ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH DYNAMIC TENSIONING SYSTEM

Abstract

An improved article of footwear is disclosed herein. The footwear includes a sole, an upper, laces, and an adaptable/repositionable eyelet system. The upper of the footwear is disposed on the sole, where the upper contains a cavity that is configured to receive a foot. The eyelet system includes a cord and at least one eyelet. The cord is partially disposed between the upper and the sole, and the at least one eyelet is slidably coupled to the cord. The laces are slidably coupled to the at least one eyelet, such that the laces, the eyelet, and the cord are disposed proximate to the surface of the upper. As the laces are tightened, the at least one eyelet is repositioned along the cord to a location that is optimal for a foot disposed within the cavity formed by the upper.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/199,361, entitled “Article of Footwear with Dynamic Tensioning System”, filed Jul. 31, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/238,311, entitled “Article of Footwear with Dynamic Tensioning System”, filed Oct. 7, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of footwear that provides an improved and custom fit of an upper around a foot. More specifically, the present invention relates to an article of footwear with eyelets that are repositionable along the shoe, enabling the eyelets and the laces of the shoe to be positioned in an optimal location based on the shape of the foot within the shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear, particularly athletic footwear, are worn in a variety of activities including running, walking, hiking, team and individual sports, and any other activity where the protection and support of human feet is desired. In one configuration, an article of footwear includes an upper that forms a cavity in which a user places his or her foot. The article of footwear further includes a sole that engages the bottom of the foot and separates the foot from the ground. The sole often consists of one or more layers of materials including leather, rubber, foam, and plastics that provide shock absorption and support to the foot. For typical articles of footwear, the upper extends outwardly and/or upwardly from an outer peripheral edge of the midsole and covers at least a portion of the foot to hold the footwear in place on the foot of the user. Uppers in athletic footwear are usually formed from one or more pieces of fabric, leather, and/or plastic that are stitched, bonded, or otherwise attached together. Various fasteners, including laces or strings, are used to secure the foot in the cavity defined by the upper.

The human foot has various sections including the forefoot, midfoot, and heel, where the midfoot includes the arch of the foot. Every foot differs in both shape and size. While articles of footwear are sold in various sizes, the sizes are generalizations for only the size of the foot that the article of footwear may fit, and these sizes fail to take into consideration the varying shapes between different feet having the same size. Because conventional articles of footwear are incapable of accommodating varying shapes of feet, an article of footwear is limited to the number of people that find that article of footwear comfortable.

In addition, while conventional articles of footwear contain eyelets configured to receive a string or laces, the eyelets of the conventional articles of footwear are stationary. Thus, as a wearer of the conventional article of footwear tightens the laces of the article of footwear, the article of footwear may contain portions that are tighter and more uncomfortable than other portions that are looser. The stationary eyelets of the conventional article of footwear prevent the upper of the article of footwear from properly contouring and conforming to the shape of the foot within the article of footwear. This reduces the comfort of the article of footwear. The stationary eyelets also prevent the article of footwear from providing proper support to the foot within the article of footwear, especially during athletic events, such as running.

It would be desirable to provide an article of footwear with adaptable or repositionable eyelets, where the eyelets are able to be positioned along the upper of an article of footwear to a position that is most comfortable to a wearer of the article of footwear. Moreover, the adaptable eyelets further enable the upper of the article of footwear to tightly contour and conform to the shape of any foot placed within the article of footwear to provide support for the foot while remaining comfortable to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An article of footwear includes a dynamic tensioning system including a plurality of tethering elements. Each tethering includes a cord secured to the article of footwear and a carriage member moveably coupled to the cord. The carriage member is configured to movably couple to a lacing element that is manipulated by the user. Accordingly, each carriage member rides along its respective cord, as well as the lacing element. With this configuration, as the lacing element is engaged, each carriage member adapts to the topography of the upper, becoming positioned along the foot at an optimum upper location. In addition, during use of the article of footwear, each carriage member independently adapts to foot movement and provides dynamic adjustment to footwear flexure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first example embodiment of an article of footwear in accordance with the present invention, showing a lateral shoe side.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial close-up view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing a plurality of carriage members disposed along a side of the shoe.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a carriage member illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing a lateral shoe side.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a second example embodiment of an article of footwear in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a carriage member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the carriage member illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear view of the carriage member illustrated in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the base element of the eyelet system of the embodiment of the article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view along line A-A illustrated in FIG. 8 of one of the members of the embodiment of the base element illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a series of eyelets connected to a series of tethers and base elements according to the embodiment of the article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the base element in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12A illustrates a side view in elevation of a third embodiment of the article of footwear including a dynamic tensioning system in accordance with the embodiment of the invention, showing a lateral side view.

FIG. 12B is a side view in elevation of the article of footwear of FIG. 12A, showing a medial side view.

FIG. 12C illustrates a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top plan view of a carrier element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B illustrates a close view of a coupling element, shown in isolation.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of a coupling element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B illustrates a top plan view of the coupling element of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates a cross sectional view of the coupling element shown in FIG. 14A, taken along lines B-B.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a carrier strand connected to a coupling element, shown in isolation.

