The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and in particular to an article of footwear with tensioning systems.
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.
In one aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper with a toe covering portion and an entry hole for receiving a foot. The upper includes an intermediate covering portion disposed between the toe covering portion and the entry hole, where the intermediate covering portion is closed around the instep of the foot and wherein the volume of the intermediate covering portion is variable. The article further includes a first tensioning member having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, where the first portion extends through the intermediate covering portion, the third portion extends through the intermediate covering portion and the second portion is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The article further includes a second tensioning member with a first end portion associated with a tension balancing member and the second tensioning member has a second end portion. The second portion of the first tensioning member is engaged with the tension balancing member such that the second portion can move with respect to the tension balancing member. Increasing the tension of the second tensioning member results in increased tension in the first tensioning member, which substantially decreases the volume of the intermediate covering portion.
In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper having a toe covering portion and an entry hole for receiving a foot and an intermediate covering portion disposed between the toe covering portion and the entry hole, where the intermediate covering portion is closed around the instep of the foot and where the volume of the intermediate covering portion is variable. The article also includes a reel based tensioning device, a first tensioning member extending through the intermediate covering portion and a second tensioning member with a first end portion configured as a loop portion and a second end portion associated with the reel based tensioning device. The first tensioning member is disposed through the loop portion such that the first tensioning member can translate through the loop portion. The loop portion transfers tension between the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member. The volume of the intermediate covering portion is decreased when the reel based tensioning device is actuated to increase tension in the second tensioning member.
In another aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper including a closed instep portion. The article includes a tensioning system that has: a first driven tensioning member associated with a first side of the upper and a first driving tensioning member associated with the first side, where the first driving tensioning member is attached to the instep portion; and a second driven tensioning member associated with a second side of the upper and a second driving tensioning member associated with the second side, where the second driving tensioning member is attached to the instep portion. A first end portion of the first driving tensioning member is associated with a first tension balancing member and the first driven tensioning member is engaged with the first tension balancing member. The first tension balancing member can transfer tension between the first driving tensioning member and the first driven tensioning member and the first driven tensioning member can move with respect to the first tension balancing member. A first end portion of the second driving tensioning member is associated with a second tension balancing member, and the second driven tensioning member is engaged with the second tension balancing member. The second tension balancing member can transfer tension between the second driving tensioning member and the second driven tensioning member. The second driven tensioning member can move with respect to the second tension balancing member. A second end portion of the first driving tensioning member is attached to a tensioning device and a second end portion of the second driving tensioning member is attached to the tensioning device. Increasing the tension in the first driving tensioning member and the second driving tensioning member using the tensioning device pulls the first driven tensioning member and the second driven tensioning member and pulling the first driven tensioning member and the second driven tensioning member fastens the instep portion of the upper.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments 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 embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
The embodiments 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 embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Referring to
It will be understood that forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100. Likewise, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article 100 into two halves.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a footwear component that is closer to a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a portion of a footwear component that is further from a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be used in describing individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole structure.
Referring to
Sole structure 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 110 may include different components. For example, sole structure 110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 may include midsole 120 and outsole 122. As discussed in further detail below, some embodiments may include sole structures with internal cavities or recesses for receiving various components, for example a cavity for receiving an electronic device.
Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper.
In different embodiments, the material construction of upper 102 could vary. In some embodiments, upper 102 may comprise a single base layer of material, such as, for example, a synthetic material layer. In other embodiments, however, upper 102 could comprise two or more material layers. As seen in
In some embodiments, upper 102 includes opening 140 that provides entry for the foot into an interior cavity of upper 102. Opening 140 may be bounded from a rearward direction by heel portion 150 of upper 102. In some embodiments, upper 102 further includes an instep portion 160 that corresponds to the top of a foot.
In contrast to some other upper configurations, article 100 may generally be closed along the top of upper 102, including along instep portion 160. In other words, instep portion 160 may be configured as a closed portion. In particular, instep portion 160 may be closed around the instep of a foot, when a foot has been inserted into article 100.
