ZONAL DYNAMIC LACING SYSTEM

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper having an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper, a heel strap disposed at the heel counter of the upper, and a cable lock disposed within the sole structure. The article of footwear further includes a tensioning system, including a tensioning element having a heel portion extending from the cable lock to the heel strap, and a control element extending from the cable lock to an exterior surface of the upper. The control element is operable to move the tensioning element between a first position and a second position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/908,933, filed Oct. 1, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear having a dynamic lacing system for moving footwear between a tightened state and a loosened state.

BACKGROUND

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

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure and support a foot on the sole structure. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure. Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between an outsole providing abrasion-resistance and traction with a ground surface and a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioning for the foot.

The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. For instance, laces may be tightened to close the upper around the foot and tied once a desired fit of the upper around the foot is attained. Care is required to ensure that the upper is not too loose or too tight around the foot each time the laces are tied. Moreover, the laces may loosen or become untied during wear of the footwear. While fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners are easier and quicker to operate than traditional laces, these fasteners have a propensity to wear out over time and require more attention to attain a desired tension when securing the upper to the foot.

Known automated tightening systems typically include a tightening mechanism, such as rotatable knob, that can be manipulated to apply tension to one or more cables that interact with the upper for closing the upper around that foot. While these automated tightening systems can incrementally increase the magnitude of tension of the one or more cables to achieve the desired fit of the upper around the foot, they require a time-consuming task of manipulating the tightening mechanism to properly tension the cables for securing the upper around the foot, and when it is desired to remove the footwear from the foot, the wearer is required to simultaneously depress a release mechanism and pull the upper away from the foot to release the tension of the cables. Furthermore, these automated tightening systems provide a constant tensioning along the lengths of the one or more cables, whereby rotation of the rotatable knob causes the entire cable to be tightened uniformly. In instances where it may be desirable to tighten a first region of the upper at a different rate than a second region of the upper, additional cables and tightening mechanisms must be incorporated and controlled separately.

Thus, known automated tightening systems lack suitable provisions for both quickly and variably adjusting the tension of the cables to close the upper around the foot and quickly releasing the tension applied to the cables so that the upper can be quickly loosened for removing the footwear from the foot. Moreover, the tightening mechanism employed by these known automated tightening systems is required to be incorporated onto an exterior of the upper so that the tightening mechanism is accessible to the wearer for adjusting the fit of the upper around the foot, thereby detracting from the general appearance and aesthetics of the footwear.

DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a lateral side elevation view of an example of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a lateral side elevation view of another example of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a lateral side elevation view of another example of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a lateral side elevation view of another example of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the article of footwear of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example of a cable lock according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the cable lock of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is top view of the cable lock of FIG. 17, showing a housing having a lid removed to expose a locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in a locked position; and

FIG. 20 is a top view of the locking device of FIG. 17, showing a housing having a lid removed to expose a locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in an unlocked position.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper having an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper, a heel strap disposed at the heel counter of the upper, and a cable lock disposed within the sole structure. The article of footwear further includes a tensioning system including a tensioning element having a heel portion extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a control element extending from the cable lock to an exterior surface of the upper. The control element is operable to move the tensioning element between a first position and a second position.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the heel strap extends around the heel counter from a medial end on a medial side of the upper to a lateral end on a lateral side of the upper. Each of the medial end and the lateral end may include a cable guide configured to cooperate with the tensioning element. The heel portion of the tensioning element may include at least one of a medial portion extending from the cable lock to the medial end of the heel strap and a lateral portion extending from the cable lock to the lateral end of the heel strap. The at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion may include a first segment extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a second segment extending from the heel strap to one of the quarter region and the instep region. The upper may include a plurality of eyelets and the second segment may extend from the heel strap to one of the eyelets.

