CLOSURE MECHANISMS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear and, more specifically, to closure mechanisms and methods for securing articles of footwear to a wearer's foot.

BACKGROUND

Articles of footwear generally include a closure mechanism, such as laces or straps, which allows a wearer's foot to be inserted into an article when the closure mechanism is in an open configuration, and which secures the wearer's foot within the article when the closure mechanism is in a closed configuration. Despite widespread use, conventional closure mechanisms have their shortcomings, including being difficult to use, aesthetically unpleasant, non-customizable, and/or uncomfortable, to name a few. As such, improved closure mechanisms are always desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of an article of footwear with an adjustable and removable closure mechanism, depicting the closure mechanism in an open configuration.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, depicting the closure mechanism in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, depicting the closure mechanism in the closed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, depicting the closure mechanism in the closed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carriage of the closure mechanism of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a guide rail and carriage of the closure mechanism, taken along the line 5-5 depicted in FIG. 3 but omitting the strap.

FIG. 6 is a lateral side view of another example of an article of footwear with an adjustable and removable closure mechanism, depicting the closure mechanism in the closed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carriage of the closure mechanism of the article of footwear of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a lateral side view of another example of an article of footwear with an adjustable and removable closure mechanism, depicting the closure mechanism in the closed configuration.

FIG. 11 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a carriage of the closure mechanism of the article of footwear of FIG. 10, depicting the carriage in a buckled configuration.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view the carriage of FIG. 13A, depicting the carriage in an unbuckled configuration.

FIG. 14 is a partial side view of a guide rail of a closure mechanism, according to one example.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the guide rail of FIG. 14, taken along the line 15-15 depicted in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the guide rail of FIG. 14, taken along the line 16-16 depicted in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
General Considerations

The mechanisms and methods described herein, and individual components thereof, should not be construed as being limited to the particular uses or mechanisms described herein in any way. Instead, this disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed examples, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another. For example, any features or aspects of the disclosed examples can be used in various combinations and subcombinations with one another, as will be recognized by an ordinarily skilled artisan in the relevant field(s) in view of the information disclosed herein. In addition, the disclosed mechanisms, methods, and components thereof are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combinations thereof, nor do the disclosed things and methods require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

As used in this application, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the terms “coupled” or “secured” encompass mechanical and chemical couplings, as well as other practical ways of coupling or linking items together, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items unless otherwise indicated, such as by referring to elements, or surfaces thereof, being “directly” coupled or secured. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “and/or” means any one item or combination of items in the phrase.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms “e.g.” and “for example” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, and/or illustrations. As used herein, the term “i.e.” means “that is.”

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not depict the various ways in which the disclosed things and methods can be used in conjunction with other things and methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “provide” and “produce” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level descriptions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms will vary in one or more particular implementations and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As used herein, the directional terms (e.g., “upper” and “lower”) generally correspond to the orientation of an article of footwear or sole assembly as it is configured to be worn by a wearer. For example, an “upwardly-facing surface” and/or an “upper surface” of a sole assembly refers to the surface oriented in the “superior” anatomical direction (i.e., toward the head of a wearer) when the article of footwear is being worn by the wearer. Similarly, the directional terms “downwardly” and/or “lower” refer to the anatomical direction “inferior” (i.e., toward the ground and away from the head of the wearer). “Front” means “anterior” (e.g., towards the toes), and “rear” means “posterior” (e.g., towards the heel). “Medial” means “toward the midline of the body,” and “lateral” means “away from the midline of the body.” “Longitudinal axis” refers to a centerline of the article from the heel to toe (e.g., posterior/anterior). Similarly, a “longitudinal length” refers to a length of the article along the longitudinal axis, and a “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction along or parallel to the longitudinal axis. “Lateral axis” refers to a centerline of the article from the medial side to the lateral side. Similarly, a “lateral length” refers to a length of the article along the lateral axis, and a “lateral direction” refers to a direction along or parallel to the lateral axis.

As used herein, the term “sole structure” refers to any combination of materials that provides support for a wearer's foot and bears the surface that is in direct contact with the ground or playing surface, such as, for example, a single sole; a combination of an outsole and an inner sole; a combination of an outsole, a midsole, and an inner sole; and a combination of an outer covering, an outsole, a midsole, and an inner sole.

