VACUUM LOCKING FOR ARTICLE OF APPAREL OR FOOTWEAR

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a locking device for an article of apparel or footwear.

BACKGROUND

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

Articles of apparel, such as garments and headwear, and articles of footwear, such as shoes and boots, typically include a receptacle for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that operate to form a receptacle for receiving a foot of a wearer. Likewise, garments and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receptacle for receiving a torso or head of a wearer.

Articles of apparel or footwear are typically adjustable and/or include a relatively flexible material to allow the article of apparel or footwear to accommodate various sizes of wearers, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. While conventional articles of apparel and articles of footwear are adjustable, such articles do not typically allow a wearer to lock the size or shape of the article to a body part of the wearer. For example, while laces adequately secure an article of footwear to a wearer by contracting or constricting a portion of an upper around the wearer's foot, the laces do not cause the upper to lock in a size or shape conforming to the user's foot. Accordingly, an optimum fit of the upper around the foot is difficult to achieve.

DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is an example of an article of footwear with a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 2 is another example of an article of footwear with bands and a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 3 is an example of an article of clothing with a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a locking structure according to the present disclosure with a bladder and a locking system;

FIG. 5A is an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 5B is a plan view of an example of the locking structure of FIG. 5A, where the locking structure is in a constricted state;

FIG. 5C is an example of the locking structure of FIG. 5B, where the locking structure is in a locked state;

FIG. 6 is an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in an unlocked state;

FIG. 7B is an example of the locking structure of FIG. 7A, where the locking structure is in a constricted state;

FIG. 7C is an example of the locking structure of FIG. 7B, where the locking structure is in a locked state;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a locking structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a partial enlarged elevational view of an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in an unlocked state;

FIG. 9B is a partial enlarged elevational view of the locking structure of FIG. 9A, where the locking structure is in a locked state;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the locking structure of FIG. 9A, where the locking structure is in an unlocked state;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the locking structure of FIG. 9B, where the locking structure is in a locked state;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in an unlocked state; and

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the locking structure of FIG. 11A, where the locking structure is in a locked state.

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.

In one configuration, a locking structure for an article includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber including an interior void, at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void, and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements.

The locking structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one elastic element may include a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements. The first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements may be defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and may be asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions. Additionally or alternatively, the first attachment region may be offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

In one configuration, each of the plurality of locking elements may define an opening at a central region of each locking element. The first and second attachment regions may be disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element. Further, the at least one elastic element may include an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

At least one elastic element may comprise a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, each of the locking elements may include a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element. The interface surfaces of the locking elements may be in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer. The interface surface may comprise an adhesive material, the adhesive material of adjacent interface surfaces may be coupled to each other in a locked state of the plurality of locking elements.

In another configuration, a locking structure for an article includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, and a locking system including locking elements each attached to at least one elastic element and including at least one interface surface, the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

The locking structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one elastic element may include a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the locking elements. The first and second attachment regions of each of the locking elements may be defined along an outer edge of each of the locking elements and may be asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions. Additionally or alternatively, the first attachment region may be offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

In one configuration, each of the locking elements may define an opening at a central region of each locking element. The first and second attachment regions may be disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element. The at least one clastic element may include an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the locking elements.

The at least one clastic element may comprise a locking strip that defines a locking system with the locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, each of the locking elements may include a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element. The interface surfaces of the locking elements may be in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer. Additionally or alternatively, the interface surface may comprise an adhesive material, the adhesive material of adjacent interface surfaces may be coupled to each other in a locked state of the locking elements.

An upper for an article of footwear may include the locking structure discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, an article of apparel may include the locking structure discussed above.

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, the drawings, and the claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 150 attached to the upper 100. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. 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 medial side 16 and a lateral side 18. Accordingly, the medial side 16 and the lateral 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 medial side 16 to the lateral 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 is associated with phalanges and 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 defines an interior void 102 and an ankle opening 104, which cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 150. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of side panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void 102 to a heel counter 110 that wraps around the posterior end of the footwear 10. A throat 112 extends across the top of the upper 100 and defines an instep region extending between the side panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 112 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing side panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior void 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 112 may be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the side panels 108. Uppermost edges of the throat 112, the side panels 108, and the heel counter 110 cooperate to form a collar 116, which defines the ankle opening 104 of the interior void 102.

