Fastening mechanism for footwear

Abstract

A fastening mechanism for a footwear, comprising: a tension member having a member opening; a first tension element extending along a first side portion of an upper of the footwear; and a second tension element extending along a second side portion of the upper, opposite to the first side portion, wherein the first and second tension elements are operatively coupled to the tension member around the member opening, and the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration in which the first and second tension elements are pulled by a first tension when the tension member is rotated relative to the footwear, and a tightened configuration in which the first and second tension elements are pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to footwear, and more specifically, to footwear having a fastening mechanism that includes a tension member and one or more tension elements.

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 a user's foot before the shoe is fixed to the foot, i.e., 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 to 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 foam material that can increase stability at one or more desired positions along the sole, or a foam 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 shute that extends across the instep region and bridges a gap between the inner and outer edges of the upper, defining an opening into the cavity. The shute also may be disposed under a lacing system and between the inner and outer sides of the upper to enable adjustment of the shoe's fastening. The shute further may be operable by a user to enable entry or exit of the foot from the internal space or cavity. Additionally, the lacing system may enable a user to adjust specific dimensions of the upper or sole, thereby enabling the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes 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 can be 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 in regions adjacent to the front or heel 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 absorption properties.

[0005] Many currently available footwear have various features related to the above-described properties, but in many cases, footwear having a fastening mechanism that a user can easily tighten and loosen is desired to improve support for the user's foot along the upper of the footwear.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The footwear described in this specification 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 embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fastening mechanism for footwear, the fastening mechanism including a tension member having a member opening, a first tension element extending along a first side portion of the upper of the footwear, and a second tension element extending along a second side portion of the upper opposite the first side portion. The first and second tension elements are operatively coupled to the tension member around the member opening. The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration in which the first and second tension elements are pulled by a first tension when the tension member is rotated relative to the footwear, and a tightened configuration in which the first and second tension elements are pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first tension element has a first end operatively coupled to the tension member and a second end attached to the first side portion of the footwear, and the second tension element has a first end operatively coupled to the tension member and a second end attached to the second side portion of the footwear. In some embodiments, the second ends of the first and second tension elements are attached to the sole of the footwear. In other embodiments, the first tension element includes a plurality of first tension elements disposed along the midfoot region and the heel region of the upper on the first side portion of the footwear, and the second tension element includes a plurality of second tension elements disposed along the midfoot region and the heel region of the upper on the second side portion of the footwear.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tension member includes a first tension member having a member opening and a second tension member disposed within the member opening of the first tension member. In some embodiments, the first tension member is fixedly attached along the upper instep region, the second tension member is configured to be rotatable within the member opening of the first tension member, and the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration when the second tension member rotates in a first direction within the first tension member. In some embodiments, the first tension member has a first opening and a second opening that extend into the member opening through the outer and inner surfaces of the first tension member, the first tension element extends through the first opening of the first tension member, the second tension element extends through the second opening of the first tension member, and the first ends of the first and second tension elements are attached to the second tension member. In some embodiments, the first tension member has a first longitudinal side surface and a second longitudinal side surface opposite the first longitudinal side surface, and the second tension member is configured to be deformable such that an outer periphery of the second tension member is in continuous contact with an inner periphery of the first tension member that defines the member opening, while the second tension member is rotated within the member opening of the first tension member. In some embodiments, the second tension member includes an elastomeric material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a footwear including a sole attached to an upper and a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes a first tension member having a first member opening, a second tension member having a second member opening, and a tension element extending along the upper. The tension element is coupled to the first and second tension members around the first and second member openings, respectively. The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration in which the tension element is pulled by a first tension and a tightened configuration in which the tension element is pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension when at least one of the first and second tension elements is rotated.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first and second tension members are arranged along the upper instep region such that the second tension member is rotatable relative to the first tension member within the first member opening, the first end of the tension element is fixedly attached to the first side of the footwear, the second end of the tension element is fixedly attached to the second side of the footwear opposite the first side, and the segment of the tension element between the first and second ends of the tension element is coupled to the first and second tension members.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sole has a sole opening extending through the sole from a first side of the sole to a second side of the sole opposite the first side, and portions of the first and second tension members are disposed within the sole opening such that the portions of the first and second tension members extend from the first side of the sole across the upper instep region of the sole to the second side of the sole. In some embodiments, the first tension member is disposed toward a first end of the sole opening and the second tension member is disposed toward a second end of the sole opening opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the first end of the tension element is attached to the first tension element, the second end of the tension element is attached to the second tension element, and the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration when the first tension element is rotated relative to the second tension element.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fastening mechanism for footwear, the fastening mechanism including a first tension member having a first member opening, a second tension member having a second member opening, and a tension element extending along an instep region of an upper of the footwear. The tension element has a first end attached to the first tension member and a second end opposite the first end attached to the second tension member. The openings of the first and second members are configured to receive at least a portion of the upper of the footwear. The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration in which the tension element is pulled by a first tension when at least one of the first and second tension elements is rotated, and a tightened configuration in which the tension element is pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration when the first tension member is rotated in a first direction relative to the second tension member. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism is further configured to be movable from a tightened configuration to a second tightened configuration when the second tension member is rotated in a second direction relative to the first tension member, the second direction being opposite the first direction, and in the second tightened configuration, the tension element is pulled by a third tension greater than the second tension.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration when the first tension member is rotated in the first direction and the second tension member is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tension element includes a plurality of tension elements, each of the plurality of tension elements having a first end attached along a perimeter of the first tension member and a second end attached along a perimeter of the second tension member. In some embodiments, when the fastening mechanism is in the relaxed configuration, the plurality of tension elements are arranged parallel to each other.

[0017] 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**

[0018]

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[0019] 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 are applicable 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 be applicable to footwear considered to be non-sporting, such as dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, the specific concepts described herein may also be applied to and 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.

[0020] As used herein, the term "about" refers to, for example, typical measurements and manufacturing procedures used for footwear or other products, which may include embodiments of the present disclosure, 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 quantities that may occur through equivalents. Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of values that is ±5% of the numerical value that the term precedes.

[0021] As used herein, the term "elastomer" refers to the elastic or rubber-like properties of a material, such as a polymer. For example, reference to an "elastomeric material" is intended to refer to a material that is configured to deform elastically when a load is applied to the material and to return to its original shape when the load is removed from the material.

[0022] As used herein, the term "diameter" refers to the shortest distance between opposite sides of a perimeter or opening that passes through the center of the perimeter or opening. Thus, reference to the "diameter" of a structure herein is not intended to imply a generally circular shape of the perimeter or opening of the component to which it refers. For example, reference to the "diameter" of an opening of a component having a non-circular shape can refer to the shortest distance passing through the center of the opening between opposite sides of the opening. Further, for example, reference to the "diameter" of an elastically deformable component can refer to a "first diameter" corresponding to the non-elastically deformed circular shape of the opening of the component and a "second diameter" corresponding to the elastically deformed non-circular shape of the opening of the component. Further, for example, reference to the "diameter" of an elastically deformable component can refer to a "first diameter" corresponding to the non-elastically deformed non-circular shape of the opening of the component having a first shortest distance passing through the center of the opening between a first pair of opposite sides of the opening and a "second diameter" and / or a "third diameter" corresponding to the elastically deformed non-circular shape of the opening of the component having a second and / or a third shortest distance passing through the center of the opening between a second and / or a third pair of opposite sides of the opening that are different from the first pair of opposite sides.

[0023] Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, terms referring to directions are used for convenience of reference for the discussion of a particular figure or example. For instance, references to "down", or other directions, or "below", or other positions may be used to discuss the aspects of a particular example or figure, but in all devices or configurations, they do not necessarily require the same orientation or geometric shape. Terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms do not imply an order or rank unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0024] The present disclosure is directed to footwear and / or certain components of footwear, such as an upper and / or a sole or sole structure. The upper may include a knitted component, a woven textile, and / or a non-woven textile. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarns, a woven textile by weaving of yarns, and a non-woven textile by production of a single non-woven web. The knitted fabric includes fabrics formed by knitting in the warp direction, knitting in the weft direction, flat 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 textiles 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 textiles include, for example, fabrics produced 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, which may have various properties or various visual properties.

[0025] The following description and the accompanying drawings disclose various embodiments or configurations of an article of footwear. The article of footwear may be provided as a pair of shoes including a first or left shoe and a second or right shoe. The left and right shoes may be the same in all material aspects except that the left and right shoes are sized and shaped to receive a user's left and right feet, respectively. For ease of disclosure, a single shoe or article of footwear is referred to to explain aspects of the present disclosure. In some figures, the article of footwear is depicted as a right shoe, and in some figures, the article of footwear is depicted as a left shoe. The following disclosure regarding the article of footwear is applicable to both the left and right shoes. In some embodiments, there may be differences between the left and right shoes other than the left / right configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the left shoe may include a fastening mechanism, while the right shoe may not include a fastening mechanism, or vice versa. Further, in some embodiments, the left shoe may include one or more additional elements that the right shoe does not include, or vice versa.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 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 interior cavity 106 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) into which a user's foot may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear 100 defines a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds to the portion of the article of footwear 100 that encloses the portion of the foot including the toes (toe tips), the ball of the foot, and the joints connecting the metatarsals to the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent and proximate to the forefoot region 108 and generally corresponds to the portion of the article of 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 article of footwear 100 that encloses the rear portion of the foot including the heel or calcaneus, the ankle, and / or the Achilles tendon.