FIG. 16A illustrates a side view in elevation of a carriage member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16B illustrates a front view in elevation of the carriage member of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C illustrates a rear view in elevation of the carriage member of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A illustrates a side view in elevation of a medial side of another embodiment of the article of footwear in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17B illustrates a side view in elevation of a lateral side of the embodiment of the article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 17A.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIGS. 1-4, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100, a sole 200, a dynamic tensioning system 300, and a lacing element 400. The article of footwear 10 defines a forefoot region 12, a middle region 14, and a heel region 16, as well as a medial side 18 (disposed along the medial side of the foot) and a lateral side 20 (disposed along the lateral side of the foot). The upper includes a heel, a lateral quarter, a medial quarter, a vamp, and a toe cage. In the illustrated embodiment, the vamp possesses a unitary construction, being integrated with the medial and lateral quarters. In other embodiments, the vamp may include a tongue slot dividing the medial and lateral quarters with a tongue coupled to the rear of the vamp. The upper 100 and sole 200 cooperate to define a foot cavity adapted to receive a human foot. An opening 106 provides access to the cavity, enabling a foot to enter and be disposed within the cavity.

The upper 100 may be constructed from various materials that are configured to conform and contour to a foot that is placed within the article of footwear 10. In some embodiments, various materials may be used to construct the upper 100, including, but not limited to, leather, synthetic leather, rubber, textile fabrics (e.g., breathable fabrics, mesh fabrics, synthetic fabrics), etc. One material used for the upper 100 may be configured to have a high degree of stretchability and compressibility, while another material used on the upper 100 may have a lower degree of stretchability and compressibility. The materials used on the upper 100 may be generally lightweight and flexible, and may be configured to provide comfort to the user and provide other desirable features. Moreover, the materials used on the upper 100 may be configured to have desirable aesthetics and functional features that incorporate durability, flexibility, air permeability and/or other types of desirable properties to the upper 100.

The sole 200 may be constructed of a compression material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The compression material is configured to compress on impact and provide cushion to the user's foot as the article of footwear 10 impacts a support surface.

The dynamic tensioning system includes one or more medial tensioning elements disposed on the shoe medial side (proximate medial quarter) and one or more lateral tensioning elements disposed on lateral shoe side (proximate the lateral quarter). Each tensioning element includes a carrier element or strand and a carriage member (also called a floating eyelet) movably coupled to the carrier strand. In the illustrated embodiments, the tensioning system includes three medial tensioning elements and three lateral tensioning elements generally aligned with a corresponding medial tensioning element. It should be understood, however, that more or less tensioning elements may be utilized. It should further be understood that the tensioning elements need not be aligned and may be oriented such that a medial tensioning element is offset (in the transverse dimension of the shoe) from a lateral tensioning element (and vice versa).

The carrier strand is flexible, possessing tensile strength sufficient for its described purpose (to capture a lace and secure a shoe to a user's foot). The term “strand” includes a single fiber, filament, or monofilament, as well as an ordered assemblage of textile fibers having a high ratio of length to diameter and normally used as a unit (e.g., slivers, roving, single yarns, plies yarns, cords, braids, ropes, etc.). In an embodiment, a strand is a yarn (a continuous strand of textile fibers, filaments, or material in a form suitable for knitting, weaving, or otherwise intertwining to form a textile fabric). A yarn may include, but is not limited to, a number of fibers twisted together (spun yarn), a number of filaments laid together without twist (a zero-twist yarn), a number of filaments laid together with a degree of twist, and a single filament with or without twist (a monofilament). By way of specific example, the carrier strand may be may be a nylon cord, a polyester cord, or a cord formed of high molecular weight polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene). In still other embodiments, the strand is a cable formed of, e.g., metal such as steel. The carrier strand may further include multiple strands (e.g., multiple lines, cables, or cords).

Each carrier strand includes a first end portion (with terminal end) and a second end portion (with terminal end), each of which is secured (e.g., coupled or connected) to the article of footwear to provide a free run section or loop along which the carriage member moves (discussed in greater detail below). In the illustrated embodiment, each strand terminal end is fixed to the article of footwear. Specifically, the strand terminal ends are fixed to the upper and/or midsole, e.g., via an adhesive or by capturing the strand ends between the strobel and the midsole (which are bonded together, e.g., via an adhesive). With this configuration, each strand is adapted to move/pivot relative to the upper.

In an embodiment, the carriage member or floating eyelet 310 defines a top side 312, a bottom side 314, a first side 316, and a second side 318. The carriage member 310 includes a central hub 320 and a plurality of arms or extensions extending outward from the central hub. Specifically, the upper portion of the carriage member includes a first extension 322 extends outward from a lateral side of the hub 320, and a second extension 324 extends outward from a second lateral side of the hub (opposite the first hub side). The bottom side of carriage member further includes a third extension 326 extending from the hub first lateral side and a fourth extension 328 extending from hub second lateral side. Each extension, moreover, is a generally open channel configured to act as guide for the lacing element and/or the carrier strand (discussed in greater detail below). As shown, each extension pair (the first/second extension and the third/fourth extensions) cooperate with the hub to define generally arcuate structure along the carriage member.

