Tension member guide for lacing systems

Abstract

To provide a closing or fastening system, device and method for closing and / or fastening an article.SOLUTION: A tension member guide that is configured to direct or route a tension member about a path of an article includes a cover member and a guide member that is partially covered by the cover member. The cover member is attachable to the article and includes a pair of slits or incisions. The guide member is folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel within which the tension member may be inserted. The guide member is positioned in relation to the cover member so that opposing end portions of the loop or channel are inserted through the slits or incisions such that the opposing end portions are positioned on an opposite side of the cover member from a remainder of the guide member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 370,032, entitled "Tension Member Guides of a Lacing System," filed August 2, 2016. The entire disclosure of that provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002]

[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to closure or fastening systems, devices, and methods for closing and / or fastening an article, and in particular to guides or components used to route 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, a reel-type mechanism can be used to close or fasten footwear. The knob of the reel-type mechanism is typically coupled to a spool that includes a channel around which the lace is wound when the knob is rotated by a user. The reel-type mechanism may include engaging teeth or another ratchet-type mechanism that prevents counter-rotation of the spool and / or knob. A tension member is typically attached to the reel-type mechanism such that rotation of the knob by a user causes tensioning of the tension member. The tension member is typically routed along the path of the article through one or more guide members, such as eyelets in conventional footwear. Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] The embodiments described herein provide various tension member guides that can be utilized to direct or route tension members or laces around the path of an article and to or from a tightening mechanism. According to one aspect, the tension member guide can include a body and a guide member. The body can be connectable to an article, such as footwear, and can include a pair of slits or notches. The guide member can be folded back along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted. The looped guide member can have a central portion and two end portions disposed on opposite sides of the central portion. The guide member can be positioned on the body such that each end portion of the two end portions is inserted through one of the pair of slits or notches, with the two end portions positioned on opposite sides of the body from the central portion. The body can be folded back over the guide member such that the guide members other than the two end portions are positioned between the opposite sides of the body. A reinforcing member can be attached to the body and the proximal end of the guide member.

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

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

[0007] The method may also include inserting the tension member through a loop or channel in the 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 opposite sides of the body. The method may further include heat-welding a surface or face of the body to the footwear. The tension member guide may also include a reinforcing member attached to the body and the proximal end of 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 an additional guide member may be positioned on the body so that the opposing end portions of the additional guide member are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches.

[0008] According to another aspect, a tension member guide includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a longitudinal length and a lateral width, and the second member is folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The looped 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] The folded second member may be longitudinally shorter 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 may not be folded over the looped end of the second member. The second member may be folded over such that opposing longitudinal ends of the second member are longitudinally offset from one another. The first member may comprise a material heat-weldable to the article. The second member may comprise an outer material and an inner material, the outer material configured to provide structural support and the inner material configured to provide a low-friction surface. In some embodiments, the tension member guide also includes a third member, the third member positioned over the proximal end of the second member such that the proximal end of the second member is disposed between the first and third members.

[0010] A method for coupling a tension member guide to an article, such as a shoe or footwear, includes providing a tension member guide and coupling the tension member guide to the article. The tension member guide includes a first member having a longitudinal length and a lateral width, and a second member folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop or channel. The looped 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] The method may also include inserting a tension member through the loop or channel of the folded second member and / or heat welding the first member to the article. The first member may not be folded over the looped end of the second member, and / or the tension member guide may also include a third member positioned over the proximal end of the second member such that the proximal end of the second member is disposed between the first and third members.

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

[0013] The body of material can include a plurality of channels, and the reinforcing material can be distributed among the plurality of channels such that the density of the reinforcing material in the plurality of channels is greater near a central portion of the body of material. The increased density of the reinforcing material near the central portion of the body of material can cause the tension member guide to exhibit increased flexure or curvature toward the opposing end portions of the body of material in response to tensioning of the tension member. A low-friction material can be positioned on the inner surface of the loops or channels of the folded body of material.

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

[0015] The body of material may include a plurality of channels, and the reinforcing material may be distributed among the plurality of channels such that the density of the reinforcing material in the plurality of channels is greater near a central portion of the body of material compared to opposite end portions of the body of material. The body of material may be formed from a woven material.

[0016]

[0016] The present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 10A-10C illustrate string guides that can be used to route or direct tension members or strings around the path of an article. [Figure 1B] 10A-10C illustrate string guides that can be used to route or direct tension members or strings around the path of an article. [Figure 2A] 10A-10C illustrate additional string guides that can be used to route or direct the tension member or string around the path of the article. [Figure 2B] 10A-10C illustrate additional string guides that can be used to route or direct the tension member or string around the path of the article. [Figure 2C] 10A-10C illustrate additional string guides that can be used to route or direct the tension member or string around the path of the article. [Figure 3A] 2B shows the lace guide of FIG. 2A attached to a shoe upper. FIG. [Figure 3B] 2B shows the lace guide of FIG. 2A attached to a shoe upper. FIG. [Figure 4A] 10A-10C illustrate a lace guide configured to facilitate reduced frictional engagement between the lace guide and a lace inserted therethrough. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C illustrate a lace guide configured to facilitate reduced frictional engagement between the lace guide and a lace inserted therethrough. [Figure 4C]10A-10C illustrate a lace guide configured to facilitate reduced frictional engagement between the lace guide and a lace inserted therethrough. [Figure 5] 10A-10C illustrate various string guide configurations that may be utilized to achieve a desired tensioning of the article. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a string guide with a string inserted therethrough to be guided and directed thereby. [Figure 7] 10A-10C illustrate the effect of frictional engagement between a string and a string guide along the string path of an article. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram of an article fitted with a string guide having a designed degree of stretch or elasticity. [Figure 9] 9 shows the string guide of FIG. 8 stretched or tensioned due to tensioning of the string. [Figure 10A] 10A-10C show a string guide configured for easy and quick attachment to an item. [Figure 10B] 10A-10C show a string guide configured for easy and quick attachment to an item. [Figure 10C] 10A-10C show a string guide configured for easy and quick attachment to an item. [Figure 11A] 10A-10C illustrate a string guide that exhibits a designed flex or stretch in response to string tension. [Figure 11B] 10A-10C illustrate a string guide that exhibits a designed flex or stretch in response to string tension. [Figure 11C] 10A-10C illustrate a string guide that exhibits a designed flex or stretch in response to string tension. [Figure 12] 10A-10C illustrate components that allow the string guide to be quickly and easily attached to an article. [Figure 13A] 13A-13C illustrate various embodiments for attaching the components of FIG. 12 to an article. [Figure 13B] 13A-13C illustrate various embodiments for attaching the components of FIG. 12 to an article. [Figure 13C]13A-13C illustrate various embodiments for attaching the components of FIG. 12 to an article. [Figure 13D] 13A-13C illustrate various embodiments for attaching the components of FIG. 12 to an article. [Figure 14] 10A-10C illustrate exemplary positioning of a guide member within an article. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 illustrates a guide component that can be welded or attached directly to the mesh material of the article. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 illustrates a guide component that can be welded or attached directly to the mesh material of the article. [Figure 16A] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments in which welded areas of the guide components are utilized to clamp or tension the mesh of the article in a desired manner. [Figure 16B] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments in which welded areas of the guide components are utilized to clamp or tension the mesh of the article in a desired manner. [Figure 16C] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments in which welded areas of the guide components are utilized to clamp or tension the mesh of the article in a desired manner. [Figure 16D] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments in which welded areas of the guide components are utilized to clamp or tension the mesh of the article in a desired manner. [Figure 16E] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments in which welded areas of the guide components are utilized to clamp or tension the mesh of the article in a desired manner. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 illustrates several guide components coupled with a mesh material of a shoe. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 illustrates a guide component formed by bonding a guide member between two layers of material. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 illustrates a guide component formed by bonding a guide member between two layers of material. [Figure 18C] FIG. 10 illustrates a guide component formed by bonding a guide member between two layers of material. [Figure 19] 18A-18C attached to a shoe. FIG. [Figure 20A] 10A-10C illustrate transition components that can be attached to an article to provide a transition between portions of the article and / or to hide guides positioned below the transition component. [Figure 20B] 10A-10C illustrate transition components that can be attached to an article to provide a transition between portions of the article and / or to hide guides positioned below the transition component. [Figure 20C] 10A-10C illustrate transition components that can be attached to an article to provide a transition between portions of the article and / or to hide guides positioned below the transition component. [Figure 20D] 10A-10C illustrate transition components that can be attached to an article to provide a transition between portions of the article and / or to hide guides positioned below the transition component. [Figure 21A] 10A-10C illustrate 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 portions of an article. [Figure 21B] 10A-10C illustrate 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 portions of an article. [Figure 22A] 10A-10C illustrate 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 portions of an article. [Figure 22B] 10A-10C illustrate 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 portions of an article. [Figure 22C] 10A-10C illustrate 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 portions of an article. [Figure 23A]10A-10C illustrate alternative guide members that may be used to route or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 23B] 10A-10C illustrate alternative guide members that may be used to route or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 23C] 10A-10C illustrate alternative guide members that may be used to route or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 23D] 10A-10C illustrate alternative guide members that may be used to route or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 24A] 10A-10C illustrate alternative guide members that may be used to route or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 24B] 10A-10C illustrate alternative guide members that may be used to route or guide a tension member around an article. [Figure 25A] 10A-10C illustrate a cover member that may be positioned over the string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 25B] 10A-10C illustrate a cover member that may be positioned over the string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 25C] 10A-10C illustrate a cover member that may be positioned over the string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 25D] 10A-10C illustrate a cover member that may be positioned over the string guide to conceal or hide the string guide and / or to reinforce the connection between the string guide and the article. [Figure 26A] 25B is a diagram showing a process of attaching the cover member of FIG. 25A to the upper of a shoe. [Figure 26B] 25B is a diagram showing a process of attaching the cover member of FIG. 25A to the upper of a shoe. [Figure 26C] 25B is a diagram showing a process of attaching the cover member of FIG. 25A to the upper of a shoe. [Figure 26D]25B is a diagram showing a process of attaching the cover member of FIG. 25A to the upper of a shoe. [Figure 27A] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27B] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27C] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27D] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27E] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27F] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27G] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27H] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27I] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 27J] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments of tension member guides that may be coupled with an article to direct or route the tension member around the path of the article. [Figure 28A] 10A-10C illustrate a shoe in which different portions of the shoe are knitted or woven to flex, bend, or move in response to tensioning of a tension member. [Figure 28B] 10A-10C illustrate a shoe in which different portions of the shoe are knitted or woven to flex, bend, or move in response to tensioning of a tension member. [Figure 28C] 10A-10C illustrate a shoe in which different portions of the shoe are knitted or woven to flex, bend, or move in response to tensioning of a tension member. [Figure 29A] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of knit or woven sections of a shoe that can be utilized to achieve a desired custom shoe fit. [Figure 29B] 10A-10C illustrate embodiments of knit or woven sections of a shoe that can be utilized to achieve a desired custom shoe fit. [Figure 30A] 10A-10C illustrate various ways in which knitted or woven sections of material can be attached to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 30B] 10A-10C illustrate various ways in which knitted or woven sections of material can be attached to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 30C] 10A-10C illustrate various ways in which knitted or woven sections of material can be attached to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 30D] 10A-10C illustrate various ways in which knitted or woven sections of material can be attached to a reel-type tensioning device. [Figure 31A] 10A-10C illustrate various methods of attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tension members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 31B] 10A-10C illustrate various methods of attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tension members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 31C] 10A-10C illustrate various methods of attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tension members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 31D] 10A-10C illustrate various methods of attaching knitted or woven sections of material to tension members and / or reel-type tensioning devices. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of a shoe with the knit or woven material section and the distal end of the tension member positioned within the sole of the shoe. [Figure 33A]10A-10C illustrate various embodiments for attaching sections of knitted or woven material to tension members. [Figure 33B] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments for attaching sections of knitted or woven material to tension members. [Figure 33C] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments for attaching sections of knitted or woven material to tension members. [Figure 33D] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments for attaching sections of knitted or woven material to tension members. [Figure 33E] 10A-10C illustrate various embodiments for attaching sections of knitted or woven material to tension members. [Figure 34A] 10A-10C illustrate alternative tightening mechanisms that may be used to tension the tension members. [Figure 34B] 10A-10C illustrate alternative tightening mechanisms that may be used to tension the tension members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018]

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference numeral label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a letter that distinguishes between the similar components and / or features. When 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 letter suffix.