In the example of FIG. 1, the upper 100 includes a locking structure 200, described in more detail below, incorporated into the side panels 108. By incorporating the locking structure 200 into the upper 100, the article of footwear 10 is operable to transition between an unlocked or relaxed state and a locked or constricted state. In use, the upper 100 is moved between the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state by adjusting a pressure of the locking structure 200. For example, an athlete steps into the article of footwear 10 while the footwear 10 is in the relaxed state to accommodate the athlete's foot. Once in position within the article of footwear 10, the athlete may apply any means of negative pressure (e.g., vacuum, external force, etc.,) to transition the locking structure 200 incorporated into the upper 100 to the locked and constricted state to conform the upper 100 to the athlete's foot, as discussed below with respect to the examples of FIGS. 5A-11B.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, another example of a configuration of an article of footwear 10a having a locking structure 200 incorporated into the upper 100 is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the locking structure 200 is selectively incorporated into the upper 100a of the article of footwear 10a. As shown, the locking structure 200 is placed in zones 120a that facilitate the locked state of the article of footwear 10a, while also maintaining bands 122a without the locking structure 200 to provide the upper 100a with greater flexibility when accommodating an athlete's foot during entry and removal from the footwear 10a. Once the athlete has placed a foot within the article of footwear 10a, the athlete may apply any means of negative pressure (e.g., vacuum, external force, etc.) to transition the zones 120a of the locking structure 200 into a locked state while allowing the bands 122a to stay in an unlocked state.

Referring to FIG. 3, the locking structure 200 may alternatively be incorporated into an article of clothing such as a bra 30. In this example, the bra 30 is a sports bra 30 and may be made of a flexible material 32 that includes unlocked zones 34 and locking zones 36. The locking zones 36 may include the locking structure 200, and can transition between an unlocked state (e.g., when putting on or taking off the sports bra 30), and a locked state (e.g., when wearing the sports bra 30). In use, both the relaxed zones 34 and the locking zones 36 begin in a relaxed state. Once the athlete has positioned the sports bra 30, the athlete may apply any means of negative pressure (e.g., vacuum, external force, etc.,) to transition the locking zones 36 incorporating the locking structure 200 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the articles of footwear 10, 10a and the article of clothing 30 each include a port 130, which is in fluid communication with a pump 300. As described in more detail below, the pump 300 and the port 130 cooperate to define the negative, vacuum pressure within a bladder 202 of the locking structure 200. The bladder 202 defines an interior void 204, and the locking structure 200 is moved between the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state by adjusting the fluid pressure within the interior void 204 of the bladder 202. For example, the pressure within the interior void 204 may be reduced by drawing fluid from within the interior void 204 through the port 130, which is attached to the bladder 202. In other words, a vacuum may be applied to the interior void 204 to remove fluid from the interior void. The drawing of the vacuum within the interior void 204 selectively transitions an interior pressure of the interior void 204 between a first pressure and a second pressure. It is generally contemplated that the first pressure of the interior void 204 may be greater than the second pressure. For example, the first pressure may be greater than or equal to ambient pressure, and the second pressure of the interior void 204 may be less than ambient pressure. Each of the first and second pressures may be defined by the pump 300 to expand and contract the locking structure 200. It is contemplated that the port 130 may be configured with a valve 132, such as a spring valve, for releasing the negative pressure to transition the locking structure 200 from the locked state back to the unlocked state. For example, the athlete may compress the valve 132 when desired to release or otherwise remove the negative pressure within the article of footwear 10, 10a and/or clothing 30 by allowing a fluid, such as air, to enter the interior void 204 via the valve 132.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, the locking structure 200 includes a locking system 206, described below, attached to the bladder 202. In this configuration, the bladder 202 includes a first barrier layer 208a (e.g., a first barrier element 208a) attached to a second barrier layer 208b (e.g., a second barrier element 208b) formed on an opposite side of the bladder 202 from the first barrier layer 208a. A distance between the first barrier layer 208a and the second barrier layer 208b defines a thickness of the bladder 202 and serves to define a chamber 210 that includes the interior void 204.

As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers 208a, 208b) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 208a, 208b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 208a, 208b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

One or both of the barrier layers 208a, 208b can be independently transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer and/or a chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

The barrier layers 208a, 208b can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

As used herein, “polyurethane” refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (—N(C═O)O—). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (—N(C═O)O—) linkages.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl-4,4′-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The barrier layers 208a, 208b may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 208a, 208b include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, the barrier layers 208a, 208b may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 208a, 208b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

The chamber 210 can be produced from the barrier layers 208a, 208b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat scaling, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers 208a, 208b can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 210.

