Tension guide for cord tightening system

Abstract

The present invention provides closing or fastening systems, apparatus, and methods for closing and / or fastening articles. [Solution] A tension member guide configured to direct or feed a tension member around the path of an article includes a cover member and a guide member partially covered by the cover member. The cover member is attachable to the article and includes a pair of slits or notches. The guide member is folded back along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The guide member is positioned relative to the cover member such that opposing ends of the loop or channel are inserted through the slits or notches and the opposing ends are positioned on the cover member, opposite to the rest of the guide member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 370,032, filed on 2 August 2016, entitled “Tension Member Guides of a Lacing System.” The entire disclosure of said Provisional Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference as it is described in whole herein.

[0002]

[0002] The embodiments described herein generally relate to closing or fastening systems, apparatus, and methods for closing and / or fastening articles. These embodiments particularly relate to guides or components used to feed tension members or strings around the path of an article. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Closure or fastening systems are commonly used to fasten and close articles. For example, footwear can be closed or fastened using a reel mechanism. The knob of a reel mechanism is typically coupled to a spool that includes a channel around which a cord is wound as the knob is rotated by the user. The reel mechanism may include engaging teeth or another ratchet-type mechanism to prevent the spool and / or knob from rotating in the opposite direction. A tension member is typically mounted on the reel mechanism so that the user's rotation of the knob causes tension in the tension member. The tension member is typically fed along the path of the article via one or more guide members, such as eyelets on conventional footwear. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004]

[0004] Embodiments described herein provide a variety of tension member guides that can be used to direct or feed tension members or cords around the path of an article and to or from a fastening mechanism. In one embodiment, a tension member guide may include a body and a guide member. The body may be connectable to an article such as footwear and may include a pair of slits or notches. The guide member may be folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. A loop-shaped guide member may have a central portion and two end portions positioned on opposite sides of the central portion. The guide member may be positioned on the body such that each end portion of the two end portions is inserted through one of a pair of slits or notches so that the two end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the body from the central portion. The body may be folded over the guide member so that the guide member other than the two end portions is positioned between the opposite sides of the body. Reinforcement members may be attached to the proximal ends of the body and the guide member.

[0005]

[0005] When the tension member guide is coupled to the footwear, the two end portions of the guide member can be positioned on the inside of the upper of the footwear. The surface or face of the body may include a material that can be heat-welded to the footwear in order to allow the tension member guide to be easily coupled to the footwear. In some embodiments, the body may include an additional pair of slits or notches, and an additional guide member may be positioned on the body such that the opposing end portions of the additional guide member are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches. In such embodiments, the opposing end portions of the additional guide member may be positioned on the outer surface of the body, and the two end portions of the guide member may be positioned on the inner surface of the body.

[0006]

[0006] A method for attaching a tension member guide to a shoe or footwear includes providing a tension member guide and attaching the tension member guide to footwear. The tension member guide includes a body including a pair of slits or notches and a guide member that is folded back along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The guide member has a central portion and two end portions located on opposite sides of the central portion, and the guide member can be positioned on the body such that the two end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the body from the central portion, and each end portion of the two end portions is inserted through one of the pair of slits or notches. The tension member guide can be attached to footwear such that the two end portions are positioned near the eye stay edge of the footwear.

[0007]

[0007] The method may also include inserting a tension member through a loop or channel of a guide member, and / or folding the body over the guide member so that the guide member, other than the two end portions, is positioned between the sides of the body. The method may further include heat welding the surface or face of the body to the footwear. The tension member guide may also include reinforcing members attached to the proximal ends of the body and the guide member. The tension member guide may be coupled to the footwear so that the two end portions of the guide member are positioned inside the upper of the footwear. The body may also include an additional pair of slits or notches, and additional guide members may be positioned on the body so that the opposing end portions of the additional guide members are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches.

[0008]

[0008] In another embodiment, the tension member guide includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a longitudinal length and a transverse width, and the second member is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The loop-shaped second member has a central portion and two end portions located on opposite sides of the central portion. The second member is formed from a material with lower friction than the first member, and the second member is coupled to the first member such that the second member is positioned on one side of the first member.

[0009]

[0009] The folded second member may be shorter in the longitudinal direction than the first member such that the proximal end of the tension member guide is thinner than the distal end of the tension member guide. The first member does not have to be folded over the looped end of the second member. The second member can be folded over such that the opposing longitudinal ends of the second member are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first member may include a material that can be heat-welded to an article. The second member includes an outer material and an inner material, the outer material being configured to provide structural support and the inner material being configured to provide a low-friction surface. In some embodiments, the tension member guide also includes a third member, the third member being positioned above the proximal end of the second member such that the proximal end of the second member is positioned between the first member and the third member.

[0010]

[0010] A method for coupling a tension member guide to an article such as a shoe or footwear comprises providing a tension member guide and coupling the tension member guide to an article. The tension member guide includes a first member having a longitudinal length and a transverse width, and a second member that is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop or channel. The loop-shaped second member has a central portion and two end portions located on opposite sides of the central portion. The second member is formed from a material with lower friction than the first member, and the second member is coupled to the first member such that the second member is positioned on one side of the first member.

[0011]

[0011] The method may also include inserting a tension member through a loop or channel of a folded second member and / or heat welding the first member to the article. The first member does not have to be folded over the looped end of the second member, and / or the tension member guide may also include a third member, the third member being positioned on the proximal end of the second member such that the proximal end of the second member is positioned between the first member and the third member.

[0012]

[0012] In another embodiment, the tension member guide includes a material body having a channel formed inside it, and a reinforcing material positioned within the channel of the material body to reinforce the material body. The material body is folded back to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The material body may be formed from a woven material, and / or the reinforcing material may include reinforcing fibers or fiber bundles.

[0013]

[0013] The material body may include multiple channels, and the reinforcing material may be distributed among the multiple channels such that the density of the reinforcing material in the multiple channels is higher closer to the central portion of the material body. The increased density of the reinforcing material near the central portion of the material body may cause the tension member guide to exhibit increased flexure or curvature toward the opposing ends of the material body in response to tension applied to the tension member. Low friction material can be positioned on the inner surface of the loops or channels of the folded material body.

[0014]

[0014] A method for connecting a tension member guide to an article such as a shoe or footwear may include providing a tension member guide and connecting the tension member guide to an article. The tension member guide may include a material body having a channel formed inside it, and a reinforcing material positioned within the channel of the material body to reinforce the material body. The material body may be folded back to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The method may also include inserting a tension member into the loop or channel formed in the folded material body.

[0015]

[0015] The material body can include a plurality of channels, and the reinforcing material can be dispersed among the plurality of channels such that the density of the reinforcing material within the plurality of channels is higher closer to the central portion of the material body compared to the opposite end portions of the material body. The material body may be formed from a woven material.

[0016]

[0016] The present invention is described in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1A] It is a diagram showing a string guide that can be used to send or direct a tension member or string around the path of an article. [Figure 1B] It is a diagram showing a string guide that can be used to send or direct a tension member or string around the path of an article. [Figure 2A] It is a diagram showing an additional string guide that can be used to send or direct a tension member or string around the path of an article. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram showing an additional string guide that can be used to send or direct a tension member or string around the path of an article. [Figure 2C] It is a diagram showing an additional string guide that can be used to send or direct a tension member or string around the path of an article. [Figure 3A] It is a diagram showing the string guide of FIG. 2A attached to the upper of a shoe. [Figure 3B] It is a diagram showing the string guide of FIG. 2A attached to the upper of a shoe. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram showing a string guide configured to enable reduction of frictional engagement between the string guide and a string inserted through the string guide. [Figure 4B] It is a diagram showing a string guide configured to enable reduction of frictional engagement between the string guide and a string inserted through the string guide. [Figure 4C]A diagram showing a string guide configured to reduce frictional engagement between the string guide and a string inserted through the string guide. [Figure 5] A diagram showing various string guide configurations that can be utilized to achieve a desired tensioning of an article. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a string guide through which a string is inserted and is thereby guided and directed. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the effect of frictional engagement between a string and a string guide along a string path of an article. [Figure 8] A diagram of an article equipped with a string guide having a designed degree of stretch or elasticity. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the string guide of FIG. 8 being stretched or tensioned due to the tensioning of the string. [Figure 10A] A diagram showing a string guide configured to be easily and quickly attached to an article. [Figure 10B] A diagram showing a string guide configured to be easily and quickly attached to an article. [Figure 10C] A diagram showing a string guide configured to be easily and quickly attached to an article. [Figure 11A] A diagram showing a string guide exhibiting a designed flexure or stretch in response to the tensioning of the string. [Figure 11B] A diagram showing a string guide exhibiting a designed flexure or stretch in response to the tensioning of the string. [Figure 11C] A diagram showing a string guide exhibiting a designed flexure or stretch in response to the tensioning of the string. [Figure 12] A diagram showing components that enable a string guide to be quickly and easily attached to an article. [Figure 13A] A diagram showing various embodiments of attaching the components of FIG. 12 to an article. [Figure 13B] A diagram showing various embodiments of attaching the components of FIG. 12 to an article. [Figure 13C]This figure shows various embodiments of attaching the components of Figure 12 to an article. [Figure 13D] This figure shows various embodiments of attaching the components of Figure 12 to an article. [Figure 14] This figure shows an exemplary positioning of a guide member within an article. [Figure 15A] This figure shows a guide component that can be directly welded or attached to the mesh material of an article. [Figure 15B] This figure shows a guide component that can be directly welded or attached to the mesh material of an article. [Figure 16A] This figure shows an embodiment in which the welded area of ​​a guide component is used to tighten or tension the mesh of an article in a desired manner. [Figure 16B] This figure shows an embodiment in which the welded area of ​​a guide component is used to tighten or tension the mesh of an article in a desired manner. [Figure 16C] This figure shows an embodiment in which the welded area of ​​a guide component is used to tighten or tension the mesh of an article in a desired manner. [Figure 16D] This figure shows an embodiment in which the welded area of ​​a guide component is used to tighten or tension the mesh of an article in a desired manner. [Figure 16E] This figure shows an embodiment in which the welded area of ​​a guide component is used to tighten or tension the mesh of an article in a desired manner. [Figure 17] This figure shows several guide components connected to the mesh material of the shoe. [Figure 18A] This figure shows a guide component formed by joining a guide member between two material layers. [Figure 18B] This figure shows a guide component formed by joining a guide member between two material layers. [Figure 18C] This figure shows a guide component formed by joining a guide member between two material layers. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the guide components attached to the shoe, as shown in Figures 18A to 18C. [Figure 20A] This figure shows a transition component that can be attached to an article in order to provide a transition between parts of the article and / or to conceal a guide positioned beneath the transition component. [Figure 20B] This figure shows a transition component that can be attached to an article in order to provide a transition between parts of the article and / or to conceal a guide positioned beneath the transition component. [Figure 20C] This figure shows a transition component that can be attached to an article in order to provide a transition between parts of the article and / or to conceal a guide positioned beneath the transition component. [Figure 20D] This figure shows a transition component that can be attached to an article in order to provide a transition between parts of the article and / or to conceal a guide positioned beneath the transition component. [Figure 21A] This figure shows another embodiment of a transition component that may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between parts of an article. [Figure 21B] This figure shows another embodiment of a transition component that may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between parts of an article. [Figure 22A] This figure shows another embodiment of a transition component that may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between parts of an article. [Figure 22B] This figure shows another embodiment of a transition component that may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between parts of an article. [Figure 22C] This figure shows another embodiment of a transition component that may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between parts of an article. [Figure 23A]This figure shows another guide member that may be used to feed or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 23B] This figure shows another guide member that may be used to feed or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 23C] This figure shows another guide member that may be used to feed or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 23D] This figure shows another guide member that may be used to feed or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 24A] This figure shows another guide member that may be used to feed or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 24B] This figure shows another guide member that may be used to feed or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 25A] This figure shows a cover member that can be positioned over a string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 25B] This figure shows a cover member that can be positioned over a string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 25C] This figure shows a cover member that can be positioned over a string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 25D] This figure shows a cover member that can be positioned over a string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 26A] This diagram shows the process of attaching the cover member shown in Figure 25A to the upper of the shoe. [Figure 26B] This diagram shows the process of attaching the cover member shown in Figure 25A to the upper of the shoe. [Figure 26C] This diagram shows the process of attaching the cover member shown in Figure 25A to the upper of the shoe. [Figure 26D]This diagram shows the process of attaching the cover member shown in Figure 25A to the upper of the shoe. [Figure 27A] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27B] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27C] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27D] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27E] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27F] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27G] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27H] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27I] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27J] This figure shows various embodiments of a tension member guide that can be coupled to an article to direct or feed the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 28A] This figure shows a shoe in which different parts of the shoe are knitted or woven so that they bend, flex, or move in response to tension applied by a tensioning member. [Figure 28B] This figure shows a shoe in which different parts of the shoe are knitted or woven so that they bend, flex, or move in response to tension applied by a tensioning member. [Figure 28C] This figure shows a shoe in which different parts of the shoe are knitted or woven so that they bend, flex, or move in response to tension applied by a tensioning member. [Figure 29A] This figure shows an embodiment of a knitted or woven section of a shoe that can be used to achieve a desired, well-fitted shoe. [Figure 29B] This figure shows an embodiment of a knitted or woven section of a shoe that can be used to achieve a desired, well-fitted shoe. [Figure 30A] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven fabric sections to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 30B] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven fabric sections to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 30C] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven fabric sections to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 30D] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven fabric sections to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 31A] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tensioning members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 31B] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tensioning members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 31C] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tensioning members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 31D] This figure shows various methods for attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tensioning members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 32] This is a front cross-sectional view of a shoe, where the distal ends of the knitted or woven material section and tension member are located within the sole of the shoe. [Figure 33A]This figure shows various embodiments for attaching knitted or woven material sections to a tension member. [Figure 33B] This figure shows various embodiments for attaching knitted or woven material sections to a tension member. [Figure 33C] This figure shows various embodiments for attaching knitted or woven material sections to a tension member. [Figure 33D] This figure shows various embodiments for attaching knitted or woven material sections to a tension member. [Figure 33E] This figure shows various embodiments for attaching knitted or woven material sections to a tension member. [Figure 34A] This figure shows alternative tightening mechanisms that may be used to tension a tension member. [Figure 34B] This figure shows alternative tightening mechanisms that may be used to tension a tension member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018]

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference numeral label. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by adding a letter to the reference label that distinguishes them from similar components and / or features. If only the first reference numeral label is used herein, the description is applicable to any of the similar components and / or features having the same first reference numeral label, regardless of the subscript.