[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 will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

[0020]

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

[0021]

[0054] The guides are typically positioned near an opening in the article, such as on opposite sides of an eyestay, to direct, route, or guide the tension member along and / or across the opening. The guides can be made from a low-friction material that minimizes frictional engagement between the tension member and the guide. The guides described herein are typically formed from a fabric or webbing-type material that is folded over to form a loop. The tension member is inserted into the loop, and the loop functions to guide or direct the tension member around a path. Further details of the guide members are described in more detail 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 a user to tension the laces. Exemplary embodiments of reel-based closure devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 098,276, entitled "Reel Based Lacing System," filed April 29, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 328,521, entitled "Closure Devices Including Incremental Release Mechanisms and Methods Therefor," filed July 10, 2014; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 623,362, entitled "Reel Based Lacing System," filed November 20, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0023]

[0056] In another embodiment, the tightening mechanism is a motorized device or mechanism that tensions the tensioning member or string. Exemplary embodiments of motorized mechanisms that may be used to tension the string 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 other embodiments, the tightening mechanism may be a pull-cord device configured to be grasped and pulled by a user to tension the lace. Exemplary pull-cord devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 166,799, filed Jan. 28, 2014, entitled "Lace Fixation Assembly and System," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For ease of describing various embodiments herein, the tightening mechanism will generally be referred to as a "reel assembly" or "reel closure device."

[0025]

[0058] 1A-1B, two string guides that may be used to route or direct a string 101 around a path are shown. FIG. 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 unitary fabric material. Tensioning the string 101 causes opposite ends 103 of the string guide 102 to flex and bend as shown. Because the string guide 102 is made from a single or unitary material, tension applied or provided to the string guide 102 by the string 101 is concentrated near the ends 103, as indicated by tension vector T. As shown, tension T is greatest at the ends 103 of the string guide 102 and decreases toward the center of the string guide 102. Because tension T is greatest near the ends 103 of the string guide 102, the string guide 102 may experience significantly more wear near the ends 103. The increased tension T experienced near the ends 103 may also cause the string guide 102 to pinch, gather, or compress inward to some degree, as shown.

[0026]

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1B, the tension T applied to the string guide 108 can be more uniform if the string guide 108 is formed with varying elasticity between both ends 103. Varying elasticity can be achieved by forming the string guide of varying elastic materials or sections. Specifically, FIG. 1B shows the string guide 108 having an intermediate material or section 110 (hereinafter, intermediate section 110), a first end material or section 112 (hereinafter, first end section 112), and a second end material or section 114 (hereinafter, second end section 114). The elasticity of the intermediate section 110 differs from one or both of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114. Typically, the intermediate section 110 is less elastic, stretchable, or flexible (i.e., more rigid) than either the first end section 112 or the second end section 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. As such, 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 tensioning of the string 101. In this manner, the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 act as buffer or transition regions between the ends 103 and the intermediate section 110 of the string guide 108. As a result, tension T is more uniform across the string guide 108 and less concentrated at the opposing ends 103 compared to conventional string guides 102. The uniform tension profile reduces wear and increases the lifespan of the string guide 108.

[0027]

[0060] In some embodiments, the intermediate section 110 of the string guide 108 is made from a different material than one or both of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114. For example, the intermediate section 110 may be made from a material having significantly less elasticity than either or both of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114. The first end section 112 and the second end section 114 may be made from materials having similar elasticity. In such embodiments, the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 may flex, stretch, or deform in a similar amount or manner in response to tension in the string 101. In other embodiments, the first end section 112 may be made from a different material and / or a material having a different elasticity than the second end section 114. In such embodiments, the flexion, stretch, or deformation of the first end section 112 may be different 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 an embodiment, only the second end section 114 may stretch, flex, or deform 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 second end section include Lycra®, spandex, nylon blended with elastane, etc., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Teflon®, vulcanized rubber, etc.

[0028]

[0061] The first end section 112, the middle section 110, and the second end section 114 are formed such that the lace guide 108 is a single, unitary guide rather than three separate guides or materials positioned adjacent to one another. The single, unitary lace 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 middle section 110. In this manner, the elastic material of the first end section 112 and the second end section 114 can be integrally formed with the less elastic material of the middle section 110. In other embodiments, the first end section 112 and / or the second end section 114 can be separate layers of material from the middle section 110. In such embodiments, the separate layers of material can be bonded to a common backing via heat compression, RF or sonic welding, or the like.

[0029]

[0062] In yet other embodiments, 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 may be created or configured by varying the weave or pattern of the material. For example, the intermediate section 110 may have a relatively tight weave or pattern of material, 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 stretch or flex more even if the lace guide 108 is made entirely from a single material.

[0030]

[0063] The middle section 110 can also help prevent the string guide 108 from bunching toward the center of the guide. For example, the less flexible material of the middle section 110 can reinforce the guide 108 and help counteract the inward forces exerted on the opposing ends 103 due to tensioning the string 101. The middle section 110 may be designed to counteract such forces by weaving the material in a designed manner and / or by selecting an appropriate material that can withstand compressive forces. Reducing bunching of the guide 108 can help maintain a uniform tension T laterally across the guide 108.

[0031]

[0064] 4A-4C, one embodiment of a lace guide 400 is shown that is configured to facilitate reduced frictional engagement between the lace guide 400 and a lace inserted therethrough. The lace guide 400 may be a lace guide made from a single material, such as lace guide 102 in FIG. 1A, or may be a lace guide made from multiple materials or sections, such as lace guide 108 in FIG. 1B. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the lace guide 400 having a middle 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 previously described.

[0032]

[0065] Using a more elastic material, such as the lace guide 108 of FIG. 1B, can increase the frictional engagement between the lace and the lace guide due to increased deformation or stretch of the elastic material. To counteract this increased frictional engagement, or simply to reduce the frictional engagement of any lace guide, the lace 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 lace guide 400 between the opposing ends. In other embodiments, the low-friction material 408 can extend outward from the opposing ends of the lace guide 400, or can terminate short of the opposing ends such that the low-friction material 408 is completely enclosed within the lace guide 400 between the opposing ends.

[0033]

[0066] The low-friction material 408 typically extends 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 the lace guide is coupled or attached to a shoe. For example, FIG. 4C shows that when the guide 400 is folded back on itself, the thickness Z is reduced due to the low-friction material 408 not stretching to the point where the opposing surfaces of the material meet (i.e., near point 112). This configuration can also reduce the amount of low-friction material needed, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and / or increasing manufacturability. In other embodiments, the low-friction material 408 can extend 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 or bonded to the inner surface of the string guide 400. As shown in FIG. 4C , the low-friction material 408 is positioned so that it is centrally located within a loop 410 formed in the string guide 400. The low-friction material 408 extends substantially or nearly completely around the loop 410 formed in the string guide 400 so as to directly contact the string (not shown) positioned within the loop 410 of the string guide 400. In this manner, the string contacts and slides against and along the low-friction material 408 rather than against and along the intermediate section 404, first end section 402, and / or second end section 406. Because the low-friction material 408 has a lower coefficient of friction than any of the intermediate section 404, first end section 402, or second end section 406, frictional engagement between the string and the string guide 400 is significantly reduced. Exemplary materials that can be used for the low friction material 408 include polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), polypropylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (Dyneema®), and the like.

[0035]

[0068] 4C, the low-friction material 408 terminates short of a seam or bond line 412, which represents the line point where the lace guide 400 is attached to footwear or another article. In this manner, the thickness Z of the lace guide 400 at the seam or bond line is reduced or minimized.

[0036]

[0069] 6, there is shown a string guide 602 through which a string 604 is inserted to be guided and directed thereby. As shown when the string 604 is tensioned, a force F lace1 is applied to one end of string 604, and a force F lace2is applied to the opposite end of the string 604. Tensioning the string 604 causes frictional engagement between the string 604 and the string guide 602. The frictional force exerted between the string 604 and the string guide 602 may be a dynamic force that depends 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 instances, the frictional force may be more comparable to a frictional drag force than a traditional frictional force experienced between two solid objects. The frictional engagement between the string 604 and the string guide 602 is expressed as F Drag The force F lace2 is the force F of the string 604 and the string guide 602. lace1 and friction engagement F Drag is essentially equivalent to

[0037]

[0070] The frictional engagement F between the string 604 and the string guide 602 Drag This can cause a "load" of lace tension at the distal portion or end of the lacing system. For example, with brief reference to FIG. 7, when lace 704 is tensioned, it can slide through lace guides 706 and 708 located in the upper portion of the lacing path as the lace urges opposing eyestays together. Lace 704 similarly slides through lace guides 710 and 712 positioned in the middle portion of the lacing path and through lace guides 714 and 716 positioned in the lower portion of the lacing path, although lace 704 slides to a lesser extent through each of these guides due to loss of lace tension as a result of frictional engagement with the respective lace guides.

[0038]

[0071] As a user flexes their foot within the footwear by walking, running, bending, etc., the tongue of the footwear typically flexes forward to engage the upper portion of lace 704, i.e., the portion of lace 704 located near guides 706 and 708 positioned within the upper portion of the lace path. As a result, tension in the lace temporarily increases, causing lace 704 to slide through each of guides 706-716. In some examples, opposing eyestays near the upper portion of the lace path may flex outward, while opposing eyestays near the lower portion of the lace path are pulled inward, resulting in the opposing eyestays assuming a V-shape or other non-parallel shape, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0039]

[0072] Due to the frictional engagement between the lace 704 and the lace guides 706-716, the lace tension along the lace path may not be able to equalize and / or return to a relatively uniform state, and therefore the lace tension may become trapped or trapped in the lower portion of the footwear. For example, the frictional engagement F between the lace 704 and the lace guides 706-716 Drag is a function of string tension, so that a temporary increase in string tension in the lower portion of the string path increases the frictional engagement F between the string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716. Drag The increased frictional engagement F between the lace 704 and the lower lace guides 714 and 716 Drag may affect the ability of the string to slide within the lower string guides 714 and 716, thereby locking or maintaining 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 that the string 704 slides within the lower string guides 714 and 716 toward the upper string path and string guides, the frictional engagement F between the string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716 will Drag An increase in may result in sliding within the lower lace guides 714 and 716 in the opposite direction (i.e., away from the upper lace paths and lace guides) by an amount X minus Y (i.e., XY), where Y represents some nominal non-zero amount.

[0040]

[0073] As a result, the length of string L between the lower string guides 714 and 716 is shortened by an amount corresponding to Y, resulting in an increase in string tension between the lower string guides 714 and 716. In other words, the length L represents the difference between the amount of string sliding through the lower string guides 714 and 716 toward the upper string guides 704 and 706 due to increased string tension (i.e., X) and the amount of string that slides back or through the lower string guides 714 and 716 when string tension is released (i.e., XY). The inability of string 704 to slide back through the lower string guides 714 and 716 when tension is released is due to the frictional engagement F between string 704 and the lower string guides 714 and 716. Drag This is due to an increase in

[0041]

[0074] As the above process repeats due to repeated running, walking, flexing, bending, etc. of the foot, the lace length L between the lower lace guides 714 and 716 may continue to decrease, resulting in a continuous increase in lace tension and shoe tightness adjacent this portion of the lace 704. A similar effect, although typically less dramatic, may occur at the intermediate lace guides 710 and 712, which may result in opposing eyestays having a V-configuration or non-parallel shape, as shown in FIG.

[0042]

[0075] The effect of this process may be that greater string tension is locked, captured, or maintained in the lower portion of the string path compared to the upper portion of the string path. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the lower portion of the string path may experience Z pounds of string tension, while the middle portion of the string path may experience Y pounds of string tension and the upper portion of the string path may experience X pounds of string tension. In some instances, 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 instances, Y pounds and X pounds may be relatively the same, or Z pounds may be significantly greater than X pounds and / or Y pounds.