In some configurations, the tensioning system includes an instep portion operable to move the instep region between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The heel counter may have a greater pliability than the quarter region of the upper. Here, the heel counter may be formed of an elastic material. Optionally, the control element may extend along the exterior surface of the upper from a first end on a medial side of the upper to a second end on a lateral side of the upper.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper having an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper, a cable lock disposed within the sole structure, and a tensioning system. The tensioning system includes a heel portion operable to control a fit of the heel counter and an instep portion operable to control a fit of the instep region.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, a heel strap extends around the heel counter from a medial end on a medial side of the upper to a lateral end on a lateral side of the upper. Each of the medial end and the lateral end may include a cable guide configured to cooperate with a tensioning cable of the tensioning system. The heel portion of the tensioning system may include at least one of a medial portion extending from the cable lock to the medial end of the heel strap and a lateral portion extending from the cable lock to the lateral end of the heel strap. The at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion may include a first segment extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a second segment extending from the heel strap to one of the quarter region and the instep region. The upper may include a plurality of eyelets and the second segment may extend form the heel strap to one of the eyelets.

In some implementations, the instep portion is independently operable from the heel portion. The heel counter may have a greater pliability than the quarter region of the upper. Here, the heel counter may be formed of an elastic material. Optionally, the instep portion may include a lace operable to selectively draw a medial side of the upper and a lateral side of the upper toward one another to adjust the fit of the instep region.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example of an article of footwear 10 includes a system providing for dual tensioning, whereby a fit of the article of footwear can be adjusted in both a heel region and a mid-foot region. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper 100. The article of footwear 10 further includes a tensioning system 300 and a cable lock 400 each integrated into at least one of the upper 100 and the sole structure 200. The tensioning system 300 includes a tensioning element 302 and a control element 304 that cooperate with the cable lock 400 to move the article of footwear 10 between a tightened state and a relaxed state, as detailed below. The tensioning element 302 and the control element 304 may be collectively referred to as adjustment elements 302, 304. The adjustment elements 302, 304 are movable in a tightening direction D_T to move the article of footwear 10 into a tightened state, and in a loosening direction D_L to allow the article of footwear 10 to transition to a relaxed state. In some examples, a tightening force F_T applied to the control element 304 is transmitted to at least a portion of the tensioning element 302 through the cable lock 400 to move the tensioning element 302 in the tightening direction D_T. In some implementations, the upper 100 and the sole structure 200 cooperate to provide passages and guides for routing portions of the adjustment elements 302, 304 through the cable lock 400. The cable lock 400 is configured to selectively secure the adjustment elements 302, 304 in the tightened state.

The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. As shown in the top view of FIG. 3, a longitudinal axis A_F of the footwear 10 extends along a length of the footwear 10 from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, and generally divides the footwear 10 into a lateral side 16 and a medial side 18. Accordingly, the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14.

The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions along the longitudinal axis A_F. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22 and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear regions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 includes a plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void 102 and an ankle opening 104, which cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200. For example, the upper 100 includes a pair of quarter panels 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void 102. A throat 108 extends across the top of the upper 100 and defines an instep region extending between the quarter panels 106 from the ankle opening 104 to the forefoot region 20. In the illustrated example, the throat 108 is open, whereby opposing upper edges 110 (i.e., eyestays) of the quarter panels 106 are separated from each other by a space 112 and can be selectively spaced apart from each other to adjust the size of the interior void 102 and the ankle opening 104. In some examples, a tongue 114 may be disposed within the space 112 of the throat 108 to cover the interior void 102. The upper 100 further includes a plurality of apertures 116 spaced along each of the upper edges 110. As discussed in greater detail below, in some examples the tensioning element 302 may be alternatingly routed between the apertures 116 of the respective quarter panels 106 along the length of the throat 108.

The upper 100 may be further described as including heel side panels 118 extending through the heel region 24 along the lateral and medial sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 120 wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 118. Uppermost edges of the tongue 114, the heel side panels 118, and the heel counter 120 cooperate to form a collar 122, which defines the ankle opening 104 of the interior void 102. The upper 100 may include one or more grip features 124 attached to the collar 122 adjacent the ankle opening 104 for pulling the footwear 10 onto and off of the foot.