For purposes of clarity, the term “intermediate covering portion” is used throughout this detailed description and in the claims to refer to a portion of an upper corresponding to an instep of the foot and surrounding parts of the foot. In some embodiments, the intermediate covering portion may include portions of the vamp, but not necessarily all of the vamp. Moreover, the intermediate covering portion described herein is most generally characterized as including the portions of the upper between a toe portion of the upper and an entry hole or opening of the upper.
In some embodiments, intermediate covering portion 294 may generally define a volume 296, whose boundaries are associated with a surface 297 defined by intermediate covering portion 294. As portions of article 100 are expanded and contracted in response to changes in tension of various tensioning members, volume 296 may generally change accordingly. Thus, for example, as portions of article 100 contract with increased tension of tensioning system 200, volume 296 may decrease. Likewise, as portions of article 100 expand with decreased tension of tensioning system 200, volume 296 may increase.
In order to facilitate entry of a foot into upper 102, intermediate covering portion 294 may include provisions for expanding and contracting, especially at instep portion 160, which may be part of intermediate covering portion 294. In some embodiments, instep portion 160 may be configured with a plurality of channels 170 to facilitate expansion of instep portion 160, or more intermediate covering portion 294, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, plurality of channels 170 further includes a first group of channels 172 and a second group of channels 174, associated with the lateral side 16 and medial side 18, respectively, of upper 102.
Referring to
In different embodiments, the depths of plurality of channels 170 relative to the material thickness of upper 102 can vary. In some embodiments, for example, plurality of channels 170 may be configured as channels extending through the entire thickness of upper 102. In other embodiments, however, plurality of channels 170 may not extend through the entire thickness of an upper material. In some embodiments, as seen in
In different embodiments, the orientations of plurality of channels 170 could vary. In some embodiments, the channels comprising first group of channels 172 may be generally parallel to one another. In addition, in some cases, the channels comprising first group of channels 172 may be approximately oriented in the longitudinal direction. In a similar manner, in some embodiments, the channels comprising second group of channels 174 may be generally parallel and oriented approximately in the longitudinal direction. This general configuration for plurality of channels 170 on instep portion 160 may facilitate the expansion of instep portion 160, and of intermediate covering portion 294 more generally, in a direction that is generally perpendicular with the lengthwise orientations of plurality of channels 170. More specifically, as plurality of channels 170 expand along a widthwise direction of the channels that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of upper 102, instep portion 160 may expand in a direction approximately parallel to that widthwise direction. Such an expanded configuration is shown in
Some embodiments may include tab portion 175. In some embodiments, tab portion 175 is a tab-like portion disposed along the top of instep portion 160. In some embodiments, tab portion 175 has a looped geometry that can be easily grasped with a finger. In some cases, tab portion 175 may be disposed adjacent to opening 140. Tab portion 175 may be grasped and pulled by a user to expand instep portion 160. This allows opening 140 to increase in size temporarily, thereby permitting entry of a foot through opening 140. With tab portion 175 released, instep portion 160 may return to a pre-tensioned size and/or volume.
Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate contracting instep portion 160 (and thereby reducing its volume) once a foot has been inserted in order to tighten the fit of upper 102 to the foot. In some embodiments, article 100 may include tensioning system 200 (indicated in
In some embodiments, tensioning system 200 may include plurality of tensioning members 210. Plurality of tensioning members 210 may comprise cable-like or wire-like members. In particular, the tensioning members of the current embodiment may be characterized as being approximately one-dimensional. In other words, each tensioning member may generally have a length that is substantially greater than the width, thickness and/or diameter of the tensioning member. In other embodiments, however, one or more tensioning members could be approximately two-dimensional members (e.g., ribbons, belts or straps).