[0027] Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., fabrics, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather) 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.

[0028] With respect to the materials that make up the upper 102, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn imparts to a region of the knit component can depend at least in part on the materials that form 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 with the desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon can provide a material with high luster and hygroscopicity, wool can provide a material with high hygroscopicity, nylon can be a durable material with wear resistance, and polyester can provide a hydrophobic and durable material.

[0029] Other aspects of the knit component can also be modified to affect the properties of the knit component and provide 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 specific knitting process to impart regions of the knit component with specific properties. 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.

[0030] 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 laterally. 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 heel of the user's foot. In some examples, 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 the type of stitch, the type of yarn, or properties associated with different types of stitches or yarns, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, breathability, or abrasion resistance, can be varied.

[0031] Referring back 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 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.

[0032] Furthermore, the insole can be disposed within the internal cavity of the upper 102, and the insole can be in direct contact with the user's foot while the footwear 100 is being worn. Further, the upper 102 can also include a liner (not shown) that can increase comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the user's foot and the upper 102, the sole structure 104, the insole, etc., and / or by providing moisture wicking properties. The liner can line all or only a portion of the internal cavity of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround the opening of the internal cavity of the upper 102 to secure the liner to the upper 102 and / or to provide an aesthetic element on the footwear.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the footwear 100 also defines an outer side 116 and an inner side 118. When a user is wearing the shoe, the outer side 116 corresponds to the portion facing the outside of the footwear 100, and the inner side 118 corresponds to the portion facing the inside of the footwear 100. Thus, the footwear 100 has opposing outer side 116 and inner side 118. The outer side 116 and the inner side 118 are adjacent to each other along a longitudinal central plane or axis 120 of the footwear 100 that is in the same plane as the longitudinal axis L of FIG. 1. As further described herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis 120 can define a central intermediate axis between the outer side 116 and the inner side 118 of the footwear 100. In other words, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 can extend between a rear proximal end 122 of the footwear 100 and a front distal end 124 of the footwear 100 and can continuously define the center of the insole 126, the sole structure 104, and / or the upper 102 of the footwear 100, that is, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 is a straight axis extending from the proximal end 122 of the heel region 112 to the distal end 124 of the forefoot region 108.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the footwear 100 can 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 user's 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 connecting the midfoot bones 136 of the foot 128 to the toes or phalanges 130. 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 of the foot 128 along with the 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 the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the rear portion of the foot 128 including the heel or calcaneus 138, the ankle (not shown), and / or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

[0035] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side 116, and the inner side 118 are intended to define the boundaries or regions of the footwear 100. To that end, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side 116, and the inner side 118 generally characterize the sections 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 outer side 116, and / or the inner side 118. Further, both the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 can be characterized as having portions along the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and / or the outer side 116 and / or the inner side 118. 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 outer side 116 and / or the inner side 118.

[0036] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the outer side 116, and the inner side 118 are shown in detail. The forefoot region 108 extends from the toe tip 140 to the widest part 142 of the footwear 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 opposite the toe tip 140. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest part 142 of the footwear 100 to the narrowest part 148. The narrowest part 148 of the footwear 100 is defined as the narrowest part of the footwear 100 measured across a second line 150 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120. The heel region 112 extends from the narrowest part 148 of the footwear 100 to the heel end 146.

[0037] In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are numerous variations, and it should be understood that the individual components can be incorporated into numerous footwear articles. Thus, aspects of the footwear article 100 and its components can be described with reference to general regions or portions of the footwear article 100 by understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, outer side 116, and / or inner side 118 as described herein. However, aspects of the footwear article 100 and its individual components can also be described with reference to exact regions or portions of the footwear article 100, and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate limitations related to these boundaries of the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, outer side 116, and / or inner side 118 discussed herein.

[0038] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner side 118 begins at the distal toe tip 140 and curves outwardly along the inner side of the footwear article 100 along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The inner side 118 reaches a first line 144, at which point the inner side 118 bends inwardly toward the longitudinal center axis 120. The inner side 118 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward a second line 150, i.e., the narrowest portion 148, at which point the inner side 118 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 144. Upon reaching the second line 150, the inner side 118 curves outwardly away from the longitudinal center axis 120, at which point the inner side 118 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., crosses the second line 150. The inner side 118 then curves outwardly and then inwardly toward the heel end 146, terminating at the point where the inner side 118 intersects the longitudinal center axis 120.

[0039] The outer side 116 also begins at the distal toe tip 140 and curves outward along the outer side of the footwear 100, along the forefoot region 108 and towards the midfoot region 110. The outer side 116 reaches a first line 144, at which point the outer side 116 bends inward towards the longitudinal central axis 120. The outer side 116 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest part 142, towards a second line 150, i.e., the narrowest part 148, at which point the outer side 116 enters the midfoot region 110, i.e., crosses the first line 144. Upon reaching the second line 150, the outer side 116 curves outward away from the longitudinal central axis 120, at which point the outer side 116 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., crosses the second line 150. The outer side 116 then curves outward and then curves inward towards the heel end 146, terminating at the point where the outer side 116 intersects the longitudinal central axis 120.

[0040] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper 102 extends across the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 along the outer side 116 and the inner side 118, accommodating and surrounding 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. The upper 102 also includes an opening 156 that is at least partially located in the heel region 112 of the footwear 100, which provides access to the inner cavity 106 through which the user's foot can be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may also include an instep region 158 that extends from the opening 156 in the heel region 112 across the region corresponding to the top of the user's foot to a region proximate to the forefoot region 108. The instep region 158 may include a region similar to the region in which the shooter 160 of the present embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 does not include a shooter 160, i.e., there is no shooter in the upper 102.

[0041] 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 that traverses the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112. Further, the outsole 164 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 126 (see FIG. 2). 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 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 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 may form a Shore A hardness of 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.

[0042] Referring further to FIG. 1, the midsole 162 may be individually composed of 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 162 may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam LiteTM, IGNITE foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, organic sheet, thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. The midsole 162 may 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.

[0043] In embodiments where the midsole 162 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 2It can be manufactured using a process that is carried out in any sufficiently heated / pressurized container capable of treating the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a mixture thereof) and preferably a molten material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or a mixture thereof), and can include microcellular foams or particulate foams such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or a mixture thereof. In one exemplary process, a solution of a supercritical fluid and a molten material is pumped into a pressure vessel, and then the pressure within the vessel is released. As a result, the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to a gas, forming small pockets within the material and expanding the material 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 foam process, compression molding techniques, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 162 can be formed using a process that includes an initial foaming step in which a supercritical gas is used to foam the material, which is then compression molded or die cut into a specific shape.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary footwear 200 is shown, which includes a fastening mechanism 270 having a ring or tensioning member 272 that is operatively engaged or coupled with a wire or tensioning element 274 to tighten and / or loosen at least the upper 202 of the footwear 200 around the user's foot. The footwear 200 is similar to the foregoing embodiments, and like elements are indicated by like reference numerals under the "2xx" and "3xx" series of reference numerals. For example, the footwear 200 includes an upper 202 that defines an opening 256 into an internal cavity 206, and a sole structure 204 that includes a midsole 262 and an outsole 264, similar to the footwear 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 104.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the tension member 272 of the footwear 200 includes a first or outer tension member 276 having a first or outer member opening 278 and a second or inner tension member 280 having a second or inner member opening 282. The inner tension member 280 is disposed within the outer member opening 278 of the outer tension member 276, and the first central axis or outer central axis of the outer tension member 276 and the second central axis or inner central axis of the inner tension member 280 are aligned about a tension member axis 284 and are parallel, i.e., coaxial. In other words, the outer tension member 276 is a first or outer ring, and the inner tension member 280 is a second or inner ring disposed within the outer ring. In some embodiments, the inner tension member 280 may not include the inner member opening 282. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member 272, i.e., the outer tension member 276 and the inner tension member 280, is disposed at least partially on or along the instep region 258 of the upper 202 of the footwear 200 and within each of the midfoot region 210 and the heel region 212. In some embodiments, the tension member 272 can be disposed on or along the instep region 258 adjacent to the opening 256 of the upper 202. In some embodiments, the tension member 272 is disposed entirely within the midfoot region 210. In some embodiments, the tension member 272 is disposed at least partially within the forefoot region 208. In some embodiments, the tension member 272 can be disposed on or along a shooter (not shown) of the upper 202, e.g., the shooter 160 (see FIG. 2) of the footwear 100.