As illustrated best in FIG. 1, the upper 100 may be provided with one or more shrouds 126 for concealing the various components of the tensioning system 300. For example, at least one of the adjustment elements 302, 304 of the tensioning system 300 may be routed beneath a shroud 126. In the illustrated example, a portion of the control element 304 extending between the sole structure 200 and the exterior of the upper 100 may be concealed within a shroud 126 on each of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18. Here, the shrouds 126 are integrally formed within the heel side panels 118 of the upper 100.

The upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define the interior void 102. Suitable materials of the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper 100 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 100 to facilitate movement of the upper 100 between the tightened state and the loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

In the illustrated example, the heel counter 120 may be formed of a different material than the heel side panels 118 and/or the remainder of the upper 100. In some examples, the heel counter 120 is formed of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than the material of the heel side panels 118, whereby the heel counter 120 can be stretched to increase the circumference of the collar 122 to enlarge the area of the ankle opening 104. In other examples, the heel counter 120 and the heel side panels 118 are formed of the same material, and may be formed of a single piece of material.

The upper 100 further includes a heel strap 128 extending around the posterior end 14 of the upper 100. In the illustrated example, the heel strap 128 includes a central portion 130 attached to the heel counter 120 at the posterior end 14. The heel strap 128 extends around the posterior end 14 of the upper 100 from a first, lateral end 132 on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100 to a second, medial end 134 on the medial side 18 of the upper 100. While the central portion 130 is attached to the heel counter 120, the ends 132, 134 are detached from the upper 100 and are able to move independently adjacent to the respective heel side panels 118.

Each of the lateral end 132 and the medial end 134 of the heel strap 128 includes a routing feature 136 configured to cooperate with the tensioning element 302 of the tensioning system 300. In the illustrated example, the routing feature 136 is a cable guide 136 configured to slideably receive a cable of the tensioning element 302 therein. Particularly, the cable guide 136 may define an inner channel 138 that extends along an arcuate path and is configured to slideably receive the cable of the tensioning element 302 therein, as described in greater detail below.

As provided above, the sole structure 200 is attached to the upper 100 and defines a ground-engaging surface 26 of the footwear 10. The sole structure 200 includes a top surface 202 and a bottom surface 204 formed on an opposite side of the sole structure 200 from the top surface 202. The bottom surface 204 of the sole structure 200 may define the ground-engaging surface 26 of the footwear. The sole structure 200 further includes a peripheral side surface 206 extending between the top surface 202 and the bottom surface 204, such that the peripheral side surface 206 defines an outer perimeter of the sole structure 200. The sole structure 200 extends from a first end 208 at the anterior end 18 of the footwear 10 to a second end 210 at the posterior end 20 of the footwear 10. As referred to throughout the application and the accompanying claims, the sole structure 200 and the upper 100 define a ‘bite line’ 28 where the peripheral side surface 206 and the upper 100 intersect when the footwear 10 is assembled. The bite line 28 can extend along the footwear 10 entirely from the first end 208 to the second end 210 on either or both of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18, and can also extend around the first end 208, the second end 210, or both.

As described in greater detail below, the sole structure 200 is configured to receive a portion of the tensioning system 300 and/or the cable lock 400 therein, and may include one or more cavities or conduits formed therein. In the illustrated example, the sole structure 200 includes an aperture or cavity 212 formed in the bottom surface 204. The cavity 212 is configured to receive the cable lock 400 within the sole structure 200. In some examples, the cable lock 400 may be encapsulated within the sole structure 200. The sole structure 200 may further include a plurality of conduits 214 for routing the adjustment elements 302, 304 between the cable lock 400 and the upper 100.

