ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A CLOSURE SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/418,850, filed on October 24, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND

1. F ield of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including a closure system.

2. Description of the Background

[0005] Many conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and a top portion. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole, and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates, embedded with the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

[0006] The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulatable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.

[0007] The upper of many shoes may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be utilized to form the upper and chosen for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, airpermeability, or moisture- wicking properties. [0008] However, in many cases, articles of footwear having uppers with an increased comfort and better fit are desired, along with improved closure mechanisms.

SUMMARY

[0009] An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. The article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure connected to the upper.

[0010] In one embodiment, a fastening system for an article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism, a lace, and a cable. The fastening mechanism includes an upper cover that is rotatably coupled to a chassis. The lace is configured to be operably coupled to an upper of the article of footwear and the fastening mechanism. The cable is attached to the upper cover and is configured to be rotated relative to the chassis about a rotational axis to adjust the footwear between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration. The fastening mechanism is tightened by actuating the cable and is loosened by rotating the upper cover counterclockwise.

[0011] In another embodiment, a fastening system for an article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes an upper cover, a chassis, a floating latch, an affixed latch, a cable, and a pinion-spool assembly. A lace is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear and the fastening mechanism is configured to be actuated to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a fastening system is introduced. The steps comprise providing an article of footwear that comprises an opening that is configured to receive a foot and then providing a fastening mechanism comprising a first actuation mechanism to adjust the tightness of the footwear, and providing a second actuation mechanism to further adjust the tightness of the footwear. The second and the first actuation mechanisms are configured to be operably engaged with a pinion-spool assembly. The first actuation mechanism is operably engaged with a spring element and the spring element adjusts a tension between a lace that is operably connected with the pinion-spool assembly. The pinion-spool assembly is rotated in a first direction to adjust the fastening mechanism to a tightened configuration. The pinion-spool assembly is rotated in a second direction to adjust the fastening mechanism to a loosened configuration.

[0013] Other aspects of the article of footwear, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the article of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottom and medial side of an article of footwear configured as a right shoe that includes an upper and a sole structure, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 configured as a left shoe;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 2, with an upper removed and a user’s skeletal foot structure overlaid thereon;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a medial side of an article of footwear configured as a right shoe with a fastening system, according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fastening mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 taken along line

7-7;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 taken along line

8-8;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spool with a pinion for use with the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5; [0023] FIG. 10 is a right-side view of the spool of FIG. 9;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 shown in an initial actuation position and with the upper cover being removed;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 shown in an intermediate actuation position and with the upper cover being removed;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the fastening mechanism of FIG. 5 shown at a maximum actuation position and with the upper cover removed; and

[0027] FIG. 14 is a flow chart describing an example fastening process, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and a sole structure. Although embodiments of a shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe or the sole structure may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the sole structure may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0029] The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ± 5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

[0030] The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and/or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole or sole structure. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, and/or a non-woven textile. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the nonwoven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and/or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and/or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, and/or double cloth weaves, for example. Nonwoven textiles include textiles made by air-laid and/or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and/or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.

[0031] FIGS. 1-3 depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 104. The upper 102 is attached to the sole structure 104 and together define an interior cavity 106 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) into which a foot may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear 100 defines a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase portions of the foot that includes the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 110 is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region 108, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase the arch of the foot, along with the bridge of the foot. The heel region 112 is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region 110 and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, and/or the Achilles tendon.

[0032] Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper 102 of the article of footwear 100 is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, one area of the upper 102 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upper 102 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the upper 102 may vary throughout the upper 102 by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper 102.

[0033] With reference to the material(s) that comprise the upper 102, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of a knitted component may at least partially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knitted material. Elastane and stretch polyester may each provide a knitted component with a desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture absorbent material, wool may provide a material with an increased moisture absorbance, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion-resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic, durable material.