[0046] Referring further to FIG. 4, the tension element 274 of the fastening mechanism 270 is generally configured to be tensioned by the tension member 272 to tighten or loosen the fastening mechanism 270 around the upper 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension element 274 includes a first or outer tension element 288 and a second or inner tension element 290 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The outer tension element 288 extends along the outer 216 of the upper 202 from the sole structure 204, e.g., the midsole 262 of the sole structure 204, to the first or outer 292 of the outer tension member 276, and the inner tension element 290 extends along the inner 218 of the upper 202 from the sole structure 204, e.g., the midsole 262 of the sole structure 204, to the second or inner 294 of the outer tension member 276. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 270 can include more than three tension elements 274. For example, in some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 270 includes a third or distal tension member (not shown) that extends along the instep region 258 of the upper 202 from the distal end 224 of the sole structure 204 to the outer tension member 276, and / or a fourth or proximal tension element (not shown) that extends along the outer 216 and / or inner 218 of the upper 202 from the proximal end 222 of the sole structure 204 to the outer tension member 276.

[0047] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer tension element 288 includes a first outer tension element 298 disposed toward the proximal end 222 of the footwear 200, a second outer tension element 300 disposed adjacent to the first outer tension element 298, a third outer tension element 302 disposed adjacent to the second outer tension element 300, a fourth outer tension element 304 disposed adjacent to the third outer tension element 302, a fifth outer tension element 306 disposed adjacent to the fourth outer tension element 304, and a sixth outer tension element 308 disposed adjacent to the fifth outer tension element 306 and toward the distal end 224 of the footwear 200. In other words, the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308 are sequentially disposed along the outer 216 of the upper 202, with the first outer tension element 298 being closest to the proximal end 222 and the sixth outer tension element 308 being closest to the distal end 224. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308 are disposed in each of the forefoot region 208, midfoot region 210, and heel region 212 of the footwear 200. In some embodiments, the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308 may be disposed entirely within the midfoot region 210 of the footwear 200.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, the inner tension element 290 includes a first inner tension element 310 disposed toward the proximal end 222 (see FIG. 4) of the footwear 200, a second inner tension element 312 disposed adjacent to the first inner tension element 310, a third inner tension element 314 disposed adjacent to the second inner tension element 312, a fourth inner tension element 316 disposed adjacent to the third inner tension element 314, a fifth inner tension element 318 disposed adjacent to the fourth inner tension element 316, and a sixth inner tension element 320 disposed adjacent to the fifth inner tension element 318 and toward the distal end 224 (see FIG. 4) of the footwear 200. In other words, similar to the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, the inner tension elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 are sequentially arranged along the inner side 218 of the upper 202, with the first inner tension element 310 being closest to the proximal end 222 and the sixth inner tension element 294 being closest to the distal end 224 (see FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, similar to the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, one or more of the inner tension elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 are disposed in each of the forefoot region 208, midfoot region 210, and heel region 212 of the footwear 200 (see FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the inner tension elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 can be disposed entirely within the midfoot region 210 of the footwear 200 (see FIG. 4).

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastening mechanism 270 is configured to be movable between an initial or loosened configuration (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) in which the tension elements 274 (i.e., the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290) are pulled with a first tension, and a tightened configuration (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7) in which the tension elements 274 (i.e., one or both of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290) are pulled with a second tension greater than the first tension via rotation of the inner tension member 280 relative to the outer tension member 276. The first and second tensions are intended to refer to the amount or magnitude of tension, including the case where there is no amount or magnitude of tension, and it should be understood that referring to a particular tension, i.e., the first and second tensions, refers to the tension applied to the tension element 274 by the tension member 272, including the case where there is no tensile force. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer tension member 276 is fixedly attached to the upper 202, and the inner tension member 280 is configured to be rotatable within the outer tension member 276 about the tension member axis 284 in both a first direction 324 and a second direction 326 opposite to the first direction 324. The outer tension member 276 and the inner tension member 280 are configured such that while the inner tension member 280 is being rotated, the outer circumference 328 of the inner tension member 280 continuously contacts the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276 that faces the outer circumference 332 of the outer tension member 276.

[0050] Referring further to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first ends 298a, 300a, 302a, 304a, 306a, 308a (collectively referred to as the first end 288a of the outer tension element 288) of the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308 are each fixedly attached to the sole structure 204, and the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308 extend along the outer side 216 of the upper 202 toward the outer side 292 of the outer tension member 276. Similarly, the first ends 310a, 312a, 314a, 316a, 318a, 320a (not shown) (collectively referred to as the first end 290a of the inner tension element 290) of the inner tension elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 are each fixedly attached to the sole structure 204, and the inner tension elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 extend along the inner side 218 of the upper 202 toward the inner side 294 of the outer tension member 276. In some embodiments, the upper 202 can define one or more tension element receiving portions (not shown) configured to receive at least a portion of one or more of the inner tension element 288 or the outer tension element 290 between the first ends 288a, 290a and the outer tension member 276. For example, in some embodiments, the upper 202 can include a first or inner layer (not shown) that at least partially defines the inner surface 252 of the upper 202 and a second or outer layer (not shown) that at least partially defines the outer surface 254 of the upper 202, and one or both of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 can at least partially extend between the inner and outer layers of the upper 202. In some embodiments, the footwear 200 can be configured such that the first ends 288a, 290a of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 are slidably movable along the sole structure 204 between the proximal end 222 and the distal end 224. In some embodiments, the tension element 274 can include one or more tension elements that extend from the outer side 292 of the outer tension member 276, along the outer side 216 of the upper 202, and around the upper 202 between the sole structures 204 to the inner side 218 of the upper 202 and to the inner side 294 of the outer tension member 276.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer tension member 276 has a non-circular shape, with the outer 292 and inner 294 being substantially straight and parallel to each other, while the side surfaces connecting the outer 292 and inner 294 are curved, i.e., elliptical or oval. In other words, the outer 292 and inner 294 are longitudinal with respect to the side surfaces of the outer tension member 276 that connect the outer 292 and inner 294. Thus, the inner tension member 280 can be configured such that at least a portion of the inner tension member 280 is elastically deformable when the inner tension member 280 is rotated within the outer tension member 276, and thus can conform to the fixed shape of the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276. For example, in some embodiments, the outer tension member 276 may include a first material, and the inner tension member 280 may include a second material having properties different from those of the first material. In some embodiments, the outer tension member 276 may include a rigid material, and the inner tension member 280 may include an elastomer or a flexible material. In some embodiments, the outer circumference 332 of the outer tension member 276 has a shape different from the shape of the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276. For example, in some embodiments, the outer circumference 332 of the outer tension member 276 may have a rectangular or square shape, and the inner circumference 330 may have a circular or oval shape. In some embodiments, at least the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276 has a substantially circular shape, and thus the outer circumference 328 of the inner tension member 280 has a substantially circular shape. In some embodiments, at least the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276 can have a regular or irregular polygon, such as, for example, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. In such embodiments, the inner tension member 280 can have the same or a different shape than the shape of the outer tension member 276. In some embodiments, the longitudinal sides 292, 294 of the outer tension member 276 can extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal central plane or axis 220 (see FIG. 5) of the footwear 200.