[0043]

[0076] In shoes and other footwear, the above-described process results in pinching, tightening, or constricting the lower portion of the lace path around the user's foot, typically located near the toe cap, and therefore, the user may experience some degree of discomfort after an extended period of time when wearing such shoes or footwear.

[0044]

[0077] The above problems can be reduced or eliminated by utilizing lace guides with a designed amount of stretch. As a result of the designed stretch, a certain amount of lace tension causes the guide to stretch longitudinally rather than sliding the lace through the guide. As a result, due to temporary tensioning of the lace, the lace and guide system can experience less sliding of the lace through the guide and / or more stretching of the guide compared to conventional guides. This can reduce lace tension retention in lower portions of the lace path, such as adjacent to the toe box.

[0045]

[0078] 8 shows a diagram of 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 an upper portion of the lace path, a second pair of lace guides 802b positioned in an intermediate portion of the lace path, and a third pair of lace guides 802c positioned in a lower portion of the lace path. The first set of lace guides 802a has a stretch S (represented by spring element 804a) that allows the shoe to move freely. a The second string guide set 802b is configured or designed to have or exhibit an extension S b The third string guide set 802c is configured or designed to have or exhibit an extension S (represented by spring element 804b) and the third string guide set 802c is configured or designed to have or exhibit an extension S (represented by spring element 804c). c The device is configured or designed to have or exhibit the following characteristics:

[0046]

[0079] FIG. 9 shows the lace guides with their designed stretch (i.e., guides 802a-802c) stretched due to tensioning of lace 810. The tensioning of lace 810 can be temporary tensioning due to walking, running, jumping, or various other activities after the lace is initially tensioned via a reel-type device or other tensioning mechanism. The temporary tensioning can cause the shoe tongue to open or spread in response to the foot moving within the shoe. The spreading or spreading of the tongue subjects first lace guide set 802a to a load or tension of A pounds, which causes first lace guide set 802a to elastically stretch by an amount ΔX. The spreading or spreading of the tongue similarly subjects second lace guide set 802b and third lace guide set 802c to loads or tensions of B pounds and C pounds, respectively, which causes each guide to elastically stretch by an amount ΔY and ΔZ, respectively.

[0047]

[0080] The elastic stretch of the second string guide set 802b and / or the third string guide set 802c is typically less than the elastic stretch of the first string guide set 802a, but the stretch of any string guide can be designed to exhibit a desired stretch. The elastic stretch of the string guides 802a-802c significantly reduces slippage or sliding of the string 810 through their respective string guides. Rather than the string sliding through the guides, the string guides 802a-802c elastically stretch as string tension increases, particularly instantaneous and temporary string tension. In this way, dynamic changes in string tension are regulated by the aforementioned friction force F. Drag The energy is transferred and stored as spring or elastic energy within the guide, rather than as a force.

[0048]

[0081] Even when lace tension is dynamically adjusted, such as in response to a user's foot moving within the shoe, the elastic stretching of lace guides 802a-c results in a more parallel lace path, as shown in Figure 9. The elastic stretching of lace guides 802a-c also significantly reduces the slippage of the laces through the bottom set of lace guides (i.e., 802c), resulting in less lace tension getting stuck or trapped in the lower portion of the lace path adjacent the toe box, which may increase comfort for the user while wearing the shoe.

[0049]

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

[0050]

[0083] While FIG. 9 shows a lace path utilizing three sets of guides with designed stretch, 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 stretch of the lace guides to lock lace tension in a desired area. For example, the laces can be initially tensioned a desired amount in one portion of the shoe, and the lace tension can be locked or maintained in that portion of the shoe via elastic stretch of the lace guides. For example, lace guides with a desired designed stretch can be utilized in the mid-portion of the shoe to isolate the lace tension in the lower portion of the shoe from the upper portion of the shoe. Stretching of the lace guides can ensure that the lace tension in the upper portion of the shoe is not transferred to the lower portion of the shoe, and vice versa. Elastic lace guides can be utilized in various configurations with non-elastic lace guides as desired to achieve any desired fit and / or performance of the shoe.

[0051]

[0084] 2A-2C, an embodiment of a lace guide 200 that can be utilized in a shoe is shown. The lace guide 200 can be similar to any of those described herein, such as by utilizing a lower-friction inner surface or liner. As shown in FIG. 2A, the lace guide 200 includes an elongated body. The elongated body can have a designed stretch as described above. In some embodiments, the designed stretch can vary along the longitudinal length of the guide 200, such as by being more flexible or more rigid near the lace 202.

[0052]

[0085] The lace guide 200 is designed to be attached to a shoe along its longitudinal length to achieve a designed effect. For example, the lace guide 200 can be attached to a 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 described in FIGS. 3A-3B . FIG. 2B shows that the lace guide 200 can be coupled to a shoe such that the main body of the lace guide 200 is positioned below the shoe upper 210 and the distal end of the lace guide 200 protrudes through a slit or opening 214 in the upper 210. FIG. 2C shows that multiple lace guides 200 can be attached to a shoe in the manner shown in FIG. 2B . This configuration can be utilized so that the majority of the lace guide 200 remains hidden from view.

[0053]

[0086] 3A-3B, lace guide 200 is shown attached to shoe upper 210. FIG. 3B illustrates the interior surface of upper 210 and various points at which lace guide 200 can be attached to the interior surface of upper 210. Specifically, FIG. 3B illustrates first attachment point 212a, second attachment point 212c, and third attachment point 212b, as previously described. Attaching lace guide 200 at one of various points affects how lace guide 200 functions. For example, if lace guide 200 is attached to upper 210 at first attachment point 212a, the elastic stretch of lace guide 200 is reduced and / or the force of lace guide 200 against upper 210 is applied closer to the shoe tongue. In contrast, if the lace guide 200 is attached to the upper 210 at the second lace attachment point 212b, the elastic stretch of the lace guide 200 is significantly greater and / or the force of the lace guide 200 against the upper 210 is applied closer to the sole of the shoe.

[0054]

[0087] Unlike the illustration in Figure 2B, lace guide 200 is shown in Figures 3A-3B as being disposed entirely beneath upper 210. In this configuration, laces 202 extend from lace guide 200 through slits 214 in upper 210. The configuration in Figures 3A-3B ensures that lace guide 200 is completely hidden from view, which may be visually appealing or desirable among some users.

[0055]

[0088] FIG. 5 illustrates various lace guide configurations that can be utilized to achieve a desired tension in an article such as a shoe. For example, a relatively short lace guide 502 can be utilized when minimal mounting space is available and / or little or no tension in the lace guide is desired. In other embodiments, an elongated lace guide 504 can be utilized when significantly greater tension 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 its upper portion can be utilized. This lace guide 506 can be utilized when it is desirable to distribute the closing force laterally around the shoe, particularly around the bottom portion of the guide 506. In yet other embodiments, the lace guide 508 can have an inverted hourglass configuration with a middle section that is wider than either the top or bottom sections. This configuration can be utilized when it is desirable to tension the middle portion of the shoe.

[0056]

[0089] 10A-10C, one embodiment of a tension member guide or lace guide 1000 (hereinafter, lace guide 1000) is shown that is configured to be easily and quickly attached to an article, such as a shoe, and configured to direct or route a tension member or lace around a path of the article. The lace guide 1000 includes a first material member or inner member 1004 (hereinafter, inner member 1004), a second material member or intermediate member 1006 (hereinafter, intermediate member 1006), and a third material member or outer member 1002 (hereinafter, outer member 1002). The inner member 1004 includes a longitudinal length, a lateral width, a first surface positionable against the article, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The intermediate member 1006 is typically positioned between and coupled to the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004, although in some embodiments, the outer member 1002 may be omitted. The intermediate member 1006 functions as a component of the string guide 1000 that contacts the string (not shown) and guides or routes the string along the path of the article. Because the intermediate member 1006 operatively contacts or engages the string, the intermediate member 1006 is typically made from a material that has less friction than 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 FIG. 4A. The outer material layer may be a harder or stiffer material than the inner material layer to reinforce or structurally support the inner material layer. The inner material layer may be a low-friction material that engages and directly contacts the laces. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer material layer may be a nylon material and the inner material layer may be a Teflon material. 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 blend material layer.

[0058]

[0091] In any embodiment, the intermediate member 1006 is sandwiched between and coupled to the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004. The intermediate member 1006 is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a lace can be inserted. The looped intermediate member 1006 has a middle portion and two end portions along its width, which are located 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 in the longitudinal direction than the outer and inner members as shown. This configuration allows the proximal end of the lace guide 1000 to be thinner than the distal end of the lace guide 1000. Specifically, FIG. 10C shows a side profile of the lace guide 1000, illustrating that the proximal end of the lace guide 1000 has a thickness T1 that is significantly thinner than the thickness T2 of the distal end of the lace guide 1000. The intermediate member 1006 may be positioned between the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 such that opposing ends of the intermediate member 1006 are offset from one another, as shown. This configuration provides a gradual transition, rather than an abrupt transition, between the thicker distal end T2 and the thinner proximal end T1. As shown, when the intermediate member 1006 is coupled to 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] FIG. 10B shows the assembled components of the string guide 1000. As shown, the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 typically do not extend beyond or fold over the intermediate member 1006, leaving the top or looped end of the intermediate member 1006 exposed. In this configuration, the intermediate member 1006, the component of the string guide 1000 that directly contacts and guides / routes the string, may not be obstructed by the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004. Thus, when the string is tensioned, the intermediate member 1006 can freely flex, bend, adjust, or conform to the string. 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 bond line formed via stitching 1008. In other embodiments, the outer member 1002 and inner member 1004 can extend partially or completely over the middle member 1006, as desired. In some embodiments, the top end of the outer member 1002 can be positioned proximal to the top or looped end of the middle member 1006. The top end of the inner member 1004 can be substantially flush with the top or looped end of the middle member 1006.

[0060]

[0093] Because the lace guide 1000 is made from several components, the various components may be initially attached together using sutures 1008. The sutures 1008 may be inserted through the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004, as well as through a proximal portion of the middle member 1006. In other embodiments, the various components may be initially joined by welding (heat, RF, sonic, etc.), adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or other known methods. The proximal ends of the outer member 1002 and the inner member 1004 may similarly be attached by suturing, welding, bonding, etc.

[0061]

[0094] The inner surface 1010 of the inner member 1004 is configured to easily and quickly couple with 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 be quickly attached to an article via heat welding, sonic welding, adhesive bonding, etc. In certain embodiments, the lace guide 1000 may be attached to the inner surface of a shoe upper (not shown) by positioning the inner surface 1010 of the inner member 1004 against the inner surface of the upper and welding the two surfaces together. Specifically, the inner surface 1010 may include a TPU material that allows the guide 1000 to be heat welded to the surface of the 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 routing or guiding string around the article. In some embodiments, the intermediate member 1006 may be configured to more evenly distribute string tension as described herein.

[0063]

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

[0064]

[0097] 11A-11C, one embodiment of a tension member guide or string guide 1100 (hereinafter, string guide 1100) exhibiting a designed flex or extension is shown. The string guide 1100 is configured to direct or route a tension member or string around an article path. The designed flex of the string guide 1100 is achieved 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 body of material of the string guide 1100. The string guide 1100 is woven to form the individual channels or holes 1102 within the body of material. Weft yarns or fabric strands form walls 1104 in the fabric body, which separate each of the individual channels 1102. 11A-11C show lace guide 1100 having eight separate channels, ie, channels 1102a-1102h, it should be understood that more or fewer channels 1102 may be formed as desired.

[0065]

[0098] As shown in FIG. 11C , the body of material of the string guide 1100 is folded between the proximal and distal ends to form a loop or channel into which a tension member or string 1110 (hereinafter, string 1110) can be inserted. The looped end of the body of material has a central portion and opposing end or end portions located on opposite sides of the central portion as shown. 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 curve and conform to the string 1110 as the string is tensioned, resulting in a more even distribution of string tension across the width of the string guide 1100.

