Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.

Abstract: Sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other devices include movable fluid that induces foot tilt, e.g., forefoot tilt. These components may include first and second side foot support bladder chambers; a fluid flow control system that moves fluid through each of first and second fluid flow paths; a first fluid line connecting the fluid flow control system with the first side foot support bladder chamber; and a second fluid line connecting the fluid flow control system with the second side foot support bladder chamber. In the first fluid flow path, fluid moves from the first side foot support bladder chamber to the second side foot support bladder chamber through the fluid flow control system. In the second fluid flow path, fluid moves from the second side foot support bladder chamber to the first side foot support bladder chamber through the fluid flow control system.

Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a plurality of first lace-receiving members on the medial portion, and a plurality of second lace-receiving members on the lateral portion. The first and second lace-receiving members are movable along the respective medial and lateral portions from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system. Such systems may include: a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. Two or more fluid transfer lines may be provided to connect these components, and these fluid lines are equipped with fluid flow control device(s) and/or check valves to enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder. Such systems enable one to set and maintain two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder.

Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system. Such systems may include: a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. Two or more fluid transfer lines may be provided to connect these components, and these fluid lines are equipped with fluid flow control device(s) and/or check valves to enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder. Such systems enable one to set and maintain two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a plate having a concave ground-engaging surface extending between a medial side of the plate and a lateral side of the plate and movable between a relaxed state and a flexed state. The concave surface has an increased radius when moved from the relaxed state to the flexed state. A first ground-engaging member extends from the plate proximate to the medial side of the plate and a second ground-engaging member extends from the plate proximate to the lateral side of the plate. The second ground-engaging member is spaced apart from the first ground-engaging member by a first distance when the plate is in the relaxed state and is spaced apart from the first ground engaging member by a second distance greater than the first distance when the plate is in the flexed state.

Abstract: A tension-retaining system for retaining tension in a tensioning cord of a wearable article may include a retainer including an anchor and a wedge. The anchor may define a notch, and the wedge may have a tensioning cord coupling feature. The wedge may have an engagement portion that fits within the notch with the engagement portion disposed further in the notch than the tensioning cord coupling feature.

Abstract: A footwear article includes an asymmetric ankle collar that may expand in a manner that facilitates donning and doffing the footwear article, such as when the wearer slides his or her heel out of the footwear article. The footwear article may also include a collar elevator.

Abstract: A lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article includes a body defining a first passage extending through the body from an entrance opening of the body to a first exit opening of the body, and the body defining a second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second exit opening of the body. The body is configured with a segment of the first passage extending from the intermediate portion to the first exit opening in communication with the second passage. At least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage so that a portion of the cord disposed in the segment of the first passage is movable relative to the first passage when tensioned and is repositionable to the second passage where the cord locks to the body and retains tension. A wearable article including a lock is disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure, a footwear upper, and a closure system. The sole structure may have a front sole portion and a rear sole portion pivotable relative to the front sole portion between a use position and an access position. The footwear upper may be fixed to the front sole portion and to the rear sole portion. The closure system may comprise an adjustment cord and a cord lock. The adjustment cord may be operatively secured to the footwear upper at an anchor location. The cord lock may be secured to the footwear upper and may be configured so that the adjustment cord slides through the cord lock when under tension to tighten the footwear upper in the use position, and the adjustment cord is repositionable relative to the cord lock to lock to the cord lock and retain tension in the adjustment cord.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A footwear article includes an asymmetric ankle collar that may expand in a manner that facilitates donning and doffing the footwear article, such as when the wearer slides his or her heel out of the footwear article. The footwear article may also include a collar elevator.

Abstract: An article of footwear and methods include an insole, an upper configured to form a space between the upper and the insole configured to admit and secure a foot of a wearer, and a rotatable conveyor element. The rotatable conveyor element is seated in at least one of the insole and the upper. The rotatable conveyor element is configured to rotatably engage a body part of the wearer as the foot enters the space and draw the foot into the space.

Abstract: A tensioning system for use with an article of footwear includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly may include a first disc and a second disc connected by a central shaft. A tensioning element can be engaged around the central shaft. A ring element can be used to prevent the tensioning element from disengaging the pulley when there is slack in the tensioning element. The pulley assembly can include a guide portion that guides a tensioning member so as to restrict the entry angle of segments of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A footwear article includes a collar elevator to raise an ankle collar from a lowered position to a raised position. For example, the ankle collar may be lowered when a wearer slides a foot into or out of the footwear article. The collar elevator may include a forwardly inclined angle. In addition, the footwear article may include a doffing ledge, in some instances, which includes characteristics based on the forwardly inclined angle.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. A connecting member connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component. The connecting member defines a groove at a lower side of the sole structure between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component. The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to one another at the groove between a use position and an access position. Confronting surfaces of the connecting member at the groove are closer to one another in the access position than in the use position so that the groove is relatively open in the use position, and the groove is relatively closed in the access position.

Abstract: A footwear article includes a collar elevator that returns an ankle collar from a lowered state that is conducive to donning up to a raised state that secures the wearer's foot during wear. The collar elevator may be arranged at various positions among the footwear article, such as above or below a strobel. The collar elevator may be coupled to the footwear article using various connectors. The footwear article may have other features, such as an ankle collar, that are configured in a manner to work together with the collar elevator.

Abstract: A footwear article includes a collar elevator that returns an ankle collar from a lowered state that is conducive to donning up to a raised state that secures the wearer's foot during wear. The collar elevator includes a lever arm. The lever arm may be deformable and biased towards the raised state. The lever arm may be articulated with a biasing force urging the lever arm to the raised state. The lever arm may have a variety of cross sections as well. The lever arm extends from a base, which may a sole portion of the footwear article. The lever arm and the base may be monolithic, permanently joined, removably joined, or otherwise connected.

Abstract: A footwear article includes an asymmetric ankle collar that may expand in a manner that facilitates donning and doffing the footwear article, such as when the wearer slides his or her heel out of the footwear article. The footwear article may also include a collar elevator.