TENSIONING SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear, and more particularly to a tensioning system for an article of footwear.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. For instance, laces may be tightened to close the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between an outsole providing abrasion-resistance and traction with a ground surface and a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioning for the foot. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a lateral side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the article of footwear in a first configuration;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the article of footwear in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, bottom-posterior perspective view of a sole structure for an article of footwear according to principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, top-anterior perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, top-anterior perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 5, showing the sole structure in a partially assembled state;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear according to principles of the present disclosure, taken along Line 9-9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear according to principles of the present disclosure, taken along Line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper including a throat in a forefoot region and an ankle opening in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a tensioning element operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state. The tensioning element includes a first strand having (i) a first portion extending from a first end attached to the upper in the forefoot region and along a lateral side of the ankle opening to a first turn in the heel region and (ii) a second portion extending from the first turn and along the lateral side of the ankle opening to a terminal second end at an anterior end of the ankle opening. The tensioning element additionally includes a second strand having (i) a first portion extending from a third end attached to the upper in the forefoot region and along a medial side of the ankle opening to a second turn in the heel region and (ii) a second portion extending from the second turn and along the medial side of the ankle opening to a terminal fourth end at the anterior end of the ankle opening.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the article of footwear includes a heel strap disposed adjacent to a posterior end of the ankle opening, the first turn formed at a first end of the heel strap and the second turn formed at a second end of the heel strap. The article of footwear may also include a stabilizer attached to the upper at the lateral side of the ankle opening, the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extending through the stabilizer. Here, the stabilizer may include an opening, one of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extending below the opening and the other of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extending above the opening.

In some examples, the second end and the fourth end are disposed on a lateral side of the ankle opening. Optionally, the second end and the fourth end may be routed through a clasp on the lateral side of the upper. The first portion of the first strand may include a plurality of segments extending over the throat of the upper. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the second strand may include a plurality of segments extending over the throat of the upper.

In some configurations, the first end of the first strand and the third end of the second strand are attached to the upper on the lateral side. The first portion and the second portion of the second strand may be routed within the upper along the medial side of the ankle opening.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper including a throat in a forefoot region and an ankle opening in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a stabilizer extending along a lateral side of the ankle opening. The article of footwear further includes a tensioning element operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state. The tensioning element includes a first strand having (i) a first portion extending from the forefoot region and along a first portion of the stabilizer to a first turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the first turn and along a second portion of the stabilizer to a first end at an anterior end of the ankle opening.

This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the stabilizer includes an opening and one of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extends below the opening and the other of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extends above the opening. The article of footwear may include a second strand having (i) a first portion extending along a medial side of the ankle opening to a second turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the second turn and along the medial side of the ankle opening to a second end at the anterior end of the ankle opening. Here, the first end and the second end may be disposed on a lateral side of the ankle opening. Optionally, the first end and the second end may be routed through a clasp on the lateral side of the upper. The first portion of the second strand and the second portion of the second strand may be routed within the upper along the medial side of the ankle opening.

In some examples, the first portion of the first strand includes a plurality of segments extending over the throat of the upper. The stabilizer may include a bottom edge attached to the upper on the lateral side of the ankle opening. The article of footwear may include a heel strap disposed adjacent to a posterior end of the ankle opening, the first turn formed at a first end of the heel strap. Here, the heel strap may be detached from the upper.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and sole structure 200. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. As shown in FIG. 4A, a longitudinal axis A₁₀of the footwear 10 extends along a length of the footwear 10 from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14 parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the footwear 10 into a lateral side 16 and a medial side 18. Accordingly, the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the lateral side 16 to the medial side 18.

The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may be subdivided into a toe portion 20_Tcorresponding with phalanges, and a ball portion 20_Bassociated with metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 forms an enclosure having plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void 102 and an ankle opening 104, which receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200. As discussed in greater detail below, the upper 100 may be provided with a tensioning element 106 operable to move the upper 100 and the article of footwear 10 between a tightened state and a relaxed state.

While the following paragraphs describe the geometry of the upper 100 in terms of different components, the upper 100 may be formed of a single piece of material, such that the following components are merely provided as reference points or regions along the upper 100. For example, the upper 100 may be formed as a sock-like, knitted upper 100. Optionally, the components of the upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define the interior void 102.

Suitable materials of the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper 100 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 100 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tightened state and the loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

The components or regions of the upper 100 include a pair of quarter panels 108 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and defines an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the ankle opening 104 to the forefoot region 20. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior void 102. Optionally, the material panel covering the throat 110 may be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108.