Plurality of tensioning members 210 may be further grouped into a first group of tensioning members 212 and a second group of tensioning members 214, which are associated with lateral side 16 and medial side 18, respectively, of upper 102. Generally, each group could have any number of tensioning members. In some embodiments, first group of tensioning members 212 and second group of tensioning members 214 may each comprise three distinct tensioning members. However, other embodiments could include any other number of tensioning members in each group of tensioning members, including one, two, three, four or more than four tensioning members. In particular, as seen in
Tensioning system 200 further includes tensioning device 220 that may be used to adjust the tension in plurality of tensioning members 210. For purposes of clarity, tensioning device 220 is shown schematically in the current embodiments. However, tensioning device 220 may generally include provisions for receiving and winding tensioning members. Examples of different tensioning devices include, but are not limited to: reel devices with a ratcheting mechanism, reel devices with a cam mechanism, manual tensioning devices, automatic tensioning devices, as well as possibly other kinds of tensioning devices. Examples of a tensioning device comprising a reel and ratcheting mechanism that could be used with the current embodiments are disclosed in Soderberg et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0139057, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/623,362, filed Nov. 20, 2009 and titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Examples of a motorized tensioning device that could be used with the current embodiments are disclosed in Beers, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0070042, published Mar. 13, 2014, and filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,555, on Aug. 30, 2013, and titled “Motorized Tensioning System with Sensors”, the entirety being incorporated by reference herein. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning device 220 could be a reel-based tensioning device that winds the tensioning members onto a reel to increase the tension.
In different embodiments, the location of tensioning device 220 could vary. In some embodiments, tensioning device 220 could be disposed in a portion of upper 102. In some embodiments, as shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
It will be understood that tensioning members of first group of tensioning members 212 may be configured in a similar manner on lateral side 16 of article 100. In particular, first tensioning member 231, second tensioning member 232 and third tensioning member 233 may extend outwardly from aperture 240 in a similar manner to fourth tensioning member 234, fifth tensioning member 235 and sixth tensioning member 236. In some embodiments, this arrangement may provide substantially symmetric tension along the lateral and medial sides of instep portion 160, thereby allowing tension to be applied in a generally symmetric manner. In other embodiments, however, first group of tensioning members 212 and second group of tensioning members 214 need not be arranged in a symmetric manner.
With respect to tensioning members and the layers of upper 102, it will be understood that other arrangements are possible. In some other embodiments, one or more tensioning members could extend between outer layer 107 and inner layer 105. In still other embodiments, one or more tensioning members could extend externally to outer layer 107. In still other embodiments, one or more tensioning members could extend along an inner side of inner layer 105 (i.e., directly adjacent to a foot). In such an embodiment, tubes or other guides may be used to facilitate cushioning between the tensioning members and the foot.
Some embodiments could incorporate one or more internal and/or external guides that facilitate the alignment and travel of tensioning members. In some embodiments, one or more guides could be disposed within cavities of outer layer 107. In other embodiments, guides could be used to house portions of tensioning members that extend between cavities in adjacent sections of material. The use of guides, such as tubes, may further facilitate alignment of tensioning members and allow for smoother travel of the tensioning members. Such provisions, as well as the presence of inner layer 105, could also reduce the tendency of the tensioning members to apply unwanted pressures directly to the foot.
In the current embodiment, remote device 400 is shown as a bracelet that may be worn by a user. In other embodiments, however, remote device 400 could be any other kind of device. Examples of other remote devices that could be used to communicate with tensioning device 220 include, but are not limited to: cell phones, smart phones, tablets, various kinds of remote control devices as well as any other kinds of remote devices. Moreover, a remote device can communicate with tensioning device 220 using any communication method including, but not limited to: radio signals, infra-red signals, as well as any other kinds of communication signals known in the art.
It will be understood that while the embodiments of the figures illustrate a tensioning system that uses a single tensioning device, other embodiments could incorporate two or more tensioning devices. In still another embodiment, for example, an article could include a separate tensioning device on each of the lateral and medial sides of the article. This alternative configuration could facilitate independent tensioning of tensioning members associated with the lateral and medial sides.