[0052] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the inner tension member 280 includes a channel 336, shown by a dashed line, disposed along the outer periphery 328 of the inner tension member 280. The channel 336 is configured to receive portions of the outer and inner tension elements 288, 290 when the fastening mechanism 270 is in a tightened configuration. The channel 336 of the inner tension member 280 has an outward-facing open side (not shown), and when the inner tension member 280 is disposed within the inner periphery 330 of the outer tension member 276, the inner periphery 330 of the outer tension member 276 is configured to at least partially close the channel 336. The second ends 298b, 300b, 302b, 304b, 306b, 308b (collectively referred to as the second ends 288b of the outer tension elements 288) of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth outer tension elements 298, 300, 302, 304, 306, 308 extend through corresponding openings 338 disposed on the outer side 292 of the outer tension member 276 and are fixedly attached within the channel 336 along the first or outer portion 280a of the inner tension member 280. Similarly, the second ends 310b, 312b, 314b, 316b, 318b, 320b (collectively referred to as the second ends 290b of the central tension element 290) of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth inner tension elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 extend through corresponding openings 338 disposed on the inner side 294 of the outer tension member 276 and are fixedly attached within the channel 336 along the second or inner portion 280b of the inner tension member 280 opposite the outer portion 280a.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, when the inner tension member 280 rotates in a first direction 324 within the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276, the second ends 288b, 290b fixedly attached to the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 move in the first direction 324 together with the inner tension member 280. Thus, rotation of the inner tension member 280 in the first direction 324 simultaneously pulls the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 into the opening 338 of the outer tension member 276, and the portions of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 adjacent to the second ends 288b, 290b are wound around or wound into the channel 336 of the inner tension member 280 (for illustration purposes, FIG. 7 shows only the positions of the second ends 288b, 290b of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290), while the first ends 288a, 290a of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 remain fixed to the sole structure 204. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer tension member 276 and / or the inner tension member 280 may include a translucent or transparent material such that the portions of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 wound within the channel 336 are visible from the outside of the footwear 200. In some embodiments, the channel 336 or a second channel (not shown) may be defined along the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276. In some embodiments, the inner tension member 280, as well as the second ends 288b, 290b of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290, can be fixedly attached to the upper 202, and the outer tension member 276 can be rotatable relative to the inner tension member 280. As described above, in some embodiments, the inner tension member 280 may not include the inner member opening 282, and in such embodiments, the inner tension member 280 may be rotatably attached to the upper 202 and rotatable relative to the outer tension member 276 about the tension member axis 284 (see FIG. 5).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, as a result of a portion of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 being wound around the channel 336 of the inner tension member 280 (i.e., in a configuration where the tension mechanism 270 is tightened), the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 are tensioned to a second tension along the outer 216 and inner 218 (see FIG. 5) of the upper 202, respectively. Further, the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 pulled by the second tension contact the upper 202 and compress or tighten the upper 202 at least along the outer 216 and inner 218 (see FIG. 5). Further, the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 pull the tension member 272 on the instep region 258 of the upper 202 downward toward the sole structure 204 (see FIG. 5) via the second ends 288b, 290a of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 attached to the inner tension member 280 disposed within the fixed outer tension member 276, and can tighten or compress the upper 202 at least along the instep region 258.

[0055] The fastening mechanism 270 can be configured to provide a plurality of tightened configurations having various levels of tightening from a loosened configuration (shown in FIG. 6) based on the amount by which the inner tension member 280 is rotated in a first direction 324 relative to the outer tension member 276. For example, referring to FIG. 6, from the loosened configuration (shown in FIG. 6), the outer portion 280a and the inner portion 280b of the inner tension member 280 move along approximately 10% of the total distance of the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276, and rotation of the inner tension member 280 in the first direction 324 results in a first level of tightening (i.e., a first tightened configuration); the outer portion 280a and the inner portion 280b of the inner tension member 280 move along approximately 20% of the total distance of the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276, and rotation of the inner tension member 280 in the first direction 324 results in a second level of tightening (i.e., a second tightened configuration); the outer portion 280a and the inner portion 280b of the inner tension member 280 move along approximately 30% of the total distance of the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276, and rotation of the inner tension member 280 in the first direction 324 results in a third level of tightening (i.e., a third tightened configuration); and so on.

[0056] The tension member 272 may further be considered to include a tension holding mechanism 340 (see FIGS. 6-9) configured to releasably hold the fastening mechanism 270 in a clamping configuration or one of a plurality of clamping configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the tension holding mechanism 340 can be disposed along the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276 and the outer circumference 328 of the inner tension member 280 (as shown in FIGS. 6-9), hold the inner tension member 280 at a desired degree of rotation within the outer tension member 276, i.e., at a desired clamping degree of the fastening mechanism 270, and be configured to prevent rotational movement of the inner tension member 280 in at least a second direction 326. In some embodiments, the tension holding mechanism 340 of the fastening mechanism 270 can be a ratchet system. For example, in such an embodiment, the ratchet system of the fastening mechanism 270 can include a plurality of teeth disposed along the outer circumference 328 of the inner tension member 280 and one or more pivoting claws disposed on the outer tension member 276 configured to releasably engage the plurality of teeth of the inner tension member 280. In such an embodiment, one or more of the pivoting claws of the ratchet system can be pivotable via one or more actuators such as a lever or button 346 that can be disposed, for example, on the outer tension member 276 or the upper 202 of the footwear 200.

[0057] In some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 340 of the fastening mechanism 270 can be configured to receive one or more protrusions extending inwardly from the inner circumference 330 of the outer tension member 276 and include a plurality of grooves defined in the outer circumference 328 of the inner tension member 280. In such embodiments, the inner tension member 280 is vertically lifted along the tension member axis 284 away from the sole structure 204 of the footwear 200 by the user, such that the grooves of the inner tension member 280 are disengaged from the protrusions of the outer tension member 276 (i.e., the unlocked position), rotated in a first direction 324 to achieve a desired level of tightening, or rotated in a second direction 326 to loosen the fastening mechanism 270, and then the grooves of the inner tension member 280 are aligned with the protrusions of the outer tension member 276 and can be configured to be lowered downwardly along the tension member axis 284 in a state of receiving the protrusions (i.e., the locked position). Accordingly, the grooves and protrusions of the outer tension member 276 and the inner tension member 280 can prevent rotational movement of the inner tension member 280 relative to the outer tension member 276 in one or both directions 324, 326. In such embodiments, the inner tension member 280 can be biased toward the locked position via, for example, tension elements 288, 290 or a coil spring (not shown).

[0058] Referring again to FIG. 7, from the tightened configuration (as shown in FIG. 7), the fastening mechanism 270 can move back to the loosened configuration via rotation of the inner tension member 280 in a second direction 326 opposite to the first direction 324. In some embodiments, the inner tension member 280 can be configured to be physically rotated by a user in the first direction 324 and the second direction 326. For example, referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner tension member 280 includes an outer protrusion 342 adjacent to the outer portion 280a and an inner protrusion 344 adjacent to the inner portion 280b (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The outer protrusion 342 and the inner protrusion 344 each extend upward from the tension member 272 and are provided in the form of a knob or tab configured to be gripped by a user's hand to rotate the inner tension member 280 in the first direction 324 and the second direction 326. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 270 can include a button 346 or other user-actuated feature, such as at least one of the protrusions 342, 344, configured to automatically move the fastening mechanism 270 from the tightened configuration to the loosened configuration. In other embodiments, the fastening mechanism 270 can include an electromechanical system configured to automatically move the fastening mechanism 270 between the loosened and tightened configurations and / or one of a plurality of tightened configurations therebetween.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the tension element 274 may be composed of various materials such as conventional cotton, nylon, or polyester, etc., and may have various shapes such as a circular cross-section, etc., to prevent twisting within the channel 336 of the inner tension member 280 and may improve the operation of the fastening mechanism 270. In some embodiments, the tension element 274 includes a high modulus polyethylene fiber cable having high strength and wear resistance compared to conventional shoelaces. In some embodiments, the tension element 274 may include an elastomeric material for providing shock absorption to a user wearing the footwear 200. In some embodiments, the outer tension element 288 may comprise a first material, and the inner tension element 290 may comprise a second material having characteristics different from those of the first material, such as, for example, different colors, widths, shapes, and / or elastomeric properties. Similarly, in some embodiments, for example, one or more of the outer tension elements 288 may include the first material, while one or more of the other outer tension elements 288 may include a second material having characteristics different from those of the first material. In some embodiments, each of the tension elements 274, such as the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290, has a diameter in the range of about 0.30 millimeters (mm) to about 3.0 mm, or about 0.50 mm to about 2.5 mm, or about 0.80 mm to about 2.0 mm, or about 1.2 mm to about 1.7 mm. In some embodiments, one or more of the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 may have a diameter different from the diameters of the other outer tension elements 288 and the inner tension element 290.

[0060] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4-7, the tension member 272 can include three or more tension members, and it is contemplated that one or more of the tension members can be disposed along the outer 216, inner 218, and / or proximal end 222 of the upper 202. In such embodiments, the fastening mechanism 270 can be configured such that the rotation of two or more tension members moves the fastening mechanism 270 between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration. Further, in some embodiments, the tension element 274 can include one or more tension elements that extend from the outer 216 to the inner 218 of the footwear 200 and pass through the tension member 272 disposed on the instep region 258 of the upper 202. In other embodiments, the outer tension element 288 can include two to five or seven or more distinct outer tension elements, and the inner tension element 290 can include two to five or seven or more distinct inner direction tension elements. In some embodiments, the outer tension element 288 may include more distinct tension elements than the inner tension element 290, or vice versa.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of the fastening mechanism 270 is shown, where the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 extend from the sole structure 204 and are configured to form one or more loops that are operably engaged or coupled with the tension member 272. In particular, the fastening mechanism 270 of the footwear 200 of FIGS. 8 and 9 is similar to the foregoing embodiments of FIGS. 4-7, and like elements are denoted by like reference numerals. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer tension element 288 includes a first outer tension loop 298, a second outer tension loop 300, and a third outer tension loop 302 configured to form three outer tension loops that extend along the outer 216 of the upper 202 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Similarly, the inner tension element 290 includes a first inner tension loop 310, a second inner tension loop 312, and a third inner tension loop 314 configured to form three inner tension loops that extend along the inner 218 of the upper 202 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0062] Referring specifically to FIG. 8, the first ends 298a, 300a, 302a of the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302 each extend from the outside 216 of the sole structure 204 toward the outside 292 of the outer tension member 276. As a result, the first portions 298c, 300c, 302c of the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302 are adjacent to the outside 216 of the upper 202 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The segments 298d, 300d, 302d of the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302 each extend from the first portions 298c, 300c, 302c through the corresponding openings 338 in the outside 292 of the outer tension member 276, through the corresponding tensioning element retainers 348 (shown in dashed lines) disposed within the channel 336 of the inner tension member 280, and through the adjacent corresponding openings 338 in the outside 292 of the outer tension member 276, toward the sole structure 204.