The hub 320 of the carriage member 310 includes a passage 330 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the set of laces 400 and at least one set of tethers 340. The hub passage 330, moreover, is in communication with the open channels of the extension members. With this configuration, generally arcuate travel paths are formed along the carriage member top side and bottom side. In operation, the lacing element 400 travels along the first extension 322, passes through the hub passage 330, and travels along the second extension 324. Similarly, the carrier strand 340 travels along the third extension 326, passes through the hub passage 330, and travels along the fourth extension 328. The lacing element and carrier strand each contour to the arcuate channel, being guided along an arcuate travel path. Accordingly, each carriage member 310 slides along the lacing element 400 and its associated strand 340.

As noted above, the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 10 includes three carrier strands 340(1), 340(2), and 340(3). The medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10 may include the same number of carrier strands 340. In other embodiments, the number of carrier strands 340 may differ between the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10 and the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 10. Also as noted above, the strand end portions are secured to the article of footwear. In general, the cord end portions are coupled to the article of footwear proximate the sole 200 such that the free run section or loop of the cord extends upward, being disposed proximate the instep of the foot. In the illustrated embodiments, each carrier strand 340(1)-340(3) includes a first terminal end 342(1), 342(2), 342(3) and a second terminal end 344(1), 344(2), 344(3). In an embodiment, the terminal ends 342(1)-342(3), 344(1)-344(3) may be positioned between the bottom surface of the upper 100 and the top surface of the sole 200.

The carrier strands may be positioned along the upper 100 such that strand end portions overlap. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first terminal end 342(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1) is disposed forward of its second end 344(1). The first carrier strand 340(1) includes a loop between the first end 342(1) and the second end 344(1).

Similarly, the first end 342(2) of the second carrier strand 340(2) is disposed forward of its second end 344(2), with the first end 342(2) of the second carrier strand 340(2) being coupled to the article of footwear 10 at a point falling between the connection point of the first end 342(1) and the second end 344(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1). The second carrier 340(2) also includes a loop between the first end 342(2) and the second end 344(2). The loop of the second carrier strand 340(2) at least partially overlaps the loop of the first carrier strand 340(1).

Similar to the first and second carrier strand 340(1), 340(2), the first end 342(3) of the third carrier strand 340(3) is disposed forward of its the second end 344(3), where the first end 342(3) of the third carrier strand 340(3) is coupled to the article of footwear 10 proximate the second end 344(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1) and between the first end 342(1) and the second end 344(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1). Like the first and second carrier strands 340(1), 340(2), the third carrier strand 340(2) includes two lines that form a loop between the first end 342(3) and the second end 344(3). The loop of the third carrier strand 340(3) at least partially overlaps the loops of the first carrier 340(1) and the second carrier strand 340(2). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second end 344(2) of the second carrier strand 340(2) is coupled to article of footwear 10 between the second end 344(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1) and the second end 344(3) of the third carrier strand 340(3). In other embodiments of the article of footwear 10, the number of carrier strands 340(1)-340(3) may be greater or less than the three sets 340(1)-340(3) illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

Turning to FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C, illustrated is a second example embodiment of an article of footwear 30. The second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is substantially similar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, except that the eyelet system 300 of the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 differs from the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10. Similar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10, the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 includes an upper 100, a sole 200, and laces or string 400. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the laces 400 include a first end 402 and a second end 404. While the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 also includes an eyelet system 300, the eyelet system 300 of the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 may include additional or differing structures from that of the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10.

The article of footwear 30 includes a forefoot region 12, a middle region 14, a heel region 16, a medial side 18, and a lateral side 20. The upper 100 has a top surface 102 and a bottom surface 104. The sole 200 also has a top surface 202 and a bottom surface 204. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the bottom surface 104 of the upper 100 is disposed on and coupled to the top surface 202 of the sole 200. Moreover, the bottom surface 204 of the sole 200 is configured to provide support for a foot disposed within the upper 100 and contact the support surface S. The top surface 102 of the upper 100 further includes an opening 106 disposed proximate to the heel region 16 of the article of footwear 10. The coupling of the upper 100 to the sole 200 creates a cavity, where the opening 106 provides access to the cavity, enabling a foot to enter and be disposed within the cavity.

Similar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10, the upper 100 of the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 may be constructed from various materials that are configured to conform and contour to a foot that is placed within the article of footwear 30. Also similar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10, the sole 200 of the second embodiment of footwear 30 may be constructed from a thermoplastic or thermoset material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material, that is configured to compress on impact and provide cushion to the user's foot as the article of footwear 30 impacts the support surface S.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C, the eyelet system 300 includes a plurality of carriage members of floating eyelets 350, a plurality of carrier strands or tethers 340, and a base element 370. Illustrated in FIG. 7A is a front view of the eyelet 350. Furthermore, illustrated in FIG. 7B is a side view of the eyelet 350, while illustrated in FIG. 7C is a rear view of the eyelet 350. The eyelet 350 includes a top end 352 and a bottom end 354, the bottom end 354 being opposite of the top end 352. The eyelet 350 further includes a first side 356 and a second side 358, the second side 358 being opposite the first side 356, where the first and second sides 356, 358 connect the top and bottom ends 352, 354. As best illustrated in FIG. 7B, the top end 352 includes a first receiving portion 360 that is substantially cylindrical in shape and thicker than the remaining portions of the eyelet 350. Furthermore, the first receiving portion 360 of the eyelet 350 includes a channel 362 that extends from the first end 356 to the second end 358 of the eyelet 350 through the first receiving portion 360. The channel 362 is sized and shaped for the set of laces 400 to be threaded through the channel 362. Moreover, the laces 400 are configured to slide through the channel 362 as the eyelet 350 slides along the laces 400.