The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 may be further described as including heel side panels 112 extending through the heel region 24 along the lateral and medial sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 114 wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 112. Uppermost edges of the throat 110, the heel side panels 112, and the heel counter 114 cooperate to form a collar 116, which defines the ankle opening 104 of the interior void 102.

In the illustrated example, the upper 100 includes a stabilizer 118 attached to the heel side panel 112 on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100, adjacent to the collar 116. Generally, the stabilizer 118 is configured to provide an increased level of support and sensory feedback along the lateral side 16 of an ankle of the wearer. The stabilizer 118 includes a central brace 120 attached to the lateral heel side panel 112, and a pair of straps 122a, 122b extending from opposite edges or ends of the central brace 120. Additionally, the upper 100 includes a pair of buckles 124a, 124b attached to the medial side 18 of the upper 100, which are respectively configured for selectively securing the straps 122a, 122b of the stabilizer 118 to the upper 100.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the central brace 120 of the stabilizer 118 includes a peripheral portion 126 surrounding an opening 128. A bottom edge 130 of the peripheral portion 126 is attached to the heel side panel 112 adjacent to the collar 116. Here, the bottom edge 130 is fixedly attached to the heel side panel 112, and forms a living hinge, thereby allowing the stabilizer 118 to be folded away from the ankle opening 104, as shown in FIG. 4B. The opening 128 of the central brace 120 is configured and arranged to receive the lateral malleolus of the wearer when the foot is received within the interior void 102. Accordingly, the peripheral portion 126 of the central brace 120 is configured to surround the lateral malleolus of the wearer when the article of footwear 10 is in the tightened state (FIG. 4A), as discussed below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the straps 122a, 122b of the stabilizer 118 extend from opposite edges or ends of the peripheral portion 126 of the brace 120 and are configured to wrap around the ankle opening 104 to secure the stabilizer 118 in a tightened state against the ankle of the wearer. Here, an anterior strap 122a extends from a first end 132a attached at an anterior edge of the brace 120 to a second end 134a operable to be selectively attached to one of the buckles 124a on the medial side 18 of the upper 100. Similarly, a posterior strap 122b extends from a first end 132b attached at a posterior edge of the brace 120 to a second end 134b operable to be selectively attached to a second one of the buckles 124b on the medial side 18 of the upper 100. In the illustrated example, the second ends 134a, 134b of the straps 122a, 122b include fastening elements 136 for securing the straps 122a, 122b to the buckles 124a, 124b.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the buckles 124a, 124b include a first buckle 124a attached at an anterior end of the ankle opening 104 on the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10, and a second buckle 124b attached at a posterior end of the ankle opening 104 on the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10. As provided above, the second end 134a of the anterior strap 122a removably attaches to the first buckle 124a and the second end 134b of the posterior strap 122b removably attaches to the second buckle 124b to selectively secure the stabilizer 118 in a tightened or closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 4A.

As discussed in greater detail below, the sole structure 200 may have an increased height along the quarter panel 108 on the medial side 18, such that a portion of the sole structure 200 in the mid-foot region 22 terminates adjacent to the collar 116 at the anterior end of the ankle opening 104. Here, the first buckle 124a may be attached to a portion of the sole structure 200 that extends over the quarter panel 108 on the medial side 18. The second buckle 124b is attached to the upper 100 adjacent to the collar 116, between the heel side panel 112 and the heel counter 114 on the medial side 18. As shown, each of the buckles 124a, 124b may be a loop for receiving the second ends 134a, 134b of the straps 122a, 122b therethrough.

As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper 100 may further include a heel strap 138 disposed adjacent to the heel counter 114. The heel strap 138 is configured to float with respect to the heel counter 114 and, as such, is not directly attached to the heel counter 114. In other words, the heel strap 138 is detached from the heel counter 114, and only connects to the tensioning element 106. As shown, the heel strap 138 includes a lateral end 140a disposed adjacent to the heel counter 114 on the lateral side 16, and a medial end 140b disposed adjacent to the heel counter 114 on the medial side 18. Each end 140a, 140b forms a loop or passageway for routing the tensioning element 106 of the upper 100 along the heel region 24.

As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tensioning element 106 of the upper 100 includes a lateral strand 142 generally routed along the lateral side 16 of the ankle opening 104, and a medial strand 144 generally routed along the medial side 18 of the ankle opening 104. Although each of the strands 142, 144 is formed as a continuous lace routed along the components or regions of the upper 100, the routing of the strands 142, 144 is described in terms of lateral strand segments 146a-146e and medial strand segments 148a-148g. Furthermore, each of the strands 142, 144 may be part of the same continuous tensioning element 106, or may be formed as separate strands 142, 144 that are independently attached to the upper 100 to collectively form the tensioning element 106.

