Patent Application
20160302530
Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower area of the upper, thereby being positioned between the upper and the ground.
In some embodiments, the sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymeric foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessen stresses upon the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear-resistant material, such as rubber.
The upper can generally extend over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot and around the heel area of the foot. In some articles of footwear, the upper may extend upward and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void within the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel region of the footwear.
Additionally, the article of footwear can include a lacing system, cables, straps, buckles, or other securement device. The securement device can cinch, tighten, or close the upper onto the foot. Conversely, the securement device can uncinch, loosen, or open up the upper relative to the foot. The securement device also permits the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying dimensions.
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a forefoot region and a heel region. The article of footwear defines a longitudinal direction that extends generally between the forefoot region and the heel region. The article of footwear includes an upper having an open position and a closed position. The article of footwear also includes a cinching apparatus that is configured to move the upper between the open and closed positions. The cinching apparatus includes a spring pad with a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion and the second portion are spaced apart at a distance generally in the longitudinal direction. The third portion is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The third portion is elastic and configured to deform elastically from a first position toward a second position. The third portion is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion generally in the longitudinal direction as the third portion deforms between the first position and the second position. The distance is greater in the second position than in the first position. Also, the cinching apparatus is configured to move the upper from the open position toward the closed position as the third portion of the spring pad moves from the first position toward the second position.
In addition, an article of footwear is disclosed that includes a forefoot region and a heel region. The article of footwear defines a longitudinal direction that extends generally between the forefoot region and the heel region. The article of footwear includes an upper having a closed position and an open position. The article of footwear further includes a cinching apparatus configured to move the upper between the closed position and the open position. The cinching apparatus includes a base and a spring pad. The spring pad has a heel portion, a forefoot portion, and an intermediate portion that is disposed between the heel portion and the forefoot portion. The intermediate portion is elastic and configured to resiliently deform between a first position and a second position relative to the base. One of the heel portion and the forefoot portion is fixed to the base. The other of the heel portion and the forefoot portion is configured to slide along the base in the longitudinal direction as the intermediate portion moves between the first position and the second position. The upper is configured to move between the open position and the closed position as the intermediate portion moves between the first position and the second position.
In addition, an article of footwear configured to be worn on a foot of a wearer is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper having an open position and a closed position. The article of footwear also includes a securement device attached to the upper and configured to move the upper between the open position and the closed position. The footwear also includes a sole structure that includes a base with a first side and a second side. The first side is opposite the second side. The second side includes a rail with a groove. The base also includes an opening and a latch. The sole structure also includes an abutment member that is received within the groove. The abutment member is configured to slide along the rail within the groove. Moreover, the sole structure includes a spring pad that is supported by the first side of the base. The spring pad is elastic and bendable, and the spring pad is configured to elastically bend between a first position and a second position. The sole structure additionally includes a first attachment at which the spring pad and the base are fixed together and a second attachment at which the spring pad and the abutment member are fixed through the opening in the base. A distance between the first attachment and the second attachment vary as the spring pad bends between the first position and the second position. The second attachment is configured to move within the opening as the spring pad bends between the first position and the second position. Also, the spring pad is configured to slide the abutment member along the rail as the spring pad bends between the first position and the second position. The sole structure further includes a shuttle that engages the securement device and that is received within the groove. The shuttle is configured to slide along the rail within the groove. The shuttle has a retained position and a released position. The shuttle is latched to the latch of the base in the retained position. The shuttle is configured to move relative to the base along the groove in the released position. The sole structure additionally includes a biasing member that is connected to the second attachment and the shuttle. The biasing member biases the shuttle toward the released position. The spring pad is configured to elastically bend due to a weight load of the wearer from the first position toward the second position causing the abutment member to slide and release the shuttle from the retained position to the released position, which allows the shuttle to pull the securement device to move the upper from the open position toward the closed position. The spring pad is biased toward the first position such that the spring pad is configured to elastically recover to the first position to move the upper from the closed position toward the open position.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.