[0066]

[0099] The increased flexibility of the opposing ends is achieved by stuffing or disposing a reinforcing material (e.g., fibers) within at least one channel 1102, or more generally, within the various channels 1102, of the body of material of the string guide. The reinforcing material functions to reinforce the channels 1102 of the string guide 1100 in which the reinforcement is disposed. FIG. 11B shows that fibers or fiber bundles 1106 are inserted to various degrees into some or all of the channels 1102 of the string guide. The stiffness of an individual channel 1102 increases as the number of fibers 1106 inserted within the channel, i.e., the fiber density within the channel, increases. In other words, as more fibers 1106 are disposed within a channel, the flexibility of the individual channel decreases. This is because the inserted fibers function to reinforce the respective channel, thereby increasing the stiffness and decreasing the flexibility of the respective channel. As shown in FIG. 11B , the lace 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 fibers 1106 arranged together). The two channels immediately adjacent to the central channel (i.e., channels 1102c and 1102f) may have a slightly lower fiber density, and the next two immediately 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 channels. In this manner, the fiber density of the individual channels may gradually decrease laterally from the central portion of the lace guide 1100. As a result, when the lace 1110 is tensioned, the lace guide 1100 can flex and conform laterally outward from the central portion of the lace guide 1100 in a designed manner. The engineered flex or curvature can be designed to distribute string tension evenly laterally across the string guide 1100, which can significantly reduce string wear on the guide.

[0067]

[0100] Fibers 1106 are typically positioned within the channels 1102 during weaving or formation of the lace guide 1100. FIG. 11A illustrates a representative embodiment of fibers that may be positioned within the lace guide 1100. Specifically, FIG. 11A illustrates that four fibers or fiber bundles may be positioned within the two central channels (1102d and 1102e), three fibers / fiber bundles may be positioned within the immediately adjacent channels (1102c and 1102f), two fibers may be positioned within the next laterally adjacent channel (1102b and 1102g), and the two laterally outermost channels (1102a and 1102h) may not contain any fibers. The embodiment of FIG. 11A is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the lace guide 1100 to any particular configuration. Rather, as one skilled in the art will recognize, channel placement and fiber density can be varied as desired to achieve a desired flex or curvature of the guide in response to lace tension.

[0068]

[0101] Increasing the fiber density toward the central portion of the string guide 1100 also helps prevent the string guide 1100 from bunching toward the center of the guide. For example, because the central channels are "packed" with more fiber, 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 the individual channels 1102a-1102h can be designed to counteract the inward compressive force and / or to provide a curvature or flexure of the guide as desired. Reduced bunching of the guide 1100 and / or the designed flexure / curvature can help maintain a uniform tension or load laterally across the guide 1100.

[0069]

[0102] In some instances, the inner surface of the string guide 1100 may include a low-friction material that reduces 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 of FIGS. 4A-4C in which a low-friction material is positioned within the looped end of the guide 1100.

[0070]

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

[0071]

[0104] Referring now to FIG. 12 , one embodiment of a component 1200 is shown that allows a lace guide to be quickly and easily attached to an article, such as a shoe. The 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. Opposite ends of the guide member 1210 are attached to the attachment member 1202 via stitching 1214, adhesive bonding, welding (e.g., RF, heat, sonic, etc.), or other attachment methods. The inner surface 1204 of the attachment member includes a material that aids in coupling the attachment member 1202 to the article. For example, the inner surface 1204 of the attachment member 1202 may include TPU or another material that aids in heat welding the attachment member 1202 to the article. The inner surface 1204 may also include a pressure- and / or heat-sensitive material that aids in coupling the component 1200 to the article.

[0072]

[0105] The attachment member 1202 provides a larger surface area that distributes 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 become detached from the article. In some embodiments, the surface opposite the inner surface 1204 (i.e., the outer surface) includes the attachment material. In such embodiments, the inner surface 1204 may not include the attachment material. The component 1200 can be manufactured as separate, individual units that can be individually positioned around the article and coupled thereto to form a string path around the article.

[0073]

[0106] 13A-C show various embodiments for attaching component 1200 to an article, such as a shoe. FIG. 13A shows one embodiment in which component 1200 is attached to article 1300. Article 1300 includes a pair of lace ports 1302 through which laces 1304 are inserted. Component 1200 is positioned on the inner surface of article 1300 so that it is not visible from the outside of the article. The inner surface 1204 of attachment component 1202 is coupled to the inner surface of article 1300 such that guide member 1210 is sandwiched between the inner surface of article 1300 and the inner surface 1204 of attachment member 1202. In other embodiments, the outer surface (not numbered) of attachment member 1202 can be attached to the inner surface of the article such that guide member 1210 does not contact the inner surface of article 1300.

[0074]

[0107] Component 1200 is positioned around article 1300 such that looped end or edge 1220 is recessed from edge 1310 of article 1300. Ideally, loop edge 1220 is positioned such that, when tensioned, the natural curvature of string 1304 causes string 1304 to be approximately centered through string port 1302 as shown. Positioning component 1200 in this manner reduces frictional engagement between string 1304 and string port 1302. Specifically, this configuration reduces or prevents string 1304 from rubbing against the top, bottom, or side edges of string port 1302.

[0075]

[0108] FIG. 13B shows the component 1200 positioned within the article 1300 so that the loop edge 1220 is closer to the leash port 1302. Specifically, the loop edge 1220 is positioned adjacent to the centerline 1306 of the leash 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 leash port 1302. In other embodiments, the loop edge 1220 may be substantially coincident with the centerline 1306 of the leash port 1302. In some embodiments, an edge or corner of the guide member 1210 may be visible through the leash port 1302. In either embodiment, the component 1200 should be positioned within the article 1300 so that the leash 1304 is approximately centered within the leash port 1302 when the leash 1304 is tensioned. The configuration of FIG. 13B may be particularly useful when the leash 1304 is highly flexible or bendable.

[0076]

[0109] 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 from the centerline 1306 by a distance X2, which is large enough to position the component far away from the string port 1302. As with the previous embodiment, the component 1200 is ideally positioned such that when tensioned, the string 1304 is approximately centered through the string port 1302. The configuration of FIG. 13C may be particularly useful for strings that are less flexible and therefore require a greater distance to flex, bend, or curve through the guide member 1210.

[0077]

[0110] FIG. 13D shows the attachment 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 the guide member 1210 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the shoe 1350 and the inner surface 1204 of the attachment component 1200. The shoe 1350 includes multiple attachment components 1200 disposed around the shoe 1350 to guide the lace 1304 as it is positioned along a path around the shoe 1350. FIG. 13D shows the lace 1304 in a tensioned state, with the loop edge 1220 positioned near the centerline of the lace port 1302. In this state, the lace 1304 is approximately centered through the lace port 1302 to minimize frictional engagement between the lace 1304 and the lace port 1302. In an untensioned state, the loop edge 1220 may be recessed from the centerline of the string port 1302.

[0078]

[0111] 14, an ideal positioning of the guide member 1402 within the article 1410 is shown. Specifically, the guide member 1402 is positioned such that the distal edge 1406 of the guide member 1402 is approximately centered relative to the string port 1412 when the string 1404 is tensioned. 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 relative to the upper material of the article 1410. This configuration helps to approximately center the string 1404 through the string port 1412 when the string is tensioned, thereby reducing frictional contact or engagement of the string 1404 with the string port 1412 and the article 1410.

[0079]

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

[0080]

[0113] The attachment members 1514 are coupled to the mesh 1502. The attachment members 1514 are typically welded (e.g., heat welded, sonic welded, RF welded, etc.) to the mesh material 1502, although various other forms of attachment are possible, such as adhesive bonding. When the attachment members 1514 are welded to the mesh 1502, a welded region is formed, indicated by the cross-hatched section 1520 in FIG. 15A (hereinafter, the welded region 1520). The weld makes the welded region 1520 significantly stiffer or more rigid than the unwelded mesh 1502. The welded region 1520 defines a non-stretched region or portion of the mesh 1502, which can be utilized to tension or tighten the article as described herein below.

[0081]

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

[0082]

[0115] 16A-16E, an embodiment is shown in which a welded region 1520 is utilized to tighten or tension a mesh 1502 in a desired manner. When the welded region 1520 is tensioned by a lace, it is believed that the welded region 1520 affects the mesh 1502. Specifically, when tension is applied to the welded region 1520, the region or portion of the mesh 1502 opposite the applied force will distort or stretch, while the welded region 1520 and the portion of the mesh 1502 laterally adjacent to the applied force will not distort or stretch. In this manner, when the welded region 1520 is tensioned, the majority of the tension is transferred to the mesh opposite the applied force and not to the laterally adjacent mesh 1502. This effect can be utilized to tension a shoe in a unique manner.

[0083]

[0116] FIG. 16A shows a guide component 1510 welded to a mesh 1502 of an article such as a shoe. The weld region 1610 is formed on the mesh 1502 in the shape of an elongated U. The weld region 1610 forms an isolation zone or region 1612 between opposing sides of the elongated U where the mesh 1502 is not welded together. The weld region 1610 may extend to the bottom of the mesh 1502 or terminate proximally therefrom, as desired. When the guide component 1510 is tensioned, the weld region 1610 will cause tensioning and / or stretching of the isolation zone 1612. Portions of the mesh 1502 located laterally outward of the weld region 1610 will experience significantly less tensioning or stretching than the isolation zone 1612; therefore, the weld region 1610 functions similarly to a dividing member, dividing the mesh 1502 into tensionable and non-tensionable portions. In such an embodiment, when the strap is tensioned, the welded area 1610 and isolation zone 1612 function similarly to a separate panel.

[0084]

[0117] FIG. 16B shows another embodiment in which a guide component 1510 is welded to a mesh 1502 via a weld that forms a weld region 1520. The weld region 1520 is similar in size and shape to the guide component 1510. As shown in FIG. 16C, tensioning the guide component 1510 via strings 1622 tensions a zone or portion 1620 of the mesh 1502 immediately opposite the weld region 1520. FIG. 16D shows yet another embodiment of a guide component 1510 that is welded to the mesh 1502 to define a V-shaped weld region 1630. As shown in FIG. 16E, tensioning the guide component 1510 via strings 1622 will tension a zone or portion 1620 of the mesh immediately opposite the weld region 1630. The tensioned zone or portion 1620 can extend downward through the mesh from opposite ends or arms of the weld region 1630. Mesh material 1502 positioned outside of tension zone or portion 1620 may be tensioned or stretched significantly less than mesh 1502 positioned within tension zone or portion 1620. Thus, weld regions 1630 may be utilized to inherently tension mesh material 1502 in a desired manner.

[0085]

[0118] 16A-16E are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the concept to any one particular configuration. Rather, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that a variety of other weld area configurations can be formed to tension the mesh material in a desired manner. In other words, the mesh 1502 can be inherently tensioned by forming the desired weld areas 1520 when attaching the guide member 1510, thereby selectively tensioning desired portions of the mesh 1502.

[0086]

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

[0087]

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

[0088]

[0121] 18A-18C, one embodiment of a guide component 1810 is shown formed by bonding a guide member 1802 between two layers of material. The guide member 1802 is a tube section having a hole through which the string is inserted. The guide member is positioned between an upper layer of material 1804 and a lower layer of material 1806. The guide member 1802 is typically bent or curved to guide or route the string 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 such that the guide member 1802 is fixedly positioned therebetween. The upper material layer 1804 and the lower material layer 1806 may be joined together via adhesive bonding, stitching, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper material layer 1804 and the lower material layer 1806 are joined via welding (e.g., heat, sonic, RF, etc.). Once formed, the guide component 1810 can be attached to an article such as a shoe to form a lace path and to guide or route a tension member or lace along the lace path.