As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, the lateral strand 142 includes a first segment 146a extending across the upper 100 from a first end attached to the upper 100 at a fixture 151 on the lateral side 16 in the forefoot region 20, to a first turn 147a on the medial side 18 of the upper 100 in the mid-foot region 22. From the first turn 147a, a second segment 146b extends across the throat 110 to a second turn 147b on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100 in the mid-foot region 22. A third segment 146c is routed from the second turn 147b along the lateral side 16 and passes through the peripheral portion 126 of the stabilizer 118, below the opening 128. The third segment 146c is routed along the lower portion of the stabilizer 118 and exits the heel counter 114 on the lateral side 16 to form a third turn 147c through the lateral end 140a of the heel strap 138. From the heel strap 138, a fourth segment 146d is routed through the peripheral portion 126 of the stabilizer 118 above the opening 128, and to a clasp 150 disposed between the central brace 120 and the anterior strap 122a of the stabilizer 118. The lateral strand 142 extends through the clasp 150, where a free-hanging fifth segment 146e can be grasped by a wearer to pull the lateral strand 142 and move the footwear 10 to a tightened state.

With reference to FIGS. 3-4B, the medial strand 144 includes a first segment 148a extending from a first end attached to the upper 100 at the fixture 151 on the lateral side, adjacent to the first end of the lateral strand 142. In some examples, the strands 142, 144 may be attached to each other at the fixture 151. From the fixture 151, the first segment 148a extends across the upper 100 to a first turn 149a on the medial side 18 of the upper 100 in the mid-foot region 22. As shown, the first turn 149a of the medial strand 144 is disposed closer to the anterior end 12 than the first turn 147a of the lateral strand 142. A second segment 148b of the medial strand 144 extends from the first turn 149a and across the throat 110 to a second turn 149b on the lateral side 16 in the mid-foot region 22. From the second turn 149b, a third segment 148c extends to the medial side 18 of the upper 100 to a third turn 149c adjacent to the collar 116 at an anterior end of the ankle opening 104. A fourth segment 148d extends along the medial heel side panel 112 on the medial side 18 and exits the upper 100 at the heel counter 114. The medial strand 144 is then routed through the medial end 140b of the heel strap 138 to form a fourth turn 149d between the fourth segment 148d and a fifth segment 148e. The fifth segment 148e returns from the heel strap 138 and is routed back along the medial heel side panel 112 towards the anterior end of the ankle opening 104 to a fifth turn 149e, where a sixth segment 148f extends from the fifth turn 149e and across the throat 110. The sixth segment 148f exits the throat 110 of the upper 100 on the lateral side 16 and is routed from a through the clasp 150. A seventh segment 148g of the medial strand 144 extends from the stabilizer 118 and can be gripped by the wearer to apply a tensioning force F_Tto the medial strand 144.

By routing the lateral strand 142 and the medial strand 144 along opposite sides of the ankle opening 104, the strands 142, 144 serve to provide increased lateral stability to the upper 100 when the footwear 10 is in the tightened state. Additionally, the strands 142, 144 may serve to provide tactile feedback to each of the lateral and medial sides 16, 18 of the ankle during use, heightening a sense of mobility for the wearer. With particular reference to the lateral strand 142, the third segment 146c and the fourth segment 146d are routed above and below the opening 128 such that these segments 146c, 146d will surround the lateral malleolus of the wearer when the stabilizer 118 is in the tightened or closed configuration (FIG. 4A). Accordingly, during lateral movement towards the medial side 18 of the footwear 10, such as during a medial-side cut or twist, the segments 146c, 146d cooperate to reinforce the stabilizer 118 and to provide responsive proprioceptive stimulation to the lateral side 16 of the ankle of the wearer.

Turning now to the exploded views of FIGS. 5-7, the sole structure 200 includes a midsole 202, an outsole 204 attached to the midsole 202, and a spine 206 interposed at least partially between the midsole 202 and the outsole 204. Generally, the midsole 202 is configured to provide characteristics of cushioning and support and the outsole 204 is configured to impart characteristics of traction and abrasion resistance. The spine 206 includes one or more materials that are stiffer than the materials forming the midsole 202 and the outsole 204, and provides increased rigidity and lateral support along targeted regions of the sole structure 200.

In the illustrated example, the midsole 202 is formed as a composite structure and includes a chassis 208, a toe pad 210, and a plurality of haptic elements 212a-212c corresponding to pressure points of the foot. In the illustrated example, the haptic elements 212a-212c include a first pair of forefoot haptic elements 212a, 212b associated with the ball portion 20_Bof the foot, and a heel haptic element 212c associated with the heel region 24 of the foot.