The tensioning system 300 generally includes a tensioning element 302 and a control element 304, which cooperate to selectively transition the upper 100 between a tightened state and a relaxed state. In the illustrated example, the tensioning element 302 includes a heel portion 306 and an instep portion 308, which cooperate with each other to provide tensioning of the upper 100 around both the front of the ankle opening 104 and the rear of the ankle opening 104. In some examples, the heel portion 306 and the instep portion 308 are configured to be independently controlled, whereby a position of the heel portion 306 can be adjusted independently of the instep portion 308. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 is a cable connected to the control element 304 through the cable lock 400, whereby a position of the heel portion 306 can be adjusted by pulling the control element 304. In this example, the instep portion 308 comprises traditional lacing routed along the throat 108 via the apertures 116 of the quarter panels 106. Accordingly, a fit of the upper 100 around the posterior end 14 of the ankle can be adjusted using the control element 304, while the fit of the upper 100 along the throat 108 can be adjusted by the laces of the instep portion 308.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the tensioning element 302 and the control element 304 may be described as including lateral strands 310, 314 and medial strands 312, 316. Particularly, the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 includes a lateral strand 310 and a medial strand 312. Likewise, the control element 304 also includes a lateral strand 314 and a medial strand 316. In the illustrated example, the lateral strand 310 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 is connected to the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 through the cable lock 400, as shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the medial strand 312 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 is connected to the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 through the cable lock 400, as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, positions of the lateral and medial strands 310, 312 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 may be adjusted by pulling a respective one of the lateral and medial strands 314, 316 of the control element 304.

With reference to FIG. 1, the lateral strand 310 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 extends from a first end 318 at the cable lock 400, through the routing feature 136 on the lateral end 132 of the heel strap 128, and to a second end 319 fixed or attached to the upper 100. In the illustrated example, the second end 319 is attached to the upper 100 adjacent to one of the apertures 116 closest to the ankle opening 104 on the lateral side 16. The lateral strand 310 may be further described as including a lower segment 322 extending from the first end 318 to the heel strap 128 and an upper segment 324 extending from the heel strap 128 to the second end 319.

Referring to FIG. 2, the medial strand 312 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 extends from a first end 326 at the cable lock 400, through the routing feature 136 on the medial end 134 of the heel strap 128, and to a second end 327 attached to the upper 100. In the illustrated example, the second end 327 is fixed or attached to the upper 100 adjacent to one of the apertures 116 closest to the ankle opening 104 on the medial side 18. The medial strand 312 may be further described as including a lower segment 330 extending from the first end 326 to the heel strap 128, and an upper segment 332 extending from the heel strap 128 to the second end 327.

As described above and shown in FIG. 1, the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 is connected to the lateral strand 310 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 334 at the cable lock 400 to a second end 336 along the upper 100. The lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 includes a lower segment 338 extending from the first end 334 and through the shroud 126 of the upper 100, and an upper segment 340 extending from the shroud 126 and along an exterior surface of the upper 100 to the second end 336. As shown, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is disposed adjacent to the throat 108 in the mid-foot region 22 of the upper 100.

Likewise, as shown in FIG. 2, the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 is connected to the medial strand 312 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 342 at the cable lock 400 to a second end 344 along the upper 100. The medial strand 316 of the control element 304 includes a lower segment 346 extending from the first end 342 and through the shroud 126 of the upper 100, and an upper segment 348 extending from the shroud 126 and along an exterior surface of the upper 100 to the second end 344. As shown, the second end 344 of the medial strand 316 is disposed adjacent to the throat 108 in the mid-foot region 22 of the upper 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is connected to the second end 344 of the medial strand 316, such that the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 form a continuous strand extending over the throat 108 of the upper 100. In other examples, the second ends 336, 344 of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 may be indirectly connected to each other by an intermediate connecting element (not shown).