[0034] Other aspects of a knitted component may also be varied to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, a yarn forming a knitted component may include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. In addition, a knitted component may be formed using a particular knitting process to impart an area of a knitted component with particular properties. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to particular areas of the upper 102. [0035] In some embodiments, an elasticity of a knit structure may be measured based on comparing a width or length of the knit structure in a first, non-stretched state to a width or length of the knit structure in a second, stretched state after the knit structure has a force applied to the knit structure in a lateral direction. In further embodiments, the upper 102 may also include additional structural elements. For example, in some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) may be provided on the heel region 112 to provide added support to a heel of a user. In some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to an exterior surface using glue or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the properties associated with the upper 102, e.g., a stitch type, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, may be varied.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, the sole structure 104 is connected or secured to the upper 102 and extends between a foot of a user and the ground when the article of footwear 100 is worn by the user. The sole structure 104 may include one or more components, which may include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a panel, and/or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, a sole structure may include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, along with providing traction for a user, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that provides support for an arch of a user. In addition, the insole may be a Strobel board, a forefoot board, a lasting board, etc., or a combination thereof, and the insole may be provided between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, or the insole may be provided as part of the upper 102.

[0037] Furthermore, the insole can be positioned within the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102, which can be in direct contact with a user’s foot while an article of footwear 100 is being worn. Moreover, the upper 102 may also include a liner (not shown) that can increase comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the foot of the user and the upper 102, the sole structure 104, the insole, or the like, and/or by providing moisture wicking properties. The liner may line the entirety of the interior cavity 106 or only a portion thereof. In some embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround an opening of the interior cavity 106 to secure the liner to the upper 102 and/or to provide an aesthetic element on the article of footwear 100. [0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the article of footwear 100 also defines a lateral side 116 and a medial side 118. When a user is wearing the shoes, the lateral side 116 corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 100 while the medial side 118 corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 100. As such, the article of footwear 100 has opposing lateral sides 116 and medial sides 118. The medial side 118 and the lateral side 116 adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or central axis 120 of the article of footwear 100, which is coplanar with the longitudinal axis L of FIG. 1. As will be further discussed herein, the longitudinal central plane or central axis 120 may demarcate a central, intermediate axis between the medial side 118 and the lateral side 116 of the article of footwear 100. Put differently, the longitudinal plane or central axis 120 may extend between a rear, proximal end 122 of the article of footwear 100 and a front, distal end 124 of the article of footwear 100 and may continuously define a middle of an insole 126, the sole structure 104, and/or the upper 102 of the article of footwear 100, i.e., the longitudinal plane or central axis 120 is a straight axis extending through the rear, proximal end 122 of the heel region 112 to the front, distal end 124 of the forefoot region 108.

[0039] Unless otherwise specified, and referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the article of footwear 100 may be defined by the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112. The forefoot region 108 may generally correspond with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase portions of a foot 128 that include the toes or phalanges 130, the ball of the foot 132, and one or more of the joints 134 that connect the metatarsals 136 of the foot 128 with the toes or phalanges 130. The midfoot region 110 is proximate and adjoins the forefoot region 108. The midfoot region 110 generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase an arch of a foot 128, along with a bridge of the foot 128. The heel region 112 is proximate to the midfoot region 110 and adjoins the midfoot region 110. The heel region 112 generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 100 that encase rear portions of the foot 128, including the heel or calcaneus bone 138, the ankle (not shown), and/or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

[0040] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and the lateral side 116 are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear 100. To that end, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and the lateral side 116 generally characterize sections of the article of footwear 100. Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and/or the lateral side 116. Further, both the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and/or along the medial side 118 and/or the lateral side 116. Therefore, the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, and/or individual portions of the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, and/or along the medial side 118 and/or the lateral side 116.

[0041] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and the lateral side 116 are shown in detail. The forefoot region 108 extends from a toe end 140 to a widest portion 142 of the article of footwear 100. The widest portion 142 is defined or measured along a first line 144 that is perpendicular with respect to the central axis 120 that extends from a distal portion of the toe end 140 to a distal portion of a heel end 146, which is opposite the toe end 140. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest portion 142 to a thinnest portion 148 of the article of footwear 100. The thinnest portion 148 of the article of footwear 100 is defined as the thinnest portion of the article of footwear 100 measured across a second line 150 that is perpendicular with respect to the central axis 120. The heel region 112 extends from the thinnest portion 148 to the heel end 146 of the article of footwear 100.

[0042] It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear 100 and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear 100, with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and/or the lateral side 116 as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. However, aspects of the article of footwear 100 and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear 100 and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and/or the lateral side 116 discussed herein.

