CLOSURE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR GOLF SHOES

Abstract

An article of footwear having a tension member that is guided or directed about a path of the footwear via one or more guides that are coupled to the footwear. A tightening mechanism is operationally coupled with the tension member to effect a first tensioning of the tension member and a first tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism. A tension adjustment component is positioned along the path of the tension member and is also operationally coupled with the tension member to effect a second tensioning of the tension member and a second tightening of the footwear upon a movement of the tension adjustment component between a first position and a second position. The tension adjustment component effects the second tensioning of the tension member and the second tightening of the footwear without requiring operation of or interaction with the tightening mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/943,885 filed Feb. 24, 2014, and titled “Closure Devices and Methods for Golf Shoes,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein are related to closure devices for closing and tightening to various footwear articles, such as boots, outdoor shoes, sporting shoes, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure devices may be used to close and tighten golf shoes. Golf shoes typically include spikes or cleats that grip the ground and aid in transferring power to the golf swing. The shoes also typically include conventional closure and/or tightening mechanism, such as shoelace that is threaded through eyelets and tied in a knot. In some instances, it may be desired to increase the tightness in the shoe to avoid slippage of the foot within the shoe and/or transfer the golfer's power to the swing. Tightening the shoe in this manner, however, may be uncomfortable, especially when the shoe is worn for extended periods of time and/or as the golfer walks between holes. Conventional tightening mechanisms are also limited to essentially closing or tightening the golf shoe and provide little additional usefulness.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, the closure devices described herein may be used to close and tighten golf shoes. In some embodiments, the closure devices may be configured to perform other functions, such as activating or enabling various functions or components of the golf shoe. The closure devices may also perform other secondary functions that enable an individual to focus on the game of golf rather than being distracted by less important aspects of the game. According to one aspect, an article of footwear having multiple tightness modes includes a tension member that is guided or directed about a path of the footwear via one or more guides coupled with the footwear. A tightening mechanism is operationally coupled with the tension member to effect a first tensioning of the tension member and a first tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism. A tension adjustment component is positioned along the path of the tension member and is operationally coupled with the tension member to effect a second tensioning of the tension member and a second tightening of the footwear upon a movement of the tension adjustment component between a first position and a second position. The tension adjustment component effects the second tensioning of the tension member and the second tightening of the footwear without requiring operation of or interaction with the tightening mechanism.

In some embodiments, the tension adjustment component is a lever that is positioned along or near an eyestay of the footwear. The lever may be pivotable between the first position and the second position. In other embodiments, the tension adjustment component is a lever that is positioned near a toe portion of the footwear. The lever may be pivotable between the first position and the second position. In yet other embodiments, the tension adjustment component is a pull tab that is coupled with the lace. The pull tab may be configured to be pulled distally and removably coupled with a coupling component that is attached to the shoe. In still other embodiments, the tension adjustment component is a slidable component that is slidably coupled with the footwear. The slidable component may be configured to slide between the first position and the second position. In such embodiments, the tightening mechanism may be positioned on the slidable component.

According to another aspect, a method of configuring an article of footwear includes positioning a tension member about a path of the footwear via one or more guides coupled with the footwear. The method also includes operationally coupling a tightening mechanism with the tension member to effect a first tensioning of the tension member and a first tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism. The method further includes operationally coupling a tension adjustment component with the tension member to effect a second tensioning of the tension member and a second tightening of the footwear upon a movement of the tension adjustment component between a first position and a second position. The tension adjustment component effects the second tensioning of the tension member and the second tightening of the footwear without requiring operation of or interaction with the tightening mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

FIGS. 1A-E illustrate embodiments of a shoe having a component that allows quick and easy adjustment of lace tension and shoe tightness.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate embodiments of adjusting a shoe between a walk mode and a drive mode.

FIGS. 4A-F illustrate embodiments of guard components that protect a tightening mechanism from accidentally tightening or loosening a lace tension.

FIGS. 5A-6B illustrate embodiments that reduce accidental contact between a tightening mechanism and surrounding objects.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate an embodiment of a mechanism for reducing accidental operation of a tightening mechanism.

FIGS. 8A-10 illustrate embodiments for improving the fit or wrap of a shoe about a user's foot.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate embodiments of reel based mechanisms having multiple functions.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrate embodiments of shoes that provide adjustable traction control.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a reel based mechanism that is positioned away from the heel and tongue portions of the shoe.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a shoe having a visually clean and sleek appearance of the upper.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an embodiment of a tension releasing mechanism that may quickly and conveniently release lace tension and loosen a shoe.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a reel based closure system being used with a glove.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The embodiments described herein provide various improvements for footwear and/or shoes in general. The embodiments may find particular usefulness for golf shoes, although the embodiments are not intended to be limited to such shoes. For ease in describing the embodiments herein, the disclosure will generally describe the embodiments being used for golf shoes, although such disclosure is not intended to limit the embodiments in any way, unless specifically described.