The bottom end 354 of the eyelet 350 includes a second receiving portion 364. The second receiving portion 364 is curved upward toward the middle of the eyelet 350. The second receiving portion 364 further includes a flange 366 and an intermediate segment 367, where the flange 366 extends outwardly from the intermediate segment 367 and away from the front of the eyelet 350. The intermediate segment 367 is disposed proximate to the front of the eyelet 350, and may be configured to contact the front of the eyelet 350. The second receiving portion 364 curves around from the bottom end 354 of the eyelet 350 to the intermediate segment 367 to define a passageway 368. The passageway extends from the first side 356 to the second side 358 of the eyelet 350. A force may be applied to the flange 366 to cause the intermediate segment 367 to be moved away from the front of the eyelet 350, enabling the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) to be disposed within the passageway 368. The second receiving portion 364 is configured for the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) to be slid past the intermediate segment 367 and into the passageway 368. Moreover, the passageway 368 is sized and shaped to enable the eyelet 350 to slide along the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3).

As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 30 includes three sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), and 340(3). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 30 also includes the same three sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), and 340(3). In other embodiments, the number of sets of tethers 340 may differ between the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 30 and the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 30. Also, the number of sets of tethers 340 may be greater or less than three on each side 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30. Each one of the six sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), and 340(3) is received by the second receiving portion 364 of the eyelets 350, while the laces 400 are received by the first receiving portion 360. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), and 340(3) on the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 30 are coupled to a base element 370, which is at least partially disposed between the bottom surface 104 of the upper 100 and the top surface 202 of the sole 200.

Turning to FIG. 8, illustrated is an embodiment of the base element 370 of the eyelet system 300. The base element 370 includes a bottom portion 372 with a plurality of substantially upward extending members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) which are organized in pairs and positioned along the length of the base element 370 to extend substantially upward from the bottom portion 372. Referring back to FIG. 5, the bottom portion 372 may be the portion of the base element 370 that is at least partially disposed between the bottom surface 104 of the upper 100 and the top surface 202 of the sole 200. The base element 370 includes a first front pair of members 374(1), a second front pair of members 374(2), and a third front pair of members 374(3). The base element 370 further includes a first rear pair of members 376(1), a second rear pair of members 376(2), and a third rear pair of members 376(3). The first front pair of member 374(1) are positioned on one side of the bottom portion 372 of the base element 370, followed by the second front pair of members 374(2), the third front pair of members 374(3), the first rear pair of members 376(1), the second rear pair of members 376(2), and the third rear pair of members 376(3). While FIG. 8 illustrates the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) being of various heights, widths, and extending from the bottom portion 372 at various degrees from vertical, the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) in other embodiments of the base element 370 may be uniform. Furthermore, the base element 370 and the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) may be constructed from a substantially resilient material, enabling the base element 370 and the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) to bend and contour to the upper 100 as the upper 100 contours to the shape of a foot disposed within the article of footwear 30.

Turning to FIG. 9, illustrated is a cross sectional view of one of the members 374(2) of FIG. 8 along line A-A. While FIG. 9 illustrates only the cross section of one of the members 374(2) of the pair of members 374(2), the cross section of each of the members of the pair of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) may be substantially identical to one another. As illustrated, each one of the members of the pair of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) contains a first side 380 and a second side 382. The first side 380 may be substantially flat, while the second side 382 may be substantially curved. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first side 380 may be configured to rest along the top surface 102 of the upper 100, while the second side 382 may be configured to face away from the top surface 102 of the upper 100. Moreover, the first and second sides 380, 382 surround a central bore 384. The central bore 384 may be configured to receive and secure the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) to the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) of the base element 370.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the top of the forefoot and middle regions 12, 14 of an article of footwear 30 according to the second embodiment 30. As illustrated, both the medial side 18 and the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 30 are illustrated. As stated previously with regard to FIG. 6, the medial side 18 and the lateral side 20 both include an eyelet system 300, where each contains three sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3). Similar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10, each set of tethers 340(1)-340(3) of the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 includes a first end 342(1), 342(2), 342(3), and a second end 344(1), 344(2), 344(3). The first end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) are disposed in the first front pair of members 374(1), while the second end 344(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) are disposed in the first rear pair of members 376(1). The first end 342(2) of the second set of tethers 340(2) is disposed in the second front pair of members 374(2), while the second end 344(2) of the second set of tethers 340(2) is disposed in the second rear pair of members 376(2). Finally, the first end 342(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) is disposed in the third front pair of members 374(3), while the second end 344(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) is disposed in the third rear pair of members 376(3).