[0043] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the medial side 118 begins at the distal, toe end 140 and bows outward along an inner side of the article of footwear 100 along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The medial side 118 reaches the first line 144, at which point the medial side 118 bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis 120. The medial side 118 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward the second line 150, i.e., the thinnest portion 148, at which point the medial side 118 enters into the midfoot region 110, i. e. , upon crossing the first line 144. Once reaching the second line 150, the medial side 118 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 120, at which point the medial side 118 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., upon crossing the second line 150. The medial side 118 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 146, and terminates at a point where the medial side 118 meets the longitudinal, central axis 120.

[0044] The lateral side 116 also begins at the distal, toe end 140 and bows outward along an outer side of the article of footwear 100 along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The lateral side 116 reaches the first line 144, at which point the lateral side 116 bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis 120. The lateral side 116 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward the second line 150, i.e., the thinnest portion 148, at which point the lateral side 116 enters into the midfoot region 110, i.e., upon crossing the first line 144. Once reaching the second line 150, the lateral side 116 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 120, at which point the lateral side 116 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., upon crossing the second line 150. The lateral side 116 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 146, and terminates at a point where the lateral side 116 meets the longitudinal, central axis 120.

[0045] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper 102 extends along the lateral side 116 and the medial side 118, and across the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 to house and enclose a foot of a user. When fully assembled, the upper 102 also includes an interior surface 162 and an exterior surface 164. The interior surface 162 faces inward and generally defines the interior cavity 106, and the exterior surface 164 of the upper 102 faces outward and generally defines an outer perimeter or boundary of the upper 102. The upper 102 also includes an opening 166 that is at least partially located in the heel region 112 of the article of footwear 100, which provides access to the interior cavity 106 and through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may also include an instep region 168 that extends from the opening 166 in the heel region 112 over an area corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area proximate the forefoot region 108. The instep region 168 may comprise an area similar to where a tongue 170 of the present embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 does not include the tongue 170, i.e., the upper 102 is tongueless.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole 172 and an outsole 174. The outsole 174 may define a bottom end or bottom surface 176 of the sole structure 104 across the heel region 112, the midfoot region 110, and the forefoot region 108. Further, the outsole 174 may be a ground-engaging portion or include a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 104 and may be opposite of the insole thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 176 of the outsole 174 may include a tread pattern 178 that can include a variety of shapes and configurations. The outsole 174 may be formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear- resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure 104. In some embodiments, the outsole 174 may be formed from any kind of elastomer material, e.g., rubber, including thermoset elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers, or a thermoplastic material, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the outsole 174 may define a shore A hardness up to 95. In addition, the outsole 174 may be manufactured by a process involving injection molding, vulcanization, printing layer by layer, i.e., additive manufacturing systems or methods, and the like.

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 1, the midsole 172 may be individually constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane (PU), for example, and/or an ethylene- vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. In other embodiments, the midsole 172 may be an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, poly ether, an olefin block copolymer, organosheets, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. The midsole 172 may be a single polymeric material or may be a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a poly ether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. One example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®. In some embodiments, the midsole 172 is manufactured by a process involving injection molding, vulcanization, printing layer by layer, i.e., additive manufacturing systems or methods, and the like.

[0048] In embodiments where the midsole 172 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams, such as a TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO2, N2, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam. In further embodiments, the midsole 172 may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 172 may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape.

[0049] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic representation of an article of footwear 200 having a fastening system 204 that includes a fastening mechanism 208 and a lace 212 that is operably coupled to the upper 102 and the fastening mechanism 208 to tighten and/or loosen the footwear 200. The fastening mechanism 208 is mounted to the upper 102 on the lateral side 116 of the article of footwear 200 within the midfoot region 110. The lace 212 is configured to be passed through a plurality of eyelets 213 formed on the upper 102 and wound about a spool 288 (shown in FIG. 6) of the fastening mechanism 208. Further, the fastening system 204 includes a cable 214 that has a tab or ring 216 end that is configured to be pulled by a user to actuate the fastening system 204 to perform one or more functions, such as, e.g., tightening, unlocking, or retracting. To that end, the cable 214 is configured to be pulled away from the fastening mechanism 208 in one or more directions to actuate at least one of the functions of the fastening system 204, and the cable 214 is configured to be retracted into the fastening mechanism 208 to prevent entanglement, as will be described herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fastening system 204 is embedded in the upper 102. In some embodiments, the fastening system 204 can be removed from the upper 102 and transferred to a different article of footwear 200. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 208 is mounted to the upper 102 on the medial side 118 of the article of footwear 200 within the midfoot region 110. In some aspects, the fastening mechanism 208 is mounted to the upper 102 within the heel region 112.