The chassis 208 may be described as including a footbed 214 and a peripheral wall 216 projecting from the footbed 214. The footbed 214 extends continuously from a first end 218 of the chassis 208 at the anterior end 12 of the footwear 10, to a second end 220 of the chassis 208 at the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10. The footbed 214 and the peripheral wall 216 cooperate to define an interior surface 222 of the chassis 208, and an outer surface 224 of the chassis 208 that is formed on an opposite side from the interior surface 222. Here, a distance from the interior surface 222 to the outer surface 224 defines a thickness of the chassis 208. The portion of the interior surface 222 formed by the footbed 214 is configured to support a plantar surface of the foot, while the portion of the interior surface 222 formed by the peripheral wall 216 provides lateral (i.e., side-to-side, front-to-back) support around the periphery of the foot. As described in greater detail below, the outer surface 224 of the chassis 208 may be configured to provide interfaces with each of the outsole 204 and the spine 206 of the sole structure 200 when the sole structure 200 is assembled.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the footbed 214 includes a plurality of surface features configured to receive components of the midsole 202 and the sole structure 200. For instance, the footbed 214 includes a toe recess 226 formed in the interior surface 222 adjacent to the first end 218, which is configured to receive the toe pad 210 therein. As shown, the toe recess 226 has a peripheral profile and depth corresponding to a peripheral profile and thickness of the toe pad 210, such that when the toe pad 210 is inserted within the toe recess 226, the toe pad 210 and the footbed 214 cooperate to form a substantially continuous and flush surface in the toe portion 20_Tof the midsole 202, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The footbed 214 further includes a plurality of sockets 228a-228c formed through the inner surface 222 and extending at least partially though the thickness of the chassis 208. In the illustrated examples, the sockets 228a-228c include a pair of forefoot sockets 228a, 228b each configured to receive one of the forefoot haptic elements 212a, 212b, and a heel socket 228c configured to receive the heel haptic element 212c. Accordingly, the forefoot sockets 228a, 228b are aligned with each other along a metatarsophalangeal axis A_MTP(FIG. 8), while the heel socket 228c is aligned with the calcaneus bone of the foot.

In the illustrated example, each of the sockets 228a-228c has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of a respective one of the haptic elements 212a-212c. Generally, each of the sockets 228a-228c may be described as having a polycentric cross-sectional shape, whereby the cross-sectional shape is continuously rounded, but has more than one axis of symmetry. For example, the sockets 228a-228c may be described as having different D-shaped, oval-shaped, or egg-shaped cross-sections corresponding to the shapes of the haptic elements 212a-212c, as best shown in FIG. 8.

The footbed 214 may further include one or more reliefs 230a, 230c extending at least partially through the thickness of the chassis 208 from the outer surface 224, and corresponding to the locations of the sockets 228a-228c. With reference to FIG. 5, the outer surface 224 includes a forefoot relief 230a corresponding to the forefoot sockets 228a, 228b and a heel relief 230c corresponding to the heel socket 228c. As discussed below, the reliefs 230a, 230c of the footbed 214 are configured to cooperate with corresponding features in the outsole 204 to provide secondary traction regions 30, 32 to the sole structure 200.

As shown, the reliefs 230a, 230c intersect with each of the sockets 228a-228c in an intermediate portion (i.e., between the inner and outer surface) of the footbed 214 to form a plurality of openings 232a-232c through the footbed 214. When the midsole 202 is assembled and each of the haptic elements 212a-212c is situated within one of the sockets 228a-228c, each of the haptic elements 212a-212c is exposed to the ground surface through the openings 232a-232c. As discussed in greater detail below, in some examples, portions of the haptic elements 212a-212c may be received through the openings 232a-232c and partially extend into the respective reliefs 230a, 230c.

As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the peripheral wall 216 of the chassis 208 extends transversely from the footbed 214 and completely surrounds the footbed 214 to provide lateral support and cushioning around the outer periphery of the footwear 10. A height H₂₁₆of the peripheral wall 216—measured from the interior surface 222 of the footbed to a distal end 234 of the peripheral wall 216—is variable along the perimeter of the footbed 214. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall 216 may be described as including a forefoot portion 236, lateral and medial mid-foot portions 238a, 238b, and a heel portion 240 each having a different height H₂₁₆.

The peripheral wall 216 may include one or more reliefs or notches 242a, 242b formed in the peripheral edge between adjacent ones of the peripheral wall portions 236, 238a, 238b, 240. The notches 242a, 242b provide flex points in the peripheral wall 216 and allow the chassis 208 to flex or bend longitudinally. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall 216 includes a lateral notch 242a formed between the forefoot portion 236 and the lateral mid-foot portion 238a, and a medial notch 242b formed between the forefoot portion 236 and the medial mid-foot portion 238b.