The embodiments are directed toward closure devices for golf shoes and various configurations associated therewith. The closure devices generally include tension members that are tensioned via a tensioning device or mechanism. The tension members are tensioned to tighten the golf shoe about a user's foot. In many embodiments, the tension member may be a lace or cord that is often constructed or metal, polymer fibers or materials, or some combination thereof. In other embodiments, the tension member may include fabric or other straps and/or a combination of straps and lace. The tightening mechanism used to tension the tension members and thereby tighten the golf shoe may include a reel based mechanism.

The reel based mechanism may include a reel assembly having a knob that is graspable by a user and a spool contained within a housing. The tension member (e.g., lace) may be coupled with a channel of the spool and windable there around by grasping and rotating the knob in a tightening direction (i.e., clockwise). Winding of the tension member around the spool causes tensioning of the tension member and thereby tightens the golf shoe. The tension of the tension member may likewise be released via operation of the reel based mechanism. For example, the knob may be grasped and pulled axially upward relative to the housing to release the tension, or the knob may be rotated in a loosening direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to release the lace tension. In other embodiments, a button, lever, or other mechanism may be used to release the lace tension. The reel based mechanism may include various other internal components, such as interlocking teeth, pawls, clutching mechanisms, springs, clamps, and the like, that enable the various functions of the reel based mechanism. Exemplary embodiments of reel based mechanism are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2011/0266384, filed Apr. 29, 2011, and titled “Reel Based Lacing System”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/328,521, filed Jul. 10, 2014, and titled “Closure Devices Including Incremental Release Mechanisms and Methods Therefor,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

For convenience in describing the embodiments herein, the tightening mechanism will be generally referred to as being a reel based mechanism, such as those described above. It should be realized, however, that many of the embodiments described herein may be used with other tightening mechanisms, such as pull cord based mechanisms, tie or knot based mechanisms, and the like. Further, for convenience in describing many of the embodiments, the tightening mechanism, and specifically the reel based mechanism, will be illustrated and/or described as being coupled to or near a heel of the shoe. It should be realized that the location of the tightening mechanism (i.e., reel based mechanism) may be elsewhere on the shoe, such as near or on the tongue of the shoe, near or on the eyestay of the shoe, and the like. In many embodiments positioning of the reel based mechanism in a location other than the heel may be preferred.

Multiple Modes of Operation

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide golf shoes having multiple modes of operations. Stated differently, it may be desirable to adjust or modify a golf shoe based on an activity or use of the shoe. For example, in golf a user typically desires to have a relatively rigid or stiff upper portion of the shoe and/or lateral side portion of the sole during the golf swing in order to ensure that power is properly transferred from the body to the club and/or to provide increased stability. The stiffened upper and/or lateral outsole of the shoe may provide an ideal platform from which to drive the ball. However, this condition of the shoe (i.e., a stiff upper and/or outsole) may be less comfortable than an otherwise loose shoe if worn for extended periods of time and/or between golf swings. As such, it may be desired to loosen or otherwise relax the fit of the shoe between golf swings.

According to some embodiments, the golf shoe and/or closure system may be configured to have two modes of operation: a first mode that corresponds to stiffening of the shoe for improved stability and/or transmission of power during the golf swing, and a second mode that corresponds to loosening or relaxing of the shoe for maximizing user comfort between golf swings, such as walking between holes. Referring now to FIG. 1A, illustrated is an embodiment in which the tightness of a golf shoe 100 may be quickly and easily switch between two modes of operation: a first or walk mode in which the shoe is relatively loose and a second or drive mode in which the shoe is a relatively tight. The two modes of operation are achieved by coupling a switch or lever 104 with the lace 102 of the closure mechanism along a path of the lace 102. As shown in FIG. 1A, the lever 104 is positioned on a medial or lateral side of the shoe near the heel, although other lever configurations are possible.

The lever 104 is pivotable between two positions, each of which correspond to one of the two modes. Pivoting of the lever 104 between the two positions tensions or loosens the lace 102 as desired without requiring operation of a knob of the reel based mechanism 108. For example, when lever 104 is pivoted into the first or walk mode, the lace tension is relaxed to loosen the fit of the shoe and thereby increase the comfort in wearing the golf shoe. Similarly, when the lever 104 is pivoted into the second or drive mode, the lace tension is increased to stiffen the upper and/or outsole of the shoe and thereby provide a stable platform for the golfer during the golf swing. A lock component 106 may be used to lock the lever 104 in one or both modes. For example, FIG. 1A shows the lock component 106 locking lever 104 in the drive mode.

The lever 104 allows the golf shoe 100 to be quickly and easily adjusted between a loose and tight fit without requiring the user to adjust the reel based mechanism 108. As such, the user may initially set the tension via reel based mechanism 108 and then perform all adjustments of the tension via lever 104.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, illustrated is another embodiment of golf shoe 100 having a component that allows quick and easy adjustment of lace tension. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, a pull tab 114 is coupled with a distal end portion of lace 102 near a distal end of the golf shoe's tongue. The lace tension may be quickly and easily adjusted between a walk mode (i.e., loose lace tension) and a drive mode (i.e., tight lace tension) by pulling on the tab 114 and positioning the tab 114 around a hook or post 116.