The chamber 210 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chamber 210 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, chamber 210 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter·atmosphere·day (cm³/m²·atm·day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers 208a, 208b). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm³/m²·atm·day or less, 5 cm³/m²·atm·day or less, or 1 cm³/m²·atm·day or less.

In some implementations, the first barrier layer 208a and the second barrier layer 208b cooperate to define a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber 210. In some examples, the barrier layers 208a, 208b may include the same materials to provide the chamber 210 with a homogenous barrier construction, such that both sides of the locking structure 200 will contract and relax at the same rate when pressure within the chamber 210 is adjusted. Alternatively, a first one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b may be at least partially constructed of a different barrier material and/or configuration than the other one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b to selectively impart a contour as the locking structure 200 transitions between the relaxed state and the locked state. For example, one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b may be at least partially formed with a different modulus of elasticity and/or stiffness than the other barrier layer 208a, 208b, such that when the locking structure 200 transitions from the relaxed state to the locked state, the first one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b contracts at a different rate than the other barrier layer 208a, 208b to cause the locking structure 200 to curl.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the locking system 206 includes at least one elastic element 212 and a plurality of locking elements 214. The plurality of locking elements 214 are coupled to the clastic element 212. The plurality of locking elements 214 may be disposed within the interior void 204 of the chamber 210, and the elastic element 212 may be attached to at least one of the first barrier layer 208a and the second barrier layer 208b to form the locking system 206. As depicted in FIG. 4, the locking system 206, including the locking elements 214 and elastic element 212, is coupled to the bladder 202 within the interior void 204. As discussed in greater detail below, the plurality of locking elements 214 are operable to transition the locking system 206 of the locking structure 200 between an unlocked state, where the bladder 202 is free to stretch and conform around a wearer, and a locked state, where the bladder 202 is restricted or locked from stretching.

FIGS. 1-4 are illustrated with a generic representation of a locking structure 200 and locking system 206, but may include any one or more of the locking systems 206a-206d as provided in FIGS. 5A-11B. The locking system 206 of the locking structure 200 is operable between the locked and unlocked state in response to an at least partial vacuum defined within the interior void 204 of the chamber 210, as described in more detail below. Optionally, the locking system 206 may be provided in a force-responsive configuration that does not utilize a vacuum to move the locking system 206 from the unlocked state to the locked state. For example, the locking system 206 may be configured to lock in response to reactive forces applied to the locking system 206 by the foot. For example, during low-energy movements (e.g., walking) the clastic forces of the elastic element 212 may bias the locking system 206 towards a contracted, unlocked state. However, during high-energy movements (e.g., cutting, stopping, starting), the barrier layers 208a, 208b and the clastic element 212 may stretch in response to forces applied to the upper 100 (FIG. 1). As the barrier layers 208a, 208b and the clastic element 212 are stretched around the foot, the locking elements 214 are collapsed upon each other to form a locking layer 218, thereby limiting the amount of stretch in the clastic element 212 and, consequently, the barrier layers 208a, 208b. Thus, unlike applications including a vacuum locking configuration, in which the locking system 206 is continuously locked under the force of a vacuum, force-responsive configurations are tuned to lock in response to threshold forces caused by movements of the foot. The threshold forces for locking and unlocking the locking system 206 may be turned by modifying the spacing, quantity, size, shape, and/or surface textures of the locking elements 214.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, an example of a locking system 206a is illustrated and may be incorporated into the locking structure 200 described above. The locking system 206a includes an clastic element 212a and a plurality of locking elements 214a coupled to the elastic element 212a. Each locking element 214a in the plurality of locking elements 214a includes at least one interface surface 216 configured to cooperate with an opposing interface surface 216 of an adjacent one of the locking elements 214a to maintain the locking system 206a in the locked state. The interface surface 216 may be formed from a tacky material, such that the material of adjacent interface surfaces 216 may be coupled in the locked state of the locking elements 214a. Namely, when the interface surfaces 216 of adjacent locking elements 214a are in contact with one another, the frictional engagement therebetween causes the adjacent locking elements 214a to be fixed for movement with one another. Because the adjacent locking elements 214a are fixed for movement with the elastic element 212a which, in turn is fixed for movement with the barrier layers 208a, 208b, relative movement between the barrier layers 208a, 208b is restricted and the overall structure helps to lock in a body part of the wearer (i.e., a foot, breast tissue, etc.).