As shown, the forefoot portion 236 of the peripheral wall 216 extends from a lateral end 244a on the lateral side 16 of the footbed 214 in the forefoot region 20, and around the first end 218 of the chassis 208 to a medial end 244b on the medial side 18 of the chassis 208 in the forefoot region 20. As shown, the height H₂₁₆of the peripheral wall 216 is substantially constant along the length of the forefoot portion 236.

On the lateral side, the lateral mid-midfoot portion 238a of the peripheral wall 216 extends from an anterior end 244c adjacent to and facing the lateral end 244a of the forefoot portion 236, to a posterior end 244d disposed between the mid-foot region 22 and the heel region 24. Similarly, the medial mid-foot portion 238b of the peripheral wall 216 extends from an anterior end 244e adjacent to and facing the medial end 244b of the forefoot portion 236, to a posterior end 244f disposed between the mid-foot region 22 and the heel region 24. On each of the lateral mid-foot portion 238a and the medial mid-foot portion 238b, the height H₂₁₆of the peripheral wall 216 increases from the respective anterior end 244c, 244e and the respective posterior end 244d, 244f towards an apex 246a, 246b formed between the anterior end 244c, 244e and the posterior end 244d, 244f. Longitudinal positions of the apexes 246a, 246b correspond with high points of the medial and lateral arches of the foot.

The heel portion 240 of the peripheral wall 216 extends from a lateral end 244g adjacent to and facing the posterior end 244d of the lateral mid-foot portion 238a, and around the second end 220 of the chassis 208 to a medial end 244h adjacent to and facing the posterior end 244f of the medial mid-foot portion 238b. As shown, the ends 244g, 244h of the heel portion 240 may intersect or connect to the ends 244d, 244f of the respective mid-foot portions 238a, 238b. Like the mid-foot portions 238a, 238b, the heel portion 240 may have a variable height H₂₀₈, where the height H₂₁₆increases from each end 244g, 244h to an apex 246c at the second end 220 of the chassis 208.

The peripheral wall 216 may include one or more support pods 248a, 248b formed on the outer surface 224 thereof. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall 216 includes a mid-foot support pod 248a formed on the lateral mid-foot portion 238a, and a heel support pod 248b formed on the heel portion 240 on the lateral side 16. Each of the support pods 248a, 248b has a hemispherical shape, and forms a bulge or bulbous region along the outer surface 224 of the peripheral wall 216. The support pods 248a, 248b cooperate to provide an increased stiffness and additional ground contact surface along the lateral side 16 of the footwear 10. In some instances, at least a lower portion of each support pod 248a, 248b may be covered with a material having greater traction and abrasion resistance than the remainder of the chassis 208. Alternatively, the pods 248a, 248b may be accommodated within the outsole 204 when the sole structure 200 is assembled.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the chassis 208 includes a spine receptacle 250 formed in the outer surface 224, which is configured to receive the spine 206 of the sole structure 200 when the sole structure 200 is assembled. As shown, a depth and peripheral shape of the spine receptacle 250 correspond to the thickness and peripheral profile of the spine 206, such that the spine 206 and the outer surface 224 of the chassis 208 are substantially continuous and flush when the sole structure 200 is assembled, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In addition to the chassis 208, the midsole 202 includes the haptic elements 212a-212c received in respective ones of the sockets 228a-228c. The haptic elements 212a-212c each include a bottom surface 252a-252c that is received within one of the sockets 228a-228c, and a top surface 254a-254c formed on an opposite side from the bottom surface 252a-252c. When the bottom surfaces 252a-252c of the haptic elements 212a-212c are inserted into the respective sockets 228a-228c, the peripheral edges of the top surfaces 254a-254c of the haptic elements 212a-212c are aligned (e.g., flush) with the interior surface 222 of the footbed 214 to provide a continuous surface along the footbed 214. However, the top surfaces 254a-254c of the haptic elements 212a-212c may be convex or dome-shaped, such that the top surfaces 254a-254c protrude into the interior void 102 of the upper 100 and provide proprioceptive stimulation to the plantar surface of the foot.