FIG. 1C illustrates another embodiment of a golf shoe 100 having a component that allows quick and easy lace tension adjustment. In the illustrated embodiment, the lace 102 is connected with a hinged component 124 that may be pivoted proximally and distally about the shoe. Pivoting of the hinged component 124 about the shoe increases or decreases the tension in the lace 102. For example, the hinged component 124 may be pivoted toward the toe of the shoe, which increases the tension in the lace 102 and stiffens the shoe (i.e., engages a drive mode of the shoe). Pivoting the hinge component 124 toward the tongue of the shoe decreases the tension in the lace 102 and loosens the shoe (i.e., engages a walk mode of the shoe). The hinged component 124 may be releasably coupled with locks, 122 and 126, that are positioned near the tongue and toe portions of the shoe respectively.

FIG. 1D illustrates another embodiment of adjusting a golf shoe 100 between a walk and drive mode. In this embodiment, the knob 132 of the reel based mechanism 108 may be pivoted or operated to engage a walk or drive mode as desired. For example, the knob 132 may be pivoted relative to a housing 134, which may cause the reel based mechanism 108 to switch from a walk mode to a drive mode, or vice versa. A subsequent pivoting of the knob 132 relative to the housing 134 may cause the reel based mechanism 108 to switch back to the drive mode from the walk mode, or vice versa.

Referring now to FIG. 1E, illustrated is another embodiment of adjusting a golf shoe 100 between a walk mode and a drive mode. In this embodiment, the reel based mechanism 108 is slid along a track 140 to engage the drive or walk mode. Sliding of the reel based mechanism 108 along the track 140 lengthens or shortens a proximal portion 144 of the lace path near the reel based mechanism 108, which causes the lace 102 to tighten or loosen a forefoot portion of the golf shoe 100. The reel based mechanism 108 may snap or lock into place in the drive and walk mode along track 140. As shown in FIG. 1E, to adjust the golf shoe 100 into the drive mode, the reel based mechanism 108 is slid downward along the track 140 until the reel based mechanism 108 snaps or locks into place. In some embodiments, the reel based mechanism 108 may be slid back into the walk mode, or the reel based mechanism 108 may automatically return to the walk mode position. For example, a knob of the reel based mechanism 108 may be pulled axially upward or turned in a counter-tightening direction to cause reel based mechanism 108 to slide upward along track 140 into the walk mode position. In other embodiments, a button or lever may be pressed to cause reel based mechanism 108 to slide upward along track 140.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is another embodiment of adjusting a golf shoe 200 between a walk and drive mode. In this embodiment, the golf shoe 200 is adjusted between the two modes by altering a stiffness of the shoe's sole. To alter the stiffness of the shoe's sole, a reel based mechanism 208 is operated to tension a lace 202. The lace 202 is coupled with a plurality of panels 204 that in turn may be coupled with spikes or cleats 206. The panels 204 are coupled with the bottom of the shoes sole so as to be movable relative thereto. Tensioning of the lace 202 causes the individual panels 204 to move or slide into engage with one another, which increases the stiffness of the shoe's sole. Each panel 204 may have corresponding male and female engagement components 210 that aid in engagement of the adjacent panels 204. The panels 204 may be biased toward an unengaged position so that as the tension of the lace 202 is relaxed, the panels 204 disengage, which decreases the stiffness of the shoe's sole. In this manner, the golf shoe 200 may be adjusted between a walk mode (e.g., relatively flexible sole) and a drive mode (e.g., relatively stiff sole) via operation of reel based mechanism 208. In some embodiments, the reel based mechanism 208 may be the same reel based mechanism that is used to also tighten the golf shoe 200, while in other embodiments the reel based mechanism 208 may be separate from a reel based mechanism that is used to tighten the golf shoe 200.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is another embodiment of adjusting a golf shoe 300 between a walk and drive mode. Adjustment of the golf shoe 300 between the walk and drive mode is achieved by pulling a stiffening component 306 into engagement with the shoe's sole 304. To pull the stiffening component 306 into engagement with the sole 304, the lace 302 is tensioned via a reel based mechanism 308. The lace 302 may be woven through channels or lumens within the shoe's sole 304 and attached to the stiffening component 306 at one or more positions longitudinally along the shoe 300 to aid in engagement between the stiffening component 306 and the sole 304. The sole 304 of the shoe may be relatively flexible so that when the stiffening component 306 is not engaged with the sole 304, the shoe 300 is more comfortable to wear. Engagement of the stiffening component 306 with the sole 304 may cause the stiffness of the shoe to increase to provide a relatively stable platform for the golf drive. The stiffening component 306 may be biased toward an unengaged position so that as the tension of lace 302 is loosened, the stiffening component 306 disengages from sole 304.