As discussed in greater detail below, the interface surfaces 216 of the locking elements 214a may include textured and/or high-friction materials configured to restrict or prevent relative movement between opposing interface surfaces 216 when pressed into contact with one another (i.e., when a vacuum is drawn and fluid is removed from the chamber 210). Accordingly, when the interface surface 216 of one locking element 214a in the plurality of locking elements 214a is in contact with an interface surface 216 of a second locking element 214a in the plurality of locking elements 214a, the locking elements 214a cooperate to create a relatively rigid locking layer 218.

In this example, the plurality of locking elements 214a are coupled to a single elastic element 212a. In some implementations, the plurality of locking elements 214a are integrally formed with the elastic element 212a. In other implementations, the plurality of locking elements 214a are mechanically attached to the elastic element 212a (e.g., individually welded and/or attached via a suitable adhesive). As shown in FIG. 5A, the plurality of locking elements 214a are coupled to the elastic element 212a via a central region 220a of each of the plurality of locking elements 214a. Each of the plurality of locking elements 214a may define an opening 222a at the central region 220a through which the elastic element 212a extends. Each of the locking elements 214a has first and second attachment regions 224a, 226a generally defined at the central region 220a where each of the plurality of locking elements 214a is coupled to the elastic element 212a. For example, the first attachment region 224a and the second attachment region 226a may be aligned with the opening 222a along a longitudinal axis A212a of the elastic element 212a. In some examples, the first attachment region 224a and the second attachment region 226a are formed at opposite ends of the opening 222a.

The elastic element 212a illustrated in FIG. 5A includes at least one first or outer fastening portion 228a and at least one second or inner fastening portion 230b. For example, the elastic element 212a illustrated in FIG. 5A includes two outer fastening portions 228a and a single inner fastening portion 230a. It is contemplated that the inner fastening portion 230a may selectively translate independent of the outer fastening portions 228a, which may assist in drawing the locking elements 214a together, as described below. For example, the inner fastening portion 230a may contract in a first direction D1, while the outer fastening portions 228a may contract in a second direction D2 to flatten the locking elements 214a along one another to define the locked state (FIG. 5C). The first attachment region 224a of each of the locking elements 214a may be coupled to the outer fastening portion 228a and the second attachment region 226a of the locking elements 214a may be coupled to the inner fastening portion 230a. For example, the first attachment region 224a is depicted as having two attachment points 232 at the outer fastening portions 228a, and the second attachment region 226a is depicted as having a single attachment point 232 at the inner fastening portion 230a.

The clastic element 212a contracts as the locking system 206a transitions from the unlocked state (FIG. 5A) to the locked state (FIG. 5C), such that there is an increase in the overlap of adjacent ones of the locking elements 214a, as described in more detail below. While in the relaxed state (FIG. 5A), the interface surfaces 216 of each the first plurality of locking elements 214a are spaced apart and separated from the interface surfaces 216 of the adjacent locking elements 214a. When the pressure in the interior void 204 (FIG. 4) is reduced from a first pressure (e.g., at or above ambient) to a second pressure (e.g., at or below ambient), the barrier layers 208a, 208b (FIG. 4) move toward one another to bring the interface surfaces 216 of the plurality of locking elements 214a into direct contact with the opposing interface surfaces 216 of the adjacent locking elements 214a. Once the first plurality of locking elements 214a are in direct contact with the interface surfaces 216 of the adjacent locking elements 214a, the resulting friction between the interface surfaces 216 forms a locking layer 218 that maintains the locking system 206a in the locked state of FIG. 5C.

While in the locked state, tensile forces F_Tapplied along the lengths of the elastic element 212a are opposed by the frictional forces between the interface surfaces 216 of the locking elements 214a. The bladder 202 (FIG. 4) is thus restricted from stretching or deforming around the wearer when the locking system 206a is in the locked state. When the wearer unlocks the locking system 206a, to loosen the article (e.g., article of footwear or clothing), the wearer increases the pressure within the interior void 204 of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4) to move the interface surfaces 216 of the plurality of locking elements 214a away from one another to define a space therebetween (FIG. 5A). Consequently, the interface surfaces 216 of the respective locking elements 214a disengage from each other to allow the barrier layers 208a, 208b (FIG. 4) to stretch and deform. For example, FIGS. 5A-5C show the transition between the unlocked state (FIG. 5A) and the locked state (FIG. 5C) with an intermediate or partially locked state (FIG. 5B) in between. The intermediate state may correspond to the transition of the plurality of locking elements 214a toward and/or away from one another. In one example, the pressure within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4) is such that the locking elements 214a are in the intermediate or partially locked state, such that the interface surfaces 216 partially engage with one another to restrain and otherwise restrict movement of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4).

Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5C, the locking elements 214a of the present example include a pair of the interface surfaces 216 disposed on opposite sides of each of the locking elements 214a. The interface surfaces 216 engage to retain the locking system 206a in the locked state while the locking system 206a is under the at least partial vacuum. Stated differently, the locking elements 214a frictionally engage at the interface surfaces 216 under the second pressure of the locking system 206a to compress the elastic element 212a and define the locked state to minimize movement of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4) and create a rigid and supportive fit of the article. While in the relaxed state (FIG. 5A), the locking elements 214a of adjacent ones of the plurality of locking elements 214a disposed on the elastic element 212a are arranged in a spaced apart manner to prevent direct contact between the interface surfaces 216 of the plurality of locking elements 214a. In this relaxed state, the locking system 206a is relatively flexible and can conform and stretch to fit a variety of geometries.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, a locking system 206b is provided and may be incorporated in the locking structure 200 and/or bladder 202 described above. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the locking system 206a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The locking system 206b includes a plurality of locking elements 214b operably coupled to an elastic element 212b. Unlike the locking system 206a depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C, the plurality of locking elements 214b are coupled to the elastic element 212b at an outer edge 240b of the plurality of locking elements 214b. As depicted, the outer edge 240b attached to the elastic element 212b has a first attachment region 224b and a second attachment region 226b, in FIG. 6. The first attachment region 224b is coupled to a first fastening portion 228b of the elastic element 212b, and the second attachment region 226b is coupled to a second fastening portion 230b of the elastic element 212b. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second fastening portions 228b, 230b of the elastic element 212b are adjacent to one another, such that the outer edge 240b of the locking elements 214b is asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions 228b, 230b at the first and second attachment regions 224b, 226b, respectively. For example, the first attachment region 224b coupled to the first fastening portion 228b of the elastic element 212b is offset from the second attachment region 226b of the locking element 214b relative to a longitudinal axis A212b of the clastic element. In other words, the first attachment region 226b is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis A212h and the second attachment region 228b is disposed on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis A212b from the first attachment region 226b. The asymmetrical configuration of the first and second attachment regions 224b, 226b may assist in providing an adaptive fit, such that one of the locking elements 214b may have a greater degree of flexion at one end compared to the other. Additionally or alternatively, the locking elements 214b may have an equal degree of flexion across the interface surface 216. It is also contemplated that the asymmetrical configuration defines an overlap between the interface surfaces 216 that maximizes the locking capabilities of the locking elements 214b by defining a degree of friction between the interface surfaces 216.

The locking elements 214b may be coupled to the elastic element 212b at the outer edge 240b to provide additional flexibility to the locking system 206b in the unlocked state, such that a free end 242b of the locking elements 214b may have a greater degree of flexion than the retained outer edge 240b. The free end 242b of each of the locking elements 214b may overlap, such that the interface surfaces 216 of each adjacent locking element 214b may overlap to define a locking layer 218. The free ends 242b may also conform and have an increased degree of flexibility and pliability with respect to the wearer, as the free ends 242b are free from attachment with the elastic element 212b. While the free ends 242b of the locking elements 214b may have an increased level of flexibility and/or mobility relative to the outer edge 240b, it is contemplated that in the locked state the free ends 242b are generally contained and restrained via the frictional engagement between the interface surfaces 216 to form the locking layer 218. The locking system 206b operates in a similar manner as described with respect to the locking system 206a (FIGS. 5A-5C), such that an interface surface 216 of each of the plurality of locking elements 214b may overlap to be in direct contact with an interface surface 216 of an adjacent locking element 214b when the second pressure is defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4). As described above, the resulting friction between the interface surfaces 216 forms the locking layer 218 that maintains the locking system 206b in the locked state.