[0019]

[0052] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the following description of exemplary embodiments provides instructions that enable those skilled in the art to carry out one or more exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the function and configuration of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0020]

[0053] Embodiments described herein provide embodiments of guides or components (hereinafter, guides) that can be used to feed or direct tensioning members or laces around the path of an article, such as footwear. The tensioning member may be a lace or cord that can be tensioned via the operation of a tightening mechanism. The tensioning member can be fed around an article via a guide so that the tensioning of the tensioning member closes and / or tightens the article. Specifically, the tensioning member can be fed along and across an opening of an article so that the tensioning of the tensioning member biases one side of the opening toward the opposite side of the opening in order to close and tighten the article. Various forms of footwear (e.g., shoes, boots, etc.) include such tensioning member and guide configurations. For example, conventional shoes and boots generally utilize shoelaces that are fed around the tongue of the shoe and tensioned so as to bias opposing sides of the tongue toward each other to close and tighten the shoe / boot around the user's foot.

[0021]

[0054] Guides are generally positioned near openings in an article, such as on opposite sides of an eye stay, to direct, feed, or guide a tension member along and / or across the opening. Guides can be made from low-friction materials to minimize frictional engagement between the tension member and the guide. Guides described herein are generally formed from fabric or webbing-type material that is folded back to form a loop. The tension member is inserted into the loop, and the loop functions to guide or direct the tension member around its path. Further details of guide members are described below.

[0022]

[0055] As briefly described above, the laces are tensioned via a tightening mechanism. In certain embodiments, the tightening mechanism is a reel-based closure system. The reel-based closure system includes a knob that can be grasped and rotated by the user to tension the laces. Exemplary embodiments of reel-based closure devices are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 098,276, filed April 29, 2011, entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 328,521, filed July 10, 2014, entitled “Closure Devices Including Incremental Release Mechanisms and Methods Therefor”, and U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 623,362, filed November 20, 2009, whose entire disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0023]

[0056] In another embodiment, the tightening mechanism is an electric device or mechanism for tensioning a tension member or cord. Exemplary embodiments of electric mechanisms that may be used to tension a cord are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 015,807, filed August 30, 2013, entitled “Motorized Tensioning System for Medical Braces and Devices,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024]

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the tightening mechanism may be a pull-cord device configured to be grasped and pulled by a user to tension a lace. An exemplary pull-cord device is further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 166,799, filed January 28, 2014, whose entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. For the sake of brief description of the various embodiments herein, the tightening mechanism is generally referred to as a “reel assembly” or “reel-type closing device.”

[0025]

[0058] Referring here to Figures 1A and 1B, two string guides that may be used to feed or direct a string 101 around a path are shown. Figure 1A shows a conventional string guide 102. The string guide 102 is formed from a fabric or webbing material that is folded back to form a loop into which the string 101 is inserted. The fabric or webbing material of the string guide 102 is a single or one-piece fabric material. When tension is applied to the string 101, the opposing ends 103 of the string guide 102 flex and bend as shown. Since the string guide 102 is made from a single or one-piece material, the tension applied to or given from the string 101 to the string guide 102 is concentrated near the ends 103, as indicated by the tension vector T. As shown, the tension T is maximum at both ends 103 of the string guide 102 and decreases toward the center of the string guide 102. Since the tension T is greatest near both ends 103 of the string guide 102, the string guide 102 may experience significantly more wear near both ends 103. The increased tension T near both ends 103 may also cause the string guide 102 to be pinched, gathered, or compressed inward to a certain extent, as shown in the figure.

[0026]

[0059] As shown in Figure 1B, the tension T applied to the string guide 108 can be more uniform if the string guide 108 is formed to have varying elasticity between its ends 103. Various elasticities can be achieved by forming the string guide with various elastic materials or compartments. Specifically, Figure 1B shows a string guide 108 having an intermediate material or compartment 110 (hereinafter, intermediate compartment 110), a first end material or compartment 112 (hereinafter, first end compartment 112), and a second end material or compartment 114 (hereinafter, second end compartment 114). The elasticity of the intermediate compartment 110 differs from that of one or both of the first end compartment 112 and the second end compartment 114. Typically, the intermediate compartment 110 is less elastic, tensile, or flexible (i.e., more rigid) than the first end compartment 112 or the second end compartment 114. In other words, the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 are more elastic, flexible, or stretchable than the intermediate section 110. Thus, when the string 101 is tensioned, the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 stretch, flex, or otherwise deform to a greater extent than the intermediate section 110. The various elastic sections of the string guide 108 allow the string guide 108 to form a more natural U-shaped curve in response to the tensioning of the string 101. In this way, the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 function as buffer or transition areas between the ends 103 and the intermediate section 110 of the string guide 108. As a result, the tension T is more uniform across the string guide 108 and less concentrated at the opposing ends 103 compared to a conventional string guide 102. The uniform tension profile reduces wear on the string guide 108 and extends its lifespan.

[0027]

[0060] In some embodiments, the intermediate section 110 of the string guide 108 is made of a different material from one or both of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114. For example, the intermediate section 110 may be made of a material having significantly lower elasticity than either or both of the first end section 112 or the second end section 114. The first end section 112 and the second end section 114 may be made of materials having similar elasticity. In such embodiments, the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 can bend, stretch, or deform in similar amounts or in similar ways in response to the tension of the string 101. In other embodiments, the first end section 112 may be made of a different material and / or a material having different elasticity than the second end section 114. In such embodiments, the bending, stretching, or deformation of the first end section 112 may differ from that exhibited or experienced by the second end section 114. For example, the intermediate section 110 and the first end section 112 may be made from the same less elastic material, while the second end section 114 may be made from a more elastic material. In such embodiments, only the second end section 114 can be stretched, bent, or deformed to a greater extent than the intermediate section 110. Exemplary materials for the intermediate section 110 include nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Exemplary materials for the first end section 112 and / or the second end section include nylon mixed with Lycra®, spandex, elastane, etc., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Teflon®, vulcanized rubber, etc.

[0028]

[0061] The first end section 112, the intermediate section 110, and the second end section 114 are formed such that the cord guide 108 is a single, independent guide rather than three separate guides or materials positioned adjacent to each other. The single, independent cord guide 108 can be formed by weaving the more elastic material of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 together with the less elastic material of the intermediate section 110. In this way, the elastic material of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 can be formed integrally with the less elastic material of the intermediate section 110. In other embodiments, the first end section 112 and / or the second end section 114 may be separate material layers from the intermediate section 110. In such embodiments, the separate material layers can be joined to a common backing material via thermocompression, RF or sonic welding, etc.

[0029]

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the intermediate section 110, the first end section 112, and the second end section 114 may be made from the same material. The increased elasticity of the first end section 112 and / or the second end section 114 can be formed or constructed by changing the weave or pattern of the material. For example, the intermediate section 110 may have a material with a relatively tight weave or pattern, while the first end section 112 and / or the second end section 114 may have a relatively loose weave or pattern. This allows the first end section 112 and / or the second end section 114 to be stretched or bent more significantly, even if the cord guide 108 is made entirely from a single material.

[0030]

[0063] The intermediate section 110 can also help prevent the cord guides 108 from converging toward the center of the guide. For example, a less flexible material for the intermediate section 110 can help reinforce the guides 108 and counteract the inward forces exerted on the opposing ends 103 resulting from tensioning the cords 101. The intermediate section 110 may be designed to counteract such forces by weaving the material in the designed manner and / or by selecting a suitable material that can withstand compressive forces. By reducing the converging of the guides 108, it can help maintain a uniform lateral tension T across the guides 108.

[0031]

[0064] Referring here to Figures 4A to 4C, one embodiment of a string guide 400 is shown, configured to allow for a reduction in frictional engagement between the string guide 400 and the string inserted through the string guide. The string guide 400 may be a string guide made from a single material, such as the string guide 102 in Figure 1A, or it may be a string guide made from multiple materials or sections, such as the string guide 108 in Figure 1B. Figures 4A and 4B show a string guide 400 having an intermediate section 404, a first end section 402, and a second end section 406. Each of these sections may be made from the same or different materials as described above.

[0032]

[0065] As shown in Figure 1B, using a more elastic material, such as the string guide 108, can increase frictional engagement between the string and the string guide due to increased deformation or stretching of the elastic material. To counteract this increased frictional engagement, or simply to reduce frictional engagement of any string guide, the string guide 400 includes a low-friction material 408 positioned laterally across the intermediate section 404, the first end section 402, and the second end section 406. In some embodiments, the low-friction material 408 can extend laterally across the string guide 400 between opposing ends. In other embodiments, the low-friction material 408 may extend outward from the opposing ends of the string guide 400, or it may terminate before the opposing ends so that the low-friction material 408 is completely enclosed within the string guide 400 between the opposing ends.

[0033]

[0066] The low-friction material 408 is typically stretched along only a portion of the longitudinal length of the lace guide 400 (e.g., in the X direction), rather than along the entire longitudinal length of the lace guide 400. In other words, the low-friction material 408 is typically shorter longitudinally than the lace guide 400. This configuration can reduce the overall thickness of the lace guide 400 when it is coupled to or attached to a shoe. For example, Figure 4C shows that when the guide 400 is folded over itself, the thickness Z is reduced because the low-friction material 408 does not stretch to the point where the opposing surfaces of the material contact (i.e., near point 112). This configuration can also reduce the amount of low-friction material required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and / or increasing manufacturability. In other embodiments, the low-friction material 408 can be stretched along the entire longitudinal length of the lace guide 400 as desired.

[0034]

[0067] In any embodiment, the low-friction material 408 is typically attached to or bonded to the inner surface of the string guide 400. As shown in Figure 4C, the low-friction material 408 is positioned to be centered within a loop 410 formed in the string guide 400. The low-friction material 408 is substantially or almost completely stretched around the loop 410 formed in the string guide 400 so as to be in direct contact with the string (not shown) positioned within the loop 410 of the string guide 400. In this way, the string contacts and slides against the low-friction material 408, rather than against and along the intermediate section 404, the first end section 402, and / or the second end section 406. Since the low-friction material 408 has a lower coefficient of friction than any of the intermediate section 404, the first end section 402, or the second end section 406, frictional engagement between the string and the string guide 400 is significantly reduced. Examples of materials that can be used in low-friction material 408 include polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (Dyneema®).

[0035]

[0068] As further shown in Figure 4C, the low-friction material 408 terminates before a seam or joining line 412, which represents a point on the line where the lace guide 400 is attached to footwear or another article. In this way, the thickness Z of the lace guide 400 at the seam or joining line is reduced or minimized.

[0036]

[0069] Referring now to Figure 6, the string guide 602 is shown, through which the string 604 is inserted so as to be guided and directed. A force F is applied to the string 604, as shown when the string 604 is tensed. lace1 A force F is applied to one end of the string 604. lace2A force is applied to the opposite end of the string 604. When the string 604 is tensioned, the string 604 and the string guide 602 engage in frictional engagement. The frictional force exhibited between the string 604 and the string guide 602 may be a dynamic force depending on one or more of the following factors: string tension, the material of the string guide 602, the sliding of the string 604 through the string guide 602, and various other factors. In some examples, the frictional force may be equivalent to a frictional force rather than a conventional frictional force experienced between two solid objects. The frictional engagement between the string 604 and the string guide 602 is F Drag It is shown as: Force F lace2 The force F of the string 604 and string guide 602 is lace1 and frictional engagement F Drag It is essentially equivalent to this.

[0037]

[0070] Friction engagement F between the string 604 and the string guide 602 Drag This can cause a “load” of tension on the cord at the distal portion or end of the cord tightening system. For example, referring briefly to Figure 7, when cord 704 is tensioned, cord 704 can slide through cord guides 706 and 708 located in the upper portion of the cord path as the cord biases both opposing eye stays together. Cord 704 also slides through cord guides 710 and 712 located in the middle portion of the cord path, and through cord guides 714 and 716 located in the lower portion of the cord path, but cord 704 slides to a lesser extent through each of these cord guides due to the loss of tension as a result of frictional engagement with each cord guide.

[0038]

[0071] When the user bends their foot within the footwear by walking, running, bending, etc., the tongue leather of the footwear typically bends forward and engages with the portion of the string 704 located near the guides 706 and 708 positioned within the upper portion of the string, i.e., the upper portion of the string path. As a result, the tension of the string temporarily increases, and the string 704 slides through each of the guides 706 - 716. In some examples, the opposing stays near the upper portion of the string path may bend outward, while the opposing stays near the lower portion of the string path are pulled inward, and as a result, the opposing stays can assume a V-shaped or other non-parallel shape as shown in FIG. 7.