Reel Assembly Guards

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide reel based closure mechanisms for golf shoes having improved reel assembly guarding or concealing components. Such guarding or concealing components may reduce or eliminate accidental contact between the reel based mechanism and surrounding objects. Portions or components of the reel based mechanisms typically extend beyond the outer surface of the golf shoe to some degree and may therefore occasionally contact or bump surrounding objects. For example, heel mounted reel based mechanisms may contact the edge of the golf cart as the user is entering or exiting the cart, which may result in scuffing or scarring of the golf cart and/or the reel based mechanism. These reel based mechanisms may also contact the dashboard or other portions of the cart as the user rests the back of their legs on the cart, which may likewise scar or scuff the golf cart and/or the reel based mechanism. In some instances, the user's pant leg (e.g., pant cuff) may snag or otherwise contact the heel mounted reel based mechanism as the user bends, walks, or otherwise engages in the game of golf, which may damage the pant leg and/or frustrate the user.

According to some embodiments, the golf shoe and/or closure system may be configured to include one or more components that guard, restrict, or prevent contact of the surrounding objects with the reel based mechanism. The one or more components may be mounted on the golf shoe so as to surround a portion of the reel based mechanism or the entire reel based mechanism. In other embodiments, the reel based mechanism may include a component that guards against contact with surrounding objects, or the golf shoe and reel based mechanism may each include components that interactively prevent or limit contact with surrounding objects. In this manner, damage to surrounding objects and/or the reel based mechanism may be limited or prevented.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4F, illustrated are various embodiments in which a guard component may be used to protect a knob of a reel based mechanism from contacting or engaging surrounding objects and accidentally opening. As shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments a guard component 404 may be used to cover a knob 402 of a reel based mechanism 400. The guard component 404 may cover a portion or a majority of the knob 402 as desired. The guard component 404 may be positioned axially above a top surface of the knob 402 to prevent upward axial movement of the knob 402, which movement may cause the internal components of the reel based mechanism 400 to disengage and thereby release tension on the lace (not shown). In this manner, guard component 404 protects, limits, or otherwise prevents surrounding objects from contacting knob 402 and causing axially upward movement of the knob 402 and thereby releasing lace tension.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the guard component 404 may be pivotable between a position in which the guard component 404 is positioned axially above the top surface of the knob 402 and a position in which the guard component 404 is free or clear of the knob 402. Pivoting of the guard component 404 in this manner may allow a user to release tension on the reel based mechanism's lace as desired while preventing accidental releasing of the lace tension. FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of guard component 404 and knob 402 showing the guard component 404 pivoted into and out of a position of engagement with knob 402.

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate similar concepts to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Specifically, FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a knob 402 of the reel based mechanism 400 being protected via a guard component 410 that is movable into and out of a position of engagement with knob 402. Unlike the guard component 404 of FIG. 4A, the guard component 410 is configured to slide proximally and distally into and out of a position of engagement with the knob 402. In the engaged position, the distal end of guard component 410 is positioned axially above the knob 402 to prevent accidental opening of the knob and the reel based mechanism 400's components. Sliding of the guard component 410 proximally causes the distal end of guard component 410 to be moved away from the top of knob 402, which allows the knob 402 to be pulled axially upward to release tension on the lace. FIG. 4D illustrates a top view of the knob 402 and guard component 410 being slid into and out of a position of engagement with knob 402.

FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate guard components 416 that are similar in configuration to the guard components, 404 and 410, of FIGS. 4A-D. The guard component 416 of FIGS. 4E and 4F, however, is fixedly attached to the golf shoe so that the guard component 416 is unable to move into and out of a position of engagement with knob 402. Accordingly, a distal or proximal end of the guard component 416 is not positionable axially above the knob 402 and does not physically prevent or impede axial movement of knob 402. Rather, guard 416 restricts or impedes accidental opening of the knob 402 by functioning to deflect surrounding objects that may otherwise contact the knob 402 and cause the knob 402 to move axially upward. As shown in FIG. 4E, the guard component 416 may deflect a front pant leg or cuff of the user and thereby prevent the pant leg from contacting the knob 402 as the user moves, bends, or performs a golf swing, which movement may otherwise cause the reel based mechanism 400 to accidentally release lace tension.

The deflection of the front pant leg or cuff via guard component 416 may also prevent the knob 402 from contacting and tugging on the front pant leg or cuff as the user moves and/or bends their body. The deflection of the pant leg in this manner may eliminate or otherwise reduce frustrating and/or annoying knob and pant leg interactions. FIG. 4F illustrates a placement of the guard component 416 and knob 402 on a heel portion of the shoe to prevent or reduce contact between the knob 402 and a rear pant leg or cuff.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, illustrated is another embodiment of reducing contact between surrounding objects and a knob 502 of a reel based mechanism 500. In order to reduce contact of the knob 502 and surrounding objects, the reel based mechanism 500 is positioned within a recessed portion 504 of the shoe's tongue. The reel based mechanism 500 may be positioned within the recess 504 so that a top portion of knob 502 extends above the tongue's surface by some degree in order to allow the golfer to grasp and operate the knob 502. Recessing the reel based mechanism 500 within the portion of the tongue minimizes the contact of the knob 502 with surrounding objects, thereby reducing accidental opening of the reel based mechanism 500. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 504 may be positioned on the golf shoe's heel or at some other area as desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrated is another embodiment of reducing contact between surrounding objects and a knob 602 of a reel based mechanism 600. In this embodiment, a flap of material 604 is coupled with one side of the shoe and foldable over the knob 602 to enclose or cover the knob 602 within the material flap 604. The material flap 604 is couplable with an opposite side of the shoe via an attachment component, such as Velcro surfaces 606, mechanical fasteners, and the like. Because the knob 602 is concealed or covered within the material flap 604, contact between surrounding objects and the knob 602 is prevented. Accordingly, accidental lace loosening of the reel based mechanism 600 is prevented or reduced.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, illustrated is another embodiment of reducing accidental lace loosening of a reel based mechanism 700. In this embodiment, knob 702 is not pulled axially upward to release lace tension. Rather, knob 702 is rotated in a loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to incrementally or fully loosen the lace. In order to prevent or reduce accidental lace loosening, knob 402 includes one or more buttons components 704 that must be pressed radially inward as the knob 702 is rotated in the loosening direction. Because knob 702 requires two actions in order for the lace tension to be loosened (i.e., inward movement of button 704 and rotation of knob 702), accidental loosening of the lace is greatly reduced or prevented.