[0090]

[0123] Figure 19 shows multiple guide elements 1810 of Figures 18A-18C attached to a shoe 1900. The guide elements 1810 form a lace path around the tongue of the shoe 1900. A lace 1902 is routed or guided along the lace path through the guide elements 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] 20A-20D , there are shown embodiments of a transition component 2000 that can be attached to a shoe or article to provide a transition between portions of the shoe, such as between the shoe upper and tongue, and / or to hide or conceal a guide located below the transition component 2000. The transition component 2000 includes a proximal portion 2004 that is attached to the shoe upper 2002 near a distal edge of the upper 2002. The proximal end 2004 of the transition component 2000 can be joined to the upper 2002 by stitching 2003, adhesive bonding, welding, or other methods. In some embodiments, the proximal end 2004 can be folded back at or near the point of attachment to 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 may be folded 2010 between the proximal end 2004 and the distal end 2020 (hereinafter, the folded end 2010). In some embodiments, the folded end 2010 may be joined together via stitching 2012, adhesive bonding, welding, or the like. The distal end 2020 is positioned below the upper 2002 so as to partially or completely cover a lace guide 2006 positioned below and joined to the upper 2002. The stitching 2012, or other attachment, can help maintain the distal end 2020 in a position below the upper 2002 and above the lace guide 2006. The lace guide 2006 includes a looped end 2008 through which a lace or tension member is inserted. In some embodiments, the distal end 2020 of the transition component 2000 is separate or unattached from the upper 2002 such that the distal end 2020 floats freely below the upper 2002 .

[0093]

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

[0094]

[0127] FIG. 20D shows transition component 2000 coupled to shoe 2040. Transition component 2000 is coupled to opposing upper sections of the shoe and positioned transversely along opposing eyestays of the shoe. As shown in the detail view, distal end 2020 of transition component 2000 is positioned between guide member 2006 and tongue 2042 of the shoe. Transition component 2000 conceals or hides guide member 2006 located below transition component 2000. Concealing guide member 2006 may provide a smooth, seamless, uniform, or otherwise attractive appearance to the upper. Transition component 2000 may also provide a relatively smooth transition between guide member 2006 and tongue 2042, thereby reducing frictional engagement between lace 2030 and tongue 2042 and / or reducing wear between these components.

[0095]

[0128] The transition is achieved by routing lace 2030 out of lace port 2022 within transition component 2000 rather than undergoing an abrupt transition from guide member 2006 to tongue 2042. Transition component 2000 may be made from a low-friction material to further provide a smooth transition between guide member 2006 and tongue 2042. Transition component 2000 may also hide guide member 2006 from view, thereby providing a sleek appearance to the upper that may be desirable. Transition component 2000 of FIGS. 20A-20D is particularly useful when the looped end of guide member 2006 is positioned inside the eyestay edge where lace may be sandwiched between tongue 2042 and the inner surface of upper 2002.

[0096]

[0129] 21A-21B, another embodiment of a transition component 2100 is shown. The transition component 2100 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 20A-20D in that the transition component 2100 includes a proximal end 2004 and a distal end 2020. The proximal end 2004 is coupled to the upper 2002 as described above. The transition component 2100 also includes a lace port 2022 through which the laces 2030 are routed. Unlike the transition component 2000 of FIGS. 20A-20D, the transition component 2100 of FIGS. 21A-21B does not include a turned-up 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 rest on the tongue of the shoe. Laces 2030 slide over transition component 2100 and into lace ports 2022 to access guide member 2006. Guide member 2006 can be positioned below upper 2002 as shown, or may be positioned above upper 2002 as desired. Transition component 2100 of FIGS. 21A-21B is particularly useful when the looped end of guide member 2006 is positioned at or near the eyestay edge.

[0097]

[0130] 22A-22C , another transition component 2200 is shown that may be used to conceal or hide a guide member and / or to provide a relatively smooth transition between portions of a shoe. As shown in FIG. 22A , transition component 2200 is similar to transition component 2000 of FIGS. 20A-20D in that transition component 2200 includes a proximal end 2004, a distal end 2020, and a folded or looped end 2010 positioned between proximal end 2004 and distal end 2020. Both proximal end 2004 and distal end 2020 are attached to upper 2002 such that guide member 2006 is completely enclosed within transition component 2200. Folded end 2010 need not be sewn or otherwise joined together. Stitching or bonding of the folded end 2010 may not be necessary because the distal end 2020 is bonded to the inner surface of the upper 2002 and therefore does not need to be held or maintained in place by the bonded folded end 2010. The distal end 2020 may be attached to the inner surface of the upper 2002 via stitching 2021, adhesive bonding, welding, etc. In some instances, a bond 2005 may attach the proximal end 2004 to the upper 2002 near the edge of the upper.

[0098]

[0131] FIG. 22B shows a perspective view of transition component 2200. FIG. 22B shows that lacing ports 2015 are formed in folded end 2010 of transition component 2200. Lacing ports 2015 provide more direct or linear access to guide member 2006. FIG. 22C shows transition component 2200 attached to a shoe. A detailed view shows distal end 2020 positioned between tongue 2042 of the shoe and guide member 2006. Stitching 2021, or otherwise attached distal end 2020, ensures that distal end 2020 remains positioned between tongue 2042 and guide member 2006. Transition component 2200 may conceal or hide guide member 2006 and / or provide a smooth transition between tongue 2042 and guide member 2006, and may ideally be suited for configurations requiring more direct lacing access to guide member 2006.

[0099]

[0132] 23A-23D, another guide member or component 2300 that can be used to route or guide a lace or tension member around a shoe is shown. FIGS. 23A-23B show that the guide member 2300 is formed by positioning a looped or folded strip of material 2304 (hereinafter, material guide 2304) within a window or cutout 2306 in a body of material 2302. The window 2306 can be cut into the body of material 2302 such that the size and shape of the window 2306 corresponds to the size and shape of the material guide 2304. The proximal end of the material guide 2304 is bonded to the inner edge of the body of material 2302 via stitching 2308, adhesive bonding, welding, etc. In some cases, the proximal end of the material guide 2304 may have a temporary bond 2310 to maintain the material guide 2304 in the folded or loop configuration. Material guide 2304 may be positioned within window 2306 and coupled to body of material 2302 such that the distal end of material guide 2304 is aligned with the distal end of body of material 2302, as shown. Body of material 2302 may include multiple guides positioned longitudinally along or around the body of material, as shown. Positioning material guide 2304 within window 2306 reduces the overall thickness of guide member 2300 because material guide 2404 is not positioned above body of material 2302.

[0100]

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

[0101]

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

[0102]

[0135] Guide members 2300 are positioned along opposing eyestays of a shoe 2320 such that the guide members 2304 can guide or route laces 2322 along a path across the tongue of the shoe. The individual guide members 2304 are concealed or hidden from view via cover material 2312 positioned over the guide members 2300. In some instances, the cover material 2312 may encase the eyestays of the shoe and be attached to the exterior and interior surfaces of the upper.

[0103]

[0136] 24A-24B, another embodiment of a guide member 2400 that can be used to route 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 looped or folded material guide 2404 disposed therebetween. The material guide 2404 is positioned relative to the inner material body 2406 such that a proximal end of the material guide 2404 is positioned between the inner material body 2406 and the outer material body 2402, and such that a distal end of the material guide 2404 protrudes through a slot or channel 2408 in the inner material body 2406. The protrusion of the material guide 2404 through the slot 2408 allows a string (not shown) to access and be guided or routed by the looped end of the material guide 2404. In some embodiments, the material guide 2404 may be attached 2410 to the inner body of material 2406 prior to joining the inner body of material 2406 and the outer body of material 2402 .

[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. This configuration may allow the material guide 2404 to be completely concealed or hidden from view when the guide member 2400 is coupled with a shoe. In use, the guide member 2400 may be attached to a shoe such that the outer material body 2402 is positioned on the inner surface of the shoe upper. In this configuration, the inner material body 2406 faces the inner side of the shoe, and the material guide 2404 is hidden 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 such that the material guide 2404 faces the outer side of the shoe and is visible from the outside of the shoe.

[0105]

[0138] 25A-25D, embodiments of a cover member that may 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. FIG. 25A shows a cover member 2500 having a lower body 2502 and an upper body 2506. As described in more detail below, the upper body 2506 is configured to fold back about a fold line 2508 when connecting the cover member 2500 to the shoe over the lace guide. In some examples, the cover member 2500 may be slightly slit on opposite 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 aid in folding the cover member 2500 about the fold line 2508. For example, the material may be slightly thinned and / or scored along the fold line 2508 to aid in folding the upper body 2506 around the lower body 2502. The lower body 2502 includes a pair of notches 2504 in the material. The notches 2504 have an arcuate or curved shape and are designed to allow opposite ends of the string guide to protrude from within the cover member 2500.

[0106]

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

[0107]

[0140] FIG. 25C illustrates a cover member 2520 including multiple lower body members 2522 and upper body members 2526. The cover member 2520 can be utilized when it is desired to cover multiple string guides with the same cover member. Similar to the previous embodiment, the cover member 2520 of FIG. 25C is configured such that the upper body member 2526 folds in half around the lower body member 2522 along a fold line 2528. The cover member 2520 can be scored on both sides along the fold line 2528 and / or can include a relief notch 2532 positioned midway along its lateral length along the fold line 2528. The relief notch 2532 can aid in folding the upper body member 2526 around the lower body member 2522 and / or can allow dirt and debris trapped within the cover member 2520 to escape.

[0108]

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

[0109]

[0142] The lower body members 2522 each include a pair of notches 2524 in the material having an arcuate or curved shape. The notches 2524 correspond to the shape of the opposing ends of the lace guide and are used to allow the opposing ends of the lace guide to protrude outward from the cover member 2520. The notches 2524 in the lower body member 2522 may have similar lateral spacing between each notch, or the lateral spacing may be varied to accommodate the use of lace 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] FIG. 25D illustrates a cover member 2540 that includes a lower body member 2522 similar to that shown in FIG. 25C, but that includes an elongated upper body member 2542. The elongated upper body member 2542 can be utilized when it is desired to cover a majority of the shoe upper, as shown in FIG. 27D. As shown, the opposing ends of the elongated upper body member 2542 can 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 can be designed to provide a desired visual appearance.

[0111]

[0144] 26A-26D, a process for attaching a cover member 2500 to a shoe upper 2602 is shown. FIG. 26A shows a pair of cover members 2500 initially provided in an unfolded state. The cover members 2500 are aligned with corresponding lace guides 2600 and the inner surface of the upper 2602. The lace guides 2600 include folded material defining looped ends into which laces can be inserted as described herein. In FIG. 26B, the lace guides 2600 are positioned against the inner surface of the upper 2602 and coupled thereto (2610) via stitching, adhesive bonding, welding (e.g., RF, sonic, etc.), mechanical fastening, etc. As shown, the lace guides 2600 are typically attached to the upper 2602 such that the distal ends of the lace guides 2600 are recessed or offset from the distal end of the upper 2602.

[0112]

[0145] 26C, the cover member 2500 is positioned adjacent to the lace guide 2600 and the upper 2602 such that the lace 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 lace guide 2600. Then, the opposing ends 2604 of the lace guide 2600 are pulled or otherwise positioned through a pair of notches 2504 in the lower body member 2502 of the cover member 2500, such that the opposing ends 2604 protrude outward from the surface of the cover member 2500. In this manner, the opposing ends 2604 of the lace guide, and the lace holes or channels disposed therebetween, are exposed and accessible to the laces. The arcuate or curved shape of the notches 2504 allows the opposing ends 2604 of the lace guide 2600 to be easily pulled through the notches 2504.

[0113]

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

[0114]

[0147] 27A-27B illustrate a cover member 2520 utilized to cover the guide member 2300 of FIGS. 23A-23B. FIG. 27A illustrates the guide member 2300 having a pair of material guides 2304 positioned within corresponding windows 2306 in the body of material 2302. The cover member 2520 includes pairs of notches 2524 positioned around the lower body member 2522 to correspond to the locations of the material guides 2304 on 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 described, the upper body member 2526 is configured to fold around or over the lower body member 2522 along fold lines 2528.