[0051] FIG. 5 depicts the fastening mechanism 208 that is configured to be attached to the footwear 200 (see FIG. 4). The fastening mechanism 208 includes an upper cover 220 and a chassis 224 that are coupled together by threading engagement of a screw 228 and a nut 230 (see FIG. 6). The upper cover 220 is defined by a circular front surface 232 that includes an outer wall 234 extending normal to and away from a cover rear surface 236 (shown in FIG. 7) with a circular profile to form a cap-shaped structure. The upper cover 220 can come in a variety of designs and colors. The front surface 232 includes a central aperture 238 that is axially aligned with a central axis CA extending centrally through the fastening mechanism 208. The front surface 232 includes an intermediate aperture 240 disposed between the central aperture 238 and a peripheral edge 242 of the front surface 232. The central aperture 238 receives the screw 228 that couples the upper cover 220 with the chassis 224 of the fastening mechanism 208. An outermost aperture 244 is disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge 242 of the front surface 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate aperture 240 receives a dynamic bolt 246 at least partially therein or therethrough. The outermost aperture 244 receives a first end 248 of the cable 214 at least partially therein or therethrough. The outer wall 234 of the upper cover 220 includes a plurality of teeth 250 that are disposed radially between the peripheral edge 242 of the front surface 232 and an outer wall edge 252. The outer wall edge 252 includes a peripheral flange 254 that extends from the outer wall edge 252 in a parallel direction with and surrounding the central axis CA. The cable 214 partially wraps around the peripheral flange 254. The peripheral flange 254 is recessed between the outer wall edge 252 and the chassis 224 to form a guide groove 256 for the cable 214 when pulled, stored, and/or retracted.

[0052] With continued reference to FIG. 5, a diameter OWD of the outer wall 234 is larger than a diameter PFD of the peripheral flange 254. The chassis 224 of the fastening mechanism 208 includes a flange 258, a receptacle 260, and an outer chassis wall 262. The outer chassis wall 262 may be provided in a cylindrical shape. The outer chassis wall 262 is axially aligned with the central axis CA. The outer chassis wall 262 is adjacent to the peripheral flange 254 and, in use, the cable 214 wraps partially around the peripheral flange 254 and partially wraps around the outer chassis wall 262. The cable 214 extends through the receptacle 260 of the chassis 224 and includes a second end 264 that is spaced apart from the receptacle 260 and configured be pulled by the user, such as, e.g., by providing the ring 216 (see FIG. 4) on the second end 264. The flange 258 extends radially outwardly from a base edge 266 of the outer chassis wall 262 and may include a recessed area 268 disposed proximate an outermost periphery 270 of the flange 258. The flange 258 includes the recessed area 268 and further defines a front surface 272 and a rear surface 274 opposite the front surface 272.

[0053] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the internal componentry of the fastening mechanism 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the chassis 224 includes an internal volume 276 that is defined by the outer chassis wall 262. The internal volume 276 of the chassis 224 includes an intermediate wall 278, a central stem 280, and a central hole 282 that are concentrically disposed relative to one another about the center axis CA. The intermediate wall 278 is disposed between the central stem 280 and the outer chassis wall 262, and the central hole 282 extends between the rear surface 274 of the flange 258 and a central stem edge 284.

