 388 and the rearward region 392, the actuator shaft 396, the pulley 248, the hollow shaft 440, the spring 432, the shroud 420, and the elastic wedge 436 are assembled as an assembly 544 and inserted into the slot cavity 384.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 13, an elongated shaft 444 of the actuator shaft 396 is concentrically disposed within a hollow shaft 440, the hollow shaft 440 is concentrically disposed within a pulley 248, a spring 432 contacts a spring seat surface 488 of the hollow shaft 440 and a spring surface 456 of an actuator end 408 of the actuator shaft 396, a drive surface 460 of a release end 452 of the actuator shaft 396 is pushed into a conical surface 516 of an elastic wedge 436, and when an engaging surface 512 of the elastic wedge 436 is pressed to an extended position 532, the assembly 544 is in a locked configuration 548. The axle 480 and the pulley shaft 312 are in a straight line in the locked configuration 548. The engaging surface 512 presses against and contacts a side wall surface 372 (see FIG. 10) of the slot 360 (see FIG. 10) to hold the assembly 544 in a front region 388 (see FIG. 10) or a rear region 392 (see FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the assembly 544 can be disposed between the front region 388 and the rear region 392. When assembled into the locked configuration 548, the assembly 544 is configured such that the pulley 248 rotates about the pulley shaft 312 and the actuator shaft 396 intersects the pulley shaft 312. When assembled into the locked configuration 548, the pulley 248, the hollow shaft 440, the spring 432, and the elastic wedge 436 are all oriented concentrically with respect to the pulley shaft 312. The spring 432 presses against the spring seat surface 488 of the hollow shaft 440 and the spring surface 456 of the actuator end 408, whereby the actuator end 408 is pushed away from the hollow shaft 440 by an outward force 552. When the actuator end 408 is pushed by the outward force 552, the drive surface 460 of the release end 452 is pushed into the conical surface 516 of the elastic wedge 436, which pushes the engaging surface 512 to the extended position 532, thereby engaging and holding the assembly 544 in the locked configuration 548 within the slot 360. In some embodiments, the engaging surface 512 of the elastic wedge 436 is configured to engage all of the surfaces of a first rounded end 376 (see FIG. 10) or a second rounded end 380 (see FIG. 10) in the locked configuration 548.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 14, the assembly 544 is moved to the unlocking configuration 556 by applying an inward force 560 that overcomes the outward force 552 generated by the spring 432. The inward force 560 acts along the pulley shaft 312 from the actuator end 408 towards the hollow shaft 440. When the inward force 560 overcomes the outward force 552 of the spring 432, the actuator end 408 of the actuator shaft 396 moves towards the hollow shaft 440 (compare FIG. 13 with FIG. 14), thereby causing compression 564 in the spring 432. As the actuator end 408 moves towards the hollow shaft 440, the release end 452 moves away from the hollow shaft 440 and the resilient wedge 436. When the driving surface 460 of the release end 452 stops pressing against the conical surface 516 of the resilient wedge 436, the shape of the resilient wedge 436 changes and the engaging surface 512 retracts from the extended position 532 (see FIG. 13). When the closure mechanism 528 (see FIG. 12), embodied as the engaging surface 512, retracts from the extended position 532, the assembly 544 loses contact with the side wall surface 372 of the slot 360. In the unlocking configuration 556, the assembly 544 can be completely removed from the slot 360, or the assembly 544 is configured to move easily between the forward region 388 (see FIG. 10) or the rearward region 392 (see FIG. 10). Thus, another way to control, adjust, and regulate compression in the midfoot region 110 involves adjusting the position of the outer pulley 248, the inner pulley 296, or both within their respective slots 360.

[0054] Also, either of the pulleys 248, 296 may be provided or modified to include a closure mechanism similar to that disclosed and described in U.S. patents. U.S. Patent No. 5,325,613, U.S. Patent No. 5,600,875, U.S. Patent No. 5,606,778, U.S. Patent No. 5,638,588, U.S. Patent No. 5,651,198, and U.S. Patent No. 5,669,116 (all of which are commonly assigned to Puma SE and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The pulleys 248, 296 are used with the cord 268 and may be modified to include a closure mechanism instead of, or in addition to, the assembly to provide additional tightening functionality and / or audible feedback when attached to the footwear 200 of the present disclosure.