[0039]

[0072] Due to the frictional engagement between the string 704 and the string guides 706 - 716, the string tension along the string path may not be able to equalize and / or return to a relatively uniform state, and thus the string tension can be confined or trapped in the lower portion of the footwear. For example, since the frictional engagement F Drag between the string 704 and the string guides 706 - 716 is a function of the string tension, when the string tension in the lower portion of the string path temporarily increases, the frictional engagement F Drag between the string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716 correspondingly increases. The increased frictional engagement F Drag between the string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716 can affect the ability of the string to slide within the lower string guides 714 and 716 of the string, thereby locking or maintaining the increased string tension in the lower portion of the string path relative to other portions of the string path. In other words, if a temporary increase in string tension increases the amount X by which the string 704 slides within the lower string guides 714 and 716 towards the upper string path and string guides, the frictional engagement F Drag between the string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716 increases, resulting in an amount X minus Y (i.e., X - Y) of sliding within the lower string guides 714 and 716 in the opposite direction (i.e., away from the upper string path and string guides). Here, Y represents some nominal non-zero amount.

[0040]

[0073] As a result, the length of the string L between the lower string guides 714 and 716 is shortened by an amount corresponding to Y, and consequently, the tension of the string between the lower string guides 714 and 716 increases. In other words, length L represents the difference between the amount of string that slides through the lower string guides 714 and 716 toward the upper string guides 704 and 706 due to the increased tension (i.e., X) and the amount of string that returns or slides through the lower string guides 714 and 716 when the tension is relieved (i.e., XY). The reason why string 704 cannot slide back through the lower string guides 714 and 716 when the tension is relieved is due to the frictional engagement F between string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716. Drag This is due to the increase in [something].

[0041]

[0074] As the above process is repeated due to the repeated running, walking, bending, and flexing of the foot, the length L of the lace between the lower lace guides 714 and 716 continues to decrease, and as a result, the lace tension adjacent to this portion of the lace 704 and the tightness of the shoe may continuously increase. Although typically less dramatic, a similar effect may occur in the intermediate lace guides 710 and 712, resulting in the opposing eye stays having a certain V-shape or non-parallel shape, as shown in Figure 7.

[0042]

[0075] The effect of this process may be that greater tension is locked, captured, or maintained in the lower part of the string path compared to the upper part of the string path. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the lower part of the string path may experience a string tension of Z pounds, while the middle part of the string path may experience a string tension of Y pounds, and the upper part of the string path may experience a string tension of X pounds. In some cases, Y pounds may be equal to X pounds plus some nominal non-zero amount, and Z pounds may be equal to Y pounds plus some nominal non-zero amount. In other cases, Y pounds and X pounds may be relatively the same, and Z pounds may be considerably larger than X pounds and / or Y pounds.

[0043]

[0076] In shoes and other footwear, as a result of the process described above, the lower portion of the lacing around the user's foot, generally positioned near the toe cap, becomes pinched, constricted, or narrowed. Therefore, when wearing such shoes or footwear, the user may experience some degree of discomfort after prolonged wear.

[0044]

[0077] The above problems can be mitigated or eliminated by using a cord guide with a designed amount of stretch. As a result of the designed stretch, a certain amount of cord tension stretches the guide longitudinally rather than causing the cord to slide through it. Consequently, due to the temporary tension on the cord, the cord and guide system can experience less sliding of the cord through the guide and / or more stretching of the guide compared to conventional guides. This can reduce the locking of cord tension in the lower parts of the cord path, such as adjacent to the toe cap.

[0045]

[0078] Figure 8 shows a shoe fitted with lace guides having a designed degree of stretch or elasticity. Specifically, the shoe utilizes a first pair of lace guides 802a positioned in the upper part of the lace path, a second pair of lace guides 802b positioned in the middle part of the lace path, and a third pair of lace guides 802c positioned in the lower part of the lace path. The first set of lace guides 802a has a stretch S (represented by spring element 804a). a The second string guide set 802b is configured or designed to have or exhibit the following: b The third string guide set 802c is configured or designed to have or exhibit (represented by spring element 804b), and the third string guide set 802c is configured to exhibit (represented by spring element 804c) extension S c It is configured or designed to have or exhibit.

[0046]

[0079] Figure 9 shows the lace guides being stretched due to tension in the lace 810, resulting in the designed stretch (i.e., guides 802a-802c). The tension in the lace 810 may be temporary tension resulting from walking, running, jumping, or various other activities after the lace has been initially tensioned via a reel-type device or other tensioning mechanism. Temporary tension may open or spread the tongue of the shoe in response to the foot moving inside the shoe. The spreading or spreading of the tongue imposes a load or tension of A pounds on the first lace guide set 802a, thereby elastically stretching the first lace guide set 802a by a quantity ΔX. Similarly, the spreading or spreading of the tongue imposes loads or tensions of B pounds and C pounds on the second lace guide set 802b and the third lace guide set 802c, respectively, thereby elastically stretching each guide by quantities ΔY and ΔZ, respectively.

[0047]

[0080] The elastic elongation of the second string guide set 802b and / or the third string guide set 802c is usually less than that of the first string guide set 802a, but the elongation of any string guide can be designed to exhibit a desired elongation. The elastic elongation of string guides 802a-802c significantly reduces the slip or sliding of the string 810 through each string guide. Rather than the string sliding through the guides, when the string tension, especially instantaneous and transient string tension, increases, the string guides 802a-802c elastically elongate. Thus, the dynamic change in string tension is counteracted by the aforementioned frictional force F Drag It is not transmitted as energy, but rather as spring or elastic energy within the guide and stored there.

[0048]

[0081] Even when lace tension is dynamically adjusted, such as in response to the user's foot moving inside the shoe, the elastic stretch of the lace guides 802a-802c results in a more parallel lace path, as shown in Figure 9. The elastic stretch of the lace guides 802a-802c also significantly reduces lace sliding through the lowest set of lace guides (i.e., 802c), resulting in less locking or trapping of lace tension in the lower portion of the lace path adjacent to the toe cap. This can potentially increase the user's comfort while wearing the shoe.

[0049]

[0082] For example, the lower portion of the lace path adjacent to the third lace guide set 802c may experience a lace load or tension of Z pounds, while the middle portion of the lace path adjacent to the second lace guide set 802b may experience a lace load or tension of Y pounds, and the upper portion of the lace path adjacent to the first lace guide set 802a may experience a lace load or tension of X pounds. The lace loads or tensions of X pounds, Y pounds, and Z pounds may be more uniform and / or similar than those experienced in shoes using conventional lace guides, and therefore the shoes may be more comfortable to wear.

[0050]

[0083] Figure 9 shows a lace path utilizing three sets of guides with designed stretch, but it should be understood that the lace path can utilize more or fewer sets of lace guides as desired. Also, in some embodiments, it may be possible to utilize the stretch of the lace guides to lock lace tension in a desired area. For example, the lace can be initially tensioned by a desired amount in a part of the shoe, and the lace tension can be locked or maintained in that part of the shoe via the elastic stretch of the lace guide. For example, a lace guide with a desired designed stretch can be used in the middle part of the shoe to separate the lace tension in the lower part of the shoe from the upper part of the shoe. The stretch of the lace guide can ensure that the lace tension in the upper part of the shoe is not transmitted to the lower part of the shoe, and vice versa. Elastic lace guides can be used in various configurations with non-elastic lace guides as desired to achieve any desired fit and / or performance of the shoe.

[0051]

[0084] Referring here to Figures 2A to 2C, embodiments of a lace guide 200 that can be used in shoes are shown. The lace guide 200 may be similar to any of those described herein, for example, by utilizing a less frictional inner surface or liner. As shown in Figure 2A, the lace guide 200 includes an elongated body. The elongated body may have the stretch designed as described above. In some embodiments, the designed stretch may vary along the longitudinal length of the guide 200, for example, by being more flexible or more rigid near the lace 202.

[0052]

[0085] The lace guide 200 is designed to be attached to the shoe along its longitudinal length to achieve the intended effect. For example, the lace guide 200 can be attached to the shoe at a first point 212a near the lace 202, a second point 212c near the sole of the shoe, and / or a third point 212b positioned between the first point 212a and the second point 212c. Attaching the lace guide 200 at these or various other points affects how the lace guide 200 functions within the shoe, as further illustrated in Figures 3A-3B. Figure 2B shows that the lace guide 200 can be coupled to the shoe such that its body is positioned beneath the upper 210 of the shoe, and its distal end protrudes through a slit or opening 214 in the upper 210. Figure 2C shows that multiple lace guides 200 can be attached to the shoe in the manner shown in Figure 2B. This configuration can be used so that most of the lace guide 200 remains hidden from view.

[0053]

[0086] Referring here to Figures 3A and 3B, the lace guide 200 attached to the shoe upper 210 is shown. Figure 3B shows the inner surface of the upper 210 and the various points on which the lace guide 200 can be attached to the inner surface of the upper 210. Specifically, Figure 3B shows the first attachment point 212a, the second attachment point 212c, and the third attachment point 212b, as previously mentioned. The attachment point of the lace guide 200 affects how the lace guide 200 functions. For example, if the lace guide is attached to the upper 210 at the first attachment point 212a, the elastic stretch of the lace guide 200 is reduced, and / or the force of the lace guide 200 on the upper 210 is applied closer to the tongue of the shoe. In contrast, if the lace guide 200 is attached to the upper 210 at the second lace connection point 212b, the elastic stretch of the lace guide 200 is significantly greater, and / or the force of the lace guide 200 on the upper 210 is applied closer to the sole of the shoe.

[0054]

[0087] Unlike the illustration in Figure 2B, the cord guide 200 is shown in Figures 3A and 3B as being entirely located beneath the upper 210. In this configuration, the cord 202 extends from the cord guide 200 through the slit 214 in the upper 210. The configuration in Figures 3A and 3B ensures that the cord guide 200 is completely concealed from view. This may be visually appealing or desirable among some users.

[0055]

[0088] Figure 5 shows various lace guide configurations that can be used to achieve desired tension in an article such as a shoe. For example, a relatively short lace guide 502 can be used when minimal mounting space is available and / or when little or no stretching of the lace guide is desired. In other embodiments, an elongated lace guide 504 can be used when considerably greater stretching is desired and / or when it is desirable to distribute the closing force along the length of the shoe. In other embodiments, a lace guide 506 having a wider bottom portion compared to the upper portion can be used. This lace guide 506 can be used when it is desirable to distribute the closing force laterally around the shoe, particularly around the bottom portion of the guide 506. In yet another embodiment, the lace guide 508 may have an inverted hourglass configuration having an intermediate section that is wider than either the upper or bottom section. This configuration can be used when it is desired to tension the middle portion of the shoe.

[0056]

[0089] Referring here to Figures 10A to 10C, an embodiment of a tension member guide or string guide 1000 (hereinafter referred to as string guide 1000) is shown, which is configured to be easily and quickly attached to an article such as a shoe and to direct or feed a tension member or string around the path of the article. The string guide 1000 includes a first material member or inner member 1004 (hereinafter referred to as inner member 1004), a second material member or intermediate member 1006 (hereinafter referred to as intermediate member 1006), and a third material member or outer member 1002 (hereinafter referred to as outer member 1002). The inner member 1004 includes a longitudinal length, a transverse width, a first face that is positionable relative to the article, and a second face opposite to the first face. The intermediate member 1006 is typically positioned between the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 and coupled to them, although in some embodiments the outer member 1002 may be omitted. The intermediate member 1006 contacts the string (not shown) and functions as a component of the string guide 1000, guiding or feeding the string along the path of the article. Because the intermediate member 1006 operably contacts or engages with the string, it is typically made from a material with less friction compared to the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004.

[0057]

[0090] In some embodiments, the intermediate member 1006 comprises an outer material layer and an inner material layer, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 4A. The outer material layer may be made of a harder or more rigid material than the inner material layer in order to reinforce or structurally support the inner material layer. The inner material layer may be a low-friction material that engages with the string and comes into direct contact with it. In exemplary embodiments, the outer material layer may be made of nylon and the inner material layer may be made of Teflon®. In other embodiments, the intermediate member 1006 may be a single material layer that is both low-friction and structurally strong. For example, the intermediate member 1006 may be a nylon / Teflon® mixed material layer.

[0058]

[0091] In any embodiment, the intermediate member 1006 is sandwiched between the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 and coupled to them. The intermediate member 1006 is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a string can be inserted. The loop-shaped intermediate member 1006 has a middle portion and two end portions along its width, the two end portions being positioned on opposite sides of the middle portion as shown. When coupled with the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004, the intermediate member 1006 is shorter than the outer and inner members in the longitudinal direction as shown. This configuration allows the proximal end of the string guide 1000 to be thinner than the distal end of the string guide 1000. Specifically, Figure 10C shows a side profile of the string guide 1000, showing that the proximal end of the string guide 1000 has a thickness T1 that is considerably thinner than the thickness T2 of the distal end of the string guide 1000. The intermediate member 1006 may be positioned between the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 such that its opposing ends are offset from each other, as shown in the figure. This configuration results in a gradual transition rather than an abrupt transition between the thicker distal end T2 and the thinner proximal end T1. As shown in the figure, when the intermediate member 1006 is coupled with the inner member 1004, the intermediate member 1006 is longitudinally aligned with the inner member 1004 and positioned on the second surface of the inner member 1004.