The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety of concepts relating to an article of footwear with an apparatus that cinches, tightens, or closes the upper on the wearer's foot. The apparatus can also uncinch, loosen, or open the upper relative to the foot.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may include provisions for automatically adjusting the upper relative to the foot. For example, the apparatus can automatically close the upper onto the foot as the wearer steps into the footwear in some embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, the apparatus can automatically open up the upper relative to the foot to facilitate removal of the foot from the upper.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the apparatus can include an elastic and deformable member that bends or otherwise elastically deforms under the weight of the wearer. The member can also resiliently recover when the weight load is reduced. This deformation can affect one or more other features for ultimately opening and closing of the upper. Stated differently, the deformable member can deform from a first position to a second position when weight is applied to close the upper. Also, in some embodiments, the deformable member can be biased toward the first position such that the deformable member recovers to the first position when the weight load is reduced. As a result of this elastic recovery, the upper can move toward the open position.
Referring initially to
For reference purposes, footwear 100 may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region 111, a midfoot region 112, and a heel region 114. Forefoot region 111 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with forward portions of the wearer's foot, including the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 112 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with middle portions of the wearer's foot, including an arch area. Heel region 114 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with rear portions of the wearer's foot, including the heel and calcaneus bone.
Footwear 100 can also include a medial side 115 and a lateral side 117. Medial side 115 is substantially shown in
Forefoot region 111, midfoot region 112, heel region 114, lateral side 117, and medial side 115 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear 100. Rather, forefoot region 111, midfoot region 112, heel region 114, lateral side 117, and medial side 115 are intended to represent general areas of footwear 100 to aid in the following discussion. These terms can also be used in reference to individual components of footwear 100.
Footwear 100 can also extend along various directions. For example, as shown in
Generally, footwear 100 can include a sole structure 110 and an upper 120. Upper 120 can receive the wearer's foot and secure footwear 100 to the wearer's foot whereas sole structure 110 can extend underneath upper 120 and support wearer.
Sole structure 110 can be secured to a lower area 144 of upper 120 and can extend between the wearer's foot and the ground when footwear 100 is worn. Sole structure 110 can support upper 120 and can support the wearer's foot 102. In some embodiments, sole structure 110 can include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. Also, sole structure 110 can define a ground-engaging surface 104. Ground-engaging surface 104 can also be referred to as a ground-contacting surface.
Additionally, upper 120 can define a void 122 that receives a foot of the wearer. When the wearer's foot is received within void 122, upper 120 can at least partially enclose and encapsulate the wearer's foot. Thus, upper 120 can extend about forefoot region 111, lateral side 117, heel region 114, and medial side 115 in some embodiments.
Upper 120 can also include a collar 124. Collar 124 can include a collar opening 126 that is configured to allow passage of the wearer's foot 102 during insertion or removal of the foot 102 from the void 122.
Upper 120 can also include a throat 128. Throat 128 can extend from collar opening 126 toward forefoot region 111. Throat 128 dimensions can be varied to change the width of footwear 100 between lateral side 117 and medial side 115. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of
In some embodiments, footwear 100 can also include a tongue 129 that is disposed within throat opening 127. For example, in some embodiments, the tongue 129 can be attached at its forward end to forefoot region 111, and the tongue 129 can be detached from medial side 115 and lateral side 117. Accordingly, the tongue 129 can substantially fill the throat opening 127.
The upper 120 can move between various positions, such as an open position and a closed position. The open position is shown in
In some embodiments, the tongue 129 can be pivoted away from adjacent areas of the upper 120 to allow passage of the foot 102 into and out of the upper 120. In the closed position, the tongue 129 can be pivoted toward adjacent areas of the upper 120 to secure the upper 120 to the foot 102. In some embodiments, the tongue 129 can pivot relative to the forefoot region 111 as the upper 120 moves between the open position and the closed position.
Article of footwear 100 can also include a cinching apparatus 150. Cinching apparatus 150 can be configured to move the upper 120 between the open position illustrated, for example, in
Generally, cinching apparatus 150 can include a securement device 130, such as shoelaces, wires, cables, straps, or other types of fastening structures. In some embodiments, securement device 130 can be tightened to close the upper 120 and secure the upper 120 to the foot 102. Also, securement device 130 can be loosened to open the upper 120 relative to the foot 102 in some embodiments.