Referring next to
Generally, tensioning device 220 may continue wind plurality of tensioning members 210 as long as tightening button 402 is pressed (or until a signal that a desired tension level has been achieved). This continued tensioning may act to close plurality of channels 170 until previously separated sections of outer layer 107 come into contact.
A fully tightened state for instep portion 160 (and upper 102 more generally) is shown in
Although not shown in the figures, a similar process for releasing tension in plurality of tensioning members 210 may occur when a user depresses loosening button 404. This acts to unwind plurality of tensioning members 210 from tensioning device 220, which allows instep portion 160 to increase in volume when forces are applied by the foot to instep portion 160 (or directly by a user grabbing tab portion 175). The degree to which tensioning device 220 is loosened will affect the degree to which instep portion 160 can expand (and therefore the degree to which opening 140 may likewise expand).
In different embodiments, the mechanism that allows the volume of an instep portion to be changed may vary. The embodiments shown in
Additionally, in this embodiment, a tensioning system 620 may be used to apply tension to instep portion 660. By increasing the tension applied to instep portion 660, the volume of instep portion 660 can be contracted, as seen when comparing the shape of instep portion 660 in
In some embodiments, a tensioning system 900 may be provided. For purposes of illustration, only some components of tensioning system 900 are shown in the current embodiment. Moreover, in contrast to some previous embodiments, in the embodiment of
Plurality of tensioning members 910 may be further grouped into a first group of tensioning members 912 and a second group of tensioning members 914, which are associated with lateral side 816 and medial side 818, respectively, of upper 802. Generally, each group could have any number of tensioning members. In some embodiments, first group of tensioning members 912 and second group of tensioning members 914 may each comprise three distinct tensioning members. However, other embodiments could include any other number of tensioning members in each group of tensioning members, including one, two, three, four or more than four tensioning members. In particular, as seen in
As in the earlier embodiments, the tensioning members in each group may be spread apart over instep portion 871, and may be adjacent one another along the sides of upper 802. Additionally, each tensioning member extends down to a tensioning device (not shown), which applies tension to each tensioning member.
In some embodiments, upper 802 may be configured with provisions to contract in volume under tension, especially in instep portion 871 and adjacent portions. In some embodiments, upper 802 is configured with first set of portions 830 having a first material construction and a second set of portions 832 having a second material construction that is different from the first material construction. For purposes of illustration, an exemplary configuration of first set of portions 830 is shown in
In some embodiments, the first set of portions 830 extends through much of toe portion 840. Additionally, first set of portions 830 extend in lengthwise segments from toe portion 840 to heel portion 842. Second set of portions 832 may comprise small disjoint segments 833 within toe portion 840. Additionally, second set of portions 832 includes lengthwise segments that separate adjacent lengthwise portions from first set of portions 830. As an example, as seen in
In some embodiments, the first material construction (associated with first set of portions 830) and the second material construction (associated with second set of portions 832) may be substantially different. For example, in some embodiments, the second material construction may be substantially more elastic than the first material construction. In addition, in some embodiments, second set of portions 832 may be associated with plurality of holes 870, which can facilitate breathability for upper 802 and also increase flexibility for second set of portions 832. This configuration for the first material construction and the second material construction may facilitate the contraction of second set of portions 832 as upper 802 is tensioned.
In different embodiments, the geometry of different portions of article 800 could vary. In an exemplary embodiment, lengthwise segments of first set of portions 830 and second set of portions 832 may generally have curved or non-linear edges. In some cases, the lengthwise segments of first set of portions 830 and second set of portions 832 have corresponding wavy edges, including alternating crests and troughs. In some embodiments, segments of first set of portions 830 that are separated by a corresponding segment from second set of portions 832 could be configured so that the crests of each segment are approximately aligned in a longitudinal direction. In such an embodiment, the crests of the segments of first set of portions 830 could come into contact with one another as second set of portions 832 contract under tension. In other embodiments, segments of first set of portions 830 that are separated by a corresponding segment from second set of portions 832 could be configured so that a crest of one segment is aligned with a trough of another segment in the longitudinal direction. In such an embodiment, the crests of one segment may fit into the troughs of another segment as second set of portions 832 contract under tension. By varying the alignment of adjacent segments from first set of portions 830, the overall fit of article 800 during a contracted or tensioned state can be tuned.