[0059]

[0092] Figure 10B shows the assembled components of the cord guide 1000. As shown, the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 do not extend beyond or fold over the intermediate member 1006, so that the upper or loop-shaped end of the intermediate member 1006 is usually left exposed. In this configuration, the intermediate member 1006, which is a component of the cord guide 1000 that directly contacts the cord and guides / feeds the cord, cannot be obstructed by the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004. Therefore, when the cord is tensioned, the intermediate member 1006 can be freely bent, flexed, adjusted, or adapted to the cord. In such embodiments, the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 may be used primarily to reinforce the intermediate member 1006 and / or to attach the intermediate member 1006 to an article. In some examples, the intermediate member 1006 may be pivotable outward from the inner member 1004 along a joint line formed via a suture 1008. In other embodiments, the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 may be extended to partially or completely cover the intermediate member 1006, as desired. In some embodiments, the upper end of the outer member 1002 may be positioned near the top or loop end of the intermediate member 1006. The upper end of the inner member 1004 may be substantially the same height as the top or loop end of the intermediate member 1006.

[0060]

[0093] Since the cord guide 1000 is made of several components, the various components can be initially attached together using a suture 1008. The suture 1008 may be inserted through the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004, as well as through the proximal portion of the intermediate member 1006. In other embodiments, the various components may first be joined by welding (heat, RF, sound, etc.), adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or other known methods. The proximal ends of the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 can similarly be attached by suture, welding, joining, etc.

[0061]

[0094] The inner surface 1010 of the inner member 1004 is configured to bond easily and quickly to an article. For example, the inner surface 1010 of the inner member 1004 may include an adhesive layer that allows the inner member 1004 to quickly adhere to an article via thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, etc. In certain embodiments, the lace guide 1000 can be attached to the inner surface of the shoe upper (not shown) by positioning the inner surface 1010 of the inner member 1004 relative to the inner surface of the upper and welding the two inner surfaces together. Specifically, the inner surface 1010 may include a TPU material that allows the guide 1000 to be thermally welded to the surface of an article.

[0062]

[0095] The string guide 1000 is a single component that can be quickly and easily attached to an article to form a path for feeding or guiding a string around the article. In some embodiments, the intermediate member 1006 may be configured to distribute the string tension more evenly, as described herein.

[0063]

[0096] A method for connecting the string guide 1000 to an article includes providing a string guide 1000 having the configuration described above, and connecting the string guide 1000 to an article. This method also typically includes inserting a tension member through a loop or channel formed in the intermediate member 1006. Connecting the string guide 1000 to an article may include heat welding the inner member 1004 to the article.

[0064]

[0097] Referring here to Figures 11A to 11C, an embodiment of a tension member guide or string guide 1100 (hereinafter referred to as string guide 1100) exhibiting designed flexure or stretching is shown. The string guide 1100 is configured to direct or feed a tension member or string around the path of an article. The designed flexure of the string guide 1100 is formed through individual channels or holes 1102 formed in the body of the string guide 1100. The individual channels or holes 1102 extend between the proximal and distal ends of the material body of the string guide 1100. The string guide 1100 is woven to form individual channels or holes 1102 within the material body. The weft or twist of the fabric forms walls 1104 in the fabric body, which separate each of the individual channels 1102. Figures 11A to 11C show a string guide 1100 having eight distinct channels, namely channels 1102a to 1102h, but it should be understood that more or fewer channels 1102 can be formed as desired.

[0065]

[0098] As shown in Figure 11C, the material body of the string guide 1100 is folded back between its proximal and distal ends to form a loop or channel into which a tension member or string 1110 (hereinafter referred to as string 1110) can be inserted. The loop-shaped end of the material body has a central portion and opposing end portions located on opposite sides of the central portion, as shown in the figure. The string guide 1100 is configured to have greater flexibility toward or at the opposing end portions compared to the central portion of the string guide 1100. This configuration allows the string guide 1100 to bend to fit the string 1110 when the string is tensioned, resulting in a more uniform distribution of string tension across the width of the string guide 1100.

[0066]

[0099] The increased flexibility of the opposing ends is achieved by packing or placing reinforcing material (e.g., fibers) into at least one channel 1102, more generally, various channels 1102, of the material body of the string guide. The reinforcing material functions to reinforce the channels 1102 of the string guide 1100 in which the reinforcement is placed. Figure 11B shows that fibers or fiber bundles 1106 are inserted to varying degrees into some or all of the channels 1102 of the string guide. The stiffness of individual channels 1102 increases as the number of fibers 1106 inserted into the channel, i.e., the fiber density within the channel, increases. In other words, as more fibers 1106 are placed in the channel, the flexibility of the individual channel decreases. This is because the inserted fibers function to reinforce each channel, thereby increasing the stiffness and decreasing the flexibility of each channel. As shown in Figure 11B, the string guide 1100 may be formed such that the central channel (i.e., channels 1102d and 1102e) has the highest density of fibers 1106 (i.e., the most abundant fibers 1106 arranged with the channel). Two channels directly adjacent to the central channel (i.e., channels 1102c and 1102f) may have a slightly lower fiber density, and the next two directly adjacent channels (i.e., channels 1102b and 1102g) may have an even lower fiber density. The two outer channels (i.e., channels 1102a and 1102g) may have the lowest fiber density of all the channels. In this way, the fiber density of individual channels may decrease progressively laterally from the central portion of the string guide 1100. As a result, when the string 1110 is tensioned, the string guide 1100 can bend laterally outward from the central portion of the string guide 1100 in the manner designed to conform. The designed flexure or curvature can be designed to evenly distribute the string tension laterally across the string guide 1100, thereby significantly reducing string wear on the guide.

[0067]

[0100] The fibers 1106 are typically positioned within the channels 1102 during the weaving or formation of the cord guide 1100. Figure 11A shows a typical embodiment of fibers that can be positioned within the cord guide 1100. Specifically, Figure 11A shows that four fibers or fiber bundles may be positioned within two central channels (1102d and 1102e), three fibers / fiber bundles may be positioned within immediately adjacent channels (1102c and 1102f), two fibers may be positioned within the next transversely adjacent channels (1102b and 1102g), and the two transversely outermost channels (1102a and 1102h) may contain no fibers. The embodiment in Figure 11A is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the cord guide 1100 to any particular configuration. Rather, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the channel arrangement and fiber density can be varied as desired to achieve the desired flexure or curvature of the guide in response to cord tension.

[0068]

[0101] Increasing the fiber density toward the center of the string guide 1100 also helps prevent the string guide 1100 from bunching towards the center of the guide. For example, since the central channels are "packed" with more fibers, these channels can more easily resist the inward compressive force exerted on the string guide 1100 by the string 1110 under tension. The fiber density within individual channels 1102a to 1102h can be designed to counteract the inward compressive force and / or to result in a curve or flexure of the guide as desired. The reduction in bunching of the guide 1100 and / or the designed flexure / bend can help maintain a uniform lateral tension or load across the guide 1100.

[0069]

[0102] In some cases, the inner surface of the string guide 1100 may include a low-friction material to reduce frictional engagement between the string 1110 and the string guide 1100. For example, the inner surface of the string guide 1100 may have a configuration similar to that shown in Figures 4A to 4C, where the low-friction material is positioned within the loop-shaped end of the guide 1100.

[0070]

[0103] A method for attaching a string guide 1100 to an article includes providing a string guide 1100 having a configuration as described herein, and attaching the string guide 1100 to an article. The method also typically includes inserting a string 1110 into a loop or channel formed in the folded material body of the string guide 1100.

[0071]

[0104] Referring here to Figure 12, one embodiment of component 1200 is shown, which enables the lace guide to be quickly and easily attached to an article such as a shoe. Component 1200 includes an attachment member 1202 and a guide member 1210. The guide member 1210 is folded back to form a loop 1212 through which a lace or tension member (not shown) is inserted. The opposing ends of the guide member 1210 are attached to the attachment member 1202 by stitching 1214, adhesive bonding, welding (e.g., RF, thermal, ultrasonic, etc.) or by other attachment methods. The inner surface 1204 of the attachment member contains a material that helps to bond the attachment member 1202 to the article. For example, the inner surface 1204 of the attachment member 1202 may contain TPU or another material that helps to heat-weld the attachment member 1202 to the article. The inner surface 1204 may similarly contain a pressure-sensitive and / or heat-sensitive material that helps to bond the component 1200 to the article.

[0072]

[0105] The mounting member 1202 provides a larger surface area to distribute any force or load applied to the guide member 1210 over a larger surface area, thereby helping to ensure that the component 1200 does not detach from the article. In some embodiments, the opposite side of the inner surface 1204 (i.e., the outer surface) includes mounting material. In such embodiments, the inner surface 1204 does not have to include mounting material. The component 1200 can be manufactured as a separate, individual unit that can be individually positioned around the article and coupled with it to form a string path around the article.

[0073]

[0106] Figures 13A to C illustrate various embodiments for attaching the component 1200 to an article such as a shoe. Figure 13A shows one embodiment in which the component 1200 is attached to an article 1300. The article 1300 includes a pair of string ports 1302 through which a string 1304 is inserted. The component 1200 is positioned on the inner surface of the article 1300 so as not to be visible from the outside of the article. The inner surface 1204 of the attachment component 1202 is coupled to the inner surface of the article 1300 such that a guide member 1210 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the article 1300 and the inner surface 1204 of the attachment member 1202. In other embodiments, the outer surface (unnumbered) of the attachment member 1202 can be attached to the inner surface of the article such that the guide member 1210 does not come into contact with the inner surface of the article 1300.

[0074]

[0107] The component 1200 is positioned around the article 1300 such that its loop-shaped end or edge 1220 is recessed from the edge 1310 of the article 1300. Ideally, the loop edge 1220 is positioned so that, when tensioned, the natural curvature of the cord 1304 positions the cord 1304 approximately in the center through the cord port 1302 as shown. Positioning the component 1200 in this manner reduces frictional engagement between the cord 1304 and the cord port 1302. Specifically, this configuration reduces or prevents the cord 1304 from rubbing against the upper, lower, or side edges of the cord port 1302.

[0075]

[0108] Figure 13B shows a component 1200 positioned within the article 1300 such that the loop edge 1220 is closer to the string port 1302. Specifically, the loop edge 1220 is positioned adjacent to the centerline 1306 of the string port 1302. The loop edge 1220 can be offset from the centerline 1306 by a distance X1, which may be less than the radius of the string port 1302. In other embodiments, the loop edge 1220 may substantially coincide with the centerline 1306 of the string port 1302. In some embodiments, the edge or corner of the guide member 1210 may be visible through the string port 1302. In any embodiment, the component 1200 should be positioned within the article 1300 such that the string 1304 is positioned approximately in the center within the string port 1302 when the string 1304 is tensioned. The configuration in Figure 13B may be particularly useful when the string 1304 is highly flexible or bendable.

[0076]

[0109] Figure 13C shows an embodiment in which the component 1200 is positioned within the article 1300 such that the loop edge 1220 is significantly offset from the centerline 1306 of the string port 1302. The loop edge 1220 is offset by a distance X2 from the centerline 1306, and this distance is sufficiently large as the component is farther from the string port 1302. Similar to the embodiments described above, the component 1200 is positioned such that, ideally, the string 1304 is positioned approximately in the center through the string port 1302 when tensioned. The configuration in Figure 13C may be particularly useful for strings that are less flexible and therefore require a greater distance to bend, flex, or curve through the guide member 1210.

[0077]

[0110] Figure 13D shows a mounting component 1200 positioned on the inner surface of the shoe 1350 so that the component 1200 is not visible from the outside of the shoe. The inner surface 1204 of the component 1200 can be coupled to the inner surface of the shoe 1350 so that a guide member 1210 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the shoe 1350 and the inner surface 1204 of the mounting component 1200. The shoe 1350 includes a plurality of mounting components 1200 positioned around the shoe 1350 to guide a lace 1304 positioned along a path around the shoe 1350. Figure 13D shows a tensioned lace 1304 with its loop edge 1220 positioned near the centerline of the lace port 1302. In this state, the lace 1304 is positioned nearly centered through the lace port 1302 so that frictional engagement between the lace 1304 and the lace port 1302 is minimized. When not tensioned, the loop edge 1220 may be recessed from the center line of the string port 1302.

[0078]

[0111] Referring here to Figure 14, the ideal positioning of the guide member 1402 within the article 1410 is shown. Specifically, the guide member 1402 is positioned such that its distal edge 1406 is approximately centered with respect to the string port 1412 when the string 1404 is taut. For example, the string port 1412 may have an opening width of Y, and the distal edge 1406 of the guide member 1402 may be positioned approximately Y / 2 with respect to the upper material of the article 1410. This configuration helps to position the string 1404 approximately centered through the string port 1412 when the string is taut, thereby reducing frictional contact or engagement between the string 1404, the string port 1412, and the article 1410.

[0079]

[0112] Referring here to Figures 15A and 15B, embodiments of a guide component 1510 that can be welded or attached directly to the mesh material of an article such as a shoe are shown. Figure 15A shows the guide component 1510, including a guide member 1512 attached to a mounting member 1514. The mounting member typically has a larger surface area than the guide member 1512. The mounting member 1514 is attached to the mesh 1502 of the article and helps to distribute any load or force applied to the guide member 1512 due to the tension of a string (not shown). As in other embodiments, the guide member 1512 is folded back to form a loop into which the string is inserted, and the guide member 1512 is attached to the mounting member 1514.

[0080]

[0113] The mounting member 1514 is bonded to the mesh 1502. The mounting member 1514 is typically welded to the mesh material 1502 (e.g., thermal welding, sonic welding, RF welding, etc.), but various other forms of attachment, such as adhesive bonding, are possible. When the mounting member 1514 is welded to the mesh 1502, a welded area is formed, which is indicated by the cross-hatched section 1520 in Figure 15A (hereinafter, welded area 1520). The weld makes the welded area 1520 significantly harder or more rigid compared to the unwelded mesh 1502. The welded area 1520 defines a non-stretched area or portion of the mesh 1502, which can be used to tension or tighten an article as described below herein.