[0055] In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, the specific features and combinations of features presented with respect to the particular embodiments in the above discussion can be utilized in other embodiments and other combinations as needed. Further, any of the embodiments described herein can be modified to include any of the structures or methods disclosed in relation to other embodiments. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically shown types of footwear. Further, aspects of the footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to function in any type of footwear, clothing, or other athletic equipment.

[0056] As described above, the present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments and examples, but the present invention is not necessarily so limited, and numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, variations, and departures from the embodiments 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 herein by reference as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated herein by reference. The various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0057] In view of the foregoing description, numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this description should be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention. Exclusive rights are reserved for all modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0058] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 344,957, filed May 23, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An upper and sole structure defining a central plane extending through the toe and heel ends, wherein the upper has an outer surface, A plurality of retainers arranged along the upper and intersected by the central plane, Code that forms a closed loop, including an upper segment and a lower segment, The upper and lower segments of the cord are stretched across the outer surface from the heel to the midfoot region to adjust the degree of tightness of the footwear, and at least one of the plurality of retainers is not engaged by the cord.

2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the plurality of retainers and the sole structure varies from the first retainer to the second retainer.

3. The footwear according to claim 2, wherein the upper segment and the lower segment of the code selectively engage with the plurality of retainers.

4. The footwear according to claim 3, wherein in the first configuration, the code is configured to engage with the first retainer.

5. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein both the upper segment and the lower segment are configured to engage with the first retainer.

6. The footwear according to claim 3, wherein in the second configuration, the code is configured to engage with the first retainer and the second retainer.

7. The footwear according to claim 6, wherein the upper segment is configured to engage with the first retainer, and the lower segment is configured to engage with the second retainer.

8. The footwear according to claim 3, wherein in the third configuration, the code is configured to engage with the second retainer.

9. The footwear according to claim 8, wherein both the upper segment and the lower segment are configured to engage with the second retainer.

10. The footwear according to claim 3, wherein in the second configuration, the cord is configured to engage with the lowest retainer and the uppermost retainer.

11. An upper and sole structure having a midfoot region positioned between the forefoot region and the heel region, A pulley having an outer channel positioned in the heel region, rotatably attached to the outer surface of the upper, and having a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart between the circumferential surfaces, Includes a cord movably connected to the pulley, The code has an upper segment and a lower segment connected to each other so as to form a closed loop that is received within the outer channel by the first side wall, the second side wall and the circumferential surface, The closed loop is engaged with at least one retainer, A footwear in which the cord is stretched beyond a stationary state to generate a compressive force in the midfoot region, and the pulley and the cord are configured to adjust the degree of tightness of the footwear.

12. The footwear according to claim 11, wherein the pulley includes a first pulley disposed on the inside of the upper and a second pulley disposed on the outside of the upper.

13. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley is configured to move and rotate on the upper.

14. The footwear according to claim 13, wherein the upper and lower segments of the cord are configured to selectively engage with at least one retainer positioned on the upper.

15. An upper and sole structure that defines a central plane extending through the toe and heel ends, A plurality of retainers arranged along the upper, wherein the plurality of retainers are spaced apart from each other and intersect the central plane, A pulley having an outer channel positioned in the heel region of footwear, rotatably attached to the outer surface of the upper, and having a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart between the circumferential surfaces, Footwear comprising: a cord stretched across the outer surface from the heel to the midfoot region and configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of retainers and the pulleys, in order to adjust the degree of tightness of the footwear, thereby applying a compressive force to the midfoot region.

16. The footwear according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of retainers are arranged in the midfoot region of the footwear.

17. The footwear according to claim 15, wherein the pulley is rotatable about an axis positioned closer to the sole structure than the plurality of retainers.

18. The footwear according to claim 15, wherein a distance is defined between the pulley and each of the plurality of retainers, and the distance varies across the plurality of retainers.

19. The footwear according to claim 15, wherein the cord is configured to selectively engage with two of the plurality of retainers and to be movably mounted on the pulley.

20. The footwear according to claim 15, wherein the pulley includes a first pulley located on the inside of the footwear and a second pulley located on the outside of the footwear, and at least one of the first and second pulleys is configured to move and rotate on the upper.

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