As discussed above, when the locking system 206b is incorporated within a bladder 202 and/or locking structure 200 described above, the pressure of the interior void 204 of the chamber 210 is reduced from the first pressure (e.g., ambient) to the second pressure (e.g., below ambient). In this state, the barrier layers 208a, 208b move toward one another to bring the plurality of locking elements 214b into direct contact with one another at the interface surfaces 216, where each locking element 214b in the plurality of locking elements 214b overlaps adjacent locking elements 214b. Thus, as mentioned above, the interface surface 216 on a first side of one of the locking elements 214b will engage the opposing interface surface 216 on the second side of an adjacent one of the locking element 214b. Once the plurality of locking elements 214b are overlapping and in direct contact with one another at their respective interface surfaces 216, the resulting friction between the interface surfaces 216 forms the locking layer 218 that maintains the locking system 206b in the locked state.

With particular reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, a locking system 206c is provided and may be incorporated into a bladder 202 and a locking structure 200 disposed within the bladder 202 (FIG. 4). In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the locking system 206a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, the locking system 206c includes a first plurality of locking elements 214c₁operably coupled to a first elastic element 212c₁and a second plurality of locking elements 214c₂operably coupled to a second elastic element 212c₂. In FIGS. 7A-7C, the first plurality of locking elements 214c₁coupled to the first elastic element 212c₁oppose the second plurality of locking elements 214c₂coupled the second elastic element 212c₂. Stated differently, a free end 242c of each of the locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂is disposed between the first and second elastic elements 212c₁, 212c₂. The locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂are coupled to the respective clastic elements 212c₁, 212c₂at the attachment regions 224c, 226c defined along an outer edge 240c of each locking element 214c₁, 214c₂. The configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C may maximize the interlocking under an at least partial vacuum to define a generally rigid locking system 206c as each of the free ends 242c of the locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂is positioned proximate to the outer edge 240c of an adjacent locking element 214c₁, 214c₂.

The locking system 206c operates in a similar manner as described with respect to the locking systems 206a, 206b (FIGS. 5A-6), such that an interface surface 216 of each of the locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂may overlap to be in direct contact with an interface surface 216 of an adjacent locking element 214c₁, 214c₂when the second pressure is defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4). In this configuration, the first elastic member 212c₁may be coupled to the first barrier layer 208a (FIG. 4), and the second elastic member 212c₂may be coupled to the second barrier layer 208b. As each of the elastic elements 212c₁, 212c₂may be respectively coupled to the first and second barrier layers 208a, 208b of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4), the bladder 202 is thus generally restricted from stretching or deforming around the wearer when the locking system 206c is in the locked state.

Further, the interlocking arrangement of the locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂assists in providing added rigidity to the locking system 206c. For example, the free ends 242c of the first locking elements 214c₁are interwoven between the free ends 242c of adjacent ones of the second locking elements 214c₂and vice versa, such that the free ends 242c of the first locking elements 214c₁are separated from one another by the free ends 242c of the second locking elements 214c₂. As the at least partial vacuum is defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4), the elastic elements 212c₁, 212c₂contract to minimize the spacing between adjacent ones of the locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂along a longitudinal direction. Stated differently, a greater surface area of the interface surfaces 216 of the locking elements 214c₁, 214c₂overlap when the elastic elements 212c₁, 212c₂are contracted under the at least partial vacuum. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7A, when the at least partial vacuum is released from the bladder 202 via the valve 132, the clastic elements 212c₁, 212c₂elongate as the bladder 202 returns to the relaxed, unlocked state.

With particular reference to FIGS. 8-10B, an example of a locking structure 200d is provided. In this configuration, the locking structure 200d includes a locking strip 250d disposed between a locking system 206d that includes first and second locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂and at least one compressible component 252d. It is generally contemplated that the elastic element described herein may form a portion or an entirety of the locking strip 250d. The locking system 206d is connected to the locking strip 250d via a tether 254d coupled to a housing 256d of the locking system 206d. The locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂may be coupled to the housing 256d via an adhesive 257d and/or other attachment features to secure the locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂relative to the housing 256d in a locked state of the locking structure 200d. The locking strip 250d extends through the housing 256d between the locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂and may translate freely within the housing 256d in the unlocked state of the locking system 206d. The unlocked state of the locking system 206d is depicted by FIGS. 9A and 10A, such that the compressible component(s) 252d is expanded to define a space 258d between the locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂and the locking strip 250d. As described above, an at least partial vacuum may be applied to the locking structure 200d, such that a pressure within the interior void 204 may translate from a first pressure (i.e., at or above ambient pressure) to a second pressure (i.e., below ambient pressure). At the second pressure, the locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂are biased together by the barrier layers 208a, 208b, and the compressible component(s) 252d is compressed. A frictional force Fr is defined between the locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂along the locking strip 250d, such that the locking strip 250d is prevented from additional movement within the housing 256d of the locking system 206d. As the second pressure is defined, the locking strip 250d is translated to tighten or otherwise contract the bladder 202 about the wearer until a predefined minimum pressure is met. When the interior void 204 of the bladder 202 reaches the predefined minimum pressure, the frictional force F_Fapplied on the locking strip 250d by the locking elements 214d₁, 214d₂prevents further movement or translation of the locking strip 250d.