As discussed below, the illustrated haptic elements 212a-212c may be formed of a resilient polymeric material. However, in other examples, the haptic elements 212a-212c may include bladders filled with a compressible fluid or media. Optionally, respective ones of the haptic elements 212a-212c may be formed with different mechanical properties. For instance, the forefoot haptic elements 212a, 212b may be formed with a greater hardness (e.g., higher durometer or pressure) than heel haptic element 212c. As such, the forefoot haptic elements 212a, 212b are configured to provide a greater degree of responsiveness and proprioceptive feedback, while the heel haptic element 212c provides greater dampening of impacts incurred during heel strikes.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the haptic elements 212a-212c may be removably disposed within the sockets 228a-228c, such that a wearer can selectively replace one or more of the haptic elements 212a-212c with a corresponding haptic element 212a-212c having different mechanical properties. For example, a wearer may replace a heel haptic element 212c having a first hardness and/or construction (e.g., foam, bladder) with a heel haptic element 212c having a different hardness and/or construction. Tuning of the haptic elements 212a-212c may also be done by the manufacturer based on characteristics (e.g., height, weight) or preferences provided by the wearer.

The toe pad 210 is configured to interface with the toe recess 226 in the toe portion 20_Tof the chassis 208. As discussed above, a thickness and outer periphery of the toe pad 210 correspond to the depth and peripheral profile of the toe recess 226 such that the toe pad 210 and the chassis 208 are flush and continuous with each other.

In the illustrated example, each of the chassis 208, the toe pad 210, and the haptic elements 212a-212c includes one or more resilient polymeric materials. The chassis 208 is formed of one or more materials that provide the chassis 208 a higher durometer than the toe pad 210 and the haptic elements 212a-212c. Accordingly, the toe pad 210 and/or one or more of the haptic elements 212a-212c are configured to provide a softer underfoot feel than the footbed 214.

Example resilient polymeric materials for the midsole components 208, 210, 212-212a may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefinic polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof In other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono-fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof.

In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof.

In yet further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these aspects, the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof. For instance, the ionomeric polymer(s) may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof

In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof

In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.

In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used. Furthermore, the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like.

The resilient polymeric material may be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the resilient polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

In another example, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. A thermoplastic polymeric material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam.

Optionally, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and/or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both.

The compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheet stock, and the like. The compression molded foam may then be made by placing the one or more preforms formed of foamed polymeric material(s) in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and/or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration of time to alter the preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse individual foam particles to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof. Following the heating and/or application of pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

As shown in the figures, the outsole 204 is attached to the outer surface 224 of the chassis 208, such that the spine 206 is interposed between the chassis 208 and the outsole 204. The outsole 204 includes a ground-engaging element 256 and a flange 258 extending transversely from the ground-engaging element 256. The ground-engaging element 256 and the flange 258 of the outsole 204 cooperate to define an inner surface 260 and an exterior surface 262 on an opposite side from the inner surface 260. Here, the inner surface 260 opposes or faces the outer surface 224 of the chassis 208, such that the spine 206 is interposed between the inner surface 260 and the outer surface 224 when the sole structure 200 is assembled.

The ground-engaging element 256 of the outsole 204 may include one or more protuberances 264a, 264c configured to interface with the reliefs 230a, 230c formed in the outer surface 224 of the chassis 208. Particularly, the protuberances 264a, 264c are formed by portions of the ground-engaging element 256 that protrude into and are received by the reliefs 230a, 230c. Here, the protuberances have a substantially similar thickness to the surrounding portions of the ground-engaging element 256, such that the protuberances 264a, 264c define depressions 266a, 266c on the exterior surface 262 of the ground-engaging element 256.

Optionally, ground-engaging element 256 may include apertures 268a-268c extending through a thickness of the outsole 204 at the protuberances 264a, 264c. The shape and position of the apertures 268a-268c corresponds with the shape and position of the openings 232a-232c, such that when the sole structure 200 is assembled, the respective haptic elements 212a-212c will be exposed to the ground surface through each of the openings 232a-232c of the chassis 208 and the apertures 268a-268c of the outsole 204.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bottom surfaces 252a-252c of the haptic elements 212a-212c may be spaced apart from a ground plane when the sole structure 200 is in an uncompressed state. In other words, the bottom surfaces 252a-252c are inwardly offset from the exterior surface 262 of the ground-engaging element 256. Here, spaces formed within the depressions 266a, 266c and around the bottom surfaces 252a-252c of the haptic elements 212a-212c allow the sole structure 200 to provide progressive ground engagement as the sole structure 200 is compressed under the foot. For example, as a vertical compression force is applied over the ball portion 20_Bor the heel region 24, the protuberances 264a, 264c and the haptic elements 212a-212c will be biased towards the ground plane. When a threshold compression force is applied, the haptic elements 212a-212c will contact and compress against the ground surface to provide secondary traction. Simultaneously, proprioceptive feedback may be provided to the plantar surface of the foot through each of the haptic elements 212a-212c to provide the wearer with an increased sense of the engagement with the ground surface. Accordingly, the regions of the sole structure 200 associated with the haptic elements 212a-212c may be described as secondary traction regions 30, 32. Here, the sole structure 200 includes a forefoot secondary traction region 30 and a heel secondary traction region 32.