In some embodiments, the knob 702 may include a pair of button components 704 that are positioned on opposing sides of the knob 702. In other embodiments, the knob 702 may include a single button component or three or more button components. In some embodiments, inward depression of the button component 704 may be required to tighten the lace as well as to loosen the lace, thereby reducing or preventing accidental tightening or loosening of the lace. FIGS. 7A and 7B further illustrate that the knob 704 may include another pair of button component 706 that may be operated independently of button component 704 or in conjunction therewith to allow loosening of the lace.

Improved Fit

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to improve the wrap or fit of the golf shoe about the user's foot. Improving the wrap or fit of the golf shoe may generally provide a more comfortable feeling shoe and/or may improve the performance of the golfer by increasing the golfer's sensitivity and/or feeling in the foot. The improved wrap or fit may also increase the golfer's stability. For example, wrapping or fitting the shoe comfortably to the foot may help the foot feel the surrounding terrain/surface and/or recognize the reaction of the shoe and foot during the golf swing. This increased sensitivity may enable the golfer to make minor adjustments in the swing and/or positioning of the feet that may affect the power transmission to the ball and/or the contact of the golf club with the ball. The increased wrapping or fitting of the shoe may also increase the golfer's stability by providing an improved platform from which to hit the ball.

According to some embodiments, the closure system and golf shoe may be configured to increase the fit or wrap of the golf shoe about the golfer's foot. In some embodiments, the closure system may be configured to pull the medial portion of the shoe upward and against the arch of the foot to increase the contact of the shoe and the foot in this region. In other embodiments, contact may be increased in the heel, lateral side, and/or toe portions of the shoe. The overall increased wrap or fit of the shoe about the user's foot may increase the user's sensitivity and/or feeling in the foot in addition to providing a more comfortable fitting shoe.

FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of improving the fit or wrap of the golf shoe 800 about a golfer's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the fit or wrap of the golf shoe 800 is improved by coupling the lace 802 of the reel based mechanism 810 with a pair of straps, 804 and 806, that crisscross the shoe's sole. As the lace 802 is tensioned, the lace 802 pulls on the pair of straps, 804 and 806, which pulls the bottom surface of the golfer's shoe 800 upward and into contact with the user's foot. The pair of straps, 804 and 806, crisscross, which improves the stability of the shoe 800 by enhancing the torsional or rotational resistance of the shoe. Stated differently, the crisscrossing straps, 804 and 806, reduce the rotation of the shoe 800 along an axis from the heel to the toe. FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of crisscrossing straps, 824 and 826, that are coupled at a proximal end with lace 822. Straps 824 and 826 functions similar to those described with respect to FIG. 8A.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-C, illustrated are other embodiments for improving the fit or wrap of the golf shoe 900 about a golfer's foot. As shown in FIG. 9A, the golf shoe 900 includes a reel based mechanism 908 that is operable to tension lace 902 that is disposed along a lace path about the shoe 900. A distal lace guide 912 is coupled with a strap or panel 904 that is positioned on an inner surface of the shoe 900. A proximal end of the panel 904 extends through a slit or opening 906 near the distal guide 912 while a distal end 910 of panel 904 is coupled with the sole of the shoe. The panel 904 extends from near the eyestay to approximately the sole of the shoe and is positioned on the lateral side of the foot. Tensioning of the lace 902 via reel based mechanism 908 causes the panel 904 to pull or press against the lateral side of the golfer's foot, which may increase the stiffness of the lateral portion of the shoe. Increasing the stiffness in this portion of the shoe 900 may be preferred for transmission of power and/or for creating an improved platform from which to contact or drive the golf ball. In some embodiments, the panel 904 may be positioned on the medial side of the shoe so that tensioning of the panel 904 increases the wrap or contact of the shoe with the foot's arch. In a further embodiment, a pair of panels (not shown) may be positioned on the lateral and medial sides of the foot to increase the wrap of the shoe 900 about the foot.