[0081]

[0114] Figure 15B shows a different embodiment of the guide component 1510. The guide component 1510 is similar to that shown in Figure 15A, except that the guide component 1510 does not include a mounting member (i.e., 1514). Instead, the guide component includes only a guide member 1512 that is directly bonded to the mesh 1502. In the exemplary embodiment, the guide member 1512 is bonded to the mesh 1502 by welding, thereby forming a welded area 1520 that is non-stretchable and can be used to influence the fit or tightening of an article in a desired manner. Figure 15B also shows that the looped end of the guide member 1512 may be positioned through a slit or opening 1506, thereby showing that the looped end is on the opposite side of the mesh 1502 from the rest of the guide member 1512.

[0082]

[0115] Referring here to Figures 16A to 16E, embodiments are shown in which a welded area 1520 is used to tighten or tension the mesh 1502 in a desired manner. When the welded area 1520 is tensioned by a string, it is thought that the welded area 1520 affects the mesh 1502. Specifically, when tension is applied to the welded area 1520, the area or portion of the mesh 1502 located on the opposite side of the applied force is distorted or stretched, while the portion of the mesh 1502 located laterally adjacent to the welded area 1520 and the applied force is not distorted or stretched. Thus, when the welded area 1520 is tensioned, most of the tension is transmitted to the mesh located on the opposite side of the applied force and not to the laterally adjacent mesh 1502. This effect can be utilized to tension shoes in a specific way.

[0083]

[0116] Figure 16A shows a guide component 1510 welded to a mesh 1502 of an article such as a shoe. The welded area 1610 is formed on the mesh 1502 in the shape of an elongated U. The welded area 1610 forms an isolation zone or region 1612 between the opposing sides of the elongated U where the mesh 1502 is not welded together. The welded area 1610 may extend to the bottom of the mesh 1502 or may terminate proximal therefrom as desired. When the guide member 1510 is tensioned, the welded area 1610 is thought to cause tensioning and / or stretching of the isolation zone 1612. The portion of the mesh 1502 located laterally outside the welded area 1610 experiences significantly less tensioning or stretching than the isolation zone 1612, and therefore the welded area 1610 functions similarly to a dividing member that divides the mesh 1502 into tensionable and non-tensionable portions. In such embodiments, when the string is tensioned, the welding area 1610 and the isolation zone 1612 function as independent panels.

[0084]

[0117] Figure 16B shows another embodiment in which a guide component 1510 is welded to the mesh 1502 via a weld that forms a weld area 1520. The weld area 1520 is similar in size and shape to the guide component 1510. As shown in Figure 16C, tensioning of the guide component 1510 via the string 1622 tensions a zone or portion 1620 of the mesh 1502 located immediately opposite the weld area 1520. Figure 16D shows yet another embodiment of the guide component 1510 welded to the mesh 1502 to define a V-shaped weld area 1630. As shown in Figure 16E, tensioning of the guide component 1510 via the string 1622 is considered to tension a zone or portion 1620 of the mesh located immediately opposite the weld area 1630. The tensioned zone or portion 1620 can extend downward through the mesh from both opposing ends or arms of the weld area 1630. Mesh material 1502 located outside the tensioning zone or section 1620 can be tensioned or stretched to a significantly smaller extent than mesh 1502 located within the tensioning zone or section 1620. Therefore, the welding area 1630 can be used to tension the mesh material 1502 in a specific manner as desired.

[0085]

[0118] It should be understood that the configurations in Figures 16A to 16E are merely illustrative and not intended to limit this concept to any one specific configuration. Rather, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various other weld area configurations can be formed to tension the mesh material in a desired manner. In other words, the mesh 1502 can be specifically tensioned by forming a desired weld area 1520 when the guide member 1510 is attached, thereby selectively tensioning a desired portion of the mesh 1502.

[0086]

[0119] Figure 17 shows several guide components 1510 coupled to the mesh material 1704 of the shoe 1700. Specifically, it is shown that two guide components 1510 are coupled to one side of the shoe 1700. Each guide component 1510 is welded to the mesh 1704 to form an elongated U-shaped welded area 1710 that defines the isolation area 1712 as described above. The configuration in Figure 17 results in relatively independent tension or stretching of each isolation zone 1712, which pulls or wraps the mesh 1704 around the foot to fit more snugly. Functionally, the isolation zone 1712 may be similar to an independent strap that will wrap around the user's foot and be pulled tightly.

[0087]

[0120] Each guide component 1510 is operably coupled to a tension member or string 1702, which is operably coupled to a reel-type tightening mechanism 1706. The operation of the tightening mechanism 1706 (i.e., the rotation winding of the knob component) causes the string 1702 to be tensioned, thereby tensioning each of the guide components 1510 and the mesh material 1502 within the isolation zone 1712.

[0088]

[0121] Referring here to Figures 18A to 18C, one embodiment of a guide component 1810 formed by joining a guide member 1802 between two material layers is shown. The guide member 1802 is a tubular section having a hole through which a cord is inserted. The guide member is positioned between the upper material layer 1804 and the lower material layer 1806. The guide member 1802 is typically bent or curved to guide or feed the cord along a desired radius or curvature. In certain embodiments, the guide member 1802 may be formed from a woven sheath material.

[0089]

[0122] The upper material layer 1804 is attached to the lower material layer 1806 so that the guide member 1802 is fixedly positioned between them. The upper material layer 1804 and the lower material layer 1806 may be joined together by adhesive bonding, stitching, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the upper material layer 1804 and the lower material layer 1806 are joined by welding (e.g., thermal, sonic, RF, etc.). Once formed, the guide component 1810 can be attached to an article such as a shoe to form a string path and guide or feed a tension member or string along the string path.

[0090]

[0123] Figure 19 shows the multiple guide components 1810 of Figures 18A–18C attached to the shoe 1900. The guide components 1810 form a lace path around the tongue of the shoe 1900. The lace 1902 is fed or guided along the lace path via the guide components 1810. The lace 1902 is operably coupled to a reel-type tightening mechanism 1904 to tension the lace 1902 when the tightening mechanism 1904 is operated.

[0091]

[0124] Referring here to Figures 20A to 20D, embodiments of a transition component 2000 that can be attached to a shoe or article to provide a transition between parts of a shoe, such as between the shoe upper and the tongue, and / or to conceal or hide a guide located beneath the transition component 2000. The transition component 2000 includes a proximal portion 2004 attached to the shoe upper 2002 near the distal edge of the upper 2002. The proximal end 2004 of the transition component 2000 can be joined to the upper 2002 by suture 2003, adhesive bonding, welding, or other means. In some embodiments, the proximal end 2004 may be folded back at or near the point of joining with the upper 2002.

[0092]

[0125] The transition component 2000 also includes a distal end 2020 positioned on the opposite side of the upper 2002. The transition component 2000 can be folded back (2010) (hereafter, folded end 2010) between the proximal end 2004 and the distal end 2020. In some embodiments, the folded end 2010 may be joined together via suture 2012, adhesive bonding, welding, etc. The distal end 2020 is positioned below the upper 2002 so as to partially or completely cover a cord guide 2006 positioned below the upper 2002 and joined to it. Suture 2012, or other joining, can help maintain the distal end 2020 in a position below the upper 2002 and above the cord guide 2006. The cord guide 2006 includes a loop-shaped end 2008 through which a cord or tension member is inserted. In some embodiments, the distal end 2020 of the transition component 2000 is detached from or unattached to the upper 2002 so that the distal end 2020 floats freely below the upper 2002.

[0093]

[0126] Figure 20B shows a perspective view of the transition component 2000 coupled to the upper 2002. Figure 20B shows the string 2030 positioned through the looped end 2008 of the guide member 2006. Figure 20C shows a bottom perspective view of the transition component 2000. As shown, the transition component 2000 includes a string port 2022 positioned near the folded end 2010. The string 2030 is inserted through the string port 2022 to access the guide member 2006 positioned below the transition component 2000.

[0094]

[0127] Figure 20D shows a transition component 2000 coupled to the shoe 2040. The transition component 2000 is coupled to the opposing upper of the shoe and is positioned to traverse along the opposing eye stays of the shoe. As shown in the detail drawing, the distal end 2020 of the transition component 2000 is positioned between the guide member 2006 and the tongue 2042 of the shoe. The transition component 2000 conceals or hides the guide member 2006 which is located beneath the transition component 2000. Concealment of the guide member 2006 may provide the upper with an attractive appearance or look in a smooth, seamless, uniform, or otherwise manner. The transition component 2000 may also provide a relatively smooth transition between the guide member 2006 and the tongue 2042, thereby reducing friction engagement between the laces 2030 and the tongue 2042 and / or reducing wear between these components.

[0095]

[0128] The transition is achieved by the string 2030 being fed out of the string port 2022 within the transition component 2000, rather than undergoing an abrupt transition from the guide member 2006 to the tongue 2042. The transition component 2000 may be made of a low-friction material to further provide a smooth transition between the guide member 2006 and the tongue 2042. The transition component 2000 can also conceal the guide member 2006 from view, thereby providing a desired smooth appearance of the upper. The transition component 2000 shown in Figures 20A to 20D is particularly useful when the looped end of the guide member 2006 is positioned inside the eye stay edge where the string can be sandwiched between the tongue 2042 and the inner surface of the upper 2002.

[0096]

[0129] Referring now to Figures 21A to 21B, another embodiment of the transition component 2100 is shown. The transition component 2100 is similar to that shown in Figures 20A to 20D in that it includes a proximal end 2004 and a distal end 2020. The proximal end 2004 is coupled to the upper 2002 as previously described. The transition component 2100 also includes a string port 2022 through which the string 2030 is fed. Unlike the transition component 2000 in Figures 20A to 20D, the transition component 2100 in Figures 21A to 21B does not include a folded end 2010. Instead, the distal end 2020 extends laterally outward from the upper 2002. When attached to a shoe (not shown), the distal end 2020 of the transition component 2100 will be located on the tongue of the shoe. The string 2030 slides over the transition component 2100 to access the guide member 2006 and enters the string port 2022. The guide member 2006 can be positioned below the upper 2002 as shown in the figure, or may be positioned above the upper 2002 as desired. The transition component 2100 in Figures 21A-21B is particularly useful when the loop-shaped end of the guide member 2006 is positioned on or near the edge of the eye stay.

[0097]

[0130] Referring here to Figures 22A–22C, another transition component 2200 is shown which may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between parts of the shoe. As shown in Figure 22A, the transition component 2200 is similar to the transition component 2000 in Figures 20A–20D in that the transition component 2200 includes a proximal end 2004, a distal end 2020, and a folded or looped end 2010 positioned between the proximal end 2004 and the distal end 2020. Both the proximal end 2004 and the distal end 2020 are attached to the upper 2002 such that the guide member 2006 is completely enclosed within the transition component 2200. The folded end 2010 may not be joined together with sutures or in any other manner. The distal end 2020 is joined to the inner surface of the upper 2002 and therefore does not need to be held or maintained in place by the joined folded end 2010; thus, suturing or joining of the folded end 2010 may be unnecessary. The distal end 2020 can be attached to the inner surface of the upper 2002 via suture 2021, adhesive bonding, welding, etc. In some cases, a joint 2005 can attach the proximal end 2004 to the upper 2002 near the edge of the upper.

[0098]

[0131] Figure 22B shows a perspective view of the transition component 2200. Figure 22B shows that a lace port 2015 is formed on the folded end 2010 of the transition component 2200. The lace port 2015 provides more direct or linear access to the guide member 2006. Figure 22C shows the transition component 2200 attached to a shoe. The detail view shows the distal end 2020 positioned between the tongue 2042 and the guide member 2006 of the shoe. The distal end 2020, joined by suture 2021 or otherwise, ensures that the distal end 2020 remains positioned between the tongue 2042 and the guide member 2006. The transition component 2200 may conceal or hide the guide member 2006 and / or provide a smooth transition between the tongue 2042 and the guide member 2006, and may be suitable for configurations requiring more direct lace access to the guide member 2006.

[0099]

[0132] Referring here to Figures 23A to 23D, another guide member or component 2300 that can be used to feed or guide a lace or tension member around the shoe is shown. Figures 23A to 23B show that the guide member 2300 is formed by positioning a loop-shaped or folded material strip 2304 (hereinafter referred to as the material guide 2304) within a window or cutout 2306 of the material body 2302. The window 2306 can be cut into the material body 2302 so that its size and shape correspond to the size and shape of the material guide 2304. The proximal end of the material guide 2304 is joined to the inner edge of the material body 2302 via a suture 2308, adhesive bond, welding, etc. In some cases, the proximal end of the material guide 2304 may have a temporary joint 2310 to maintain the material guide 2304 in a folded or loop configuration. The material guide 2304 can be positioned within the window 2306 and coupled to the material body 2302, as shown in the figure, such that the distal end of the material guide 2304 aligns with the distal end of the material body 2302. The material body 2302 may include a plurality of guides positioned along or around the material body in the longitudinal direction, as shown in the figure. Since the material guide 2404 is not positioned on the material body 2302, positioning the material guide 2304 within the window 2306 reduces the overall thickness of the guide member 2300.

[0100]

[0133] Figure 23C shows a cover material 2312 positioned on the guide member 2300 and the material guide 2304. The cover material 2312 conceals or hides the material guide 2304 so that the material guide is not visible from the outside of the cover material 2312. The cover material 2312 may also reinforce the connection between the material guide 2304 and the material body 2302. The cover material 2312 may partially cover the guide as desired (2314) or may completely cover the guide (2316).