[0054] The central stem 280 is disposed within the intermediate wall 278 that defines an inner cavity 286. The central stem 280 within the inner cavity 286 receives a spool 288. The intermediate wall 278 includes a pocket 290 that is disposed outwardly of the intermediate wall 278. An intermediate channel 292 is defined between the outer chassis wall 262 and the intermediate wall 278 and further defines an intermediate surface 294. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 294 may be a flat surface, a helical surface, or an inwardly ramped surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate channel 292 contains a spring element 296. A first inner opening 302 and second inner opening 304 are disposed along the intermediate wall 278 diametrically opposite of one another relative to the central axis CA.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the outer chassis wall 262 includes a first outer opening 306 and a second outer opening 308 that is disposed along the base edge 266 of outer chassis wall 262 opposite of one another. The first outer opening 306 and the second outer openings 308 are configured to receive a portion or length of the lace 212 (see FIG. 4). The receptacle 260 is disposed outboard of the outer chassis wall 262 along the front surface 272 of the flange 258 and adjacent to the recessed area 268. The receptacle 260 includes a guide passage 310 that extends through a receptacle wall 312. The cable 214 is received through the guide passage 310 and is guided while being pulled and/or retracted during operation.

[0056] The fastening system 204 includes an affixed latch 320, a floating latch 322, and a pinion 324 that is integrally formed with the spool 288. The affixed latch 320 includes a first arm 328, a second arm 330, a primary hole 332, and a secondary hole 334. The primary hole 332 of the affixed latch 320 is coupled with the pocket 290 of the chassis 224 by a static bolt 338 inserted therethrough. The static bolt 338 defines a longitudinal axis LAS that is configured to be parallel with but offset from the center axis CA. A pin 340 is inserted into the secondary hole 334 of the affixed latch 320 and connected to a first latching end 344 of the spring element 296. The floating latch 322 includes a main arm 348, a main hole 350, a recessed area 352, and a slot 354 disposed proximate the recessed area 352. The slot 354 is connected with the spring element 296 by a second latching end 358. The main hole 350 of the floating latch 322 is coupled with the intermediate aperture 240 of the upper cover 220 by the dynamic bolt 246. Further, the main hole 350 is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis LAD defined by the dynamic bolt 246. The longitudinal axis LAD of the dynamic bolt 246 is configured to be coaxial with the longitudinal axis LAS of the static bolt 338, such that both are parallel with and offset from the center axis CA. The floating latch 322 travels above the affixed latch 320 during a radial motion e.g., rotation, and the thickness of the pinion 324 is approximately equal to a sum of the thicknesses of the floating latch 322 and the affixed latch 320.

[0057] The pinion 324 is formed integrally with the spool 288 that is received by the inner cavity 286 of the chassis 224. In some embodiments, the pinion 324 and the spool 288 may be coupled by an adhesive or may be welded to form a pinion-spool assembly 360. The pinion 324 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 includes a plurality of teeth 362 disposed circumferentially thereabout and spaced radially from one another. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 may be provided as a spur-shape or a helical shape. In some embodiments, the respective shapes of the first arm 328, the second arm 330 of the affixed latch 320, and/or the main arm 348 of the floating latch 322 resemble or mirror the shape of the teeth 362 of the pinion 324 to promote engagement during certain operation functions. The spool 288 further includes a barrel 364 extending between an outer flange 366 and an inner flange 368 along the central axis CA. The outer flange 366 defines a frontal outer flange surface 370 and a rear outer flange surface 372 and the inner flange 368 defines a frontal inner flange surface 374 and a rear inner flange surface 376 (shown in FIG. 7). The pinion-spool assembly 360 includes a medial hole 378 that is arranged to be coaxial with the center axis CA. The medial hole 378 aligns axially with the central hole 282 of the chassis 224 and the central aperture 238 of the upper cover 220 and is coupled using the screw 228 and the nut 230.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the fastening mechanism 208 is shown. The flange 258 of the chassis 224 may be convexly curved relative to the upper cover 220, such that the flange 258 is configured to accommodate and sit flush along a curvature of the footwear 200 (see FIG. 4) when mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the flange 258 of the chassis 224 may be concavely curved relative to the upper cover 220. Alternatively, the flange 258 may be flat or planar. The screw 228 comprises a screw head 384, a shank or a shaft 386, and a rolled thread 388. The screw 228, the upper cover 220, the chassis 224, the pinion-spool assembly 360, and the nut 230 are coaxial with the central axis CA when coupled together, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The screw head 384 is arranged as a lateral stop 390 against the front surface 232 of the upper cover 220 while the nut 230 is coupled to the rolled thread 388 of the screw 228 within a rearmost cavity 392 disposed by the rear surface 274 of the chassis 224. The pinion-spool assembly 360 is coupled between the chassis 224 and the upper cover 220 along the shaft 386 of the screw 228. The upper cover 220 and the pinion-spool assembly 360 are configured to be rotated about the central axis CA. The rear inner flange surface 376 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 is configured to at least partially surround and rotate along the central stem 280 of the chassis 224. A foremost surface 394 of the pinion 324 is disposed opposite the rear inner flange surface 376 of the spool 288. When assembled, the foremost surface 394 is provided adjacent to the cover rear surface 236 of the upper cover 220.