It will be understood that article of footwear 1100 may be configured with any of the provisions, features, systems and/or components which have already been described in previous embodiments and shown in
Referring to
Article 1100 may include an upper 1102 as well as a sole structure 1110. In some embodiments, sole structure 1110 may be configured to provide traction for article 1100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 1110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 1110 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 1110 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 1110 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.
Generally, upper 1102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 1102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 1100 is a basketball shoe, upper 1102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article 1100 is a running shoe, upper 1102 could be a low top upper.
In some embodiments, upper 1102 includes opening 1140 that provides entry for the foot into an interior cavity of upper 1102. Opening 1140 may be bounded from a rearward direction by heel portion 1014 of upper 1102. In some embodiments, upper 1102 further includes an instep portion 1160 that corresponds to the top of a foot.
In contrast to some other upper configurations, article 1100 may generally be closed along the top of upper 1102, including along instep portion 1160. In other words, instep portion 1160 may be configured as a closed portion. In particular, instep portion 1160 may be closed around the instep of a foot, when a foot has been inserted into article 1100.
Upper 1102 may further be associated with an intermediate covering portion 1170. In a similar manner to the embodiment described above and shown in
In order to facilitate entry of a foot into upper 1102, intermediate covering portion 1170 may include provisions for expanding and contracting, especially at instep portion 1160, which may be part of intermediate covering portion 1170.
For purposes of clarity, article 1100 is illustrated schematically without details regarding provisions for expanding and/or contracting at instep portion 1160. However, it will be understood that other embodiments may utilize a variety of different provisions to facilitate the expansion and contraction of portions of an upper. Some embodiments may use a material having slots or other narrow openings, such as those that have been described above and depicted in
Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate contracting intermediate covering portion 1170 (and thereby reducing its volume) once a foot has been inserted in order to tighten the fit of upper 1102 to the foot. In some embodiments, article 1100 may include tensioning system 1200 that may provide tension across instep portion 1160. Tensioning system 1200 may further comprise one or more tensioning members as well as a tensioning device. Examples of possible tensioning members that could be used include, but are not limited to: cables, wires, strings, laces, straps as well as any other kinds of tensioning members. Moreover, exemplary tensioning devices include, but are not limited to: winding devices (e.g., reels and spools), springs, as well as any other devices, systems or components that can be used to apply tension to any portion of a tensioning member.
In some embodiments, tensioning system 1200 may include plurality of tensioning members 1210 (see
Tensioning system 1200 may be configured with tensioning members linked together in a parallel and/or serial manner. In particular, tensioning system 1200 may include some tensioning members that directly engage (i.e., apply tension directly to) portions of upper 1102 and tensioning system 1200 may also include some tensioning members that transfer forces between the directly engaged tensioning members and a power source, such as a tensioning device. For purposes of clarity, tensioning members that directly engage (e.g., pull and/or compress) upper 1102 are referred to as driven tensioning members, while tensioning members that pull on the driven tensioning members are referred to as driving tensioning members. However, it will be understood that these labels are only intended for purpose of clarity and that both driving tensioning members and driven tensioning members could be configured as similar material elements (e.g., wires, cables, ropes, laces, etc.). Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, driving tensioning members may act to transfer tension between a tensioning device and one or more driven tensioning members. In other words, driving tensioning members may pull on driven tensioning members, while the driven tensioning members directly apply tension to (e.g., pull) on portions of upper 1102.
In an exemplary embodiment, each side of upper 1102 is associated with a set of driven tensioning members, as well as a driving tensioning member. For example, referring to
Tensioning system 1200 further includes first driving tensioning member 1230 and second driving tensioning member 1232. First driving tensioning member 1230 may be associated with the tensioning members of first set of tensioning members 1212, in a manner discussed in further detail below. Likewise, second driving tensioning member 1232 may be associated with the tensioning members of second set of tensioning members 1214.