As used herein, the terms “attached” and “coupled” generally mean physically connected or linked, which includes items that are directly attached/coupled and items that are attached/coupled with intermediate elements between the attached/coupled items, unless specifically stated to the contrary. The terms “directly attached” and “directly coupled” generally mean physically connected or linked without intermediate elements between the attached/coupled items, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

As used herein, the terms “fixedly attached” and “fixedly coupled” refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated from one another without destroying and/or damaging one or both components. Exemplary modalities of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesive, stitches, welding or other thermal bonding, and/or other joining techniques. For example, an upper can be fixedly attached to a sole structure with permanent adhesive and/or stitching. In addition, two components may be “fixedly attached” or “fixedly coupled” by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding or printing process. In contrast, the terms “removably attached” or “removably coupled” refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components can be readily separated from one another to return to their separate, discrete forms without destroying and/or damaging either component. For example, a lace member can be removably attached to an upper. Exemplary modalities of temporary attachment may include mating-type connections, releasable fasteners, removable stitches, and/or other temporary joining techniques.

As used herein, the terms “articles of footwear,” “articles,” and/or “footwear” mean any type of footwear, including, for example, casual shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes, running shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, boots, sandals, etc. In some examples, the term “article of footwear” can be used to refer to one or more components of an article of footwear such as a sole structure without an upper attached thereto, or vice versa.

Although the figures may illustrate an article of footwear intended for use on only one foot (e.g., a right foot) of a wearer, one skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that a corresponding article of footwear for the other foot (e.g., a left foot) would be a mirror image of (or substantially similar to) the right article of footwear.

Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Other features of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed description, abstract, and drawings.

Introduction to the Disclosed Technology

Described herein are exemplary embodiments of articles of footwear and related components and methods. In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises an adjustable and removable closure mechanism.

In some examples, an article of footwear comprises a sole structure, an upper, and a closure mechanism. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and comprises a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The closure mechanism is disposed on and coupled to the upper and spaced apart from the sole structure. The closure mechanism comprises a guide rail, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a connecting member. The guide rail comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the guide rail is disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, the second end of the guide rail is disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the intermediate portion of the guide rail extends from the lateral side portion of the upper, around the heel portion of the upper, and to the medial side portion of the upper. The first carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, and the first carriage is movable along the guide rail from the lateral side portion of the upper to the medial side portion of the upper. The second carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the second carriage is movable along the guide rail from the medial side portion to the lateral side portion. The connecting member extends from the first carriage to the second carriage.

In some examples, an article of footwear comprises a sole structure, an upper, and a closure mechanism. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and comprises a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The closure mechanism is disposed on and coupled to the upper and spaced apart from the sole structure. The closure mechanism comprises a track, a first slider, a second slider, and a connection member. The track comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the track is disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, the second end of the track is disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the intermediate portion of the track extends from the lateral side portion of the upper, around the heel portion of the upper, and to the medial side portion of the upper. The first slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, and the first slider is movable along the track to adjust a fit of the article of footwear. The second slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the second slider is movable along the track to adjust the fit of the article of footwear. The connection member extends from the first slider to the second slider.

In some examples, a closure mechanism for an article of footwear comprises a guide rail, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a means for connecting the first carriage to the second carriage. The guide rail comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the guide rail is disposed on a first side portion of the article of footwear, the second end of the guide rail is disposed on a second side portion of the article of footwear, and the intermediate portion of the guide rail extends from the first side portion of the article of footwear to the second side portion of the article of footwear. The first carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the first side portion of the article of footwear, and the first carriage is movable along the guide rail from the first side portion of the article of footwear to the second side portion of the article of footwear. The second carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the second side portion of the article of footwear, and the second carriage is movable along the guide rail from the second side portion to the first side portion.

In some examples, a closure mechanism for an article of footwear comprises a track, a first slider, and a second slider. The track comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the track is disposed on a first side portion of the article of footwear, the second end of the track is disposed on a second side portion of the article of footwear, and the intermediate portion of the track extends from the first side portion of the article of footwear to the second side portion of the article of footwear. The first slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the first side portion of the article of footwear, and the first slider is movable along the track to adjust a fit of the article of footwear. The second slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the second side portion of the article of footwear, and the second slide is movable along the track to adjust the fit of the article of footwear.

Although the examples described herein are primarily directed to articles of footwear, it should also be noted that the technology can be applied to various other applications. For example, the described technologies can be applied to other types of closures, including laced closures on clothing (e.g., pants, shorts, dresses), gloves, luggage, bags, etc.

Examples of the Disclosed Technology

FIGS. 1A-3 depict an example of an article of footwear (“article”) 100 having an adjustable and removable closure mechanism 102. FIGS. 4-5 depict components of the closure mechanism 102 of the article of footwear 100. Referring to FIGS. 1A-3, in addition to the closure mechanism 102, the article of footwear 100 comprises a sole structure 104 and an upper 106. The sole structure 104 of the article of footwear 100 is configured to support a wearer's foot and to be disposed between the wearer's foot and a ground surface. The upper 106 of the article of footwear 100 is coupled the sole structure and is configured to receive and secure the wearer's foot relative to the sole structure 104.