[0059] Still referring to FIG.7, the dynamic bolt 246 includes a bolt head 402, an intermediate shaft 404, and a distal shaft 406. The intermediate shaft 404 of the dynamic bolt 246 is received by the main hole 350 (shown in FIG. 6) of the floating latch 322. The distal shaft 406 of the dynamic bolt 246 is inserted into the intermediate aperture 240 of the upper cover 220. In some embodiments, the bolt head 402 functions as a radial stop 408. For example, the upper cover 220 is configured to rotate about the central axis CA when the cable 214 is pulled. Once the upper cover 220 rotates about the central axis CA, the dynamic bolt 246 including the floating latch 322 revolves about the central axis CA and may encounter the affixed latch 320. The bolt head 402 is configured to abut the affixed latch 320 to prevent the upper cover 220 from rotating beyond a predetermined range of motion. The floating latch 322 is connected to the second latching end 358 of the spring element 296.

[0060] The guide groove 256 is disposed between the upper cover 220 and the chassis 224. The upper cover 220 may rotate clockwise and/or counterclockwise based on the pulling motion or the retraction of the cable 214. The upper cover 220 partially receives the outer chassis wall 262 forming guide groove 256. A chamber 412 that is in fluidic communication with the first outer opening 306 and the second outer opening 308 of the outer chassis wall 262 is formed radially about the spool 288 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 which may receive the lace (not shown) of the footwear 200.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, the fastening mechanism 208 includes an annular intermediate section 416 and an annular outermost section 418, both of which are coaxial and concentric. The outermost section 418 includes a recessed surface 420 and the annular intermediate section 416 includes a raised surface 421 that is concentrically interior to the annular outermost section 418. The annular intermediate section 416 and the annular outermost section 418 are separated by the intermediate wall 278. The intermediate wall 278 may be integrally formed to define the pocket 290 that received the static bolt 338. The recessed surface 420 at least partially circumscribes the raised surface 421. The guide passage 310 of the receptacle 260 may include a different size inlet and/or outlet. For example, the guide passage 310 may include an entrance 422 and an exit 424. The entrance 422 is where the cable 214 is first received, and the exit 424 is where the cable 214 exits the guide passage 310. In the present disclosure, the entrance 422 of the guide passage 310 is larger than the exit 424 of the guide passage 310. In some embodiments, the entrance 422 and the exit 424 of the guide passage 310 may be equivalent in size and/or may be shaped differently than shown.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the pinion-spool assembly 360 is shown. Specifically referring to FIG. 9, the pinion-spool assembly 360 includes the pinion 324 and the medial hole 378 that defines a larger diameter than a diameter of the screw 228 to provide free rotation, both clockwise and counterclockwise, about the central axis CA. The rear inner flange surface 376 of the spool 288 includes a cutout 428. The cutout 428 is positioned between a plurality of apertures 430 that extends through the barrel 364 of the spool 288. Specifically referring to FIG.10, the plurality of apertures 430 are vertically spaced apart from the central axis CA and are arranged to have varying offset distances from the central axis CA relative to one another. In some embodiments, a center 432 of one of the plurality of apertures 430 may be distanced from the central axis CA a greater distance than another. For example, in the present disclosure, a distance between the central axis CA and an upper set of apertures 434 is smaller than a distance between the central axis CA and a lower set of apertures 436. In some embodiments, the upper set of apertures 434 and the lower set of apertures 436 may be arranged differently, such as, e.g., by providing the upper and lower sets of apertures 434, 436 to be equidistant from the central axis CA.