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the first set of tethers 340(1) includes two lines that form a loop proximate to the middle region 14 of the article of footwear 30 between the first front pair of members 374(1) and first rear pair of members 376(1) of the base element 370. The second set of tethers 340(2) also includes two lines that form a loop proximate to the middle region 14 of the article of footwear 30 between the second front pair of members 374(2) and the second rear pair of members 376(2) of the base element 370. Furthermore, the third set of tethers 340(3) includes two lines that form a loop proximate to the middle region 14 of the article of footwear 30 between the third front pair of members 374(3) and the third rear pair of members 376(3) of the base element 370. The second set of tethers 340(2) is positioned substantially between the first pair of tethers 340(1) and the third pair of tethers 340(3). Each of the tethers 340(1)-340(3) may contain two lines to provided added durability and strength to the eyelet system 300. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lines that form the three sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) are overlapping and intertwined with one another. Thus, one of the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) is not fully disposed over any of the other sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3). Moreover, the loops formed by the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) are slidably coupled to the eyelets 350, where each loop formed by the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) is configured to have at least one eyelet 350 configured to slide along the loop.

Continuing with FIG. 10, the coupling of the first end 342(2) of the second set of tethers 340(2) to the second front pair of members 374(2) is disposed along the sides 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 between the coupling of the first end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first front pair of members 374(1) and the coupling of the first end 342(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third front pair of members 374(3). Moreover, the coupling of the second end 344(2) of the second set of tethers 340(2) to the second rear pair of members 376(2) is disposed along the sides 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 between the coupling of the second end 344(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first rear pair of members 376(1) and the coupling of the second end 344(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third rear pair of members 376(3). The coupling of the first end 342(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third front pair of members 374(1) is disposed along the sides 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 closer to the forefoot region 12 of the article of footwear 30 than the coupling of the second end 344(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first rear pair of members 376(1). It then follows that the coupling of the first end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first front pair of members 374(1) and the coupling of the second end 344(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third rear pair of members 376(3) are located on the ends of the base element 370, where the coupling of the first end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first front pair of members 374(1) is disposed closer to the forefoot region 12 of the article of footwear 30 than the coupling of the second end 344(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third rear pair of members 376(3).

Turning to FIG. 11, illustrated is another embodiment of the base element 390, which differs from the previous embodiment of the base element 370. As illustrated in FIG. 11, this embodiment of the base element 390 includes a plurality of separate panels 392(1), 392(2), 392(3), 394(1), 394(2), 394(3) instead of the one bottom portion 372 of the base element 370 illustrated in FIG. 10. Moreover, each panel 392(1), 392(2), 392(3), 394(1), 394(2), 394(3) of the base element 390 contains a pair of members 396(1), 396(2), 396(3), 398(1), 398(2), 398(3), respectively, that are configured to receive and be coupled to the ends 342(1)-342(3), 344(1)-344(3) of the three sets of tethers 340(1)-340(3).

In even other embodiments of the article of footwear 10, the number of sets of tethers 340(1)-340(3) on each side 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 may be greater or less than the three sets 340(1)-340(3) illustrated on each side 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 in FIGS. 6 and 10. Moreover, the sets of tethers 340(1)-340(3) may include more or less than two lines.

During operation, as a user/wearer of the articles of footwear 10, 30 pulls on the ends 402, 404 of the laces 400, the laces are pulled through the eyelets 310, 350. The continued pulling of the laces 400 causes the eyelets 310, 350 to be moved closer to one another proximate to the middle region 14 of the articles of footwear 10, 30. This also causes the eyelets 310, 350 to be repositioned along the tethers 340(1)-340(3) to a position on the tethers 340(1)-340(3) that allows the combination of the laces 400, the tethers 340(1)-340(3), and the eyelets 310, 350 to conform to the shape of the feet placed within the articles of footwear 10, 30. Because the combination of the laces 400, the tethers 340(1)-340(3), and the eyelets 310, 350 are disposed over the top surface 102 of the upper 100 proximate to the middle region 14 of the articles of footwear 10, 30, the pulling of the laces also causes the combination of the laces 400, the tethers 340(1)-340(3), and the eyelets 310, 350 force the upper 100 to conform and contour to the shape of the feet placed within the articles of footwear 10, 30.

In accordance with another embodiment, the dynamic tensioning system includes a carriage member operable to move along a carrier element. Unlike the previous embodiments, the end portions of the carrier elements are adapted to pivot and/or rotate (i.e., the ends of the carrier strand are rotatably coupled to the shoe). Referring to FIGS. 12-16, the article of footwear 1200 includes an upper 1205 and a sole 1210 similar to that described above and defining a medial side and a lateral side. The upper has a dynamic tensioning system including one or more medial carrier strands 1215 disposed along the shoe medial side (FIG. 12B) and one or more lateral carrier strands 1220 disposed along shoe lateral side (FIG. 12A). Specifically, the dynamic tensioning system includes a plurality of medial carrier strands 1215A, 1215B, 1215C and a plurality of lateral carrier strands 1220A, 1220B, 1220C. A carriage member 1225 is coupled to each carrier strand, being adapted to engage a lacing element 1230.