In some examples, the sole structure 104 and the upper 106 can be formed as a single structure. In some examples, the sole structure 104 can be fixedly or removably coupled to the upper 106, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A-3. In some examples, the sole structure 104 can comprise an outsole and a midsole. The upper 106 can comprise a toe portion 107, a medial portion 108, a heel portion 109, a lateral portion 110, and an opening 112. As shown in the illustrated example, in some instances, the upper 106 can also include a tongue 114 disposed in a throat 116 of the upper 106. In some instances, an upper can be formed without a throat and/or tongue. In some examples, the article of footwear and/or its components (e.g., the upper and/or sole structure) can be divided into three regions: a forefoot region, an arch region, and a heel region by diving the article of footwear (or component) into equal thirds in the anterior/posterior direction. The anterior-most third defines the forefoot region, the posterior-most third defines the heel region, and the middle third disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region defines the arch region.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the closure mechanism 102 comprises three main components: a guide rail 118, a plurality of carriages 120, and a connecting member (e.g., a strap 122). The guide rail 118 is coupled to the upper 106 and is configured to receive the carriages 120. The carriages 120 are removably and movably coupled to the guide rail 118 and are configured to adjust the closure mechanism 102. The strap 122 extends between the carriages 120 and across the upper 106. In some instances, the strap 122 can (in addition to the carriages 120) be used to adjust the closure mechanism 102.

It should be noted that the disclosed guide rails can also be referred to as “tracks” and the carriages can also be referred to as “sliders.”

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the guide rail 118 of the closure mechanism 102 comprises a rail portion 124 and an attachment portion 126. The rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118 is configured to receive the carriages 120. The attachment portion 126 of the guide rail 118 is configured for attaching the guide rail 118 to the upper 106 of the article of footwear 100.

The guide rail 118 includes a first end 118a, a second end 118b, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end 118a and the second end 118b. In the depicted example, the first end 118a of the guide rail 118 is disposed on the lateral portion 110 of the upper 106, and the second end 118b of the guide rail 118 is disposed on the medial portion 108 of the upper 106, both ends 118a, 118b being disposed adjacent the tongue 114 and toward a toe portion 107 of the upper. In some examples, the guide rail 118 extends continuously across the lateral portion 110, around the heel portion 109, and across the medial portion 108. In this manner, the carriages disposed on the guide rail 118 can be moved along the guide rail 118 from one side of the article of footwear to another side of the article of footwear (e.g., from a lateral side to a medial side, or vice versa).

In some examples, the guide rail can be non-continuous. In such instances, the guide rail can comprise a plurality of segments (or a plurality separate guide rails). In some instances that comprise a plurality of segments, the spacing between adjacent segments can be configured such that the carriages can be moved from one segment to an adjacent segment without derailing. For example, the ends of adjacent guide rails can abut or the spacing between adjacent segments of the guide rail can be less than the length of the carriage. As such, the carriage can span across adjacent segments of the guide rail and contact both segments at least temporarily as the carriage moves from one segment to the adjacent segment. In some instances, the segments are configured such that the carriages cannot move between two adjacent segments. For example, in some instances, one or more stoppers can be placed on the rail to impede the movement of one or more carriages along the guide rail. The stoppers can be either fixedly coupled to the rail or removably coupled to the rail. One or more stoppers can be used on a continuous rail. In lieu of or in addition to stoppers, in some instances comprising a plurality of segments, the spacing between adjacent segments can be configured such that the carriages cannot be moved from one segment to an adjacent segment without derailing.

One or more ends 118a, 118b of the rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118 can be unimpeded such that the carriages 120 can be installed on and/or removed from guide rail 118 via the unimpeded end. In some instances, both the first end 118a and the second end 118b are unimpeded such that the carriages 120 can be installed on and/or removed from either end of the guide rail 118. In some instances, one end (e.g., the first end 118a) can be unimpeded and the other end (e.g., the second end 118b) can be impeded. In such instances, the carriages 120 can be installed on and/or removed from the unimpeded end of the guide rail 118 and are prevented from installation and/or removal on the other end of the guide rail 118.

Configuring the guide rail 118 so that the carriages 120 are selectively removable provides one or more advantages. For example, this configuration allows a user to exchange and/or replace carriages 120 (and/or the strap 122) as desired. For instance, a user may wish to change the carriages to alter the aesthetic, fit, and/or performance of the article of footwear, and/or to replace a worn or damaged guide rail.

The rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118 comprises an at least substantially circular cross-sectional profile taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail, as shown in FIG. 5. As such, the carriage 120 comprises an opening 128 have a corresponding circular cross-sectional profile taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the opening. In other examples, the rail portion of the guide rail and the opening of carriages can comprise various other shapes that can mate with one another (e.g., oval, rectangular, cruciform, etc.). The shape of the rail portion and the shape of the opening of the carriage do not necessarily need to be the same. Rather, the shapes of the components only need to mate such that the carriage can translate along the rail portion.