[0063] The tensioning element retainer 348 is configured to slidably hold a portion of the tensioning element and may include various internal structures within the channel 336 of the inner tension member 280, such as openings or hooks. The second portions 298e, 300e, 302e of the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302 each extend along the outside 216 of the upper 202 from the outer tension member 276 to the sole structure 204 adjacent to the first portions 298c, 300c, 302c. In some embodiments, the second portions 298e, 300e, 302e of the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302 can extend along the outside 216 of the upper 202 in a direction parallel to the direction of the first portions 298c, 300c, 302c. In other embodiments, the second portions 298e, 300e, 302e of the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302 can extend along the outside 216 of the upper 202 that is disposed at an angle with respect to the first portions 298c, 300c, 302c.

[0064] Referring further to FIG. 8, the second ends 298b, 300b, 302b of the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302 may each be fixedly attached to the sole structure 204 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) adjacent to the corresponding fixedly attached first ends 298a, 300a, 302a. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302 forms a fixed loop with segments 298d, 300d, 302d that are slidably retained within the outer portion 280a of the inner tension member 280 via tension element retainers 348. In some embodiments, one or more of the outer tension elements 298, 300, 302 may be a closed loop, i.e., having first and second ends 298a, 298b, 300a, 300b, 302a, 302b that are joined together and are slidably received within one or more tension element receivers (not shown) disposed on the outer 216 of the sole structure 204 and / or the upper 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inner tension element 310, the second inner tension element 312, and the third inner tension element 314 are configured similarly to the first outer tension element 298, the second outer tension element 300, and the third outer tension element 302, and the first portions 310c, 312c, 314c and the second portions 310e, 312e, 314e of the first inner tension element 310, the second inner tension element 312, and the third inner tension element 314 are each adjacent to the inner 218 of the upper 202 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and segments 310d, 312d, 314d are slidably retained within the inner portion 280b of the inner tension member 280 via corresponding tension element retainers 348.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment, when the inner tension member 280 rotates in the first direction 324, the tension element retainer 348 moves in the first direction 324 with the inner tension member 280, and the fastening mechanism 270 moves to a tightened configuration. When the tension element retainer 348 rotates in the first direction 324, the segments 298d, 300d, 302d, 310d, 312d, 314d (shown as points or sections within the tension element retainer 348 for purposes of FIG. 9 description) held within the corresponding tension element retainer 348 move slidably with the tension element retainer 348 such that the outer and inner tension elements 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314 are tensioned to a second tension. When the second tension is achieved, the outer and inner tension elements 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314 contact the upper 202 and compress or tighten the upper 202 at least along the outer 216 and inner 218 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Additionally, the outer and inner tension elements 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314 on the instep region 258 of the upper 202 pull the tension member 272 downward toward the sole structure 204 via the segments 298d, 300d, 302d, 310d, 312d, 314d disposed within the tension element retainer 348. From the tightened configuration (as shown in FIG. 9), the fastening mechanism 270 is moved to a loosened configuration by rotation of the inner tension member 280 in the second direction 326.

[0066] In other embodiments, the outer tension element 288 may comprise one or more outer tension elements forming an outer tension loop having segments operably engaged or coupled with the inner tension member 280, while the inner tension element 288 may comprise one or more inner tension elements having an end fixedly attached to the inner tension member 280 and another end fixedly attached to the upper 202 and / or the sole structure 204, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the outer tension element 288 and the inner tension element 290 may form a closed loop having first and second portions extending along the outer 216 and inner 218 of the upper 202, a first segment received within the inner tension member 280, and a second segment received within one or more tension element receivers (not shown) disposed on the upper 202 and / or the sole structure 204.

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, another exemplary embodiment of a footwear 400 including an upper 402, a sole structure 404, and a fastening mechanism 470 is shown. Footwear 400 is similar to the previous embodiments, and like elements are indicated by like reference numerals under the "4xx" and "5xx" series of reference numerals. For example, footwear 400 includes an upper 402 having an inner surface 452 and an outer surface 454, and a sole structure 404 including a midsole 462 and an outsole 464, in the same manner that footwear 100 includes an upper 402 and a sole structure 404. The fastening mechanism 470 of footwear 400 is similar to the previous embodiments in many aspects, but there are some differences. In particular, the tension member 472 of the fastening mechanism 470 includes a first or proximal tension member 476 and a second or distal tension member 480, which are spaced from each other and disposed around different portions of the upper 402 and the sole structure 404 of the footwear 400. The tension element 474 of the fastening mechanism 470 extends between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 and is operably engaged or coupled with them, such that the fastening mechanism 470 can tighten and / or loosen the footwear 400 around the user's foot.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 each have member openings 478, 482 having a first diameter D1 (see FIG. 12) defined by the inner circumference or inner surface 530 of the proximal tension member 476 and the inner circumference or inner surface 534 of the distal tension member 480. The inner surfaces 530, 534 are on the opposite sides of the outer circumferences or outer surfaces 528, 532 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480, respectively. Referring to FIG. 10, the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 each extend through a sole opening 560 defined by the sole structure 404 around different portions of the outer side 416, the inner side 418 (see FIG. 11), and the instep region 458 of the upper 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole opening 560 extends from the outer side 416 to the inner side 418 of the sole structure 404 through the midsole 462 of the sole structure 404. Thus, the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 contact the outer side 416, the inner side 418, and the instep region 458 of the upper 402 and, in some configurations, at least the upper side 562 of the sole opening 560.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the tension members 476, 480 are concentrically aligned about a tension member axis 484 and are spaced apart from each other along the tension member axis 484 by a length L1 (see FIG. 12). More specifically, the proximal tension member 476 is disposed adjacent to the first or proximal side 564 of the sole opening 560 and is directed toward the opening 456 of the upper 402, and the distal tension member 480 is disposed adjacent to the second or distal side 566 of the sole opening 560 and is directed toward the distal end 424 of the upper 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 are fixed such that the length L1 is constant. In some embodiments, the footwear 400 may be configured such that the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 can move laterally about the tension member axis 484, such that the length L1 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 is variable. In such embodiments, the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 may be biased, for example, via a biasing member disposed within the sole opening 560, toward the proximal side 564 and / or the distal side 566 of the sole opening 560 (i.e., toward the proximal end 422 and / or the distal end 424 of the footwear 400).

[0070] Continuing to refer to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 560, and thus the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480, are substantially located in the midfoot region 410 of the sole structure 404. In other embodiments, the proximal tension member 476 can be located in the heel region 412 of the sole structure 404, and the distal tension member 480 can be located in the forefoot region 408 of the sole structure 404. In some embodiments, the tension member 472 can include only one of the proximal tension member 476 or the distal tension member 480, with one end of the tension element 474 fixedly attached and the other end of the tension element 474 fixedly attached to the upper 402 and / or the sole structure 404. In other embodiments, the tension member 472 can include three or more tension members, and one or more of the tension members can be disposed on the proximal end 422 of the upper 402 and / or the sole structure 404. In some embodiments, the sole structure 404 can include a plurality of sole openings 560, for example, a first sole opening located in the forefoot region 408 configured to receive the distal tension member 480, and a second sole opening located in the midfoot region 410 and / or the heel region 412 configured to receive the proximal tension member 476.