In one example, illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a locking system 206e includes first and second compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂that compress under the second pressure defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 8). In this configuration, locking elements 214e₁, 214e₂are centrally disposed between the compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂within a housing 256c. The first and second compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂may assist in providing even compression across the locking system 206e. For example, utilizing multiple compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂may assist in following a contour of the wearer's body, such as foot structure and/or torso structure, such that the first and second compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂may compress at variable rates. In this example, the locking system 206e may be aligned along the wearer's body in a manner that presents an uneven alignment of the first and second compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂, and the utilization of the first and second compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂may maximize the compression and stabilization of the locking system 206e relative to the wearer. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the first and second compressible components 252e₁, 252e₂are generally equally compressed and define the locked state of the locking elements 214e₁, 214e₂about a locking strip 250e.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-11B, the locking structure 200 advantageously provides structural support and a compressive fit for the wearer, such that the article (e.g., footwear and/or apparel) may be custom-fit. The operability between the relaxed, unlocked state and the locked state assists the wearer in flexibly donning and doffing the article while simultaneously providing desired support and structure of the article for the wearer during use. The locking structure 200 may include any of the described configurations of the locking systems 206a-206e, as described here, such that each may be interchangeable and/or combined to provide the wearer with a customizable support structure to maximize the versatility of the articles. Further, the locking structure 200 may be compressed or otherwise translated into the locked state utilizing vacuum pressure to define a frictional and/or tensile force to retain a position of the locking elements 214 in the locked state. The use of vacuum pressure maximizes the flexibility of transition between the locked and unlocked states by incorporating a pump to automatically and/or efficiently define the at least partial vacuum within the interior void 204 to compress or otherwise frictionally engage the locking elements 214 within the locking system 206.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a locking structure for an article of footwear or apparel, an article of footwear, and an article of apparel described above.

Clause 1. A locking structure for an article, the locking structure comprising a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void, and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements.

Clause 2. The locking structure of Clause 1, wherein the at least one elastic element includes a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements.

Clause 3. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein the first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements are defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and are asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions.

Clause 4. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein the first attachment region is offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

Clause 5. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein each of the plurality of locking elements defines an opening at a central region of each locking element and the first and second attachment regions are disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element.

Clause 6. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein the at least one elastic element includes an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

Clause 7. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, and the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

Clause 8. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the locking elements includes a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element.

Clause 9. The locking structure of Clause 8, wherein the interface surfaces of the locking elements are in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer.

Clause 10. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the interface surface comprises an adhesive material, the adhesive material of adjacent interface surfaces being coupled to each other in a locked state of the plurality of locking elements.

Clause 11. A locking structure for an article, the locking structure comprising a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, and a locking system including locking elements each attached to at least one elastic element and including at least one interface surface, the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

Clause 12. The locking structure of Clause 11, wherein the at least one elastic element includes a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the locking elements.

Clause 13. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein the first and second attachment regions of each of the locking elements are defined along an outer edge of each of the locking elements and are asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions.

Clause 14. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein the first attachment region is offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

Clause 15. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein each of the locking elements defines an opening at a central region of each locking element and the first and second attachment regions are disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element.

Clause 16. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein the at least one elastic element includes an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the locking elements.

Clause 17. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a locking strip that defines a locking system with the locking elements, and the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

Clause 18. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the locking elements includes a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element.

Clause 19. The locking structure of Clause 18, wherein the interface surfaces of the locking elements are in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer.

Clause 20. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the interface surface comprises an adhesive material, the adhesive material of adjacent interface surfaces being coupled to each other in a locked state of the locking elements.

Clause 21. An upper for an article of footwear including the locking structure of any of Clauses 1-20.

Clause 22. An article of apparel including the locking structure of any of Clauses 1-20.

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.

VACUUM LOCKING FOR ARTICLE OF APPAREL OR FOOTWEAR

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