[0101]

[0134] Figure 23D shows a guide member 2300 attached to the upper of a shoe 2320. In some examples, the shoe upper functions as a material body 2302, and a material guide 2304 is positioned within a window 2306 formed in the upper. In this case, a cover material 2312 may be positioned on the upper and material guide 2304, and can be attached to the upper to cover and conceal the material guide 2304. In other embodiments, the material body 2302 is attached to the upper material of the shoe 2320.

[0102]

[0135] The guide members 2300 are positioned along the opposing eyelets of the shoe 2320 so that the guide members 2304 can guide or feed the laces 2322 along a path across the tongue of the shoe. The individual guide members 2304 are concealed or hidden from view via a cover material 2312 positioned above the guide members 2300. In some cases, the cover material 2312 may wrap around the eyelets of the shoe and be attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the upper.

[0103]

[0136] Referring here to Figures 24A and 24B, another embodiment of a guide member 2400 that may be used to feed or guide a string around a path is shown. The guide member 2400 includes an outer material body 2402 and an inner material body 2406, with a loop-shaped or folded material guide 2404 positioned between them. The material guide 2404 is positioned relative to the inner material body 2406 such that its proximal end is positioned between the inner material body 2406 and the outer material body 2402, and its distal end protrudes through a slot or channel 2408 within the inner material body 2406. The protrusion of the material guide 2404 through the slot 2408 allows a string (not shown) to access the loop-shaped end of the material guide 2404 and be guided or fed by the loop-shaped end. In some embodiments, the material guide 2404 may be attached to the inner material body 2406 before joining the inner material body 2406 and the outer material body 2402 (2410).

[0104]

[0137] The distal end of the material guide 2404 may be recessed from the distal end of the inner material body 2406, as shown in the figure. This configuration may allow the material guide 2404 to be completely concealed or hidden from view when the guide member 2400 is coupled to the shoe. When in use, the guide member 2400 can be attached to the shoe such that the outer material body 2402 is positioned on the inner surface of the shoe's upper. In this configuration, the inner material body 2406 faces the inside of the shoe, and the material guide 2404 is concealed or hidden from the outside of the shoe via the outer material body 2402. In some embodiments, the outer material body 2402 may be the upper material of the shoe, and the inner material body 2406 and material guide 2404 may be attached directly to the upper. In other embodiments, the guide member 2400 may be positioned so that the material guide 2404 faces the outside of the shoe and is visible from the outside of the shoe.

[0105]

[0138] Referring here to Figures 25A to 25D, embodiments of a cover member that can be positioned over a lace guide to conceal or hide the lace guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the lace guide and the shoe are shown. Figure 25A shows a cover member 2500 having a lower body 2502 and an upper body 2506. As will be described in more detail below, the upper body 2506 is configured to fold back around a fold line 2508 when the cover member 2500 is connected to the shoe over the lace guide. In some examples, the cover member 2500 may have slight cuts on both opposing sides of the cover member 2500 at the fold line 2508. In some cases, the material of the cover member 2500 may be designed to help fold the cover member 2500 around the fold line 2508. For example, to help fold the upper body 2506 around the lower body 2502, the material may be slightly thinned and / or creased along the fold line 2508. The lower body 2502 includes a pair of notches 2504 within the material. The notches 2504 have an arc-shaped or curved shape and are designed to allow the opposing ends of the string guide to protrude from within the cover member 2500.

[0106]

[0139] Figure 25B shows another embodiment 2500' of the cover member, which has substantially the same configuration as the cover member 2500 in Figure 25A, except that the cover member 2500' has a longer lateral length L than the cover member 2500 in Figure 25A. The cover member 2500' of Figure 25B can be used when the string guide has a longer lateral length compared to other string guides.

[0107]

[0140] Figure 25C shows a cover member 2520 comprising a plurality of lower body members 2522 and upper body members 2526. The cover member 2520 can be used when it is desired to cover a plurality of string guides with the same cover member. Similar to the embodiments described above, the cover member 2520 of Figure 25C is configured such that the upper body member 2526 is folded in half around the lower body member 2522 along a fold line 2528. The cover member 2520 may have notches on both sides along the fold line 2528 and / or may include a relief cutout 2532 positioned midway along the lateral length along the fold line 2528. The relief cutout 2532 can help fold the upper body member 2526 around the lower body member 2522 and / or allow debris and waste trapped inside the cover member 2520 to escape.

[0108]

[0141] In some examples, the cover member 2520 may include additional relief cutouts 2530 and / or 2531 positioned between the upper body member 2526 and the lower body member 2522, projecting inward into each body member. The relief cutouts 2530 and / or 2531 can provide additional areas from which trapped filth and debris can escape from within the cover member 2520. The relief cutouts 2530 and / or 2531 may also define the upper and lower body members.

[0109]

[0142] Each lower body member 2522 includes a pair of notches 2524 in a material having an arched or curved shape. The notches 2524 correspond to the shapes of the opposing ends of the string guide and are used to allow the opposing ends of the string guide to protrude outward from the cover member 2520. The notches 2524 of the lower body member 2522 may have similar lateral spacing between each notch, or the lateral spacing may be modified to accommodate the use of string guides of different sizes and shapes. Similarly, the lower body member 2522 and the upper body member 2526 may have similar lateral and / or longitudinal lengths, or variable lateral and / or longitudinal lengths.

[0110]

[0143] Figure 25D shows a cover member 2540 that includes a lower body member 2522 similar to that shown in Figure 25C, but also includes an elongated upper body member 2542. The elongated upper body member 2542 can be used when it is desirable to cover a large portion of the shoe upper, as shown in Figure 27D. As shown, the opposing ends of the elongated upper body member 2542 may have different sizes and / or shapes as desired. The shape and size of the elongated upper body member 2542 can correspond to the shoe upper and / or be designed to provide a desired visual appearance.

[0111]

[0144] Referring here to Figures 26A to 26D, the process of attaching the cover member 2500 to the shoe upper 2602 is shown. Figure 26A shows that a pair of cover members 2500 are initially provided in an unfolded state. The cover member 2500 is aligned with the corresponding lace guide 2600 and the inner surface of the upper 2602. The lace guide 2600 includes a folded material that defines a loop-shaped end into which a lace can be inserted as described herein. In Figure 26B, the lace guide 2600 is positioned relative to the inner surface of the upper 2602 and bonded to it by means of suture, adhesive bonding, welding (e.g., RF, ultrasonic, etc.), mechanical fastening, etc. (2610). As shown, the lace guide 2600 is typically attached to the upper 2602 such that the distal end of the lace guide 2600 is recessed or offset from the distal end of the upper 2602.

[0112]

[0145] In Figure 26C, the cover member 2500 is positioned adjacent to the string guide 2600 and the upper 2602 so that the string guide 2600 is positioned between the upper 2602 and the cover member 2500. The cover member 2500 is typically positioned so that it completely covers the string guide 2600. The opposing ends 2604 of the string guide 2600 are then pulled through a pair of notches 2504 in the lower body member 2502 of the cover member 2500, or otherwise positioned so that the opposing ends 2604 protrude outward from the surface of the cover member 2500. In this way, the opposing ends 2604 of the string guide and the hole or channel for the string positioned between them are exposed and made accessible to the string. The arcuate or curved shape of the notches 2504 allows the opposing ends 2604 of the string guide 2600 to be easily pulled through the notches 2504.

[0113]

[0146] In Figure 26D, the cover member 2500 is folded back along the fold line 2508 on the distal edge of the upper 2602. The cover member 2500 can then be firmly attached to the upper 2602 with the lace guide 2600 covered and hidden beneath the cover member 2500. In some embodiments, the lower body member 2502 can be attached to the upper 2602 first, and then the upper body member 2506 can be attached to the upper 2602. In other embodiments, the upper body member 2506 and the lower body member 2502 can be attached to the upper 2602 simultaneously. The cover member 2500 may be positioned so that the lower body member 2502 and the lace guide 2600 are positioned on the inside of the shoe, or these components may be positioned on the outside of the shoe as desired.

[0114]

[0147] Figures 27A to 27B show a cover member 2520 used to cover the guide member 2300 in Figures 23A to 23B. Figure 27A shows a guide member 2300 having a pair of material guides 2304 positioned within corresponding windows 2306 of a material body 2302. The cover member 2520 includes a number of pairs of notches 2524 positioned around the lower body member 2522 to correspond to the positions of the material guides 2304 of the guide member. The cover member 2520 is also shaped and sized to correspond to the shape and size of the guide member 2300. As previously stated, the upper body member 2526 is configured to fold over or around the lower body member 2522 along the fold line 2528.

[0115]

[0148] Figure 27B shows the cover member 2520 positioned on the guide member 2300. The upper body member 2526 of the cover member 2520 is folded back around the fold line 2528 and positioned on the opposite side of the guide member 2300. The opposing sides 2305 of the material guide 2304 are positioned to protrude through the corresponding pair of notches 2524. As shown, the material guide 2304 is essentially completely covered, concealed, and hidden by the cover member 2520.

[0116]

[0149] Figure 27C shows a perspective view of the cover member 2520 positioned on the guide member 2300. Figure 27C shows that the opposing ends 2305 of the material guide 2304 are accessible due to the opposing ends 2305 being inserted through a corresponding pair of notches 2524. The string is inserted through the opposing ends 2305 and the channel or hole positioned between them. By inserting the opposing ends 2305 through the pair of notches 2524, a bridge or strip of material 2525 is formed or defined on the looped end of the material guide 2304. The cover member 2520 can be used to cover and conceal the material guide 2304 and / or reinforce the attachment of the material guide 2304 to the material body 2302 of the guide member 2300.

[0117]

[0150] Figure 27D shows the cover member 2540 positioned around the shoe so as to cover a plurality of lace guides arranged around the shoe. The cover member 2540 is shown with the upper body member 2542 folded over around the lower body member. The cover member 2540 covers a plurality of guides 2722 positioned on the inner surface of the shoe upper. The cover member 2540 also covers one or more lace guides 2720 positioned on the outer surface of the shoe upper. As shown, the cover member 2540 may cover the inner guides 2722 such that only the opposing ends of the inner guides 2722 protrude from the cover member 2540. In some embodiments, the outer guides 2720 may protrude through slots or channels similar to those shown in Figures 24A-24B. The elongated upper body member 2542 may serve both to conceal the various guides and to provide the shoe with a uniform appearance or look.

[0118]

[0151] Figures 27E to 27J show an embodiment of a tension member guide 2750 similar to those shown in Figures 27A to 27D. The tension member guide 2750 is connectable to an article such as a shoe or other footwear and is configured to orient or feed a tension member around the path of the article. The tension member guide 2750 includes a body or cover member 2752 (hereinafter, cover member 2752) which includes a first end or proximal end 2751 and a second end or distal end 2753. The proximal end 2751 or proximal portion may be connectable to an article such as a shoe or other footwear. When connected to a shoe / footwear, the cover member 2752 is typically positioned along the eye stay of the shoe / footwear as shown in Figure 27J. The distal end 2753 is positioned on the side of the body opposite to the proximal end 2751, and in some embodiments, the distal end 2753 represents a seam or line over which the cover member 2752 folds back. The cover member 2752 also includes a pair of slits or notches 2754 located near the distal end 2753 of the cover member 2752.

[0119]

[0152] The tension member guide 2750 also includes a guide member 2760 having a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The guide member 2760 is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel 2762 into which the tension member 2770 is inserted (see Figures 27I to 27J). The folded guide member 2760 is similar to the material guide 2304 described above. The guide member 2760 can be made from any material described herein or otherwise known in the art, and is typically made from a low-friction material. In certain embodiments, the guide member 2760 has a two-layer structure including a low-friction inner material and a structurally supporting outer layer, as described in various embodiments herein. The cover member 2752 is typically made from a material that is structurally strong and aesthetically pleasing, and may include any material described herein or otherwise known in the art.

[0120]

[0153] The guide member 2760 has a central portion 2761 and two end portions 2763 along its width, the two end portions 2763 positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 2761. The guide member 2760 is positioned on the cover member 2752 so that each end portion 2763 is inserted through one of the slits or notches 2754 as shown in the figure. Once the guide member 2760 is positioned on the cover member 2752 in this way, the two end portions 2763 are positioned on the side of the cover member 2752 opposite to the central portion 2761. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27H, a portion of the cover member 2752 positioned between the pair of slits or notches 2754 covers or is positioned on or over the central portion of the guide member 2760 when the tension member guide 2750 is fully assembled and / or coupled with the article. In Figure 27H, reference numeral 2757 indicates a portion of the cover member 2752 that covers the central portion 2761 of the guide member 2760.

[0121]

[0154] As shown in Figure 27E, in some embodiments, the guide member 2760 may have a proximal end that is wider than its distal end, thereby assisting in coupling the guide member 2760 to the proximal end of the cover member 2752. In some embodiments, the tension member guide 2750 may include only a single guide member 2760 positioned within the cover member 2752. In other embodiments, the cover member 2752 may include an additional pair of slits or notches 2754, as shown in Figure 27E. The cover member may also include a tertiary pair of slits or notches, a quaternary pair of slits or notches, or any other number of slits or notches as desired. In such embodiments, the tension member guide 2750 includes an additional guide member 2760 (or tertiary guide member, quaternary guide member, etc.) positioned on the cover member 2752 such that the end portions 2763 of the additional guide member 2760 are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches 2754 as described herein.