[0071] Referring further to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the tension element 474 includes a plurality of tension elements each having a first or proximal end 474a fixedly attached to the proximal tension member 476 and a second or distal end 474b fixedly attached to the distal tension member 480. Thus, the plurality of tension elements 474 extend between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 along a portion of the upper 402 and the sole structure 404 of the footwear 400. In some embodiments, one or more tension element receiving portions (not shown) may be defined along the upper 202 between the tension members 476, 480 configured to receive at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of tension elements 474 between the proximal end 474a and the distal end 474b. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of tension elements 474 can have at least one of a proximal end 474a or a distal end 474b attached to the upper 202. For example, in some embodiments, at least some of the proximal ends 474a of the plurality of tension elements 474 can be fixedly attached to the upper 202 between the proximal tension member 476 and the proximal end 422 of the upper 202, and / or at least some of the distal ends 474b of the plurality of tension elements 474 can be fixedly attached to the upper 202 between the distal tension member 480 and the distal end 424 of the upper 202. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of tension elements 474 can have at least one of a proximal end 474a or a distal end 474b attached to the sole structure 404, such as, for example, the upper side 562 of the sole opening 560.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the fastening mechanism 470 of the footwear 400 is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration (shown in FIGS. 10 and 12), in which a plurality of tension elements 474 are pulled with a first tension, and a tensioned configuration (shown in FIGS. 11 and 13), in which the plurality of tension elements 474 are pulled with a second tension greater than the first tension via rotation of at least one of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480. In particular, in the relaxed configuration of the fastening mechanism 470 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 12), each of the plurality of tension elements 474 pulled with the first tension is parallel to the tension member axis 484 (and thus also parallel to each other), extends between the tension members 476, 480 along the instep regions 458 of the outer 416, inner 418, and upper 402, and extends perpendicular to the tension members 476, 480. Thus, each of the tension elements 474 has a length at least equal to the length L1 (see FIG. 12) between the tension members 476, 480.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 11, the fastening mechanism 470 is shown being moved to a tightened configuration (shown in FIGS. 11 and 13) via rotation of the proximal tension member 476 by the user in a first direction 524 about the tension member axis 484 relative to the distal tension member 480. Thus, the proximal tension member 476 includes a protrusion 570 that extends outwardly from an outer surface 528 of the proximal tension member 476 and is configured to be gripped by the user's hand to rotate the proximal tension member 476. When the proximal tension member 476 rotates in the first direction 524, the fixed first ends 474a of the plurality of tension elements 474 move in the first direction 524 with the proximal tension member 476, and the second ends 474b of the plurality of tension elements 474 remain fixed at fixed positions on the fixed distal tension member 480. Thus, rotation of the proximal tension member 476 in the first direction 524 relative to the distal tension member 480 causes each of the plurality of tension elements 474 to extend at an angle θ along the upper 402 relative to the tension member axis 484 and applies tension to the second tension.

[0074] The plurality of tension elements 474 tensioned by the second tension pull the outer 416 and inner 418 of the upper 402 inward while pulling the instep region 458 of the upper 402 downward toward the sole structure 404. As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 are fixed to the upper 402 and the upper side 562 of the sole opening 560 such that the length L1 (see FIG. 12) between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 is fixed. In other embodiments, the footwear 400 may be configured such that when the plurality of tension elements 474 tensioned by the second tension pull the distal tension member 480 laterally toward the proximal tension member 476 along the tension member axis 484, and as a result, when the fastening mechanism 470 moves to a tightened configuration, the length L1 (see FIG. 12) decreases. In such embodiments, the distal tension member 480 may be biased toward the distal side 566 of the sole opening 560. For example, in such embodiments, the upper side 562 of the sole opening 560 can define a sole channel (not shown) that receives a portion of the distal tension member 480, and a biasing member (not shown) can be disposed within the sole channel that engages a portion of the distal tension member 480.

[0075] Continuing to refer to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 470 can be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration by rotating the proximal tension member 476 either in a first direction 524 or in a second direction 526 opposite the first direction 524. In such embodiments, when the proximal tension member 476 is rotated in the second direction 526, the plurality of tension elements 474 extend at an angle opposite to the angle θ. In other embodiments, the fastening mechanism 470 can be configured such that the fastening mechanism 470 can be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration by rotating the distal tension member 480 in a first direction 524 or a second direction 526 with respect to the proximal tension member 476. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 470 can be movable from a relaxed configuration to a tightened configuration by both the rotation of the proximal tension member 476 in the first direction 524 and the rotation of the distal tension member 480 in the second direction 526, or vice versa.

[0076] It is contemplated that at least the proximal tension member 476 can include a tension retaining mechanism 540 (see FIG. 10) configured to releasably hold the fastening mechanism 470 in a tightened configuration or one of a plurality of tightened configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 of the fastening mechanism 470 can be disposed between the inner surface 530 (see FIG. 12) and / or the outer surface 528 of the proximal tension member 476 and one or more sides of the solenoid opening 560, and can releasably hold the proximal tension member 476 at a desired degree of rotation with respect to the distal tension member 480, i.e., at a desired degree of tightening of the fastening mechanism 470, and can be configured to prevent at least rotational movement of the proximal tension member 476 in the second direction 526. In other embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 can be disposed along a portion of the upper 402 and / or the solenoid structure 404 configured to releasably hold the proximal tension member 476. In some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 of the fastening mechanism 470 can include a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the upper 402, or vice versa, configured to be received by one or more openings or grooves disposed on the inner surface 530 of the proximal tension member 476.

[0077] In some embodiments, the tension retention mechanism 540 (see FIG. 10) of the fastening mechanism 470 may be a ratchet system. For example, in such embodiments, the ratchet system of the fastening mechanism 470 may include a plurality of teeth disposed along the inner surface 530 of the proximal tension member 476 and one or more pivoting claws disposed on the upper side 562, proximal side 564, and / or distal side 566 of the sole opening 560 configured to releasably engage the plurality of teeth of the proximal tension member 476. In such embodiments, one or more pivoting claws of the ratchet system can be disposed on the outer 416 and / or inner 418 of the sole structure 404 of the footwear 400 or on the upper 402 and can be pivotable via one or more actuators such as, for example, a lever or button 546. In other embodiments, the ratchet system of the fastening mechanism 470 may include a plurality of teeth disposed along the outer surface 528 of the proximal tension member 476 and one or more pivoting claws disposed on a fourth side or lower side of the sole opening 560 configured to releasably engage the plurality of teeth of the proximal tension member 476. In such embodiments, one or more pivoting claws of the ratchet system can be pivotable via one or more actuators such as, for example, a lever or button 546, which can be disposed on the outer 416 and / or inner 418 of the sole structure 404 or upper 402, and / or on the bottom surface 466 (see FIG. 11) of the sole structure 404 of the footwear 400.

[0078] In some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 of the fastening mechanism 470 can comprise a plurality of hooks and a plurality of loops, i.e., corresponding male and female strips of a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro®. In such embodiments, referring to FIG. 11, the plurality of hooks can be disposed along the inner surface 530 of the proximal tension member 476 near the protrusion 570, and the plurality of loops can be disposed along the instep region 458, outer side 416, and / or inner side 418 of the upper 402 of the footwear 400 adjacent to the position of the proximal tension member 476. In such embodiments, further referring to FIG. 11, the proximal tension member 476 can be configured to be elastically expandable when the user pulls the protrusion 570 outwardly, such that the plurality of hooks on the inner surface 530 are disengaged from a first portion of the plurality of loops of the upper 402 and can then be rotated in a first direction 524 to a tightened configuration and / or rotated in a second direction 526 to a loosened configuration, and then the proximal tension member 476 returns to its original shape and the plurality of hooks on the inner surface 530 of the proximal tension member 476 can be released by the user to re-engage a second portion of the plurality of loops on the upper 402.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 10 - 13, it is further contemplated that at least one of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 may be configured to elastically deform about the user's foot when inserted within the upper 402 and thus also through the openings 478, 482 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 adjacent to the upper 402. For example, at least one of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 may have at least inner surfaces 530, 534 defining the openings 478, 482 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 that are capable of elastically contracting from a first diameter D1 (see FIG. 12) to a second diameter D2 (see FIG. 13) that is less than the first diameter D1 and / or (ii) capable of elastically expanding from the first diameter D1 to a third diameter D3 (not shown) that is greater than the first diameter D1. In such embodiments, when the fastening mechanism 470 is in the tightened configuration (shown in FIGS. 11 and 13), at least the openings 478, 482 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 can elastically contract to the second diameter D2 (see FIG. 13) around the user's foot disposed within the internal cavity 406 of the upper 402 by a plurality of tension elements 474 pulled at a second tension.

[0080] Similarly, in such embodiments, when the fastening mechanism 470 is in the loosened configuration (shown in FIGS. 10 and 12), the openings 478, 482 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 can elastically deform to a third diameter D3 (not shown) to accommodate a wider portion of the user's foot, such as the ball 132 of the foot 128 (see FIG. 3), when a wider portion of the foot is inserted into the internal cavity 406 through the opening 456 of the upper 402 and the plurality of tension elements 474 are pulled at a first tension. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the proximal tension member 476 may include a first material and at least a portion of the distal tension member 480 may include a second material that is less elastic than the first material, or vice versa.

[0081] In some embodiments, the tension member 472 of the fastening mechanism 470 can include a connecting tube (not shown) attached to each of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 configured to contact a portion of the user's foot between the tension members 476 and 480 to provide high support to the foot. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the connecting tube (not shown) of the tension member 472 may include an elastomeric material to conform to the user's foot. In such embodiments, the plurality of tension elements 474 of the fastening mechanism 470 can extend along the outer surface of the connecting tube, or within the outer and inner surfaces of the connecting tube.