[0063] FIG. 11 depicts an initial actuation position 450 of the fastening mechanism 208. A center point CPI of the dynamic bolt 246 defines the longitudinal axis of the dynamic bolt LAD, a center point CP2 of the static bolt 338 defines the longitudinal axis of the static bolt LAS and the central axis CA intersects a center point CP3 of the screw 228. As illustrated in FIG. 11 for reference purposes, an X-axis and a Y-axis define a first quadrant 452, a second quadrant 454, a third quadrant 456, and a fourth quadrant 458 in a counterclockwise direction. In the initial actuation position 450 of the illustrated embodiment, the center point CP2 of the static bolt 338 is disposed collinear with and intersected by the X-axis, being disposed at least partially within the second and the third quadrants 454, 456 along the X-axis. Further, the center point CPI of the dynamic bolt 246 is located within the second quadrant 454 when in the initial actuation position 450. A rest angle or an initial angle 462 of an initial position may be defined between the longitudinal axis of the dynamic bolt LAD and the longitudinal axis of the static bolt LAS relative to the central axis CA (see FIG. 6). A portion of the X-axis that intersects the center point CP2 and the longitudinal axis of the static bolt LAS defines a reference plane or reference axis 464 between the second and the third quadrants 454, 456. The initial angle 462 of the initial actuation position 450 is measured as the angle between the center point CP2 of the static bolt 338 and the center point CPI of the dynamic bolt 246 in the initial actuation position 450 relative to the central axis CA. Put another way, the initial angle 462 represents the angular position of the center point CP2 of the dynamic bolt 246 in the initial actuation position 450 relative to the reference axis 464. The initial angle 462 of an initial position may be between about 25 degrees and about 89 degrees, or between about 30 degrees and about 85 degrees, or between about 70 degrees and about 80 degrees. In some instances, the initial angle 462 is between about 80 degrees and about 89 degrees, or about 85 degrees..

[0064] FIG. 12 depicts an intermediate actuation position 480 of the fastening mechanism 208. The cable 214 is configured to be pulled through the receptacle 260, thereby moving the upper cover 220 of the fastening mechanism 208 in a clockwise direction about the central axis CA. The floating latch 322 engages with at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 to maintain the tension of the spring element 296. The floating latch 322 rotates along a clockwise direction with the dynamic bolt 246, and the longitudinal axis of the dynamic bolt LAD moves along the first and fourth quadrants 452, 458 toward the third quadrant 456. An intermediate angle 482 is measured as the angle between the center point CP2 of the static bolt 338 and the center point CPI of the dynamic bolt 246 in the intermediate actuation position 480 relative to the central axis CA. Put another way, the intermediate angle 482 represents the angular position of the center point CP2 of the dynamic bolt 246 in the intermediate actuation position 480 relative to the reference axis 464. The intermediate angle 482 of an intermediate position may be between between about 90 degrees and about 269 degrees.

[0065] FIG. 13 depicts a final actuation position 500 of the fastening mechanism 208. The cable 214 is configured to be pulled through the receptacle 260, thereby moving the upper cover 220 of the fastening mechanism 208 in a clockwise direction about the central axis CA. The longitudinal axis LAD of the dynamic bolt 246 is coupled to the floating latch 322 that is disposed within the third quadrant 456 of the fastening mechanism 208. A final angle 502 of a final position is measured as the angle between the center point CP2 of the static bolt 338 and the center point CPI of the dynamic bolt 246 in the final actuation position 500 relative to the central axis CA. Put another way, the final angle 502 of a final position represents the angular position of the center point CP2 of the dynamic bolt 246 in the final actuation position 500 relative to the reference axis 464. The final angle 502 of a final position can be between about 270 degrees and about 355 degrees. In some instances, the final angle 502 can be about 270 degrees, or about 280 degrees, or about 290 degrees, or about 320 degrees. Accordingly, the intermediate angle 482 (see FIG. 12) is greater than the initial angle 462, and the final angle 502 is greater than the intermediate angle 482. In some instances, the final angle 502 is between about 65% and about 95% greater than the initial angle 462.