[0122]

[0155] As shown in Figure 27J, when the tension member guide 2750 is coupled to a shoe or other footwear 2780, two end portions 2763 of one or more guide members 2760 can be positioned inside the upper 2782 of the footwear 2780. In some embodiments, when the tension member guide 2750 is coupled to the footwear 2780, one end portion 2763 of one guide member 2760 may be positioned on the outer surface of the upper 2782, while the other end portion 2763 of another guide member 2760 may be positioned on the inner surface of the upper 2782.

[0123]

[0156] As shown in Figure 27F, in some embodiments, a reinforcing member 2774 is attached to the proximal ends of the cover member 2752 and the guide member 2760. The reinforcing member 2774 may be approximately rectangular in shape and may be attached to the proximal end of the guide member 2760 by heat or RF welding, adhesive bonding, sutures, mechanical fastening, etc. The reinforcing member 2774 helps prevent the guide member 2760 from separating from the cover member 2752 by reinforcing the connection or attachment between the guide member 2760 and the cover member 2752.

[0124]

[0157] As shown in Figure 27G, in some embodiments, the cover member 2752 is folded over along the seam or distal end 2753 and over the guide member 2760. In such embodiments, most of the guide member 2760 is sandwiched or positioned between the opposing sides of the cover member 2752. As shown in Figure 27I, the cover member 2752 can then be coupled together to the opposing sides that cover most of the guide member 2760. When coupling the tension member guide 2750 to the footwear 2780, the cover member 2752 may also be folded over the eye-stay edge of the footwear 2780. The coupling of the tension member guide 2750 shown in Figure 27I can illustrate how the tension member guide 2750 is coupled to the footwear 2780 or another article. In particular, the cover member 2752 may be folded along the seam 2753 and then positioned on the footwear 2780 or other article, after which the cover member 2752 may be joined together on the guide member 2760, while the tension member guide 2750 is joined to the footwear 2780 or article. Furthermore, although Figure 27I shows the tension member guide 2750 and / or cover member 2752 being sewn together, in other embodiments the tension member guide 2750 and / or cover member 2752 may be joined together and / or to the footwear 2780 or article via heat or RF welding, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, etc. In certain embodiments, the surface or facet of the cover member 2752 (typically the inner surface of the facet in contact with the upper 2782) includes a material that can be heat-welded to the footwear 2780. The heat-weldable material may be a thin polymer material positioned on the surface or facet of the cover member 2752 so that the cover member 2752 can be heat-welded to the footwear 2780.

[0125]

[0158] A method for connecting the tension member guide 2750 to the footwear 2780 includes providing the tension member guide 2750 having the configuration described herein and connecting the tension member guide 2750 to the footwear 2780 such that the two end portions 2763 are positioned near the eye-stay edges of the footwear 2780. The method also typically includes inserting the tension member 2770 through a loop or channel 2762 of the guide member 2760. The method may further include folding the cover member 2752 over the guide member 2760 such that the guide member 2760, excluding the two end portions 2763, is positioned between the opposing sides of the cover member 2752. In some embodiments, connecting the tension member guide 2750 to the footwear 2780 includes heat welding the surface or face of the cover member 2752 to the footwear 2780. In some embodiments, the tension member 2770 is positioned beneath the cover member 2752 so that the tension member 2770, or most of it, is not visible from the outside. In such embodiments, the visibility of the tension member 2770 and the guide member 2760 can be minimized or made almost nonexistent, thereby giving the shoe 2780 a relatively uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0126]

[0159] In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to configure the shoe so that a more conforming fit is achieved around the user's foot when a reel-type tightening mechanism is operated. As used herein, the term “more conforming fit” means an increased fit of the shoe around the user's foot with respect to conventional shoes where it is difficult to pull or push parts of the shoe, such as near the arch of the foot, into contact with the user's foot. One means of configuring the shoe to achieve an improved fit around the foot is by weaving the material such that the weave pattern causes the material to conform to the shape of the user's foot when the material is tensioned through a tensioning member. In particular, the weave may be selected so that the material moves in a desired manner, such as bending, flexing, or otherwise conforming to the user's foot. The concept of applying a particular weave of the material to achieve the designed movement of the material may be applied to different sections of the shoe so that different, inherent movements of the material are achieved in each of the different sections of the shoe. In this way, the shoe is initially shaped to facilitate wearing, and then the various sections of the shoe can move, flex, bend, or otherwise adapt to the wearer's foot in response to the tension applied by the tension members.

[0127]

[0160] Referring here to Figures 28A to 28C, a shoe 2800 or other footwear is shown in which different parts of the shoe are knitted or woven so that they bend, flex, or move in various specific ways in response to the tension of a tension member. Specifically, the shoe 2800 includes a first knitted or woven section 2802, a second knitted or woven section 2804, a third knitted or woven section 2806, and a fourth knitted or woven section 2808. In other examples, the shoe 2800 may include more or fewer knitted or woven sections as desired. Each of the knitted or woven sections 2802 to 2808 is knitted or woven so that the stretching, bending, or flexing of the knitted or woven material in its respective section responds to tension in a desired designed way. For example, since the first knitted or woven section 2802 is adjacent to the toe cap, it may be desirable to knit or weave the first knitted section 2802 so that, when stretched, section or zone D of the shoe 2800 can experience or achieve greater flexibility or stretch compared to other sections or zones of the shoe 2800. This may allow the toes to move relatively freely and comfortably even when the shoe 2800 is constricted around the user's foot. In contrast, since the third knitted or woven section or the fourth knitted or woven section 2806 and / or 2808 are adjacent to the heel, it may be desirable to knit or weave these sections so that, when stretched, their respective sections or zones B and / or A experience or achieve less stretch or flexibility and more support. Similarly, the second knitted or woven section 2804 may be knitted or woven such that, when the material is stretched, the section or zone C is drawn in so that it makes stronger contact with the instep and / or arch of the foot. This can provide greater support and / or greater comfort and / or an improved feeling to the foot when the shoe 2800 is worn.

[0128]

[0161] The increased support can ensure that the shoe 2800 remains firmly and securely attached to the user's foot without causing discomfort. The support and / or comfort provided in one or more of these compartments may be designed based on the activity being performed, such as participating in sporting events (e.g., basketball, soccer, athletics, etc.) or engaging in outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, walking, cycling, running, etc.). The knitting or weaving of each compartment 2802-2808 can cause the individual compartment to flex, bend, stretch, and move intrinsically to achieve the desired fit. For example, the second knitted or woven compartment 2804 may be knitted or woven such that the compartment or zone C is pulled inward around the shoe in response to tension in the material, thereby increasing contact between the shoe 2800 and the foot. The first knitted or woven compartment 2802 may be somewhat flattened or spread out in response to tension in the material so that the toes do not bunch up inside the shoe and can take a more natural position relative to the foot. The fourth knitted or woven section 2808 and the third knitted or woven section 2806 may be configured such that the material in section or zone A flexes, bends, stretches, or moves forward toward the toe cap, while the material in section or zone B flexes, bends, stretches, or moves backward toward the heel, thereby allowing the ankle and heel to be tightly secured within the shoe 2800. The material in one or both of these zones or sections (i.e., A or B) may similarly be designed to provide stronger support to the ankle when stretched.

[0129]

[0162] Each of the individual knitted or woven sections 2802-2808 is operably coupled to a tightening device or mechanism, which in a preferred embodiment is a reel-type device 2810, but other tightening mechanisms, such as those shown in Figures 34A-34B, may be used alternatively to tension the individual knitted or woven sections 2802-2808. In some embodiments, the reel-type device 2810 is coupled to the individual knitted or woven sections 2802-2808 in a manner that allows the individual knitted or woven sections to be tensioned relatively independently. For example, as shown in Figure 28C, the individual knitted sections 2802-2808 can be coupled independently to the reel-type device 2810 so that the operation of the reel-type device 2810 is independent, and more generally, different, to tension each section. Specifically, the first knitted or woven section 2802 is coupled to the reel-type device 2810 via a first tensioning member or cord 2822. The second knitted or woven section 2804 is connected to the reel-type device 2810 via the second tension member or cord 2824, while the third knitted or woven section 2806 and the fourth knitted section 2808 are connected to the reel-type device 2810 via the third tension member or cord 2826 and the fourth tension member or cord 2828, respectively. The first, second, third, and fourth tension members 2822-2828 are independent of each other and are directly connected to the reel-type device 2810. The operation of the reel-type device 2810 tensions the independent tension members 2822-2828, thereby independently tensioning each knitted section 2802-2808. At this time, each knitted or woven section 2802-2808 is knitted or woven such that the tension of each section provides a different fit, tension, or support to the foot below.

[0130]

[0163] In the embodiment shown in Figure 28C, each of the independent tension members 2822-2828 has a distal end that terminates the shoe 2800 or is fixed to the shoe 2800 so as not to move. For example, the first tension member or string 2822 has a distal end 2823 fixed to the shoe 2800, while the second tension member or string 2824, the third tension member or string 2826, and the fourth tension member or string 2828 each have their respective distal ends (i.e., 2825, 2827, and 2829) fixed to the shoe 2800. Each of the tension members 2822-2828 may form or be fixed in a loop with one or more of the knitted or woven sections 2802-2808 to attach each tension member to its respective knitted or woven section. Figures 33A to 33E show various means by which tension members can be attached to knitted or woven sections.

[0131]

[0164] Referring here to Figures 29A and 29B, other embodiments of compartments that can be used to achieve a desired fitted shoe are shown. In Figure 29A, the shoe 2900 may include several compartments or zones 2902 to 2908, which are configured to move in a unique and different manner in response to tensioning of the compartments or zones. The illustrated compartments or zones 2902 to 2908 are similar to those in Figure 28A, however the material used within the compartments or zones 2902 to 2908 may differ from the knitted or woven material in Figure 28A. For example, elastic or stretchable materials known in the art may be used and may be oriented or positioned around the shoe 2900 so that a desired stretch, flex, or movement of the material is achieved when the material is tensioned. The orientation and / or arrangement of sections or zones 2902-2908 can be designed to provide a desired degree of support and / or comfort when the shoe 2900 is stretched.

[0132]

[0165] Figure 29B shows one embodiment of a shoe 2910 in which a material is included that is designed so that only a portion of the shoe 2910 flexes, bends, stretches, or moves in response to tension applied to the material. The material may be oriented or positioned around a portion or section of the shoe where a fit designed in response to tension applied to the material is desired. For example, the material may be positioned around the instep of the shoe 2910 to increase contact between the shoe 2910 and the foot, such as by pulling the inside of the shoe upper to engage with the arch of the foot. In other embodiments, the material may be positioned around the collar of the shoe 2910 to increase the constriction of the collar around the ankle. The material may include knitted or woven material, elastic non-knitted or woven material, other material, or any combination thereof.

[0133]

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe 2910 includes a first section 2912 positioned near the top of the toe cap and a second section 2922 positioned near the collar of the shoe. Both the first section 2912 and the second section 2922 extend beyond the toe cap or vamp of the shoe 2910 to the sole, although in some embodiments, either or both of the first section 2912 and the second section 2922 may terminate before the sole. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first section 2912 and the second section 2922 extend to the sole of the shoe. The first section 2912 and / or the second section 2922 may extend to the sole outward and / or inward as desired. The second section 2922 includes a tapered or narrowed section 2924 near the sole, which may concentrate the tension and / or fit of the shoe within this area. The tapered or narrow section 2924 is operably coupled to a tension member (not shown). In contrast, the first section 2912 includes a first finger or projection 2914 and a second finger or projection 2916 that extend near the sole of the shoe. The extended section can distribute the tension and / or fit of the shoe over a wider area. The first finger or projection 2914 and / or the second finger or projection 2916 can be operably attached to a tension member (not shown) as desired. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the narrow and wide sections can be reversed from the arrangement shown in Figure 29B. The first section 2912 and / or the second section 2922 may be loosely attached or coupled to each other as shown, or they may be completely separated from each other.

[0134]

[0167] Referring here to Figures 30A to 31D, various means by which material compartments can be attached to a reel-type device are shown. The term “material compartment” as used in relation to Figures 30A to 31D refers to the ends of knitted or woven compartments, elastic compartments, etc., as described above and shown in Figures 28A to 29B. In some embodiments, the material compartment may be attached to a tension member that is directly coupled to the reel-type device, and in other embodiments, the material compartment may be attached to a tension member that is indirectly coupled to the reel-type device. The illustrated attachment means can be used in any embodiment described herein in which the reel-type device is used to tension multiple compartments or parts of a shoe simultaneously. In most embodiments, the distal end of the material compartment is positioned within the sole of the shoe, and the tension member is attached to or coupled to the material compartment within the sole of the shoe. The tension member is also typically fed into the reel-type device within the sole of the shoe, and therefore the distal ends of the material compartment and tension member are typically concealed from external view. However, in other embodiments, the distal end of the material compartment and / or tension member may be positioned and / or directed to a location other than within the sole of the shoe.

[0135]

[0168] In Figure 30A, the first material compartment 3002 is attached to the first tension member 3003, the second material compartment 3004 is attached to the second tension member 3005, and the third material compartment 3006 is attached to the third tension member 3007. Each tension member (3003, 3005, and 3007) is sent to a reel-type device 3009 and attached directly to it. Therefore, the operation of the reel-type device 3009 simultaneously and directly tensions each of the tension members (3003, 3005, and 3007), and the tension members directly tension their respective material compartments (3002, 3004, and 3006). In this way, the operation of the reel-type device 3009 directly tensions each material compartment.