Each plurality of strands includes a first or forward carrier strand 1215A, 1220A oriented proximate the vamp, a second or central carrier strand 1215B, 1220B positioned rearward of the forward carrier strand (e.g., proximate the quarter of the upper), and a third or rearward carrier strand 1215C, 1220C positioned rearward of the central carrier strand (e.g., spanning the quarter and the heel areas of the upper). The carrier strands 1215A-1215C, 1220A-1220C overlap. Specifically, the central carrier strand 1215B, 1220B is positioned under each of the forward carrier strand 1215A, 1220A and the rearward carrier strand 1215C, 1220C.

The dimensions (length and/or width) of the carrier strands may be similar, or may differ. For example, the forward carrier 1215A, 1220A strand may possess the shortest length, while the rearward carrier strand 1215C, 1220C may possess the greatest length. Similarly, the diameter/thickness of each strand may be the same, or may differ. A larger diameter may be selected to increase the friction between the carriage member and the carrier strand, slowing the movement of the carriage member on the strand.

A carrier strand includes a first terminal end 1305A, a second terminal end 1305B, and an intermediate run 1310 between the ends. Secured to each end 1305A, 1305B of the carrier strand is a coupling element 1315A, 1315B adapted to rotatably connect to a coupling element 1405 mounted onto the upper 1205. Specifically, the strand coupling element 1315A, 1315B may be in the form of a generally annular connector, while the upper coupling element 1405 includes a circular base 1410 and a post or cylinder 1415 extending outward from the base. The post 1415 terminates in a flange 1420 at its distal end effective to movably capture the strand coupling element 1315A, 1315B to the post. With this configuration, the annular connector 1315A, 1315B mates with the post 1415 such that the ring rotates about the post when connected (FIG. 15).

The upper coupling elements 1405 are positioned at selected locations along the article of footwear, being longitudinally spaced along the upper 1205. The upper coupling elements 1405 are positioned along the lower portion of the upper, proximate the midsole. The upper coupling elements 1405 are positioned such that the post axis is oriented generally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the upper. In the embodiment illustrated, six upper coupling elements 1405A-1405F are disposed on each side (lateral/medial) to accommodate the pair of strand coupling elements 1315A, 1315B on each of the three carrier strands 1215, 1220. The upper coupling elements 1415 may be generally equidistant from each other.

As shown, when connected to the upper, the carrier strand 1215, 1220 includes a first portion that runs upward, from a first upper coupling element 1405A, 1405B, 1405D and toward the carriage member 1225, as well as a second portion that runs downward, from the carriage member 1225 to a second upper coupling element 1405C, 1405E, 1405F. With the above-described configuration, the carrier strand 1215, 1220 and, in particular, the strand coupling element 1315A, 1315B, rotates about the post as force is applied thereto. Thus, the carriage member 1225 adapts its rotational position in response to forces applied during use (e.g., forces applied to the carriage member, in turn, are applied to the strand coupling element situated on the post). This, in turn, alters the incline angle of the first strand portion and the angle of decline of the second strand portion. This configuration enables the lateral adjustment of carriage member 1225 relative to the upper 1205 (e.g. the carriage member moves longitudinally, along the shoe longitudinal axis).

The carriage member 1225 is adapted to glide along the carrier strand, as well to movably capture a lacing element 1230. In the embodiment illustrated, the carriage member 1225 is generally J shaped, including a lower, hooked portion 1510 and an upper, header portion 1505. The header portion 1505 includes an aperture 1515 through which the lacing element passes. The hooked portion 1510 is configured to receive and capture the carrier strand 1215, 1220. Accordingly, the carriage member 1225 is adapted to move along the carrier strand 1225 and the lacing element 1230, or vice versa.

With this configuration the carriage members 1225 function as floating eyelets (eyelets tethered to the article of footwear via multiple strands), improving fit. That is, each carriage member 1225 moves along multiple axes (e.g., x, y, and z), landing in the optimum position in light of the topography of the upper 1205. The topography of the upper 1205 is dictated by the shape of the foot. Accordingly, the carriage members 1225 find the optimum position relative to the foot. In operation, engaging the lacing element 1230 draws the carriage members 1225 toward the foot (in the transverse direction), with each carriage member independently moving longitudinally until the optimum position is identified.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the dynamic tensioning system is inserted or threaded through portions of the upper. Unlike the previous embodiments, the end portions of the carrier elements are inserted through the upper and secured within the interior of the upper (i.e., the ends of the carrier strand may be attached at the strobel). Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the article of footwear 1700 includes a medial side 1705 (FIG. 17A), a lateral side 1710 (FIG. 17B), an upper 1715, and a sole structure comprising a midsole 1720 and an outsole 1725. The upper 1715 includes one or more segments 1730 disposed on the medial side 1705 (FIG. 17A) and one or more segments 1735 disposed along the lateral side 1710 (FIG. 17B). More specifically, disposed on the upper 1715, and along the medial side 1705 of the article of footwear 1700, are four segments 1730A, 1730B, 1730C, 1730D that are aligned along the lengthwise direction of the article of footwear 1700. Similarly, disposed on the upper 1715, but along the lateral side 1710 of the article of footwear 1700, are four segments 1735A, 1735B, 1735C, 1735D that are aligned along the lengthwise direction of the article of footwear 1700. The segments 1730A-1730D each include openings 1740A-1740D, respectively. Similar to the segments 1730A-1730D, the segments 1735A-1735D each include openings 1745A-1745D.