Cinching apparatus 150 can also generally include an actuator system 131, which is shown in
In some embodiments, cinching apparatus 150 can automatically open and/or close the upper 120. For example, when the foot 102 is inserted into upper 120 and the wearer applies a sufficient weight load onto actuator system 131, actuator system 131 can automatically move the securement device 130 and close the upper 120 on the foot 102. Accordingly, cinching apparatus 150 can be considered a “weight activated cinching apparatus.” In contrast, when the wearer removes footwear 100 and/or the weight load is reduced, cinching apparatus 150 can automatically open up the upper 120. As such, cinching apparatus 150 can allow footwear 100 to be conveniently closed and/or opened relative to the wearer's foot 102.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, cables 132 can loop continuously from the medial side 115, over tongue 129, across lateral side 117, through sole structure 110, and back to medial side 115. Furthermore, as shown in
In some embodiments, when the upper 120 is in the open position of
Moreover, cinching apparatus 150 can generally include a spring pad 152. As shown in
Spring pad 152 can be resilient and elastic. For example, spring pad 152 can bend elastically between a first position and a second position. Spring pad 152 is shown in a first or neutral position in
In some embodiments, when the spring pad 152 is in the first position, spring pad 152 can at least partially curve and contour away from underlying portions of sole structure 110. In comparison, the spring pad 152 can be flatter when in the second position.
Portions of spring pad 152 can be fixed to the underlying portions of sole structure 110 in some embodiments while other portions can be moveable relative to the underlying portions. For example, in some embodiments, portions of spring pad 152 proximate forefoot region 111 can be fixed to underlying portions of sole structure 110, and portions within midfoot region 112 and heel region 114 can be moveable relative to sole structure 110.
Additionally, in some embodiments, heel region 114 of spring pad 152 can slide along underlying portions of the sole structure 110 as spring pad 152 moves between the first position and the second position. Specifically, in some embodiments, heel region 114 of spring pad 152 can maintain contact with underlying portions of sole structure 110 as spring pad 152 deflects.
Cinching apparatus 150 can also include an engagement member 154 that engages securement device 130. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, engagement member 154 can be associated with spring pad 152 such that movement of spring pad 152 causes movement of engagement member 154. Thus, bending of spring pad 152 can cause cables 132 to be pulled tight for closing the upper 120, and recovery of spring pad 152 can cause cables 132 to loosen for opening the upper 120.
The illustrated embodiments of cinching apparatus 150 shown in
As illustrated in the exploded view of
Spring pad 152 is shown in
Spring pad 152 can include a top surface 164 and a bottom surface 166. Top surface 164 can face generally toward upper 120, and bottom surface 166 can face away from top surface 164. In some embodiments, spring pad 152 can be a one-piece, unitary, or monolithic body. Spring pad 152 can also include a first portion 168, a second portion 170, and a third portion 172. First portion 168, and second portion 170 can be spaced apart at a distance 167. Third portion 172 can be disposed between first portion 168 and second portion 170. For example, third portion 172 can extend continuously between first portion 168 and second portion 170 along the longitudinal direction 105. Also, first portion 168 can be disposed in forefoot region 111 of sole structure 110, second portion 170 can be disposed in heel region 114 of sole structure 110, and third portion 172 can be disposed in midfoot region 112 of sole structure 110 in some embodiments. Thus, first portion 168 can be referred to as a “forefoot portion” of spring pad 152, second portion 170 can be referred to as a “heel portion” of spring pad 152, and third portion 172 can be referred to as a “midfoot portion” or “intermediate portion” of spring pad 152.
Spring pad 152 can exhibit a degree of rigidity or resistance to bending, for example, when spring pad 152 is in the first position illustrated in
In some embodiments, spring pad 152 can be substantially curved in the first position of
Spring pad 152 can be supported above base 156. In some embodiments, bottom surface 166 of spring pad 152 can partially abut base 156. Also, in some embodiments, spring pad 152 can be attached to base 156. For example, first portion 168 can sit flat against base 156 and first portion 168 can be fixed, or otherwise attached to base 156. Also, base 156 can support the deformation of spring pad 152 between the first position and the second position.
In some embodiments, spring pad 152 can be connected to base 156 at a first attachment 201. First attachment 201 can include one or more localized areas of attachment. Spring pad 152 and base 156 can be attached at first attachment 201 via a weld, adhesive, fastener(s) or any other attachment device. In some embodiments first portion 168 of spring pad 152 can be fixed to base 156 at first attachment 201.