[0115]

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

[0116]

[0149] FIG. 27C shows a perspective view of the cover member 2520 positioned over the guide member 2300. FIG. 27C illustrates 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. A string is inserted through the opposing ends 2305 and the channel or hole disposed therebetween. By inserting the opposing ends 2305 through the pair of notches 2524, a bridge or strip of material 2525 is formed or defined over 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] FIG. 27D shows the cover member 2540 positioned around the shoe such that it covers multiple lace guides positioned around the shoe. The cover member 2540 is shown with the upper body member 2542 folded over the lower body member. The cover member 2540 covers multiple 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 guide 2722 such that only opposite ends of the inner guide 2722 protrude from the cover member 2540. In some embodiments, the outer guide(s) 2720 may protrude through slots or channels similar to those shown in FIGS. 24A-24B. The elongated upper body member 2542 may function both to conceal the various guides and to provide a uniform look or appearance to the shoe.

[0118]

[0151] FIGS. 27E-27J show one embodiment of a tension member guide 2750 similar to that shown in FIGS. 27A-27D. The tension member guide 2750 is connectable to an article, such as a shoe or other footwear, and is configured to direct or route a tension member around a path of the article. The tension member guide 2750 includes a body or cover member 2752 (hereinafter, cover member 2752) including a first or proximal end 2751 and a second 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 the shoe / footwear, the cover member 2752 is typically positioned along the eyestay of the shoe / footwear, as shown in FIG. 27J. The distal end 2753 is positioned on the opposite side of the body from the proximal end 2751, and in some embodiments, the distal end 2753 represents a seam or line around which the cover member 2752 folds. The cover member 2752 also includes a pair of slits or notches 2754 positioned 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 lateral 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 FIGS. 27I-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 construction including a low-friction inner material and a structurally supportive outer layer, as described in various embodiments herein. The cover member 2752 is typically made from a structurally strong and aesthetically pleasing material and may include any material described herein or otherwise known in the art.

[0120]

[0153] Guide member 2760 has a central portion 2761 and two end portions 2763 along its width, the two end portions 2763 being located on opposite sides of central portion 2761. Guide member 2760 is positioned on cover member 2752 such that each end portion 2763 is inserted through one of slits or notches 2754 as shown. When guide member 2760 is positioned on cover member 2752 in this manner, the two end portions 2763 are positioned on the opposite side of cover member 2752 from central portion 2761. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 27H , the portion of cover member 2752 positioned between a pair of slits or notches 2754 covers or is disposed or positioned above the central portion of guide member 2760 when tension member guide 2750 is fully assembled and / or coupled to an article. In FIG. 27H, reference numeral 2757 identifies the portion of cover member 2752 that covers central portion 2761 of guide member 2760.

[0121]

[0154] As shown in FIG. 27E , in some embodiments, guide member 2760 may have a proximal end that is wider than its distal end, which aids in coupling guide member 2760 to the proximal end of cover member 2752. In some embodiments, tension member guide 2750 may include only a single guide member 2760 positioned within cover member 2752. In other embodiments, cover member 2752 may include an additional pair of slits or notches 2754, as shown in FIG. 27E . The cover member may similarly 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, tension member guide 2750 includes an additional guide member 2760 (or tertiary guide member, quaternary guide member, etc.) positioned on cover member 2752 such that 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] 27J , when 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 on the inside of an upper 2782 of the footwear 2780. In some embodiments, when tension member guide 2750 is coupled to footwear 2780, end portion 2763 of one guide member 2760 can be positioned on the exterior surface of upper 2782, while end portion 2763 of another guide member 2760 is positioned on the interior surface of upper 2782.

[0123]

[0156] 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 via heat or RF welding, adhesive bonding, suturing, mechanical fastening, etc. The reinforcing member 2774 helps prevent the guide member 2760 from separating from the cover member 2752 by reinforcing the bond or attachment between the guide member 2760 and the cover member 2752.

[0124]

[0157] As shown in FIG. 27G, in some embodiments, cover member 2752 is folded along seam or distal end 2753 and over guide member 2760. In such embodiments, a majority of guide member 2760 is sandwiched or disposed between opposing sides of cover member 2752. As shown in FIG. 271, cover member 2752 may then be coupled together on opposing sides covering a majority of guide member 2760. In coupling tension member guide 2750 to footwear 2780, cover member 2752 may also be folded over the eyestay edge of footwear 2780. The coupling of tension member guide 2750 shown in FIG. 271 can represent how tension member guide 2750 is coupled to footwear 2780 or another article. In particular, cover member 2752 may be folded along seam 2753 and then positioned over footwear 2780 or other article, after which cover member 2752 may be coupled together over guide member 2760 while tension member guide 2750 is simultaneously coupled to footwear 2780 or the article. Additionally, while FIG. 271 shows tension member guide 2750 and / or cover member 2752 being sewn together, in other embodiments, tension member guide 2750 and / or cover member 2752 may be coupled together and / or to footwear 2780 or the article via heat or RF welding, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or the like. In certain embodiments, a surface or face of cover member 2752 (typically the inner surface of the face that contacts upper 2782) comprises a material that is heat-weldable to footwear 2780. The heat-weldable material may be a thin polymeric material positioned on a surface or face of cover member 2752 such that cover member 2752 can be heat-welded to footwear 2780.

[0125]

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

[0126]

[0159] In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to configure a shoe so that a more conforming fit of the shoe around a user's foot is achieved when the reel-type tightening mechanism is operated. As used herein, the term "more conforming fit" refers to an increased fit of the shoe around a user's foot relative to a conventional shoe in which it is difficult to pull or push portions of the shoe into contact with the user's foot, such as near the arch of the foot. One means of configuring a shoe to achieve an increased fit of the shoe 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 via a tension member. In particular, the weave may be selected so that the material bends, flexes, or otherwise moves in a desired manner that can be designed to conform to the user's foot. The concept of applying a specific material weave to achieve designed movement of the material may be applied to various sections of the shoe so that unique and different movement of the material is achieved in each of the various sections of the shoe. In this way, the shoe is initially shaped to facilitate donning of the shoe, and then various sections of the shoe can inherently move, flex, flex, or otherwise conform to the user's foot in response to tensioning of the tension members.

[0127]

[0160] 28A-28C, shoe 2800 or other footwear is shown that is knitted or woven so that various portions of the shoe bend, flex, or move in various unique ways in response to tension in a tension member. Specifically, 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, shoe 2800 may include more or fewer knitted or woven sections as desired. Each of knitted or woven sections 2802-2808 is knitted or woven so that the knitted or woven material in the respective section stretches, bends, or flexes in a desired, designed manner in response to tension. For example, because first knitted or woven section 2802 is adjacent to the toe box, it may be desirable to knit or weave first knitted section 2802 such that section or zone D of shoe 2800 can experience or achieve greater flexibility or stretch when tensioned compared to other sections or zones of shoe 2800. This may allow the toes to move relatively freely and comfortably even when shoe 2800 is tightened around the user's foot. In contrast, because third knitted or woven section or fourth knitted or woven section 2806 and / or 2808 are adjacent to the heel, it may be desirable to knit or weave these sections such that, when tensioned, their respective sections or zones B and / or A can experience or achieve less stretch or flexibility and more support. Similarly, second knit or woven section 2804 may be knit or woven such that when the material is tensioned, section or zone C is drawn into greater contact with the instep and / or arch of the foot, which may provide additional support and / or greater comfort and / or an improved sensation to the foot when wearing shoe 2800.

[0128]

[0161] The increased support can ensure that shoe 2800 remains firmly and securely coupled to the user's foot without becoming uncomfortable. The support and / or comfort provided in one or more of these sections can be designed based on the activity being performed, such as participating in a sporting event (e.g., basketball, soccer, track and field, etc.), engaging in an outdoor activity (e.g., hiking, walking, cycling, running, etc.), etc. The knit or weave of each section 2802-2808 can allow the individual section to uniquely bend, flex, stretch, and move to achieve a desired fit. For example, second knit or woven section 2804 can be knit or woven such that section or zone C pulls inward around the shoe in response to tensioning of the material, thereby increasing contact between shoe 2800 and the foot. First knit or woven section 2802 can flatten or expand somewhat in response to tensioning of the material so that the toes do not bunch up within the shoe and can assume a more natural position relative to the foot. The fourth knit or woven section 2808 and the third knit or woven section 2806 can be configured so that the material in section or zone A flexes, flexes, stretches, or moves forward toward the toe cap, while the material in section or zone B flexes, flexes, stretches, or moves backward toward the heel, thereby tightly securing the ankle and heel within the shoe 2800. The material in one or both of these zones or sections (i.e., A or B) can similarly be designed to provide more support to the ankle when tensioned.

[0129]

[0162] Each of the individual knitted or woven fabric sections 2802-2808 is operatively coupled to a tightening device or mechanism, which in a preferred embodiment is a reel-type device 2810; however, other tightening mechanisms, such as those shown in FIGS. 34A-34B, may alternatively be utilized to tension the individual knitted or woven fabric sections 2802-2808. In some embodiments, the reel-type device 2810 is coupled to the individual knitted or woven fabric sections 2802-2808 in a manner that allows the individual knitted or woven fabric sections to be tensioned relatively independently. For example, as shown in FIG. 28C, the individual knitted fabric sections 2802-2808 can be independently coupled to the reel-type device 2810 such that operation of the reel-type device 2810 tensions each section independently, or more generally, separately. Specifically, the first knitted or woven fabric section 2802 is coupled to the reel-type device 2810 via a first tensioning member or string 2822. The second knitted or woven fabric section 2804 is coupled to the reeled device 2810 via a second tension member or string 2824, while the third knitted or woven fabric section 2806 and the fourth knitted fabric section 2808 are each coupled to the reeled device 2810 via a third tension member or string 2826 and a fourth tension member or string 2828, respectively. The first tension member, second tension member, third tension member, and fourth tension member 2822-2828 are independent of one another and are directly coupled to the reeled device 2810. Operation of the reeled device 2810 tensions the independent tension members 2822-2828, thereby independently tensioning each of the knitted fabric sections 2802-2808. Each knit or woven fabric section 2802-2808 is then knit or woven such that the tension of each section provides a different fit, tension, or support to the underlying foot.

[0130]

[0163] 28C , each of the independent tension members 2822-2828 has a distal end that terminates or is fixedly secured to shoe 2800. For example, first tension member or lace 2822 has distal end 2823 secured to shoe 2800, while second tension member or lace 2824, third tension member or lace 2826, and fourth tension member or lace 2828 each have a respective distal end (i.e., 2825, 2827, and 2829) secured to shoe 2800. Each tension member 2822-2828 may be looped or secured with one or more portions of knit or woven fabric sections 2802-2808 to attach the respective tension member to the respective knit or woven fabric section. 33A-33E illustrate various means by which tension members can be attached to knitted or woven fabric sections.

[0131]

[0164] 29A-29B, other embodiments of compartments that can be used to achieve a desired, adaptive fit of a shoe are shown. In FIG. 29A, shoe 2900 can include multiple compartments or zones 2902-2908 that are configured to stretch, bend, flex, or otherwise move uniquely and differently in response to tensioning of the compartments or zones. The illustrated compartments or zones 2902-2908 are similar to those in FIG. 28A, but the materials used within the compartments or zones 2902-2908 can be different from the knit or woven materials of FIG. 28A. For example, elastic or stretchable materials, as known in the art, can be used and oriented or positioned about shoe 2900 to achieve the desired stretch, flex, or movement of the material when the material is tensioned. The orientation and / or placement of the compartments or zones 2902-2908 can be designed to provide a desired degree of support and / or comfort when the shoe 2900 is tensioned.

[0132]

[0165] 29B shows an embodiment of a shoe 2910 in which only a portion of the shoe 2910 includes material designed to flex, flex, stretch, or move in response to tensioning of the material. The material may be oriented or positioned around a portion or section of the shoe where a designed fit is desired in response to tensioning of the material. For example, 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 medial side of the shoe upper to engage the arch of the foot. In other embodiments, 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 a knit or woven material, an elastic non-knit or woven material, other materials, or some combination thereof.