The flange 258 of the outsole 204 is configured to extend at least partially over the peripheral wall 216 of the chassis 208. Accordingly, the height H₂₅₈of the flange 258 is variable and may correspond to heights H₂₁₆of one or more of the portions 236, 238b, 240 of the chassis 208. For instance, in the illustrated example, the flange 258 includes a forefoot portion 270 extending along the forefoot portion 236 of the chassis 208, a medial mid-foot portion 272 extending along the medial mid-foot portion 238b, and a heel portion 273 extending at least partially along the heel portion 240 of the chassis 208. The flange 258 may also include one or more notches 274a, 274b aligned with the locations of the notches 242a, 242b of the chassis 208.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the spine 206 is situated between the midsole 202 and the outsole 204, and is configured to provide targeted structural support along the medial side 18 of the footbed 214 and peripheral wall 216. Accordingly, the spine 206 includes one or more materials having a greater stiffness or hardness than the materials forming the chassis 208 and the outsole 204. In some examples, the spine 206 may include a rigid polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, the spine 206 may be formed of or include other rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as polymers, composites, or metals.

The spine 206 extends along the medial side 18 of the sole structure 200 from a first end 276 at the anterior end 12 to a second end 278 in the heel region 24. The spine 206 includes a base 280 configured to extend along the plantar surface of the foot between the footbed 214 and the outsole 204, and a sidewall 282 extending transversely from the base 280 and along the peripheral wall 216 on the medial side 18 of the sole structure 200. Generally, the spine 206 is configured to provide a combination of lateral stiffness and longitudinal flexibility along the medial side 18 of the sole structure 200 to aid in supporting the foot during movements (e.g., twists, cuts) towards the medial side 18.

Each of the base 280 and the sidewall 282 may include a series of undulations forming a plurality of supports 284a-284k and flexures 286a-286i along the length of the spine 206. Generally, the supports 284a-284k cooperate to provide reinforcement in the lateral direction, while the flexures 286a-286i facilitate longitudinal flexibility along the sole structure 200. Particularly, the flexures 286a-286i are formed as reliefs between adjacent ones of the supports 284a-284k, which allow the spine 206 to flex.

Along the base 280, the undulations form laterally-extending base supports 284a-284f that extend between the footbed 214 of the midsole 202 and the ground-engaging element 256 of the outsole 204. The base supports 284a-284f include a first pair of supports 284a, 284b disposed in the toe portion 20_Tbetween the anterior end 12 and the forefoot secondary traction region 30. The base supports 284a-284f further include a series of posterior base supports 284c-284f spaced along the mid-foot region 22 and the heel region 24. As shown, the base supports 284a-284f each extend only partially across a width of the sole structure 200. Particularly, each of the base supports 284a-284f extends laterally (e.g., across the width of the sole structure) from the sidewall 282 on the medial side 18 and terminates at a distal end 285a-285f on a medial side of a central axis A₂₀₀of the sole structure 200. Accordingly, the spine 206 is isolated to the medial side 18 of the sole structure, such that the base supports 284a-284f are configured to provide lateral reinforcement for the sidewall 282, while still allowing lateral flexibility across the width of the sole structure.

Along the sidewall 282, the undulations form a plurality of sidewall supports 284g-284k extending between the peripheral wall 216 and the flange 258. The sidewall 282 includes a first series of sidewall supports 284g-284i extending along the medial side 18 in the forefoot region 20 and a fourth sidewall support 284j in the heel region 24. Additionally, the spine 206 may include a mid-foot sidewall support 284k disposed in the mid-foot region 22, which extends from a first end 288a adjacent to the forefoot region 20, to a second end 288b adjacent to the heel region 24. In some examples, the mid-foot sidewall support 284k may include an opening 290 formed therethrough, such that the mid-foot sidewall support 284k is formed as a rib extending along the medial side 18 from the first end 288a to the second end 288b.

Optionally, the sole structure 200 may also include a toe cap 292 disposed in the forefoot region 20. The toe cap 292 is configured to cooperate with the chassis 208 to enclose and protect the upper 100 in the forefoot region 20. The toe cap 292 includes a resilient polymeric material, as discussed above with respect to the components 208, 210, 212a-212c of the midsole 202. Here, the resilient polymeric material of the toe cap 292 is softer than the material of at least the chassis 208, such that the toe cap 292 provides a protective layer over the forefoot region 20.