FIG. 9B illustrates a similar embodiment except that panel 904 is replaced with a second lace 914 that extends from the distal guide 912 to a lower guide 916 that is attached to the shoe 900 near the shoe's sole. In some embodiments, the second lace 914 is positioned on an outer surface of the shoe 900 such that the outer surface of the shoe is pulled or pressed into contact with the lateral side of the user's foot. In other embodiments, the lace 914 may be positioned within the shoe so as to be hidden from view. As with FIG. 9A, the second lace 914, or a third lace (not shown), may be positioned on a medial side of the shoe to pull the shoe against the foot's arch. The panel 904 and second lace 914 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B may include a roughly triangular shape that pulls a larger portion of the shoe against the users foot, or may include any other configuration as desired.

FIG. 9C illustrates an embodiment in which the golf shoe 900 includes a reel based mechanism 908 that tensions a lace 902 that is positioned along the tongue portion of the shoe. The shoe 900 also includes a second lace 922 that is tensionable to tighten a second zone 924 of the shoe 900. In some embodiments, the second zone 924 may be positioned on the lateral side of the shoe so that tensioning of the second lace 922 tightens the lateral side of the shoe, which may be desired for transmission of power and/or increased stability during a golf swing. The second lace 922 may be tensionable via a second reel based mechanism 926 or via the reel based mechanism 908 as desired. The use of the second reel based mechanism 926 may allow the second zone 924 to be independently tightened from the zone tightened via lace 902.

Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated is another embodiment of an improved fit or wrap of a golf shoe 1000 about a foot. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, a relatively large panel 1004 is positionable over a top portion of the shoe 1000. The panel 1004 includes a plurality of guides 1006 that are positioned on an edge of the panel 1004 that slidingly couple with lace 1002. The guides 1006 are also positioned near the lateral side of the shoe's sole so that the lace 1002 extends along a path between the edge of panel 1004 and the lateral side of the shoe's sole. The lace 1002 is tensionable via a reel based mechanism 1008, which causes the panel 1004 to be wrapped and pulled over the top portion of the shoe 1002 and pressed downward against the user's foot. The configuration of FIG. 10 repositions the tightening zone of the shoe 1000 from near the tongue and toward the lateral side of the shoe so that the shoe 1000 is tightened along its lateral side. This configuration may increase the stiffness of the lateral side of the shoe, which may be desirable for transmission of power and/or stability during the golf swing. This configuration may also reduce the creation of pressure points or pressure zones on top of the user's foot, which pressure points or zones may irritate or otherwise frustrate the golfer.

Multiple Function Closure System

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the closure system to perform multiple functions. For example, it may be helpful if the reel based mechanism is able to perform some function in addition to tightening the shoe. Such a design may more efficiently maximize the available space and reduce the number of items that the golfer is required to keep track of and/or carry.

According to some embodiments, the reel based mechanism may be configured to house, store, or otherwise carry one or more small items of the golfer. For example, the reel based mechanism may be configured to house a ball marker and/or golf tee.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, illustrated are embodiments of reel based mechanisms having multiple functions. FIG. 11A illustrates a reel based mechanism 1100 that includes a knob 1102 that is configured to house a ball marker 1104. In some embodiments, the ball marker 1104 may be snapped onto a top central portion of the knob 1102 and subsequently removed when a ball needs to be marked. Coupling the ball marker 1104 with the knob 1102 in this manner reduces the need for the golfer to keep track of multiple golf items, which may allow the golfer to concentrate on their game and/or swing.

FIG. 11B illustrates a reel based mechanism 1120 having a housing 1122 that is configured to removably couple with the golf tee 1126 for storage of the tee. Specifically, the golf tee 1126 is slidably disposed within a lumen 1124 of the housing 1122. The tee 1126 may be removed from the housing 1122 prior to the golfer's swing and replaced within the housing 1122 between swings. As with FIG. 11A, coupling the tee 1126 with the housing 1122 reduces the golf items the golfer needs to keep track of, thereby allowing the golfer to focus on more important aspects of the game.

Adjustable Traction

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to adjust the traction of the golf shoe. For example, a golfer may desire increased traction in wet or slippery conditions, such as during or after a relatively heavy rainstorm or when the golfer is playing in wet or loose soil. Golf shoes commonly include spikes or cleats that dig or grab into loose or slippery soil. The spikes or cleats help stabilize the golfer in such conditions to decrease the likelihood of the golfer slipping and missing a shot. The configuration and/or design of golf spikes or cleats vary from those that provide a relatively minor grip or bite to those that aggressively grip or bite the soil.

In some instances, the golfer may desire decreased traction, such as when the golfer is walking on a concrete pathway or on hard and dry soil. In such instances, the spikes or cleats may render wearing of the shoe relative uncomfortable and/or walking relatively difficult. This may be especially true when the golf shoe includes spikes or cleats that are designed to aggressively grip or bite the soil. In such instances it may be desired to have a relatively flat and/or un-cleated bottom surface of the sole.