[0082] It is further contemplated that the fastening mechanism 470 can be configured such that the openings 478, 482 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 are configured around only the upper 402, i.e., not disposed around a portion of the sole 404 via the sole opening 560. For example, the sole opening 560 can instead be a sole channel (not shown) extending through the midsole 462 and an insole of the sole structure 404, such as the insole 126 of the footwear 100 of FIG. 2, with the open side of the sole channel facing upward along the insole from the sole structure 404. In such embodiments, at least one of the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 can continuously contact the cross-section of the upper 402 along the tension member axis 484, providing direct support around the corresponding cross-section of the user's foot.

[0083] It is further contemplated that the fastening mechanism 470 can be configured to include two or more sets of tension elements 474 extending at different or opposing angles θ along the upper 402 to more evenly distribute the compressive force from the tension elements 474 to the upper 402 when the fastening mechanism 470 is in a tightened configuration. Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, another embodiment of the fastening mechanism 470 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the tension elements 474 of the fastening mechanism 470 include a first plurality of tension elements 580 and a second plurality of tension elements 582.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 14, each of the first plurality of tension elements 580 has a first end 580a fixedly attached to the upper 402 or sole 404 under the inner surface 530 of the proximal tension member 476, and a second end 580b fixedly attached to the distal tension member 480. In addition, the first plurality of tension elements 580 extend at a first angle θ1 with respect to the tension member axis 484, measured in each of a first plurality of planes corresponding to and parallel to each of the first plurality of tension elements 580 along the upper 402 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480. Each of the second plurality of tension elements 582 has a first end 582a fixed to the upper 402 or sole 404 below the inner surface 534 of the distal tension member 480, and a second end 582b fixed to the proximal tension member 476. Further, the second plurality of tension elements 582 extend at a second angle θ2 with respect to the tension member axis 484, measured in each of a second plurality of planes corresponding to and parallel to each of the second plurality of tension elements 582 along the upper 402 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480, and each of the second plurality of planes corresponds to each of the first plurality of planes. In the illustrated embodiment, the second angle θ2 is opposite the first angle θ1 with respect to the tension member axis 484 in each of the first and second pluralities of planes, such that the first plurality of tension elements 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 cross each other along the upper 402 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480.

[0085] Referring again to FIGS. 14 and 15, the fastening mechanism 470 is configured to be movable between an initial or relaxed configuration (shown in FIG. 14) in which each of the first plurality of tension elements 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 is pulled with a first tension, and a tightened configuration (shown in FIG. 15) in which each of the first plurality of tension elements 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 is pulled with a second tension that is greater than the first tension. In the illustrated embodiment, the different tensions are achieved by rotation of each of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480. As shown in FIG. 14, in the relaxed configuration of the fastening mechanism 470, the first tension elements 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 that are tensioned with the first tension extend in a cross shape along a portion of the upper 402 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 470 may be configured such that the first tension elements 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 that are pulled with the first tension extend parallel to each other along a portion of the upper 402 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 470 may be configured such that the first tension elements 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 that are pulled with the first tension extend at an angle measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis extending from each of the tension elements 580, 582 to the longitudinal axis 420 of the footwear 400 (see FIG. 14), which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 420 of the footwear 400 along a portion of the upper 402 between the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480.

[0086] Specifically, referring to FIG. 15, the fastening mechanism 470 is moved to a tightened configuration by both the rotation of the proximal tension member 476 in a first direction 524 about the tension member shaft 484 and the rotation of the distal tension member 480 in a second direction 526 opposite the first direction 524. Accordingly, the proximal tension member 476 includes a proximal protrusion 570, and the distal tension member 480 includes a distal protrusion 586. The proximal protrusion 570 and the distal protrusion 586 each extend outwardly from outer surfaces 528, 532 and are configured to be gripped by a user's hand to rotate the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480. When the distal tension member 480 is rotated in the second direction 526, the second ends 580b of the first plurality of tension members 580 move in the second direction with the distal tension member 480 while the first ends 580a remain fixed, and as a result, the first plurality of tension members 580 extend along the upper 402 at a third angle θ3 measured in the first plurality of planes with respect to the tension member shaft 484 and greater than a first angle θ1. Similarly, when the proximal tension member 476 is rotated in the first direction 524, the second ends 582b of the second plurality of tension elements 582 move in the first direction 524 with the proximal tension member 480 while the first ends 582a remain fixed, and as a result, the second plurality of tension elements 582 extend along the upper 402 at a fourth angle θ4 measured in the second plurality of planes with respect to the tension member shaft 484, greater than a second angle θ2 and opposite the third angle θ3.

[0087] Continuing to refer to FIG. 15, the rotation of the tension members 476, 480 in the first direction 524 and the second direction 526 respectively causes each of the plurality of tension elements 580, 582 having a fixed length to extend at a greater angle (from θ1 to θ3 and from θ2 to θ4 respectively) along the upper 402 with respect to the tension member axis 484, measured in each of the first and second plurality of planes. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 are fixed to the upper 402 and at least the upper side 562 of the sole opening 560, such that the length L2 (see FIG. 16) between the tension members 476, 480 is fixed. Thus, by the rotation of the tension members 476, 480, both the first tension element 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 are pulled with a second tension, and the second tension element pulls the outer 416 and the inner 418 of the upper 402 inwardly and pulls the instep region 458 of the upper 402 downwardly towards the sole structure 404. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the tension from the first tension element 580 and the second plurality of tension elements 582 pulled with the second tension is more evenly distributed along the upper 402 as the plurality of tension elements 580, 582 extend across the upper 402 in a cross-intersecting manner.

[0088] Referring back to FIGS. 14 and 15, in some embodiments, a first angle θ1 of a first plurality of tension elements 580 with respect to a tension member axis 484, measured in each of a first plurality of planes, can be greater than the opposite of a second angle θ2 of a second plurality of tension elements 582 with respect to the tension member axis 484, measured in each of a second plurality of planes, or vice versa. In some embodiments, one or more of the tension elements of the first plurality of tension elements 580 can extend along the upper 402 at an angle smaller or larger than the first angle θ1 with respect to the axis 484 of the tension member, measured in each of the first plurality of planes. In some embodiments, one or more of the tension elements of the second plurality of tension elements 582 can extend along the upper 402 at an angle smaller or larger than the second angle θ2 with respect to the axis 484 of the tension member, measured in each of the second plurality of planes. In some embodiments, the ratios of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, and the third angle θ3 and the fourth angle θ4, with respect to the tension member axis 484, measured in each of the first and second pluralities of planes, are in the range of about 1:17 to about 10:11, about 1:13 to about 10:15, or about 1:11 to about 10:19, respectively.

[0089] It is contemplated that at least one of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 may include a fixed inner tension member and a rotatable outer tension member. Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, for example, another embodiment of the fastening mechanism 470 is shown. The fastening mechanism 470 of the footwear 400 of Figures 16 and 17 is similar to the previously described embodiment of Figures 10-15, with like elements indicated by like numerals. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 16 and 17, the proximal tension member 476 includes an outer tension member 590 and an inner tension member 592 disposed within the outer tension member 590, and the distal tension member 480 includes an outer tension member 594 and an inner tension member 596 disposed within the outer tension member 594. 10 and 16 , in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the inner tension members 592, 596 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 can be fixedly attached to at least the upper side 562 of the sole opening 560 of the upper 402 and sole structure 404. Thus, the outer tension members 590, 594 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 can rotate in a first direction 524 and a second direction 526 about the tension member axis 484 while the inner tension members 592, 596 remain fixed in position.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 16, the first end 580a of the first plurality of tension elements 580 is fixedly attached to the inner tension member 592 of the proximal tension member 476, while the second end 580b (see FIG. 17) is fixedly attached to the outer tension member 594 of the distal tension member 480. Similarly, the first end 582a (see FIG. 17) of the second plurality of tension elements 582 is fixedly attached to the inner tension member 596 of the distal tension member 480, while the second end 582b is fixedly attached to the outer tension member 590 of the proximal tension member 476. Referring to FIG. 17, together with at least the distal tension member 480 of this configuration, the second end 580b of the first plurality of tension members 580 moves with the outer tension member 594 of the distal tension member 480, while the first end 582a of the second plurality of tension elements 582 remains stationary on the fixed inner tension member 596 of the distal tension member 480 when the fastening mechanism 470 moves to the tightened configuration (as shown in FIG. 15). In some embodiments, each of the inner tension members 592, 596 and the outer tension members 590, 594 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 may include a material having elastomeric properties. In some embodiments, the outer tension members 590, 594 may include a first material, and the inner tension members 592, 596 may include a second material having greater elasticity than the first material. In some embodiments, the inner tension members 592, 596 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 may be defined at the ends of a single integral part that defines a tension member tube (not shown) extending between the inner tension members 592, 596. In such embodiments, the tension member tube can extend along at least the upper 402 of the footwear 400, and at least some of the tension elements of the plurality of tension elements 580, 582 can extend along the outer surface of the tension member tube.