As shown, the toe cap 292 includes a peripheral edge 294 that interfaces with the peripheral wall 216 of the chassis 208. In some examples, the toe cap 292 may include a peripheral lip 295 that extends from the peripheral edge 294 and is received within the chassis 208. Here, the peripheral lip 295 is configured to extend along the interior surface 222 of the forefoot portion 236 of the peripheral wall 216. The toe cap 292 extends continuously from the anterior end 12 to a terminal edge 296 that extends from the lateral side 16 to the medial side 18 in the ball portion 20_B. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the terminal edge 296 may be contoured from the lateral side 16 to the medial side 18, such that the terminal edge 296 is concave and curves towards the posterior end 14 along a direction from the lateral side 16 to the medial side 18.

Optionally, the peripheral edge 294 of the toe cap 292 may include one or more notches 298a, 298b corresponding to the notches 242a, 242b of the chassis 208. In other words, the notches 298a, 298b of the toe cap 292 are aligned with and oppose (i.e. face) the notches 242a, 242b of the chassis 208, such that the notches 298a, 298b of the toe cap 292 and the notches 242a, 242b of the chassis 208 cooperate to define openings through the sole structure 200. In the illustrated example, the toe cap 292 includes a first notch 298a formed on the lateral side 16, opposite the first notch 242a of the chassis 208, and a second notch 298b formed on the medial side 18, opposite the second notch 242b of the chassis 208. Thus, the notches 242a, 242b, 298a, 298b cooperate to form openings on each of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 in the forefoot region 20.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear described above.

Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising an upper including a throat in a forefoot region and an ankle opening in a heel region, and a tensioning element operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state, the tensioning element including a first strand having (i) a first portion extending from a first end attached to the upper in the forefoot region and along a lateral side of the ankle opening to a first turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the first turn and along the lateral side of the ankle opening to a terminal second end at an anterior end of the ankle opening; and a second strand having (i) a first portion extending from a third end attached to the upper in the forefoot region and along a medial side of the ankle opening to a second turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the second turn and along the medial side of the ankle opening to a terminal fourth end at the anterior end of the ankle opening.

Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, further comprising a heel strap disposed adjacent to a posterior end of the ankle opening, the first turn formed at a first end of the heel strap and the second turn formed at a second end of the heel strap.

Clause 3: The article of footwear of Clause 1 or 2, further comprising a stabilizer attached to the upper at the lateral side of the ankle opening, the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extending through the stabilizer.

Clause 4: The article of footwear of Clause 3, wherein the stabilizer includes an opening, one of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extending below the opening and the other of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extending above the opening.

Clause 5: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the second end and the fourth end are disposed on a lateral side of the ankle opening.

Clause 6: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the second end and the fourth end are routed through a clasp on the lateral side of the upper.

Clause 7: The article of footwear of any one of Clause 1-6, wherein the first portion of the first strand includes a plurality of segments extending over the throat of the upper.

Clause 8: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the first portion of the second strand includes a plurality of segments extending over the throat of the upper.

Clause 9: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the first end of the first strand and the third end of the second strand are attached to the upper on the lateral side.

Clause 10: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the second strand are routed within the upper along the medial side of the ankle opening.

Clause 11: An article of footwear comprising an upper including a throat in a forefoot region and an ankle opening in a heel region, a stabilizer extending along a lateral side of the ankle opening, and a tensioning element operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state, the tensioning element including a first strand having (i) a first portion extending from the forefoot region and along a first portion of the stabilizer to a first turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the first turn and along a second portion of the stabilizer to a first end at an anterior end of the ankle opening.

Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the stabilizer includes an opening and one of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extends below the opening and the other of the first portion and the second portion of the first strand extends above the opening.

Clause 13: The article of footwear of Clause 11 or 12, further comprising a second strand having (i) a first portion extending along a medial side of the ankle opening to a second turn in the heel region, and (ii) a second portion extending from the second turn and along the medial side of the ankle opening to a second end at the anterior end of the ankle opening.

Clause 14: The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein the first end and the second end are disposed on a lateral side of the ankle opening.

Clause 15: The article of footwear of Clause 13 or 14, wherein the first end and the second end are routed through a clasp on the lateral side of the upper.

Clause 16: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 13-15, wherein the first portion of the second strand and the second portion of the second strand are routed within the upper along the medial side of the ankle opening.

Clause 17: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-16, wherein the first portion of the first strand includes a plurality of segments extending over the throat of the upper.

Clause 18: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-17, wherein the stabilizer includes a bottom edge attached to the upper on the lateral side of the ankle opening.

Clause 19: The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 11-18, further comprising a heel strap disposed adjacent to a posterior end of the ankle opening, the first turn formed at a first end of the heel strap.

Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the heel strap is detached from the upper.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

TENSIONING SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

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