According to some embodiments, a tensioning mechanism may be used to adjust the traction of the golf shoe. As such, the golfer may modify or adjust the shoe depending on the conditions of the course and/or on an upcoming shot. For example, the golfer may desire to increase traction when slippery or wet conditions are encountered in a golf shot or on the golf course, or the golfer may desire to decrease traction when the golfer is walking on a hard surface or between shots. The tensioning mechanism used to adjust the traction of the golf shoe may be the same tensioning mechanism used to tighten the shoe or may be a separate tensioning mechanism therefrom. In some embodiments, a reel based mechanism may be used to deploy and retract the spikes or cleats from the bottom surface of the shoe sole. In such embodiments, the reel based mechanism may be used to vary the grip or bite of the spikes or cleats from a relatively minor grip to a relatively aggressive grip depending on the need and/or conditions. In some embodiments, the spikes or cleats may be deployed as the reel based mechanism is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and the spikes or cleats may be retracted as the reel based mechanism is rotated in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). In other embodiments, the spikes or cleats may be instantly deployed and/or attracted by pressing a button, lever, pulling upward on the knob of the reel based mechanism, rotating the reel based mechanism by a certain amount (e.g., a quarter turn), and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, illustrated are embodiments that provide adjustable traction control of a golf shoe. In FIG. 12A, a golf shoe includes a plurality of cleats or spikes 1204 that are movable between a retracted position 1200 in which the spikes or cleats 1204 are retracted within the shoe sole and a deployed position 1210 in which the spikes or cleats 1204 (hereafter cleats 1204) are deployed from the shoe's sole. To deploy and retract the cleats 1204, the lace 1202 of a reel based mechanism 1208 is wound about a top post 1205 of each cleat 1204. Each cleat 1204 may rotate within a threaded aperture of the sole 1206 as the lace 1202 is tensioned. The body of each cleat 1204 may be threaded so that rotation of the cleat 1204 within the threaded aperture of the sole 1206 causes the cleat 1204 to deploy and retract from the threaded aperture of sole 1206. Specifically, each cleat 1204 may deploy as a knob of the reel based mechanism 1208 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and may retract as the knob of the real mechanism 1208 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise).

FIG. 12B illustrates another embodiment in which cleats or spikes 1224 may be moved between a retracted configuration 1220 and a deployed configuration 1230. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 12A, the spikes 1224 may be deployed from the sole 1226 of the shoe upon tensioning of lace 1222 of reel based mechanism 1228. The lace 1222 may be attached to an end of a movable panel 1225 that is positioned within the sole 1226 of the shoe. Each spike 1224 may be coupled with the panel 1225 so that movement of the panel within the sole 1226 cause the spikes 1224 to deploy. An opposite end of the panel 1225 may be coupled with a spring mechanism 1232 that causes opposite movement of the panel 1225 within the sole 1226 as the lace tension is released or loosened. The opposite movement of the panel 1225 within the sole 1226 causes retraction of the spikes 1224 within the sole 1226.

Improved Golf Shoe Appearance

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to keep or maintain a clean appearance of the shoe. For example, golf shoes often become dirty or stained from dead grass and debris around the golf course. Golfers typically need to remove dead grass from the shoe (e.g., from the spikes or cleats) and brush or scrub the shoe to keep it clean and visually appealing. The golf shoe may be configured so that the reel based mechanism aids in keeping the golf shoe clean and visually appealing. For example, the above described deployment and retraction of the spikes or cleats may aid in keeping the golf shoe clean by enabling dead grass and/or other debris connected with the spikes to be easily removed. For example, after a round of golf, a user may retract the spikes and easily brush away or remove the dead grass and debris stuck in the shoe's spikes or cleats.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to increase the visual appearance of the golf shoe by hiding or concealing many of the components of the closure system from view. Such a design may provide a sleek and visually appealing shoe that may be desirable for consumers.

According to some embodiments, the golf shoe may be configured so that the various components of a tightening system are hidden from view. This may be achieved by routing the tension member within tubing or lumens of the shoe so that the tension members are not visible on an exterior surface of the shoe. In some embodiments, some of the tension member may be visible on an exterior surface of the shoe while a majority of the tension member remains hidden from view.

Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is an embodiment in which a reel based mechanism 1308 is positioned about the shoe 1300 so as to be positioned away from the heel and tongue portions of the shoe 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, the reel based mechanism 1308 is positioned on a medial side of the shoe close to the shoe's arch. Placement of the reel based mechanism 1308 in this location may minimize contact of the reel based mechanism 1308 with nearby objects, such as a user's pant leg.

Referring now to FIG. 14, illustrated is an embodiment of a shoe 1402 having a visually clean and sleek appearance of the upper. The visually clean appearance is provided by routing the lace 1404 underneath the upper material of the shoe 1402. Lace guides 1406 are also positioned under the upper material of the shoe 1402 so as to be hidden from view. The lace 1404 may be routed through one or more sections of tubing and/or through lumen or channels formed within the shoe's upper material. In some embodiments, one or more layers of the shoe 1402 may be stitched to create the lumens or channels through which the lace 1404 is routed. Exemplary embodiments of forming lumens or channels via stitching or otherwise coupling adjacent layers of the shoe are described in U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 14/479,173, filed Sep. 5, 2014, and titled “Guides and Components for Closure Systems and Methods Therefor,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The lace 1404 may transition between areas of the shoe 1402 via holes 1410. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the lace 1404 may transition from the upper material and through lumens or channels positioned in the tongue portion of the shoe via holes 1410. In the illustrated embodiment the lace 1404 may be routed underneath the upper material of shoe 1402 from a reel based mechanism 1408 positioned on the shoe's heel or positioned elsewhere as desired. Routing of the lace 1404 under the shoe's upper material provides a clean and visually appealing look that may be desired by consumers.