[0133]

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe 2910 includes a first section 2912 positioned near the top of the toe box and a second section 2922 positioned near the collar of the shoe. Both the first section 2912 and the second section 2922 extend over the toe cap or upper of the shoe 2910 and into the sole, although in some embodiments, either or both of the first section 2912 and the second section 2922 may terminate short of the sole. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first section 2912 and the second section 2922 extend into the sole of the shoe. The first section 2912 and / or the second section 2922 can extend into the sole on the lateral side and / or medial side as desired. The second section 2922 includes a tapered or narrow section 2924 near the sole, which can concentrate the tension and / or fit of the shoe in 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 protrusion 2914 and a second finger or protrusion 2916 that are splayed out near the sole of the shoe. The splayed section can distribute the tension and / or fit of the shoe over a wider area. The first finger or protrusion 2914 and / or the second finger or protrusion 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 that shown in FIG. 29B. The first section 2912 and / or the second section 2922 can be loosely attached or coupled to each other as shown, or can be completely separated from each other.

[0134]

[0167] Referring now to FIGS. 30A-31D, various means by which material segments can be attached to a reel-type device are shown. The term "material segment" as used in connection with FIGS. 30A-31D refers to the end of a knit or woven segment, elastic segment, etc., as described above and shown in FIGS. 28A-29B. In some embodiments, the material segment may be attached to a tensioning member that is directly coupled to the reel-type device, while in other embodiments, the material segment may be attached to a tensioning member that is indirectly coupled to the reel-type device. The illustrated attachment means can be used with any of the embodiments described herein in which a reel-type device is utilized to simultaneously tension multiple segments or portions of a shoe. In most embodiments, the distal end of the material segment is positioned within the shoe sole, and the tensioning member is attached or coupled to the material segment within the shoe sole. The tensioning member is likewise typically fed to a reel-type device within the shoe sole; therefore, the distal ends of the material segment and tensioning member are typically concealed from external view. However, in other embodiments, the distal ends of the material sections and / or tension members may be positioned and / or routed elsewhere other than within the sole of the shoe.

[0135]

[0168] In Figure 30A, first material section 3002 is attached to first tension member 3003, while second material section 3004 is attached to second tension member 3005, and third material section 3006 is attached to third tension member 3007. Each tension member (3003, 3005, and 3007) is fed to and directly attached to reel-based apparatus 3009. Thus, operation of reel-based apparatus 3009 simultaneously and directly tensions each of the tension members (3003, 3005, and 3007), which in turn directly tensions their respective material sections (3002, 3004, and 3006). In this manner, operation of reel-based apparatus 3009 directly tensions each material section.

[0136]

[0169] In FIG. 30B, a single tension member 3010 is utilized to tension each section of material. The single tension member 3010 is operably coupled to the reel device and each section of material on the shoe. To attach the single tension member 3010 to each section of material, the tension member 3010 branches into smaller sub-sections that are routed to the respective sections of material. For example, as shown in FIG. 30B, the single tension member 3010 branches into a first sub-section 3012, a second sub-section 3014, a third sub-section 3018, and a fourth sub-section 3021, although more or fewer sub-sections can be utilized as desired. The first sub-section 3012 is routed and attached to the section of material as shown, while the second sub-section 3014, the third sub-section 3018, and the fourth sub-section 3021 each further branch or divide into secondary sub-sections. Specifically, second sub-section 3014 is further divided or branched into secondary sub-section 3015 and secondary sub-section 3016, each of which is connected to and attached to a material section as shown. Third sub-section 3018 is further divided or branched into secondary sub-section 3019 and secondary sub-section 3020, each of which is connected to and attached to a material section as shown, and fourth sub-section 3021 is further divided or branched into secondary sub-section 3022 and secondary sub-section 3023, each of which is connected to and attached to a material section as shown. In some examples, secondary sub-sections may be further divided or branched into tertiary sub-sections, which are connected to and attached to a material section, or further divided and branched as needed. In some embodiments, a single tension member 3010 may include a bundle of tension members, each divided or separated to form various sub-sections, secondary sub-sections, tertiary sub-sections, etc. A split or bifurcated tension member allows a single tension member 3010 to be attached to the reeled device and utilized to tension each section of material simultaneously. This configuration may make attaching various sections of material more feasible by minimizing or preventing problems associated with multiple tension members attached to a reeled device, such as tangling of the various tension members.

[0137]

[0170] 30C-30D show an embodiment in which the material segments are indirectly attached to a reel-type device. In FIG. 30C, each material segment (e.g., 3032, 3034, etc.) is attached to a respective tensioning member (e.g., 3033, 3035, etc.) that connects to a centrally positioned tensioning rod or member 3050. Tensioning rod / member 3050 is attached to a second tensioning member 3040 that is operably attached to reel-type device 3042. Tensioning rod / member 3050 is positioned within the sole of the shoe such that as second tensioning member 3040 is tensioned via reel-type device 3042, tensioning rod / member 3050 slides toward the heel of the shoe, thereby causing the tensioning members (e.g., 3033, 3035, etc.) to tension the respective material segments (3032, 3034, etc.) to which they are attached. The tension members (e.g., 3033, 3035, etc.) tension the respective material sections (3032, 3034, etc.) by pulling the material sections inward toward the tensioning rod / member 3050. In this manner, 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. FIG. 30C shows an embodiment in which only one side of the shoe includes material sections operably attached to the tensioning rod / member 3050. FIG. 30D shows an embodiment in which both sides of the shoe (e.g., 3052 and 3054) include material sections operably attached to the tensioning rod / member 3050. By coupling both sides of the shoe to the tensioning rod / member 3050 as shown in FIG. 30D, the forces exerted on the tensioning rod / member 3050 can be balanced, making this configuration more feasible.

[0138]

[0171] 31A illustrates one embodiment of coupling or attaching a material section 3102 to a tension member 3104. In the illustrated embodiment, the material section 3102 is formed from various individual fibers or strands, as is common when the material section 3102 is composed of a knit or woven material. The individual fibers or strands forming the material section 3102 are bundled, woven, or interwoven together to form the tension member 3104. Thus, the tension member 3104 is not a separate, distinct component attached to the material section 3102, but instead is formed from the same fibers or strands of the material section 3102, such that the material section 3102 and the tension member 3104 are integrated or are different forms of the same material. Stated another way, the tension member 3104 is a cord or rope-like material, and the material section 3102 is the non-woven or non-interwoven fibers or strands of the tension member 3104. Coupling the material section 3102 and the tension member 3104 in this manner can eliminate or minimize breakage between the material section 3102 and the tension member 3104 and / or increase the responsiveness of the material section 3102 due to tensioning of the tension member 3104.

[0139]

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

[0140]

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

[0141]

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

[0142]

[0175] 33A-33E, various embodiments that may be utilized to attach a material section to a tension member are illustrated. In FIG. 33A, a plurality of looped ends 3206 are braided, woven, or otherwise formed into the distal end of the material section 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through the looped ends 3206, thereby tensioning the material section 3202 in response to tensioning the tension member 3204. In FIG. 33B, the tension member 3204 is inserted directly through the distal end of the material section 3202. The tension member 3204 may be woven or routed through the distal end of the material section 3202, and / or the material section 3202 may have multiple layers, and the tension member 3204 may be inserted between the multiple layers. In FIG. 33C, a grommet 3226 is positioned at the distal end of the material section 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through an opening in the grommet 3226. In FIG. 33D, a guide component 3236, similar to those currently utilized to guide or direct tension members around a shoe, is woven, braided, or otherwise positioned within the distal end of the material section 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through the guide component 3236. In FIG. 33E, a tube section 3246 is woven, braided, or otherwise positioned within the distal end of the material section 3202. The tension member 3204 is inserted through a channel or hole in the tube section 3246.

[0143]

[0176] 34A-34B illustrate an alternative tightening mechanism that may be utilized to tension the tension member 3303, which tensions each material section as described herein. The alternative tightening mechanism replaces a reel-type device as the source of force to tension 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 any of the embodiments described herein. In FIG. 34A, a pull-cord member 3302 is coupled to the tension member 3303. The pull-cord member 3302 can be pulled by a user to tension the tension member 3303. In FIG. 34B, an electric unit 3304 is attached to the shoe and tension member (not shown). The electric unit 3304 is configured to tension the tension member. A controller 3306 can be used to activate or operate the electric unit 3304.

[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, rearranged, changed, adjusted, etc. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged, and / or various described components may be utilized in any of the embodiments in which they are not currently described or utilized. As such, it should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the particular configurations and / or component structures described herein.

[0145]

[0178] Furthermore, it should be understood that any workable combination of features and elements disclosed herein is considered to be disclosed. Moreover, whenever a feature is not discussed with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art are hereby advised that some embodiments of the invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such feature, thereby providing support for any adverse claim limitation.

[0146]

[0179] While several embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, 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] Where a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Each smaller range between any stated or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded within the range, and each range in which either limit, neither limit, or both limits are included within the smaller range is also encompassed within the invention, depending on any specifically excluded limits in the stated range. When one or both limits are included in a stated range, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

[0148]

[0181] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a process" includes a plurality of such processes, a reference to "the device" includes a reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so on.

[0149]