The attachment portion 126 of the guide rail 118 can comprise a flange or base that can be fixedly coupled to the upper 106. The attachment portion 126 can be coupled to the upper 106 in various ways, including stitching, adhesive, fasteners, and/or any other means for coupling.

The guide rail 118 comprises a curved or arcuate shape in the depicted example. More specifically, the ends 118a, 118b of the guide rail 118 dispose on or adjacent the toe portion 107 of the upper 106 are relatively lower (inferior) on the upper relative to the portion of the guide rail 118 that is disposed on the heel portion 109. Stated another way, the ends 118a, 118b of the guide rail are disposed closer to the sole structure than the portion of the guide rail 118 disposed on the heel portion of the upper. In this manner, the guide rail 118 undulates upwardly from the first end 118a to the heel and downwardly from the heel portion of the guide rail to the second end 118b.

In some examples, the guide rail can comprise other shapes (i.e., besides curved or arcuate). For example, the guide rail can be flat (i.e., comprising the same or at least substantially the same height in the inferior/superior direction along the entire length of the guide rail. As another example, the guide rail can be angled such that one portion of the guide rail is a different height in the inferior/superior direction than one or more other portions of the guide rail and the guide rail can form a straight line between the points of differing height.

The medial side portion of the guide rail 118 is symmetrical or at least substantially symmetrical relative to the lateral side portion of the guide rail 118, with the line of symmetry bisecting the heel portion of the article of footwear. In other examples, the guide rail can be asymmetrical or have a different line of symmetry.

Referring to FIG. 4, each of the carriages 120 comprise a plurality of openings, which serve to attach the carriage to other components of the closure mechanism 102. In particular, a carriage 120 can comprise the opening 128, a notch 130, an aperture 132. As discussed above, the opening 128 of the carriage 120 is configured to receive the rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118. In this manner, the opening 128 may also be referred to as “the rail opening.” The notch 130 (or “attachment notch”) of the carriage 120 is configured to allow the attachment portion 126 of the guide rail 118 to pass therethrough. The aperture 132 (or “strap aperture”) can be configured to have a portion of the strap 122 coupled thereto.

The rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118 and/or the surface of the carriage 120 defining the opening 128 can, in some instances, comprise a coating, texture, or other means for altering the friction between the rail portion 124 and the carriage 120. For example, in some instances, at least a region of the rail portion 124 and/or the carriage 120 can comprise a lubricious coating (e.g., PTFE), texture, material, etc. configured to reduce friction between the components. This would allow the carriage to slide more easily along the guide rail as the closure mechanism is moved from one configuration to another. In some instances, at least a region of the rail portion 124 and/or the carriage 120 can comprise a coating, texture, material, etc. configured to increase friction between the components. This would allow the carriages to retain their position relative to the guide rail and reduce the likelihood of the closure mechanism moving from one configuration to another.

In some examples, the guide rail 118 can be formed from a textile piping or welting with a core element disposed therein to form the rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118. The core element can be a rod or shaft formed from one or more polymers, metals, and/or composites. Covering the rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118 in a textile can, in some instances, increase the friction between the carriages 120 and the guide rail 118. The type of textile and/or how snugly the textile fits around the core element can be configured to adjust the frictional engagement.

In some examples, the textile covering the rail portion 124 of the guide rail 118 can comprise one or more segments of greater thickness than one or more other segments. The thicker sections increase frictional engagement between the carriages 120 and the guide rail 118.

The strap 122 extends between the carriages 120. In some examples, the strap 122 can be adjustably and/or removably coupled to one or more of the carriages 120, and/or the strap 122 can be fixedly coupled to one or more of the carriages 120. The strap 122 can be connected to the carriages 120 in various ways including fasteners, stitching, adhesive, and/or other means for fastening.

The strap 122 is just one example of a means for connecting the carriages 120 to one another. Other such means can include similar elongate, flexible tethers such as a cord, webbing, a lace, a band, a tie, a belt, a ribbon, etc. Accordingly, any reference to “a strap” or “straps” include any means for connecting, unless context or explicit language provides otherwise.

The strap 122 can be formed of various materials, including relatively elastic or in-elastic material. The strap 122 can comprise a natural material (e.g., cotton, leather, silk, bamboo, etc.), and/or a synthetic material (e.g., nylon, polyester, thermoplastic urethane, etc.). In some implementations, the strap 122 has a fixed length (neglecting any elasticity). In some instances, the strap 122 has a variable length such that the length of the strap spanning between the carriages can be adjusted by a wearer. This can be accomplished for example, by fixedly coupling a first portion of the strap to a first carriage and adjustably coupling a second portion of the strap to a second carriage.