Movement of spring pad 152 from the first position to the second position is illustrated in
Meanwhile, third portion 172 of spring pad 152 can move generally in the vertical direction 107 when moving between the first position and the second position. For example, in the first position of
In some embodiments, when spring pad 152 is in the second position of
In some embodiments, spring pad 152 can substantially resist bending unless the load upon spring pad 152 exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the threshold can be approximately 10 pounds.
Additionally, in some embodiments, spring pad 152 can include one or more openings, such as through-holes 173. In some embodiments, through-holes 173 can extend substantially in the vertical direction 107 through spring pad 152. Stated differently, through-holes 173 can extend through both the top surface 164 and the bottom surface 166 of spring pad 152. In other embodiments, through-holes 173 can extend in the longitudinal direction 105 and/or the transverse direction 106 through the spring pad 152. As shown in
Referring now to
Base 156 can include an upper surface 174 and a lower surface 176. Furthermore, base 156 can include a forward area 171, which is disposed in the forefoot region 111 of sole structure 110. Base 156 can also include a rear area 175, which is disposed in the heel region 114 of sole structure 110. Also, base 156 can include an intermediate area 177, which is disposed in the midfoot region 112 of sole structure 110.
Base 156 can also include an opening 178. In some embodiments, opening 178 can be a slot 180 with a side surface 182 that extends between upper surface 174 and lower surface 176. Slot 180 can extend substantially in the longitudinal direction 105 and have a first end 181 disposed in rear area 175 and a second end 183 disposed in intermediate area 177. Slot 180 can have a substantially straight axis in some embodiments.
Additionally, in some embodiments, base 156 can include one or more openings, such as through-holes 179. In some embodiments, through-holes 179 can extend substantially in the vertical direction 107 through base 156. Stated differently, through-holes 179 can extend through both the upper surface 174 and the lower surface 176. In other embodiments, through-holes 179 can extend in the longitudinal direction 105 and/or the transverse direction 106 through the base 156. As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, locking mechanism 158 can be integrally attached to and defined on base 156. Specifically, locking mechanism 158 can be disposed proximate first end 181 of slot 180. For example, locking mechanism 158 can include a first end 186 that is attached to intermediate area 177 of base 156. Locking mechanism 158 can project rearwardly from intermediate area 177, and locking mechanism 158 can terminate at a second end 188, which is disposed within slot 180. Additionally, locking mechanism 158 can include an aperture 190. Aperture 190 can be a recess or hole. As will be discussed, locking mechanism 158 can be configured to removably latch onto engagement member 154.
Additionally, base 156 can include one or more rails that project from lower surface 176 and that extend along slot 180. These rails can provide attachment and can support movement of engagement member 154 and/or abutment member 160 relative to base 156. For example, base 156 can include a first rail 192 and a second rail 196. In some embodiments, first rail 192 and second rail 196 can extend on opposite sides of slot 180. Also, first rail 192 and second rail 196 can extend substantially parallel to slot 180.
Moreover, in some embodiments, first rail 192 can include a first recess 194 as shown in
Referring now to
Shuttle 212 can include an elongate spine 214. Also, shuttle 212 can include one or more ribs 216 that project from spine 214. For example, in some embodiments, shuttle 212 can include a first rib 218, a second rib 220, a third rib 222, and a fourth rib 224. Ribs 216 can be spaced apart along spine 214 and can project from each side of spine 214. Moreover, as shown in
In addition, shuttle 212 can include a hook 234. Hook 234 can project from spine 214 on the end opposite the third rib 222.
Shuttle 212 can be made from any suitable material. For example, shuttle 212 can be made from a strong, stiff, and durable material, such as metal, polymer, ceramic, or other material.
When shuttle 212 is assembled in cinching apparatus 150, ribs 216 of shuttle 212 can be received in groove 200 defined by rails 192, 196 as shown in
When spring pad 152 is in the first position, represented in
Also, hook 234 can removably engage locking mechanism 158 as shown in
Additionally, shuttle 212 can engage cables 132 of securement device 130. For example, cables 132 can be received in one or more openings 226 of shuttle 212. Also, in some embodiments, spine 214 and lower surface 176 of base 156 can cooperate to capture cables 132. Specifically, as shown in
Accordingly, as shuttle 212 moves along groove 200, shuttle 212 can pull or otherwise increase tension in cables 132. Also, movement of shuttle 212 can decrease tension in cables 132 in some embodiments.