In addition, the upper 1715 contains a dynamic tensioning system including one or more medial carrier strands 1750 disposed along both the medial side 1705 (FIG. 17A) and one or more lateral carrier strands 1755 disposed along the lateral side 1710 (FIG. 17A). Specifically, the dynamic tensioning system includes a plurality of medial carrier strands 1750A, 1750B, 1750C and a plurality of lateral carrier strands 1755A, 1755B, 1755C. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the ends of medial carrier strand 1750A are threaded through the openings 1740A and 1740B. In addition, the ends of medial carrier strand 1750B are threaded through the openings 1740B and 1740C, while the ends of medial carrier strand 1750C are threaded through the openings 1740C and 1740D. Similarly, FIG. 17B illustrates the ends of lateral carrier strand 1755A being threaded through the openings 1745A and 1745B, and the ends of lateral carrier strand 1755B being threaded through the openings 1745B and 1745C. FIG. 17B also illustrates lateral carrier strand 1755C being threaded through the openings 1745C and 1745D. A carriage member 1760 is coupled to each medial carrier strand 1750, and a carriage member 1765 is coupled to each lateral carrier strand 1760. Thus, carriage member 1760A is coupled to medial carrier strand 1750A, carriage member 1760B is coupled to medial carrier strand 1750B, and carriage member 1760C is coupled to medial carrier strand 1750C. Similarly, carriage member 1765A is coupled to medial carrier strand 1755A, carriage member 1765B is coupled to medial carrier strand 1755B, and carriage member 1765C is coupled to medial carrier strand 1755C. The carriage members 1760A-1760C, 1765A-1765C may be substantially similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, and 16A-16C. The carriage members 1760A-1760C, 1765A-1765C are adapted to engage a lacing element 1770.

Each plurality of strands includes a first or forward carrier strand 1750A, 1755A oriented proximate the vamp, a second or central carrier strand 1750B, 1755B positioned rearward of the forward carrier strand (e.g., proximate the quarter of the upper), and a third or rearward carrier strand 1750C, 1755C positioned rearward of the central carrier strand (e.g., spanning the quarter area of the upper most proximate the heel). Unlike the carrier strands of other embodiments disclosed herein, the carrier strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B do not overlap one another on the exterior surface of the upper 1715. As previously described, carrier strands 1750A-1750C are threaded through the openings 1740A-1740D, while carrier strands 1755A-1755C are threaded through the openings 1745A-1745D. The dimensions (length and/or width) of the carrier strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be similar, or may differ. For example, the forward carrier strands 1750A, 1755A may possess the shortest length, while the rearward carrier strands 1750C, 1755C may possess the greatest length. Similarly, the diameter/thickness of each strand may be the same, or may differ. A larger diameter may be selected to increase the friction between the carriage member and the carrier strand, slowing the movement of the carriage member on the strand.

As previously mentioned, the ends of the carriage strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C are attached to the article of footwear 1700 within the interior of the upper 1715. In one embodiment, the ends of the carriage strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be attached or coupled to the strobel (i.e., where the upper 1715 attaches to a footbed or the midsole 1720). In another embodiment, the ends of the carriage strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be attached or coupled (via stitching, bonding, adhesives, etc.) to the interior surface of the upper 1715. In yet another embodiment, the ends of the carriage strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be attached or coupled to the strobel, while the portion of the carrier strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C disposed within the interior of the upper 1715 are coupled to the interior surface of the upper 1715. This may be completed with a hot melt microfiber lining.

As shown, when connected to the upper, the carrier strands 1750, 1755 include a first portion that runs upward, from one opening 1740, 1745 and toward the carriage members 1760, 1765, as well as a second portion that runs downward, from the carriage members 1760, 1765 to another opening 1740, 1745. With the above-described configuration, the movement of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 are limited by the openings 1740, 1745 rather than the connection of ends of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 to the upper 1715. Thus, the carriage members 1760, 1765 adapt their position in response to forces applied during use (e.g., forces applied to the carriage members 1760, 1765, in turn, are applied to the carrier strands 1750, 1755 at the intersection of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 and the openings 1740, 1745). This, in turn, alters the incline angle of the first strand portion and the angle of decline of the second strand portion of each carrier strand 1750, 1755. This configuration enables the lateral adjustment of carriage members 1760, 1765 relative to the upper 1715 (e.g. the carriage member moves longitudinally, along the shoe longitudinal axis).

Similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, the carriage members 1760, 1765 are adapted to glide along the carrier strands 1750, 1755, as well to movably capture a lacing element 1770. Accordingly, the carriage members 1760, 1765 are adapted to move along the carrier strands 1750, 1755 and the lacing elements 1770, or vice versa.