The closure mechanism 102 can be moved relative to the upper 106 between a plurality of positions. FIGS. 1A-1B depict two exemplary positions of the closure mechanism. In FIG. 1A, the closure mechanism 102 is disposed toward the toe portion 107 of the article of footwear 100. In the position depicted in FIG. 1A (which can be referred to as an “open configuration”), the strap 122 does not substantially constrict the opening 112 and/or restrict movement of the tongue 114 relative to the other portions of the upper 106. Accordingly, a wearer can insert their foot into or remove their foot from the article of footwear relatively easily. In FIG. 1B, the closure mechanism is disposed farther toward the heel of the shoe. In the position depicted in FIG. 1B (which can be referred to as a “closed configuration”), the strap 122 constricts the opening 112 and/or restrict movement of the tongue 114 relative to the other portions of the upper 106. Accordingly, a wearer's foot would be relatively more secure within the article of footwear in the position depicted in FIG. 1B than FIG. 1A. The closure mechanism 102 can be moved to various other positions relative to the upper besides those shown in FIGS. 1A-1B to alter the fit and/or performance of the article of footwear.

The closure mechanism 102 can be adjusted between various positions relative to the upper 106 by sliding the carriages 120 along the guide rails 118. Additionally (or alternatively), in some examples, the closure mechanism 102 can be adjusted by adjusting the strap 122 relative to the carriages 120.

FIGS. 6-8 depict an article of footwear 200 comprising an adjustable and removable closure mechanism 202. FIG. 9 depicts a component of the closure mechanism 202 of the article of footwear 200. Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the article of footwear 200 also comprises a sole structure 204 and an upper 206 in addition to the closure mechanism 202. The sole structure 204 of the article of footwear 200 is configured to support a wearer's foot and to be disposed between the wearer's foot and a ground surface. The upper 206 of the article of footwear 200 is coupled the sole structure and is configured to receive and secure the wearer's foot relative to the sole structure 204.

The sole structure 204 and the upper 206 of the article of footwear 200 can be configured similar to the sole structure 104 and the upper 106 of the article of footwear 100. In general, the components of the article of footwear 200 can be similar to the components of the article of footwear 100, unless stated otherwise. As such, similar reference numbers have been used for the article of footwear 200 and the article of footwear 200. For example, the closure mechanism 202 comprises a guide rail 218, a plurality of carriages 220, and a strap 222, which corresponds to the closure mechanism 102, the guide rail 118, the plurality of carriages 120, and the strap 222.

As mentioned, the closure mechanism 202 comprises the guide rail 218, the plurality of carriages (the carriages 220a, 220b, 220c, which can be generically or collectively referred to as “the carriages 220”), and the strap 222. The closure mechanism 202 is similar to the closure mechanism 102. One difference between the closure mechanism 202 and the closure mechanism 102 is that the closure mechanism 202 comprises three carriages (i.e., two carriages on the lateral side and one carriage on the medial side). Another difference is that the carriage 220c comprises an adjustable buckle.

Referring to FIG. 6, the carriages 220a, 220b of the closure mechanism 202, which are disposed on the lateral portion 210 of the upper 206, are configured similar to the carriages 120 of the closure mechanism 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). Turning to FIG. 9, one way in which the carriage 220c differs from the carriages 220a and 220b is that the carriage 220c comprises two strap apertures 232a, 232b. As depicted in FIG. 7, the strap apertures 232a, 232b of the carriage 220c allow the strap 222 to be threaded through the strap apertures 232a, 232b to enable the strap to be adjusted by pulling on a free end 234 of the strap 222.

In the depicted example of FIGS. 6-8 (which has three carriages 220), the carriage 220c (i.e., the adjustable carriage) is disposed on the medial portion 208 of the upper 206, and the carriages 220a, 220b (i.e., the non-adjustable carriages) are disposed on the lateral portion 210 of the upper 206. In some examples, the adjustable carriage can be disposed on the lateral portion of the upper, and the non-adjustable carriages can be disposed on the medial portion of the upper. in some examples, one or more adjustable carriages and/or one or more non-adjustable carriages can be disposed on the medial portion of the upper, and/or one or more adjustable carriages and/or one or more non-adjustable carriages can be disposed on the lateral portion of the upper. In particular examples, a first non-adjustable carriage can be disposed on the lateral portion, a second non-adjustable carriage can be disposed on the medial portion, and an adjustable carriage can be disposed on the lateral portion closer to the heel than the first non-adjustable carriage. In some such examples the strap can be fixedly coupled to the first non-adjustable carriage, looped through the second non-adjustable carriage, and threaded through the adjustable carriage.