[0136]

[0169] In Figure 30B, a single tension member 3010 is used to tension each material compartment. The single tension member 3010 is operably coupled to each material compartment of the reel-type device and shoe. To attach the single tension member 3010 to each material compartment, the tension member 3010 branches into smaller subcompartments that lead to each respective material compartment. For example, as shown in Figure 30B, the single tension member 3010 branches into a first subcompartment 3012, a second subcompartment 3014, a third subcompartment 3018, and a fourth subcompartment 3021, although more or fewer subcompartments can be used as desired. The first subcompartment 3012 is led to and attached to the material compartment as shown, and the second subcompartment 3014, the third subcompartment 3018, and the fourth subcompartment 3021 are each further branched or divided into secondary subcompartments. Specifically, the second sub-compartment 3014 is further divided or branched into secondary sub-compartments 3015 and 3016, each of which is guided and mounted to a material compartment as shown. The third sub-compartment 3018 is further divided or branched into secondary sub-compartments 3019 and 3020, each of which is guided and mounted to a material compartment as shown, and the fourth sub-compartment 3021 is further divided or branched into secondary sub-compartments 3022 and 3023, each of which is guided and mounted to a material compartment as shown. In some examples, secondary sub-compartments may be further divided or branched into tertiary sub-compartments, which are guided and mounted to a material compartment, or further divided and branched as needed. In some embodiments, a single tension member 3010 may include a bundle of tension members that are divided or separated so as to form various sub-compartments, secondary sub-compartments, tertiary sub-compartments, and so on. The divided or branched tension members allow a single tension member 3010 to be mounted on a reel-type device and used to tension each material compartment simultaneously. This configuration can make it more feasible to mount various material compartments by minimizing or preventing problems associated with multiple tension members mounted on a reel-type device, such as entanglement of various tension members.

[0137]

[0170] Figures 30C to 30D show embodiments in which material compartments are indirectly attached to a reel-type device. In Figure 30C, each material compartment (e.g., 3032, 3034, etc.) is attached to a tensioning member (e.g., 3033, 3035, etc.) connected to a centrally positioned tensioning rod or member 3050. The tensioning rod / member 3050 is attached to a second tensioning member 3040 which is operably mounted to a reel-type device 3042. When the second tensioning member 3040 is tensioned via the reel-type device 3042, the tensioning rod / member 3050 slides toward the heel of the shoe, thereby positioning the tensioning members (e.g., 3033, 3035, etc.) within the sole of the shoe to tension the respective material compartments (3032, 3034, etc.) to which they are attached. Tensioning members (e.g., 3033, 3035, etc.) tension each material section (3032, 3034, etc.) by pulling the material section inward toward the tensioning rod / member 3050. In this way, the material sections (3032, 3034, etc.) are indirectly tensioned by the reel-type device 3042 due to the sliding of the tensioning rod / member 3050 within the sole of the shoe. Figure 30C shows an embodiment in which only one side of the shoe has material sections operably attached to the tensioning rod / member 3050. Figure 30D shows an embodiment in which both sides of the shoe (e.g., 3052 and 3054) have material sections operably attached to the tensioning rod / member 3050. By connecting both sides of the shoe to the tensioning rod / member 3050 as shown in Figure 30D, the forces acting on the tensioning rod / member 3050 can be balanced, thereby making this configuration more feasible.

[0138]

[0171] Figure 31A shows one embodiment of how a material section 3102 is joined or attached to a tension member 3104. In the illustrated embodiment, the material section 3102 is formed from various individual fibers or strands, which is common when the material section 3102 is composed of knitted or woven material. The individual fibers or strands forming the material section 3102 are bundled together, woven, or interwoven to form the tension member 3104. Thus, the tension member 3104 is not a separate and different component attached to the material section 3102, but rather formed from the same fibers or strands as the material section 3102, thereby the material section 3102 and the tension member 3104 are integrated or different forms of the same material. In other words, the tension member 3104 is a cord or rope-like material, and the material section 3102 is the unwoven or uninterwoven fibers or strands of the tension member 3104. By connecting the material section 3102 and the tension member 3104 in this manner, damage between the material section 3102 and the tension member 3104 can be eliminated or minimized, and / or the responsiveness of the material section 3102 due to tension applied by the tension member 3104 can be improved.

[0139]

[0172] Figures 31B to 31D illustrate various means by which the material compartments 3102 and tension members 3104 can be operably coupled to the reel-type device 3110. In Figure 31B, multiple tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c), each individually attached to its respective material compartment (i.e., 3102a, 3102b, and 3102c), are directly coupled to the reel-type device 3110. Thus, the operation of the reel-type device simultaneously and directly tensions each of the tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c), and the tension members tension their respective material compartments (i.e., 3102a, 3102b, and 3102c). In Figure 31C, each of the tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, 3104c, and 3104d) is directly attached to a tension rod / member 3150, which is operably coupled to a reel-type device 3110 via a second tension member 3140. Thus, each material section (i.e., 3102a, 3102b, and 3102c) is indirectly tensioned by the reel-type device 3110. The second material section 3102b is shown coupled to two tension members 3104b and 3104c, and this configuration can be used in any embodiment as desired.

[0140]

[0173] Figure 31D shows an embodiment similar to Figure 31B, except that several tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c) are each individually coupled to a secondary tension member 3162 via a coupling component 3160. The coupling component 3160 may be a ferrule, clamp, lock, or other device or component useful for attaching a cord, cable, twisted thread, rope, or thread to another cord, cable, twisted thread, rope, or thread. The secondary tension member 3162 is then attached to the reel-type device 3110. The use of the secondary tension member 3162 may allow the use of thicker tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c) without the need to directly attach them to the reel-type device 3110. Rather, a thinner secondary tension member 3162 is attached to the reel-type device 3110, which facilitates the coupling of the tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c) to the reel-type device 3110 and / or facilitates the operation of the reel-type device 3110. In some embodiments, the coupling component(s) 3160 can attach the tension members (i.e., 3104a, 3104b, and 3104c) to a single secondary tension member 3162.

[0141]

[0174] Referring here to Figure 32, a front cross-sectional view of the shoe 3200 is shown, which shows the distal ends of the material compartment 3202 and tension member 3204 located within the sole of the shoe 3200. Specifically, the material compartment 3202 and tension member 3204 are positioned within a channel 3210 formed in the sole of the shoe 3200. The material compartment 3202 and tension member 3204 can slide or move within the channel 3210, thereby allowing the material compartment 3202 to be tensioned in response to tension applied by the tension member 3202, both within the channel 3210 and outside the sole. As described herein, the tension member 3204 may be directly attached to a reel-type device or indirectly attached to a reel-type device via some intermediate component such as a tension rod / member.

[0142]

[0175] Referring here to Figures 33A to 33E, various embodiments that may be used to attach a material compartment to a tension member are illustrated. In Figure 33A, a plurality of loop-shaped ends 3206 are woven, woven, or otherwise formed within the distal end of a material compartment 3202. A tension member 3204 is inserted through the loop-shaped ends 3206, thereby tensioning the material compartment 3202 in response to tensioning by the tension member 3204. In Figure 33B, the tension member 3204 is inserted directly through the distal end of the material compartment 3202. The tension member 3204 may be woven or fed through the distal end of the material compartment 3202, and / or the material compartment 3202 may have multiple layers, and the tension member 3204 may be inserted between the multiple layers. In Figure 33C, a grommet 3226 is positioned at the distal end of the material compartment 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through an opening in the grommet 3226. In Figure 33D, a guide component 3236, similar to those currently used to guide or orient the tension member around the shoe, is woven, braided, or otherwise positioned within the distal end of the material compartment 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through the guide component 3236. In Figure 33E, a tube compartment 3246 is woven, braided, or otherwise positioned within the distal end of the material compartment 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through a channel or hole in the tube compartment 3246.

[0143]

[0176] Figures 34A and 34B show alternative tightening mechanisms that may be used to tension the tension member 3303, which tensions each material section as described herein. The alternative tightening mechanisms replace the reel-type device as the source of force for tensioning the tension member. The configuration of the material sections and / or the means by which the material sections are attached to the tightening mechanism may remain the same as in any of the embodiments described herein. In Figure 34A, a pull cord member 3302 is coupled to the tension member 3303. The pull cord member 3302 can be pulled by the user to tension the tension member 3303. In Figure 34B, an electric unit 3304 is attached to the shoe and the tension member (not shown). The electric unit 3304 is configured to tension the tension member. The electric unit 3304 can be actuated or operated using a control device 3306.

[0144]

[0177] While several embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and / or combinations of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, reconfigured, altered, or adjusted. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged, and / or the various described components may be used in any embodiment that they are not currently described or used in. Thus, it should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific configurations and / or component structures described herein.

[0145]

[0178] Furthermore, it should be understood that any viable combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also disclosed. Moreover, whenever features are not discussed with respect to embodiments of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will be notified that certain embodiments of the invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby providing support for unfavorable limitation of patent claims.

[0146]

[0179] While several embodiments have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, many well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0147]

[0180] When a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that, unless otherwise explicitly indicated in the context, each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of that range, up to one-tenth of the lower limit, is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated or intermediate value within the stated range and any other stated or intermediate value within that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included in or excluded from the range, and each range that includes either limit, does not include either limit, or includes both limits is also encompassed within the invention, depending on any specifically excluded limits within the stated range. If one or both limits are included in the stated range, the range excluding either or both of those included limits is also included.

[0148]

[0181] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include multiple referents unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the context. For example, a reference to "one process" includes multiple such processes, and a reference to "the device" includes one or more devices and their equivalents known to those skilled in the art.

[0149]

[0182] Furthermore, as used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” are intended to specify the presence of a described feature, integer, component, or step, but not to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, actions, or groups.

Claims

1. The sole and The upper attached to the sole, The first weaving section and An upper including a second fabric section different from the first fabric section, At least one reel-type closing device, A first tensioning member operably coupled to the at least one reel-type closure device and the first fabric section, which is tensioned by the operation of the at least one reel-type closure device and stretches, bends or flexes the first fabric section around a first portion of the wearer's foot, The device comprises the at least one reel-type closure device and the second fabric section, which are operably coupled to the second fabric section and which are tensioned by the operation of the at least one reel-type closure device, and which stretch, bend or flex the second fabric section around the second portion of the wearer's foot, The first fabric section and the second fabric section are configured to stretch, flex, or bend to different degrees around the wearer's feet. footwear.

2. The upper further includes a third fabric section different from the first fabric section and the second fabric section, The third fabric section is operably coupled to the at least one reel-type closing device and is configured to stretch, bend or flex to a different degree than the first and second fabric sections. Footwear according to claim 1.

3. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first fabric section and the second fabric section are configured to stretch, bend, or flex in their own way by the operation of the at least one reel-type closing device.

4. The first tension member is fixed to one or more parts of the first fabric section, The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the second tension member is fixed to one or more portions of the second fabric section.

5. The first tension member is fixed to the first fabric section via a guide. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the second tensioning member is fixed to the second fabric section via a guide.

6. The first tension member is fixed to the distal end of the first fabric section. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the second tension member is fixed to the distal end of the second fabric section.

7. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the distal ends of the first tensioning member and / or the second tensioning member terminate at or are fixed to the footwear.

8. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first tension member and the second tension member are guided through at least a portion of the sole.

9. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the footwear is a shoe.

10. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are coupled to a single string or fastening element, and the string or fastening element is further operably coupled to the at least one reel-type closure device.

11. The sole and An upper attached to the sole, which includes at least one fabric section, At least one reel-type closing device, The device comprises a tension member operably coupled to the at least one reel-type closure device and the at least one fabric section, which is tensioned by the operation of the at least one reel-type closure device and which stretches, bends or flexes the at least one fabric section relative to the upper and around the wearer's foot, footwear.

12. The at least one fabric section is the first fabric section, and the tension member is the first tension member. The aforementioned upper further, A second weaving section different from the first weaving section, The system further includes a second tensioning member operably coupled to the at least one reel-type closure device and the second fabric section, which is tensioned by the operation of the at least one reel-type closure device and causes the second fabric section to stretch, bend or flex around the wearer's foot, The footwear according to claim 11, wherein the first fabric section and the second fabric section are configured to stretch, flex, or bend to different degrees around the wearer's foot.

13. The first tension member is fixed to the first fabric section via a guide. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the second tensioning member is fixed to the second fabric section via a guide.

14. The first tension member is fixed to the distal end of the first fabric section. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the second tension member is fixed to the distal end of the second fabric section.

15. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the first tension member and the second tension member are guided through at least a portion of the sole.

16. The footwear according to claim 12, wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are coupled to a single string or fastening element, and the string or fastening element is further operably coupled to the at least one reel-type closure device.

17. The footwear according to claim 11, wherein the footwear is a shoe.

18. To provide footwear, said footwear is The sole and The upper, which is attached to the sole and includes at least one fabric section, At least one reel-type closing device is attached to the footwear, The at least one reel-type closure device and the at least one fabric section and tension member are operably coupled, the operation of the at least one reel-type closure device applies tension to the tension member, causing the at least one fabric section to stretch, flex or bend relative to the upper and around the wearer's foot, A method for manufacturing footwear.

19. The at least one fabric section is the first fabric section, and the tension member is the first tension member. The upper further includes a second fabric section different from the first fabric section, The above method further, The process involves operably connecting the at least one reel-type closing device and the second fabric section and the second tension member, such that the operation of the at least one reel-type closing device applies tension to the second tension member, causing the second fabric section to stretch, bend or flex around the wearer's foot, Includes, The method according to claim 18, wherein the first fabric section and the second fabric section are configured to stretch, flex, or bend to different degrees around the wearer's foot.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the footwear is a shoe.

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