With this configuration the carriage members 1760, 1765 function as floating eyelets (eyelets tethered to the article of footwear via multiple strands), improving fit. That is, each carriage member 1760, 1765 moves along multiple axes (e.g., x, y, and z), landing in the optimum position in light of the topography of the upper 1715. The topography of the upper 1715 is dictated by the shape of the foot disposed within the upper 1715. Accordingly, the carriage members 1760, 1765 find the optimum position relative to the foot. In operation, engaging the lacing element 1770 draws the carriage members 1760, 1765 toward the foot (in the transverse direction), with each carriage member 1760, 1765 independently moving longitudinally until the optimum position is identified. The openings 1740, 1745 act as guides and/or limit the degree of movement of the portion of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 within the interior of the upper 1715. Thus, the openings 1740, 1745 may limit the amount of stress induced onto the connection of the ends of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 to the upper 1715. In addition, the openings 1740, 1745 may limit or reduce the degree of movement of the portion of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 disposed atop the exterior surface of the upper 1715. This prevents the carriage members 1760, 1765 from being moved to extreme positions along the upper while still enabling the carriage members 1760, 1765 to be placed in optimum position based on the topography of the upper 1715. Finally, placing the connection of the carriage strands 1750, 1755 within the interior of the upper 1715 makes the dynamic tensioning system more durable, as the ends/connections of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 are less susceptible to the wear and tear experienced by the exterior of an article of footwear.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

a sole;

an upper coupled to the sole, the upper being configured to receive at least a portion of a human foot;

a plurality of tethering elements, each tethering element of the plurality including: a strand defining a first end portion, a second end portion, and a free run portion between the first and second end portions, and a carriage member movably coupled to the strand such that the carriage member is adapted to move along the strand; and

a lacing element movably coupled to the carriage members, wherein engaging the lacing element repositions each carriage member along the strand to which the carriage member is coupled.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes a medial quarter and a lateral quarter, and the upper defines a cavity.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the medial quarter includes a plurality of openings aligned in a longitudinal direction of the article of footwear and the lateral quarter includes a plurality of openings aligned in the longitudinal direction.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein each strand is inserted through at least one of the openings so that the first end portion and second end portion of each strand is disposed within the cavity of the upper, and the free run portion is disposed outside of the cavity of the upper.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein each carriage member comprises:

a central hub;

a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the central hub; and

a channel extending through the central hub, wherein both the lacing element and the strand are threaded through the channel.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein each carriage member comprises:

a channel extending through a first end of the carriage member, the channel configured to receive a portion of the lacing element; and

a curved flange disposed on a second end of the carriage member, the curved flange defining a receiving portion configured to receive the strand.

7. An article of footwear comprising:

a sole having a bottom surface and a top surface;

an upper having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the upper being disposed on the top surface of the sole;

an eyelet system including: a cord at least partially disposed between the bottom surface of the upper and the top surface of the sole, and an eyelet slidably coupled to the cord; and

a string slidably coupled to the eyelet proximate to the upper, wherein tightening or loosening of the string causes the eyelet to be repositioned along the cord with respect to the upper.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the cord of the eyelet system is a forward cord disposed proximate a toe end of the article of footwear, and the eyelet system further comprises:

a rearward cord disposed proximate a heel end of the article of footwear; and

a middle cord disposed between the forward cord and the rear cord.

9. The article of the footwear of claim 8, wherein the forward cord forms a first loop, the middle cord forms a second loop, and the rearward cord forms a third loop.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the eyelet of the eyelet system is a first eyelet slidably coupled to the first loop, and the eyelet system further comprises:

a second eyelet slidably coupled to the second loop; and

a third eyelet slidably coupled to the third loop.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the eyelet system further includes a base element including a bottom portion and a plurality of upwardly extending members, the bottom portion being disposed between the bottom surface of the upper and the top surface of the sole.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the forward cord, the middle cord, and the rearward cord extend through the plurality of upwardly extending members of the base element.

13. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the base element is constructed from a resilient material.

14. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the eyelet system is a first eyelet system, and further comprising a second eyelet system, the first eyelet system being disposed on a medial side of the article of footwear and the second eyelet system being disposed on a lateral side of the article of footwear.

15. An article of footwear comprising:

an eyelet system including: a cord having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends of the cord being rotatably coupled to an upper, and an eyelet slidably coupled to the cord; and

a string slidably coupled to the eyelet proximate to the upper, wherein tightening or loosening of the string causes the eyelet to be repositioned along the cord with respect to the upper.

16. The article of footwear of claim 15, further comprising:

an upper; and

a plurality of coupling elements disposed longitudinally along the upper proximate to the coupling of the upper to a midsole.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of coupling elements comprises:

a circular base;

a post including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the circular base, and the post extending outward from the base; and

a flange coupled to the second end of the post.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein both the first end and the second end of the cord include a coupling member, each coupling member is annular and includes a central opening configured to receive and rotate about the post of the coupling element of the upper.

19. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the cord of the eyelet system is a forward cord disposed proximate a toe end of the article of footwear, and the eyelet is first eyelet slidably coupled to the forward cord, the eyelet system further comprises:

a rearward cord disposed proximate a heel end of the article of footwear;

a middle cord disposed between the forward cord and the rear cord;

a second eyelet slidably coupled to the middle cord; and

a third eyelet slidably coupled to the rearward cord.

20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein each eyelet comprises:

a channel extending through a first end of the eyelet, the channel configured to receive a portion of the string; and

a curved flange disposed on a second end of the eyelets, the curved flange defining a receiving portion configured to receive the cord.