In some examples, a closure mechanism can comprise more than one strap. For example, a first strap can extend from the carriage 220b to the carriage 220c, and a second strap can extend from the carriage 220a to the carriage 220c. In some instances, one or more of the straps is adjustable, and one or more of the straps is non-adjustable. In some instances, each strap is adjustable. In some instances, each strap is non-adjustable.

As depicted in FIG. 7, in some instances, a retention element 236 can be coupled to the free end 234 of the strap 222 to help secure the free end 234. The retention element 236 can, for example, reduce movement of the free end 234 of the strap 222 relative to the article of footwear 200 as the wearer moves.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the article of footwear 200 also includes an optional lace 238. In some examples, the lace 238 can be used together with the closure mechanism 202 as an additional closure mechanism. In some examples, the lace 238 can be removed, and the closure mechanism 202 can be the sole closure mechanism, or vice versa. Any of the articles of footwear disclosed herein can include a lace or some other additional/alternative closure mechanism.

FIGS. 10-12 depict an article of footwear 300 comprising an adjustable and removable closure mechanism 302. FIGS. 13A-13B depict a component of the closure mechanism 302 of the article of footwear 300. Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the article of footwear 300 also comprises a sole structure 304 and an upper 306 in addition to the closure mechanism 302. The sole structure 304 of the article of footwear 300 is configured to support a wearer's foot and to be disposed between the wearer's foot and a ground surface. The upper 306 of the article of footwear 300 is coupled the sole structure and is configured to receive and secure the wearer's foot relative to the sole structure 304.

The closure mechanism 302 is similar to the closure mechanisms 102 and 202 in that it comprises three main components: a guide rail 318, a plurality of carriages, and a strap 322. One difference between the closure mechanism 302 compared to the closure mechanisms 102, 202 is that the closure mechanism 302 comprises four carriages 320a, 320b, 320c, and 320d (which are collectively or generically referred to as “the carriages 320”).

The carriages 320a, 320b, and 320c of the closure mechanism 302 are similar to the carriages 120 of the closure mechanism 102. One way in which the carriage 320d of the closure mechanism 302 differs from the carriages 120, 220 of the closure mechanisms 102. 202 (and the carriages 320a, 320b, and 320c) is that the carriage 320d comprises a guide rail member 340 and a strap member 342 that are releasably coupled together, as depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In the depicted example, the carriage 320d is configured in a pinch-buckle configuration. In other instances, various other types of releasable connectors (e.g., buckles, clasps, etc.) can be used.

The guide rail member 340 of the carriage 320d comprises a rail opening 328 and notch 330. The guide rail member 340 further comprises a receptacle 344 configured to receive the strap member 342. In this manner, the guide rail member 340 can be referred to as a female portion of a female-male connector.

The strap member 342 of the carriage 320d can comprise one or more projections (e.g., three projections 346 in the depicted example) configured to be inserted into the receptacle 344 of the guide rail member 340. In this manner, the strap member 342 can be referred to as a male portion of a female-male connector. In other examples, the strap member can comprise the receptacle such that it is the female portion, and the guide rail member can comprise one or more projections such that it is the male portion.

The carriage 320d with the guide rail member 340 and the strap member 342 that are releasably coupled together allows an additional level of adjustment and customization. For example, in addition to being able to adjust the closure mechanism 302 by sliding the carriages 320 along the guide rail 318 and/or by adjusting the strap 322 via the free end 334, a wearer can also adjust the closure mechanism 302 by coupling/un-coupling the carriage 320d to adjust the strap 322.

In some examples, the upper of an article of footwear can also have one or more retention elements coupled thereto and/or formed thereon. A retention element can be configured to frictionally engage one or more carriages of the closure mechanism to help retain the position of the carriage relative to the guide rail. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 10-11, the upper 306 of the article of footwear 300 optionally includes a plurality of retention elements 348 disposed on the upper 306 adjacent to the guide rail 318. In the illustrated example, the retention elements are disposed on both the medial portion 308 and the lateral portion 310 of the upper. In other examples, the retention elements can be on only one side, i.e., either the medial portion or the lateral portion.

The retention elements can be formed in various ways. For example, the retention elements can be projections formed of polymeric, metal, and/or composite material. In other examples, the retention elements can be formed by stitching or embroidering a bump onto the upper.

In lieu of or in addition to the retention elements, in some examples, the rail portion of the guide rail can comprise one or more projections, bumps, recesses, etc. formed thereon. A rail portion configured in this manner can, for example, prevent inadvertent movement of the carriages along the rail. For example, FIG. 14 depicts a segment of a guide rail 418 comprising a rail portion 424 with a plurality of projections 450 and recesses 452 arranged in an alternating pattern. As depicted in FIGS. 15-16, the rail portion 424 comprises a first thickness T₁(e.g., at one of the projections 450) and a second thickness T₂(e.g., at one of the recesses 452), and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. In this manner, the rail portion 424 with a non-uniform thickness along its longitudinal axis differs from the rail portions 124, 224, 324 with uniform (or at least substantially uniform) thickness along their respective longitudinal axes.