For purposes of clarity, the following discussion is directed to the specific configuration of first driven tensioning member 1220, second driven tensioning member 1222 and first driving tensioning member 1230 on lateral side 1016 of article 1100. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments third driven tensioning member 1224, fourth driven tensioning member 1226 and second driving tensioning member 1232 may be arranged in a substantially similar configuration on medial side 1018. Thus, it will be understood that the principles discussed with respect to first driven tensioning member 1220, second driven tensioning member 1222 and first driving tensioning member 1230 may likewise apply to third driven tensioning member 1224, fourth driven tensioning member 1226 and second engaged driving tensioning member 1232.
Generally, each driven tensioning member has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion and the third portion may extend through instep portion 1160 (and intermediate covering portion 1170), while the second portion separates the first portion and the third portion. For example, in certain embodiments depicted in
Each driving tensioning member generally extends between one or more driven tensioning members and a tensioning device. In the embodiments shown in
Tensioning system 1200 further includes tensioning device 1270 that may be used to adjust the tension in plurality of tensioning members 1210. For purposes of clarity, tensioning device 1270 is shown schematically in the current embodiments. However, tensioning device 1270 may generally include provisions for receiving and winding tensioning members. Examples of different tensioning devices include, but are not limited to: reel devices with a ratcheting mechanism, reel devices with a cam mechanism, manual tensioning devices, automatic tensioning devices, as well as possibly other kinds of tensioning devices. Examples of a tensioning device comprising a reel and ratcheting mechanism that could be used with the current embodiments are disclosed in Soderberg et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0139057, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/623,362, filed Nov. 20, 2009 and titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Examples of a motorized tensioning device that could be used with the current embodiments are disclosed in Beers, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0070042, published Mar. 13, 2014, and filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,555, on Aug. 30, 2013, and titled “Motorized Tensioning System with Sensors”, the entirety being incorporated by reference herein. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning device 1270 could be a reel-based tensioning device that winds the tensioning members onto a reel to increase the tension.
In different embodiments, the location of tensioning device 1270 could vary. In some embodiments, tensioning device 1270 could be disposed in a portion of upper 1102. In other embodiments, tensioning device 1270 could be disposed in a portion of sole structure 1110. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning device 1270 may be mounted to heel portion 1014 of article 1100 at upper 1102. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiments, tensioning device 1270 includes an outer casing that may enclose a winding mechanism (not shown).
Embodiments can include provisions to balance the tension applied to two or more driven tensioning members by a driving tensioning member, such that the loads across instep portion 1160 are more evenly distributed. In some embodiments, a tensioning system may incorporate a tension balancing member. The term “tension balancing member” as used throughout this detailed description refers to any component, device or system that facilitates the balancing of tension between two or more different tensioning members and/or across different portions of a single tensioning member.
In some embodiments, each driving tensioning member is configured with a looped end that provides a tension balancing member for tensioning system 1200. For example, first driving tensioning member 1230 incorporates a first tension balancing member 1260, which is comprised of a looped end of first driving tensioning member 1230 that is fixed in place with fastener 1261. Likewise, second driving tensioning member 1232 has a second tension balancing member 1262, which is comprised of a looped end of second actuating member 1232 that is fixed in place with a fastener 1263.
It will be appreciated that a looped end of an actuating member is only one possible kind of tension balancing member that could be used. Still further embodiments could incorporate other kinds of tension balancing members that may act to distribute loads between two or more driven tensioning members in order to better balance forces applied over different regions of an upper. It may therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any kinds of force transfer and/or force balancing devices could be utilized at the interface between a driving tensioning member and two or more driven tensioning members.