[0091] Referring again to FIGS. 16 and 17, the fastening mechanism 470 may include a tension holding mechanism 540 (see FIG. 14) configured to engage at least one of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480 to releasably hold the fastening mechanism 470 in a fastened configuration or one of a plurality of fastened configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the tension holding mechanism 540 of the fastening mechanism 470 may be configured to hold the outer tension members 590, 594 at a desired degree of rotation relative to the fixed inner tension members 592, 596, and may be disposed between the inner circumferences of the outer tension members 590, 594 and the outer circumferences of the inner tension members 592, 596 of the proximal tension member 476 and the distal tension member 480.

[0092] In some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 of the fastening mechanism 470 may be a ratchet system comprising a plurality of teeth disposed along at least one of the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480, and one or more pivoting claws disposed on the upper side 562, proximal side 564, and / or distal side 566 of the sole opening 560 configured to releasably engage the plurality of teeth of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480. In such embodiments, one or more of the pivoting claws of the ratchet system may be pivotable via one or more actuators, such as a lever or button 546, disposed on the outer side 416 and / or inner side 418 of the sole structure 404 or upper 402 of the footwear 400, and may be configured to pivot two or more claws simultaneously so that the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 are simultaneously released from the tightened configuration. In some embodiments, the ratchet system may comprise a plurality of teeth disposed along the outer surfaces 528, 532 of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480, respectively, and one or more pivoting claws disposed on the lower side of the sole opening configured to releasably engage the plurality of teeth of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480. In such embodiments, one or more of the pivoting claws of the ratchet system may be pivotable via one or more actuators, such as a lever or button 546, disposed on the outer side 416 and / or inner side 418 of the sole structure 404 or upper 402 of the footwear 400, and / or on the bottom surface 466 (see FIG. 11) of the sole structure 404.

[0093] In some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 of the fastening mechanism 470 can comprise a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the upper 402 configured to be received by one or more openings or grooves disposed in at least one of the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the tension retaining mechanism 540 can comprise a plurality of hooks and a plurality of loops, i.e., corresponding male and female strips of Velcro. In such embodiments, referring to FIG. 15, the plurality of hooks can be disposed near the proximal protrusion 570 and / or the distal protrusion 586, respectively, along at least one of the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480, and the plurality of loops can be disposed along the instep region 458, outer side 416, and / or inner side 418 of the upper 402 of the footwear 400 adjacent to the positions of the proximal and / or distal tension members 476, 480. In such embodiments, further referring to FIG. 15, the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 can be configured to elastically expand when the user pulls the proximal protrusion 570 and / or the distal protrusion 586 outwardly, respectively, such that the plurality of hooks on the inner surfaces 530, 534 are disengaged from a first portion of the plurality of loops of the upper 402, rotated to a tightened configuration in a first direction 524, and / or rotated to a loosened configuration in a second direction 526, and released such that the plurality of hooks on the inner surfaces 530, 534 of the proximal tension member 476 and / or the distal tension member 480 re-engage a second portion of the plurality of loops on the upper 402.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 4-17, various components of the exemplary footwear 200 and 400 can be formed by additive manufacturing techniques, such as by one or more of the various 3D printing techniques described above. For example, in some embodiments, the various tension members 272, 472 of the fastening mechanisms 270, 470 may be 3D printed as a single integral part. In other embodiments, the inner tension member 280 of the fastening mechanism 270 can be 3D printed separately from the outer tension member 276, and then the inner tension member 280 can be disposed within the outer tension member 276. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the inner tension member 280 may be 3D printed with a first material, and other portions of the inner tension member 280 may be 3D printed with a second material.

[0095] 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 connection with other embodiments. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically shown types of footwear. Further, aspects of any of the footwear embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to function in any type of footwear, clothing, or other athletic equipment.

[0096] As noted above, although the present disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments and examples, the present disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, 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 disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0097] In view of the foregoing description, numerous modifications to this disclosure 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 make and use this disclosure. Exclusive rights are reserved for all modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

[0098] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 348,712, filed on June 3, 2022, entitled "Footwear with a Fastening System", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

**Claim 1** A fastening mechanism for a footwear item, comprising: A tension member having a member opening; A first tension element extending along a first side portion of an upper of the footwear item; A second tension element extending along a second side portion of the upper, opposite to the first side portion; The first and second tension elements are operatively coupled to the tension member around the member opening; The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a relaxed configuration, in which the first and second tension elements are pulled by a first tension when the tension member is rotated relative to the footwear item, and a tightened configuration, in which the first and second tension elements are pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension. **Claim 2** The first tension element has a first end operatively coupled to the tension member and a second end attached to the first side portion of the footwear item; The second tension element has a first end operatively coupled to the tension member and a second end attached to the second side portion of the footwear item. The fastening mechanism according to claim 1. **Claim 3** The second ends of the first and second tension elements are attached to a sole of the footwear item. The fastening mechanism according to claim 2. **Claim 4** The first tension element includes a plurality of first tension elements disposed along a midfoot region and a heel region of the upper on the first side portion of the footwear item; The second tension element includes a plurality of second tension elements disposed along the midfoot region and the heel region of the upper on the second side portion of the footwear item. The fastening mechanism according to claim 2. **Claim 5** The tension member includes a first tension member having the member opening and a second tension member disposed within the member opening of the first tension member. The fastening mechanism according to claim 2. **Claim 6** The first tension member is fixedly attached along an instep region of the upper, and the second tension member is configured to be rotatable within the member opening of the first tension member; The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from the relaxed configuration to the tightened configuration when the second tension member rotates in a first direction within the first tension member. The fastening mechanism according to claim 5. **Claim 7** The first tension member has a first opening and a second opening, and the first and second openings extend into the member opening through the outer and inner surfaces of the first tension member. The first tension member extends through the first opening of the first tension member. The second tension member extends through the second opening of the first tension member. The fastening mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the first ends of the first and second tension members are attached to the second tension member.

8. The first tension member has a first longitudinal side surface and a second longitudinal side surface opposite to the first longitudinal side surface. The fastening mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the second tension member is configured to be deformable such that an outer periphery of the second tension member is in continuous contact with an inner periphery of the first tension member that defines the member opening, and the second tension member is rotated within the member opening of the first tension member.

9. The fastening mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the second tension member includes an elastomeric material.

10. A sole attached to an upper, and a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a first tension member having a first member opening, a second tension member having a second member opening, and a tension element extending along the upper and coupled to the first and second tension members respectively around the first and second member openings. The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a loosened configuration pulled by a first tension and a tightened configuration pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension when at least one of the first and second tension members is rotated. A footwear.

11. The first and second tension members are arranged along an instep region of the upper in a state where the second tension member is rotatable relative to the first tension member within the first member opening. A first end of the tension element is fixedly attached to a first side portion of the footwear, and a second end of the tension element is fixedly attached to a second side portion of the footwear opposite to the first side portion. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein a segment of the tension element between the first end and the second end of the tension element is coupled to the first and second tension members.

12. The sole has a sole opening extending through the sole from a first side portion of the sole to a second side portion of the sole opposite the first side portion. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein portions of the first and second tension members are disposed within the sole opening such that the portions extend from the first side portion of the sole across the instep region of the upper to the second side portion of the sole.

13. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the first tension member is disposed toward a first end of the sole opening, and the second tension member is disposed toward a second end of the sole opening opposite the first end.

14. A first end of the tension element is attached to the first tension member, and a second end of the tension element is attached to the second tension member. The footwear according to claim 13, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from the loosened configuration to the tightened configuration when the first tension member is rotated relative to the second tension member.

15. A fastening mechanism for footwear, a first tension member having a first member opening, a second tension member having a second member opening, and a tension element extending along an instep region of an upper of the footwear, wherein the tension element has a first end attached to the first tension member and a second end attached to the second tension member. The first and second member openings are configured to receive at least a portion of the upper of the footwear. The fastening mechanism is configured to be movable between a loosened configuration in which the tension element is pulled by a first tension and a tightened configuration in which the tension element is pulled by a second tension greater than the first tension when at least one of the first and second tension members is rotated relative to the footwear.

16. The fastening mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from the loosened configuration to the tightened configuration when the first tension member is rotated in a first direction relative to the second tension member.

17. The fastening mechanism is further configured to be movable from the fastened configuration to a second fastened configuration when the second tension member is rotated in a second direction relative to the first tension member, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The fastening mechanism according to claim 16, wherein in the second fastened configuration, the tension element is pulled by a third tension greater than the second tension. **Claim 18** The fastening mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to be movable from the loosened configuration to the fastened configuration when the first tension member is rotated in a first direction and the second tension member is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. **Claim 19** The fastening mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the tension element includes a plurality of tension elements, each of the plurality of tension elements having a first end attached along the periphery of the first tension element and a second end attached along the periphery of the second tension element. **Claim 20** The fastening mechanism according to claim 19, wherein when the fastening mechanism is in the loosened configuration, the plurality of tension elements are arranged parallel to each other.

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