In the depicted example, the projections 450 comprise an at least substantially spherical shape. In other examples, the projections can comprise various other shapes (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular prism, triangular prism, etc.).

In some examples, a rail portion of a guide rail can comprise one or more smooth or substantially smooth regions (e.g., similar to the rail portions 124, 224, 324) and one or more non-smooth regions (e.g., similar to the rail portion 424).

Although the rail portion 424 of the guide rail 418 is uncovered in the depicted example, in other examples, the rail portion 424 can be covered (e.g., with a textile). As used herein the term textile include synthetic and non-synthetic materials and/or fabrics. For example, a textile includes natural and synthetic leather.

The closure mechanisms described herein can, for example, make an article of footwear significantly easier to put on and/or take off than conventional closure mechanisms. The disclosed closure mechanisms can, for example, also allow a wearer to customize the fit and/or feel of the article of footwear. For example, the disclosed closure mechanisms can be configured for a more secure fit (e.g., for performance) by tightening the closure mechanism and/or for a relatively more relaxed fit (e.g., for casual use) by loosening the closure mechanism.

Further examples of the disclosed subject matter are provided below.

Example 1. An article of footwear comprising a sole structure, an upper, and a closure mechanism. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and comprises a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The closure mechanism is disposed on and coupled to the upper and spaced apart from the sole structure. The closure mechanism comprises a guide rail, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a connecting member. The guide rail comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the guide rail is disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, the second end of the guide rail is disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the intermediate portion of the guide rail extends from the lateral side portion of the upper, around the heel portion of the upper, and to the medial side portion of the upper. The first carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, and the first carriage is movable along the guide rail from the lateral side portion of the upper to the medial side portion of the upper. The second carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the second carriage is movable along the guide rail from the medial side portion to the lateral side portion. The connecting member extends from the first carriage to the second carriage.

Example 2. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly example 1, wherein the first end of the guide rail and/or the second end of the guide rail are disposed on a forefoot region of the article of footwear.

Example 3. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-2, wherein either or both of the first carriage and the second carriage are removable from the guide rail via the first end of the guide rail.

Example 3. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-3, wherein either or both of the first carriage and the second carriage are removable from the guide rail via the second end of the guide rail.

Example 5. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-2, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage are removable from the guide rail via the first end of the guide rail and the second end of the guide rail.

Example 6. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-5, wherein the first end of the guide rail is disposed closer to the sole structure in an inferior/superior direction than the intermediate portion of the guide rail extending around the heel portion of the upper.

Example 7. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-6, wherein the second end of the guide rail is disposed closer to the sole structure in an/the inferior/superior direction than the intermediate portion of the guide rail extending around the heel portion of the upper.

Example 8. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-7, wherein the guide rail is continuous from the first end to the second end.

Example 9. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 1-8, wherein the guide rail comprises a rail portion and an attachment portion, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage are disposed on the rail portion, and wherein the attachment portion extends from the rail portion and is coupled to the upper.

Example 10. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly example 9, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage each comprise an opening and a notch, wherein the opening is configured to receive the rail portion of the guide rail, and wherein the notch is configured to allow the attachment portion of the guide rail to pass therethrough.

Example 11. An article of footwear comprising a sole structure, an upper, and a closure mechanism. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and comprises a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The closure mechanism is disposed on and coupled to the upper and spaced apart from the sole structure. The closure mechanism comprises a track, a first slider, a second slider, and a connection member. The track comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the track is disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, the second end of the track is disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the intermediate portion of the track extends from the lateral side portion of the upper, around the heel portion of the upper, and to the medial side portion of the upper. The first slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, and the first slider is movable along the track to adjust a fit of the article of footwear. The second slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the second slider is movable along the track to adjust the fit of the article of footwear. The connection member extends from the first slider to the second slider.

Example 12. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly 11, further comprising a third slider removably coupled to the track and disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper.

Example 13. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly example 12, further comprising a fourth slider removably coupled to the track and disposed on the medial side portion of the upper.

Example 14. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly example 11, further comprising a third slider removably coupled to the track and disposed on the medial side portion of the upper.

Example 15. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly example 14. further comprising a fourth slider removably coupled to the track and disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper.

Example 16. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 11-15, wherein the strap is fixedly secured to the first slider and the second slider.