Referring now to
Abutment member 160 can be made out of any suitable material. For example, abutment member 160 can be made out of a polymeric or metallic material.
When abutment member 160 is assembled in cinching apparatus 150, first pad 202 and second pad 204 can be received in groove 200 defined by rails 192, 196 as shown in
Additionally, abutment member 160 can be connected to spring pad 152. In some embodiments, abutment member 160 can be connected at a second attachment 211 to second portion 170 of spring pad 152. Abutment member 160 and spring pad 152 can be attached at second attachment 211 via a weld, adhesive, fastener(s) or any other attachment device. Furthermore, second attachment 211 can be achieved through slot 180 in base 156. Stated differently, second attachment 211 can extend through slot 180 and can move along slot 180. In some embodiments, second attachment 211 can abut against side surface 182 of slot 180 such that slot 180 guides movement of abutment member 160 in the longitudinal direction 105.
It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the distance between second attachment 211 and first attachment 201 can vary as spring pad 152 deforms. For example, the distance 191 between second attachment 211 and first attachment 201 can be greater in the second position illustrated in
Furthermore, shuttle 212 can be received in opening 210 of abutment member 160. As shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
As second portion 170 of spring pad 152 and abutment member 160 slide rearward, first pad 202 of abutment member 160 can abut and push against locking mechanism 158, causing locking mechanism 158 to pivot upward away from hook 234 as shown in
Then, when the wearer removes the foot or otherwise reduces the weight load on spring pad 152, spring pad 152 can recover back to the first position represented in
Referring now to
Cinching apparatus 1150 can include a plurality of engagement members 1154 or shuttles 1212. For example, apparatus 1150 can include a first shuttle 1901 and a second shuttle 1902. First shuttle 1901 can be disposed on the medial side of a central longitudinal axis 1905 of sole structure, and second shuttle 1902 can be disposed on the lateral side of the longitudinal axis 1905.
Additionally, base 1156 can include a corresponding number of slots 1180. For example, base 1156 can include a first slot 1903, which receives the first shuttle 1901, and a second slot 1904, which receives the second shuttle 1902.
It will be appreciated that cinching apparatus 1150 can include an abutment member of the type discussed above with respect to
First shuttle 1901 and second shuttle 1902 can be spaced apart in the transverse direction 1106 from the longitudinal axis 1905 of the sole structure. As such, shuttle 1901, shuttle 1902, and abutment member(s) can be spaced apart from the central area of the heel of the wearer's foot. Thus, the wearer is unlikely to feel these components when walking, jumping, standing, or otherwise wearing the footwear. Also, this configuration can provide space for more padding or other midsole components to be included underneath the wearer's heel. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be more comfortable to wear.
Referring now to
As shown, cinching apparatus 2150 can include a second locking mechanism 2801. In some embodiments, locking mechanism 2801 can be included in addition to the locking mechanism 158 described above. In other embodiments, locking mechanism 2801 can be included as an alternative to locking mechanism 158.
Locking mechanism 2801 can be configured to retain and alternatively release another part of cinching apparatus 2150. In some embodiments, locking mechanism 2801 can be manually operated. As such, the wearer can selectively manipulate cinching apparatus 2150 to activate cinching apparatus 2150.
In some embodiments, locking mechanism 2801 can be configured to retain abutment member 2160 and/or spring pad in the second position. As such, locking mechanism 2801 can retain upper 120 in the tightened position against the wearer's foot.
Also, in some embodiments, locking mechanism 2801 can include an opening 2803 defined in second pad 2204 of abutment member 2160. Opening 2803 can be a hole or recess in some embodiments. Also, locking mechanism 2801 can include a retainer 2802, such as a hook, that is received in or otherwise engages opening 2803 as shown in
As shown in
Accordingly, the locking mechanism 2801 can allow wearer to select when to move cinching apparatus 2150 from the second configuration to the first configuration. Stated differently, locking mechanism 2801 can allow wearer to select when to loosen upper from the foot.
While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