Quick Release Mechanisms and Other Configurations

Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, illustrated is an embodiment of a tension releasing mechanism 1510 that may be used to quickly and conveniently release lace tension and thereby loosen a shoe. Tension releasing mechanism 1510 may be positioned adjacent the reel based mechanism 1508 and maybe operably coupled therewith such that activation of the tension releasing mechanism 1510 causes one or more internal components of the reel based mechanism 1508 to release or loosen tension on the lace (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15A, the tension releasing mechanism 1510 is positioned above reel based mechanism 1508 on the shoe so as to be easily activatable by a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 15B the user may use an end of a golf club 1512 to press downward on the tension releasing mechanism 1510, which releases or loosens the tension of the lace. In other embodiments, tension releasing mechanism 1510 may include a button or other mechanism that is conveniently positioned on the shoe so as to be easily accessible and activatable by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 16, illustrated is an embodiment of a glove 1602 that may be tightened via a reel based mechanism 1604. The reel based mechanism 1604 may be removably attached to the glove 1602. To removably attach the reel based mechanism 1604 with the glove 1602, the glove 1602 may include a lace guide 1608 having an open rear portion or channel within which a lace 1606 of the reel based mechanism 1604 is positioned. The lace 1606 of the reel based mechanism 1604 may be positioned around the guide 1608, such as within am open rear portion or channel. The reel based mechanism 1604 may then be removably coupled with glove body 1602, such as by pressing the reel based mechanism 1604 onto a Velcro surface 1610 of glove body 1602. An underside of reel based mechanism 1604 may include a corresponding Velcro surface that facilitates removable coupling of the reel based mechanism 1604 with glove body 1602. In other embodiments, the glove body 1602 and reel based mechanism 1604 may include mechanical fastening components, snap locks, cam locks, and the like that enable removable coupling of the components.

After the reel based mechanism 1604 is coupled with glove body 1602, the reel based mechanism 1604 may be operated to tighten the glove body 1602 about the user's hand. The glove of FIG. 16 may provide improved fit relative to conventional gloves because reel based mechanism 1604 enables fine tune adjustment of the tightness of the glove body 1602 about the user's hand. In addition, the removable coupling of the reel based mechanism 1604 with the glove body 1602 allows the reel based mechanism 1604 to be transferred and used for multiple gloves, which may reduce the manufacturing costs of producing the glove bodies 1602.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a process” includes a plurality of such processes and reference to “the device” includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Claims

1. An article of footwear having multiple tightness modes comprising:

a tension member that is guided or directed about a path of the footwear via one or more guides coupled with the footwear;

a tightening mechanism that is operationally coupled with the tension member to effect a first tensioning of the tension member and a first tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism; and

a tension adjustment component positioned along the path of the tension member and operationally coupled with the tension member to effect a second tensioning of the tension member and a second tightening of the footwear upon a movement of the tension adjustment component between a first position and a second position;

wherein the tension adjustment component effects the second tensioning of the tension member and the second tightening of the footwear without requiring operation of or interaction with the tightening mechanism.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the tension adjustment component is a lever that is positioned along or near an eyestay of the footwear, the lever being pivotable between the first position and the second position.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the tension adjustment component is a lever that is positioned near a toe portion of the footwear, the lever being pivotable between the first position and the second position.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the tension adjustment component is a pull tab that is coupled with the lace, the pull tab being configured to be pulled distally and removably coupled with a coupling component that is attached to the shoe.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the tension adjustment component is a slidable component that is slidably coupled with the footwear, the slidable component being configured to slide between the first position and the second position.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the tightening mechanism is positioned on the slidable component.

7. A method of configuring an article of footwear comprising:

positioning a tension member about a path of the footwear via one or more guides coupled with the footwear;

operationally coupling a tightening mechanism with the tension member to effect a first tensioning of the tension member and a first tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism; and

operationally coupling a tension adjustment component with the tension member to effect a second tensioning of the tension member and a second tightening of the footwear upon a movement of the tension adjustment component between a first position and a second position;

wherein the tension adjustment component effects the second tensioning of the tension member and the second tightening of the footwear without requiring operation of or interaction with the tightening mechanism.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the tension adjustment component is a lever that is positioned along or near an eyestay of the footwear, the lever being pivotable between the first position and the second position.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the tension adjustment component is a lever that is positioned near a toe portion of the footwear, the lever being pivotable between the first position and the second position.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the tension adjustment component is a pull tab that is coupled with the lace, the pull tab being configured to be pulled distally and removably coupled with a coupling component that is attached to the shoe.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the tension adjustment component is a slidable component that is slidably coupled with the footwear, the slidable component being configured to slide between the first position and the second position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the tightening mechanism is positioned on the slidable component.