In some embodiments, article 1100 may be configured with provisions to facilitate the attachment and/or control of tensioning members in an article. In some embodiments, article 1100 may include a fixed guide member 1290, which may act to help guide the path of first driving tensioning member 1230. In some embodiments, fixed guide member 1290 may be mounted to, and extend outwardly from, sole structure 1110. A similar fixed guide member 1291 may be used to help guide the path of second driving tensioning member 1232. In some cases, fixed guide member 1290 and fixed guide member 1291 may be positioned to control the direction of pulling applied by first driving tensioning member 1230 and second driving tensioning member 1232, respectively, to plurality of driven tensioning members 1210. Specifically, in some cases, this arrangement ensures that plurality of driven tensioning members 1210 may be pulled in a generally downwards direction (i.e., a direction towards sole structure 1110). This arrangement may help maintain balanced tension throughout different driven tensioning members.
Some embodiments may include an aperture 1292 to receive first driving tensioning member 1230 and an aperture 1293 to receive second driving tensioning member 1232, respectively. In some embodiments aperture 1292 and aperture 1293 may be formed in an external heel counter 1295. In still other cases, apertures could be formed directly in upper 1102. Moreover, it will be understood that in other embodiments any other guides, channels, apertures or other provisions for guiding the path of driving tensioning members could be used.
As seen in
Each driven tensioning member is looped through a tension balancing member. For example, first driven tensioning member 1220 and second driven tensioning member 1222 are disposed through first tension balancing member 1260. Likewise, third driven tensioning member 1224 and fourth driven tensioning member 1226 are disposed through second tension balancing member 1262.
From first tension balancing member 1260, first driving tensioning member 1230 extends around fixed guide member 1290, and then through aperture 1292. Thus, first driving tensioning member 1230 extends from instep portion 1160 towards sole structure 1110, then back towards heel portion 1014. Finally, second end portion 1254 of first driving tensioning member 1230 is fed into tensioning device 1270 where it may be wound on a reel or other tensioning mechanism.
From second tension balancing member 1262, second driving tensioning member 1232 extends around fixed guide member 1291, and then through aperture 1293. Thus, second driving tensioning member 1232 extends from instep portion 1160 towards sole structure 1110, then back towards heel portion 1014. Finally, an end portion of second driving tensioning member 1232 is fed into tensioning device 1270 where it may be wound on a reel or other tensioning mechanism.
As indicated schematically in
Referring to
Tightening of upper 1102 may be initiated in any manner. In some embodiments, a remote device may be used to signal tensioning device 1270 to begin tightening upper 1102. An exemplary remote device has been described above and shown in
As seen in
The change in tension that occurs in
Referring to
The raised configuration 1410 of top edge 1402 may be associated with a loosened configuration for instep portion 1160 while the lowered configuration 1412 of top edge 1402 may be associated with a tightened configuration for instep portion 1160. As seen in
For example, in the configuration shown in
It will be understood that embodiments can include any number of tensioning members, including both driven tensioning members and driving tensioning members. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates a configuration having two driven tensioning members on each side of the upper, other embodiments could utilize a single driven tensioning member on each side. Still other embodiments could use more than two driven tensioning members on each side. For example,
In the embodiment of
With this arrangement, as portions of article 1800 are expanded and contracted in response to changes in tension of various tensioning members, the interior volume of intermediate covering portion 1870 may generally change accordingly. Thus, for example, as portions of article 1800 contract with increased tension, the interior volume of intermediate covering portion 1870 may decrease. Likewise, as portions of article 1800 expand with decreased tension, the interior volume of intermediate covering portion 1870 may increase.
In contrast to at least some previous embodiments, the embodiment shown in
As seen in
While various embodiments 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 embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are 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.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. ______, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/939,208, filed Jul. 11, 2013, under the title “Article with Closed Instep Portion Having Variable Volume”, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application is also related to co-pending U.S. Pat. No. ______, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed Aug. 26, 2014, and titled “Article with Tensioning System Including Driven Tensioning Members,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 13939208 | Jul 2013 | US |
Child | 14468795 | US |