[0066] FIG. 14 depicts a method 600 of operating the fastening system 204 of an article of footwear 200. The operation of the fastening system 204 of the footwear 200 is initiated by a first step 610 that includes inserting the user’s foot into the opening 166 of the footwear 200. Once the user’s foot is inserted into the opening 166, a second step 620 is initiated by actuating a first mechanism to adjust a tightness of the footwear. The user pulls the cable 214 to overcome the spring force of the spring element 296 and disengage the floating latch 322 from the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion-spool assembly 360. As discussed above, the floating latch 322 is configured to abut the affixed latch 320 and become disengaged at a position of at least about 270 degrees from the reference axis 464. In some embodiments, the lace 212 may be pulled iteratively and repeatedly for incremental adjustment. It is contemplated that the magnitude of incremental adjustment achieved by such repetitive pulling actuation is proportional to the size of barrel 364 of the pinion-spool assembly 360. In some instances, the barrel 364 of the pinionspool assembly 360 may be reduced, such that fine adjustment of the tightness is permitted, while requiring a larger number of iterative actuation. In some instances, the barrel 364 of the pinionspool assembly 360 may be increased, such that coarse adjustment of the tightness is permitted, while requiring a smaller number of iterative actuation. During a third step 630, the tightness of the footwear is assessed. The tightness of the footwear 200 occurs due to the introduction of a spring load which may result in spinning of the pinion-spool assembly 360 in the counterclockwise direction that causes greater lengths of the lace 212 to become wrapped around the barrel 364 of the spool 288.

[0067] A fourth step 640 includes actuating a second mechanism, such as, e.g., pulling the cable 214 connected to the upper cover 220, to adjust the tightness of the footwear. In some embodiments, the step 640 includes pulling the cable 214, which subsequently causes the upper cover 220 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the center axis CA. The floating latch 322 coupled to the upper cover 220 engages with at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion-spool assembly 360. The engagement between the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 and the floating latch 322 enables the spool 288 to incrementally wind lengths of the lace 212 around the barrel 364 to incrementally adjust the tension of the lace 212 to tighten the footwear 200. A decision step 650 is reached by the user to determine whether a desired tightness has been achieved. If the desired tightness has not been achieved, the user may assess the tightness of the footwear 200 and actuate the tightness of the footwear 200 by returning to the third step 630. Once the desired tightness of the lace 212 is reached, the affixed latch 320 engages the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 holding the pinion-spool assembly 360 in place, and the tension between the spring element 296 in connection with the affixed latch 320 and the floating latch 322 increases as the floating latch 322 also engages with the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324. A partially closed position may be achieved by both the affixed latch 320 and the floating latch 322 being engaged with the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324, which increases the tension of the spring element 296.

[0068] A user decision step 660 is reached in which the user determines whether or not to remove the footwear 200. If the user decides to remove the footwear 200 (i.e., YES) at decision 1 step 660, a fifth step 670 comprises loosening of the lace 212 to remove the user’s foot from the footwear 200 after use. The loosening of the lace 212 occurs as the upper cover 220 of the fastening mechanism 208 is turned counterclockwise. In other embodiments, the loosening of the lace 212 may be enabled by pulling the cable 214 connected to the upper cover 220. As the upper cover 220 rotates counterclockwise, the floating latch 322 coupled to the upper cover 220 disengages from the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 by sliding away from the pinion 324. Subsequently and simultaneously, the spool 288 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 partially releases the lace 212 from the final actuation position 500. As described above, the bolt head 402 of the dynamic bolt 246 couples the floating latch 322 and upper cover 220. In the illustrated embodiment, as the bolt head 402 of the dynamic bolt 246 abuts the affixed latch 320 between the first arm 328 and the second arm 330, the dynamic bolt 246 generates a pushing force against the first arm 328 and the second arm 330 of the affixed latch 320, which disengages the affixed latch 320 from the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 and relieves the tension of the lace 212. A sixth step 680 includes the removal of the user’ s foot from the footwear 200. If the user decides not to remove the footwear 200 (i.e., NO) at decision step 660, the footwear 200 may be worn until it becomes necessary to repeat any of the steps 620-650 to adjust the tightness of the footwear 200.

[0069] It is also contemplated that the fastening mechanism 208, may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,613, U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,875, U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,778, U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,588, U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,198, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,116, which are all commonly assigned to Puma SE and incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. For example, it is contemplated that the fastening mechanism 208 may include one or more aspects of such closure mechanisms to provide tightening or loosening functionality when mounted on the respective footwear 200 of the present disclosure.

[0070] In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, certain features and combinations of features that are presented with respect to particular embodiments in the discussion above can be utilized in other embodiments and in other combinations, as appropriate. Further, any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

[0071] As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0072] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.