Example 17. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 11-15, wherein the first slider comprises one or more apertures configured for receiving the connection member, wherein the second slider comprises a plurality of apertures configured for receiving the connection member, and wherein the connection member is fixedly coupled to the first slider via the one or more apertures, and wherein the connection member is adjustably coupled to the second slider via the plurality of apertures.

Example 18. The article of footwear of any example herein, and particularly example 11, wherein the first slider comprises a plurality of apertures configured for receiving the connection member, wherein the second slider comprises one or more apertures configured for receiving the connection member, and wherein the connection member is adjustably coupled to the first slider via the plurality of apertures, and wherein the connection member is fixedly coupled to the second slider via the one or more apertures.

Example 19. A closure mechanism for an article of footwear, comprising a guide rail, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a means for connecting the first carriage to the second carriage. The guide rail comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the guide rail is disposed on a first side portion of the article of footwear, the second end of the guide rail is disposed on a second side portion of the article of footwear, and the intermediate portion of the guide rail extends from the first side portion of the article of footwear to the second side portion of the article of footwear. The first carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the first side portion of the article of footwear, and the first carriage is movable along the guide rail from the first side portion of the article of footwear to the second side portion of the article of footwear. The second carriage is movably coupled to the guide rail and disposed on the second side portion of the article of footwear, and the second carriage is movable along the guide rail from the second side portion to the first side portion.

Example 20. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 19, wherein the first end of the guide rail and/or the second end of the guide rail is disposed on a forefoot region of the article of footwear.

Example 21. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 19, wherein either or both of the first carriage and the second carriage are removable from the guide rail via the first end of the guide rail.

Example 22. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 19-21, wherein either or both of the first carriage and the second carriage are removable from the guide rail via the second end of the guide rail.

Example 23. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 19, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage are removable from the guide rail via the first end of the guide rail and the second end of the guide rail.

Example 24. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 19-23, wherein the first end of the guide rail is disposed closer to a sole structure of the article of footwear in an inferior/superior direction than the intermediate portion of the guide rail extending around a heel portion of the article of footwear.

Example 25. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 19-24, wherein the second end of the guide rail is disposed closer to a/the sole structure of the article of footwear in an/the inferior/superior direction than the intermediate portion of the guide rail extending around a/the heel portion of the article of footwear.

Example 26. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 19-25, wherein the guide rail is continuous from the first end to the second end.

Example 27. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 19-26, wherein the guide rail comprises a rail portion and an attachment portion, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage are disposed on the rail portion, and wherein the attachment portion extends from the rail portion and is coupled to the article of footwear.

Example 28. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 27, wherein the first carriage and the second carriage each comprise an opening and a notch, wherein the opening is configured to receive the rail portion of the guide rail, and wherein the notch is configured to allow the attachment portion of the guide rail to pass therethrough.

Example 29. A closure mechanism for an article of footwear, comprising a track, a first slider, and a second slider. The track comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the track is disposed on a first side portion of the article of footwear, the second end of the track is disposed on a second side portion of the article of footwear, and the intermediate portion of the track extends from the first side portion of the article of footwear to the second side portion of the article of footwear. The first slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the first side portion of the article of footwear, and the first slider is movable along the track to adjust a fit of the article of footwear. The second slider is removably coupled to the track and disposed on the second side portion of the article of footwear, and the second slide is movable along the track to adjust the fit of the article of footwear.

Example 30. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 29, wherein the means for connecting the first slider to the second slider is fixedly coupled to the first slider, the second slider, or both the first slider and the second slider.

Example 31. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 29, wherein the means for connecting the first slider to the second slider is adjustably coupled to the first slider, the second slider, or both the first slider and the second slider.

Example 32. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 29, wherein the means for connecting the first slider to the second slider is removably coupled to the first slider, the second slider, or both the first slider and the second slider.

Example 33. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly any one of examples 29-32, wherein the track comprises a rail portion and an attachment portion, wherein the first slider and the second slider are removably coupled to the rail portion, and wherein the attachment portion is configured for attaching the track to an upper of the article of footwear.

Example 34. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 33, wherein the rail portion comprises an at least substantially uniform thickness measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail portion.

Example 35. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 33, wherein the rail portion comprises a first region and a second region, wherein the first region has a first thickness measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail portion, wherein the second region has a second thickness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail portion, and wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

Example 36. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 35, wherein the first region comprises a projection, and wherein the second region comprises a recess.

Example 37. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 35, wherein the rail portion comprises a plurality of projections that are spaced apart from one another.

Example 38. The closure mechanism of any example herein, and particularly example 37, wherein one or more of the plurality of projections comprises an at least substantially spherical shape.

Any feature(s) of any example(s) disclosed herein can be combined with or isolated from any feature(s) of any example(s) disclosed herein, unless otherwise stated.

In view of the many possible examples to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated examples should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

CLOSURE MECHANISMS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR

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