[0182] Also, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," and "includes" are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, operations, or groups. The following is an example of the present invention. (Example 1) a tension member guide configured to direct or route a tension member around a path of the article, a body connectable to the article and including a pair of slits or cutouts; a guide member folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted, the guide member having a central portion and two end portions disposed on opposite sides of the central portion; Equipped with A tension member guide in which each of the two end portions of the guide member is inserted through one of the pair of slits or notches and positioned on the main body so that the two end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the main body from the central portion. (Example 2) 10. The tension member guide of Example 1, wherein the body is folded over the guide member such that the guide member, other than the two end portions, is positioned between opposing sides of the body. (Example 3) 10. The tension member guide of Example 1, wherein a reinforcing member is attached to the body and the proximal end of the guide member. (Example 4) 2. The tension member guide of example 1, wherein the article is footwear. (Example 5) 5. The tension member guide of Example 4, wherein the tension member guide is coupled to the footwear such that the two end portions of the guide member are positioned inside the upper of the footwear. (Example 6) 10. The tension member guide of Example 1, wherein the body includes an additional pair of slits or notches, and an additional guide member is positioned on the body such that opposing end portions of the additional guide member are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches. (Example 7) 7. The tension member guide of Example 6, wherein the opposing end portions of the additional guide member are positioned on an outer surface of the main body, and the two end portions of the guide member are positioned on an inner surface of the main body. (Example 8) 10. The tension member guide of Example 1, wherein a surface or face of the body comprises a material that is heat weldable to the footwear. (Example 9) a tension member guide coupleable with an article of footwear and configured to direct or route a tension member about a path of the article of footwear, It is the main body, a first end portion coupleable to the footwear such that the body is positioned along an eyestay of the footwear; a second end of the body positioned opposite the first end; a pair of slits or cutouts in the body near the second end of the body; a body including: a guide member having a longitudinal length and a lateral width, the guide member being folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted, the guide member having a central portion and two end portions along the lateral width, the two end portions being positioned on opposite sides of the central portion; Equipped with The guide member is positioned on the main body by inserting each of the two end portions through one of the pair of slits or notches so that the two end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the main body from the central portion, and when the tension member guide is coupled to the footwear, a portion of the main body between the pair of slits or notches covers the central portion of the guide member. (Example 10) 10. The tension member guide of Example 9, wherein the body is folded over the guide member such that a majority of the guide member is sandwiched between opposing sides of the body. (Example 11) 11. The tension member guide of Example 10, wherein the body also folds over an eye stay edge of the footwear. (Example 12) 10. The tension member guide of Example 9, wherein a reinforcing member is attached to the body and a proximal end of the guide member. (Example 13) 10. The tension member guide of Example 9, wherein the two end portions of the guide member are positioned inside the upper of the footwear when the tension member guide is coupled to the footwear. (Example 14) 10. The tension member guide of Example 9, wherein the body includes an additional pair of slits or notches, and the tension member guide includes an additional guide member positioned on the body such that opposing end portions of the additional guide member are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches and positioned on opposite sides of the body from a central portion of the additional guide member. (Example 15) The tension member guide of Example 14, wherein when the tension member guide is coupled to the footwear, the opposing end portions of the additional guide member are positioned on an outer surface of the upper of the footwear, and the two end portions of the guide member are positioned on an inner surface of the upper. (Example 16) 10. The tension member guide of Example 9, wherein a surface or face of the body comprises a material that is heat weldable to the footwear. (Example 17) 1. A method of coupling a tension member guide to footwear, comprising: providing a tension member guide, the tension member guide comprising: a body including a pair of slits or notches; a guide member folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted, said guide member having a central portion and two end portions disposed on opposite sides of said central portion; Including, providing the tension member guide, wherein each end portion of the two end portions of the guide member is inserted through one of the pair of slits or notches and positioned on the main body so that the two end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the main body from the central portion; coupling the tension member guide to the footwear so that the two end portions are positioned near edges of the eye stays of the footwear; A method comprising: (Example 18) 18. The method of Example 17, further comprising inserting the tension member through the loop or channel of the guide member. (Example 19) 18. The method of Example 17, further comprising folding the body over the guide member such that the guide member other than the two end portions is positioned between opposing sides of the body. (Example 20) 18. The method of Example 17, wherein the tension member guide further comprises a reinforcing member attached to the body and a proximal end of the guide member. (Example 21) 18. The method of Example 17, wherein the tension member guide is coupled to the footwear such that the two end portions of the guide member are positioned inside the upper of the footwear. (Example 22) 18. The method of Example 17, wherein the body includes an additional pair of slits or notches, and an additional guide member is positioned on the body such that opposing end portions of the additional guide member are inserted through the additional pair of slits or notches. (Example 23) 18. The method of Example 17, further comprising heat welding a surface or face of the body to the footwear. (Example 24) a tension member guide coupleable with an article of footwear and configured to direct or route a tension member about a path of the article of footwear, a first material member, The longitudinal length and Width and a first surface positionable relative to the footwear; a second surface opposite the first surface; and a first material member having a second material member having a longitudinal length and a lateral width, the second material member being folded along the longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted, the second material member having a central portion and two end portions along the lateral width, the two end portions being located on opposite sides of the central portion; Equipped with The second material member is formed from a material having lower friction than the first material member, The second material member is coupled to the first material member such that the second material member is longitudinally aligned with the first material member and the second material member is positioned on the second surface of the first material member. (Example 25) 25. The tension member guide of Example 24, wherein the folded second material member is longitudinally shorter than the first material member such that a proximal end of the tension member guide is thinner than a distal end of the tension member guide. (Example 26) 25. The tension member guide of Example 24, wherein the first material member is not folded over the looped end of the second material member. (Example 27) 25. The tension member guide of Example 24, further comprising a third material member, the third material member positioned over the proximal end of the second material member such that the proximal end of the second material member is disposed between the first material member and the third material member. (Example 28) 25. The tension member guide of Example 24, wherein the first surface of the first material member comprises a material that is heat weldable to the footwear. (Example 29) 25. The tension member guide of Example 24, wherein the second material member is folded back such that opposing longitudinal ends of the second material member are longitudinally offset from one another. (Example 30) 25. The tension member guide of Example 24, wherein the second material member comprises an outer material and an inner material, the outer material configured to provide structural support and the inner material configured to provide a low friction surface. (Example 31) A tension member guide, A first member, The longitudinal length and Width and a first member having a second member folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted, said second member having a central portion and two end portions positioned on opposite sides of said central portion; Equipped with the second member is made of a material with lower friction than the first member; The second member is coupled to the first member such that the second member is positioned on one side of the first member. (Example 32) 32. The tension member guide of Example 31, wherein the folded second member is longitudinally shorter than the first member such that a proximal end of the tension member guide is thinner than a distal end of the tension member guide. (Example 33) 32. The tension member guide of claim 31, wherein the first member is not folded over the looped end of the second member. (Example 34) 32. The tension member guide of Example 31, further comprising a third member, the third member positioned over the proximal end of the second member such that the proximal end of the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member. (Example 35) 32. The tension member guide of claim 31, wherein the first member comprises a material that is heat weldable to the article. (Example 36) 32. The tension member guide of claim 31, wherein the second member is folded back such that opposing longitudinal ends of the second member are longitudinally offset from one another. (Example 37) 32. The tension member guide of claim 31, wherein the second member comprises an outer material and an inner material, the outer material configured to provide structural support and the inner material configured to provide a low friction surface. (Example 38) 1. A method of coupling a tension member guide to an article, comprising: providing a tension member guide, the tension member guide comprising: a first member having a longitudinal length and a lateral width; a second member folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel, said second member having a central portion and two end portions positioned on opposite sides of said central portion; Including, the second member is made of a material with lower friction than the first member; providing the tension member guide, wherein the second member is coupled to the first member such that the second member is positioned on one side of the first member; coupling said tension member guide to said article; A method comprising: (Example 39) 39. The method of Example 38, further comprising inserting a tension member through the loop or channel of the folded second member. (Example 40) The method of Example 38, wherein the article is a shoe or footwear. (Example 41) 39. The method of Example 38, further comprising heat welding the first member to the article. (Example 42) 39. The method of example 38, wherein the first member is not folded over the looped end of the second member. (Example 43) 39. The method of Example 38, wherein the tension member guide further comprises a third member, the third member positioned over the proximal end of the second member such that the proximal end of the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member. (Example 44) a tension member guide coupleable with an article of footwear and configured to direct or route a tension member about a path of the article of footwear, a body of material, a proximal end; a distal end; and at least one channel extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the body of material; a body of material having a reinforcing material disposed within the at least one channel of the body of material to reinforce the body of material; Equipped with The tension member guide includes a body of material that is folded between the proximal and distal ends to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted, the body of material having a central portion and two end portions disposed on opposite sides of the central portion. (Example 45) 45. The tension member guide of Example 44, wherein the body of material includes a plurality of channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the body of material, the plurality of channels being separated or divided by a wall between the two end portions of the body of material. (Example 46) 46. ​​The tension member guide of Example 45, wherein the reinforcing material is distributed among the plurality of channels such that channels located closer to the central portion of the body of material have a higher density of the reinforcing material than channels located closer to or at the two end portions. (Example 47) 47. The tension member guide of claim 46, wherein an increased density of the reinforcing material near the central portion of the body of material causes the tension member guide to exhibit increased flexure or curvature toward the two end portions relative to the central portion in response to tensioning of the tension member. (Example 48) 45. The tension member guide of Example 44, wherein the body of material is formed from a woven material. (Example 49) 49. The tension member guide of claim 48, wherein the reinforcing material comprises reinforcing fibers or fiber bundles. (Example 50) 45. The tension member guide of Example 44, further comprising a low friction material positioned on an interior surface of the loop or channel of the folded body of material. (Example 51) A tension member guide, a body of material having a channel formed therein; a reinforcing material disposed within the channel of the body of material to reinforce the body of material; Equipped with A tension member guide, wherein the body of material is folded to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. (Example 52) 52. The tension member guide of claim 51, wherein the body of material comprises a plurality of channels. (Example 53) 53. The tension member guide of claim 52, wherein the reinforcing material is distributed among the plurality of channels such that the density of the reinforcing material within the plurality of channels is greater nearer to a central portion of the body of material. (Example 54) 54. The tension member guide of claim 53, wherein the increased density of the reinforcing material near the central portion of the body of material causes the tension member guide to exhibit increased flexure or curvature toward the opposing end portions of the body of material in response to tensioning of the tension member. (Example 55) 52. The tension member guide of claim 51, wherein the body of material is formed from a woven material. (Example 56) 56. The tension member guide of claim 55, wherein the reinforcing material comprises reinforcing fibers or fiber bundles. (Example 57) 52. The tension member guide of Example 51, further comprising a low friction material positioned on an interior surface of the loop or channel of the folded body of material. (Example 58) 1. A method of coupling a tension member guide to an article, comprising: providing a tension member guide, the tension member guide comprising: a body of material having a channel formed therein; a reinforcing material disposed within the channel of the body of material to reinforce the body of material; Equipped with providing a tension member guide, the body of material being folded over to form a loop or channel into which a tension member is insertable; coupling said tension member guide to said article; A method comprising: (Example 59) 59. The method of Example 58, further comprising inserting the tension member into the loop or channel formed in the folded body of material. (Example 60) The method of Example 58, wherein the article is a shoe or footwear. (Example 61) 59. The method of example 58, wherein the body of material comprises a plurality of channels. (Example 62) 59. The method of Example 58, wherein the reinforcing material is dispersed among the plurality of channels such that the density of the reinforcing material within the plurality of channels is higher near a central portion of the body of material compared to opposite end portions of the body of material. (Example 63) 59. The method of example 58, wherein the body of material is formed from a woven material.

Claims

1. Sole and a first material member attached to a first side of the sole; one or more first guides coupled to the first material member, the one or more first guides configured to route or direct the tension member along a path around the footwear; a second material member attached to a second side of the sole, the second material member extending toward the first side of the sole; one or more second guides attached to an interior surface of the second material member, the one or more second guides configured to route or direct the tension member along the path around the footwear; the second material member includes a cover positioned over the one or more second guides and extending laterally outward from the one or more second guides to cover and conceal the one or more second guides from the outside; the second material member or the cover includes a plurality of holes through which the tension members are inserted to route the tension members from above the second material member or the cover to the one or more second guides attached to the inner surface of the second material member; Articles of footwear.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the one or more second guides contact a tongue or vamp of the footwear when the tension member is tensioned.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the one or more second guides contact an inner material layer of the footwear when the tension member is tensioned.

4. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the one or more second guides comprise a guide member folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted.

5. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the cover of the second member of material extends laterally outward from the one or more second guides such that a distal end of the cover is positioned on the footwear.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the second material component is an upper of the footwear.

7. Sole and a first side; a second side opposite the first side; and one or more guides configured to route or direct the tension member along a path around the footwear; a material cover having a proximal end coupled to the first side of the footwear and a distal end extending over the footwear toward the second side of the footwear; the material cover is oriented around the footwear such that the material cover is positionable over the one or more guides to cover and conceal the one or more guides from an exterior; the material cover includes a plurality of holes through which the tension members are inserted to route the tension members from above the material cover to the one or more guides that are covered and hidden by the material cover; Articles of footwear.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7 , wherein the one or more guides comprise a guide member folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted.

9. The article of footwear of claim 7 , wherein the material covering extends laterally outward from a distal end of the one or more guides such that a distal end of the material covering is positioned over the footwear.

10. The article of footwear of claim 7 , wherein the material covering is part of a piece of material attached to the first side of the footwear.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10 , wherein the one or more guides are attached to an interior surface of the member of material.

12. The article of footwear of claim 10 , wherein the one or more guides are positioned on a tongue or vamp of the footwear.

13. The article of footwear of claim 10 , wherein the one or more guides are sandwiched between an inner material layer of the footwear and the material cover.

14. The article of footwear of claim 7 , wherein the one or more guides are attached to an upper of the footwear.

15. 1. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising: providing the article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising: Sole and a first side; a second side opposite the first side; and coupling one or more guides to the article of footwear, the one or more guides configured to route or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear; coupling a proximal end of a material cover to the first side of the footwear, the material cover comprising: a distal end of the material covering extends over the footwear toward the second side of the footwear; the material cover is oriented around the footwear such that the material cover is positionable over the one or more guides to cover and conceal the one or more guides from an exterior; the material cover includes a plurality of holes through which the tension members are inserted to route the tension members from above the material cover to the one or more guides covered and hidden by the material cover; and A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more guides comprise a guide member folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel, the method further comprising inserting the tension member through the loop or channel of the guide member.

17. The material cover is a portion of a material member attached to the first side of the footwear. The method of claim 15 , wherein the method further comprises attaching the one or more guides to an interior surface of the piece of material.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the one or more guides are attached to an upper of the footwear.

19. The method of claim 15 , wherein the one or more guides are sandwiched between an inner material layer of the footwear and the material cover.

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