The upper segments 340, 348 of the control element 304 that extend around the upper 100 may be enclosed within one or more sheaths 350. Each sheath 350 may additionally be formed from a material and/or a weave that allows the sheath 350 and each upper segment 340, 348 of the control element 304 to move from a relaxed state to a stretched or expanded state when the control element is moved in a direction away from the upper 100 by way of the tightening force F_T (i.e., when the control element 304 is moved in the tightening direction D_T). When the tightening force F_T is removed, the material and/or weave of the sheath 350 automatically causes the sheath 350 to contract to the relaxed state and accommodate bunching by the control element 304 therein. With continued reference to FIG. 3, the upper segments 340, 348 are routed through the sheath 350 and over the throat 108 of the upper 100, adjacent to an anterior side of the ankle opening 104. Accordingly, the control element 304 extends across the upper 100 in front of the ankle of the wearer.

In the example shown, a separate tightening grip 352 may operatively connect to the sheath 350 at an attachment location proximate to the throat 108 to allow a user to apply the tightening force F_T to pull the control element 304 away from the upper 100, thereby causing each of the control element 304 and the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 to move in the tightening direction D_T. Other configurations may include operatively connecting one or more tightening grips 352 to other portions of the sheath 350 along the length of the control element 304. In some implementations, the tightening grip 352 is omitted and the sheath 350 is gripped directly by the user.

As discussed above, the locking device or cable lock 400 may be disposed within sole structure 200 of the footwear 10 and may be biased to a locked state to restrict movement of the adjustment elements 302, 304 in their respective loosening directions D_L. The sole structure 200 supports the cable lock 400 in some examples. The tensioning element 302 and the control element 304 each approach and pass through a housing 402 of the cable lock 400 from opposite directions. In some configurations, the cable lock 400 permits movement of the adjustment elements 302, 304 in the tightening directions D_T while in the locked state. The release mechanism 404 may transition the cable lock 400 from the locked state to an unlocked state to thereby permit the adjustment elements 302, 304 to move in both directions D_T, D_F.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the release mechanism 404 is operable to transition the cable lock 400 from a locked state to an unlocked state to permit the adjustment elements 302, 304 to move in both directions D_T, D_F. For instance, the release mechanism 404 may include a release cord or cable 404 operable to transition the cable lock 400 from the locked state to the unlocked state when the release cord 404 is pulled. The release cord 404 may extend through the shroud 126 formed by the upper 100 from a first end 406 attached to the cable lock 400 to a distal end 408 exposed from the upper 100, thereby permitting a user to grip and pull the release cord 404 for moving the cable lock 400 from the locked state to the unlocked state. In some examples, the distal end 408 of the release cord 404 includes a gripping feature 410, such as a loop, located remotely from the cable lock 400 to allow a user to grip and pull the release cord 404 when it is desirable to move the cable lock 400 into the unlocked state and/or release the cable lock 400 from the unlocked state. FIG. 1 shows the gripping feature 410 of the release cord 404 extending from the shroud 126 on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100. As shown, the release cord 404 is routed adjacent to the control element 304, whereby each of the release cord 404 and the control element 304 are routed through the same opening in the shroud 126 to the exterior of the upper 100.

In use, the article of footwear 10 may be initially provided in the relaxed or loosened state, whereby the interior void 102, the ankle opening 104, and the throat 108 are unrestricted by the tensioning element 302. Accordingly, the upper 100 may be freely expanded to allow a foot of a user to be inserted into the interior void 102. Once the foot of the user is disposed within the interior void 102, the tensioning element 302 is moved in the tightening direction D_T to constrict the upper 100 around the foot of the user. In one step, the lacing of the instep portion 308 of the tensioning element 302 may be tensioned to draw the upper edges 110 of the quarter panels 106 towards each other, thereby constricting the quarter panels 106 around the mid-foot region 22.

In another step, the heel region 24 of the upper 100 may be drawn tight around the heel of the foot. Here, the tensioning force F_T is applied to the control element 304 to move each of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 in the tightening direction D_T. As discussed above, movement of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 in the tightening direction D_T causes the respective lateral strand 310 and medial strand 312 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 to be pulled in the tightening direction D_T. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, because the second ends 319, 327 of the lateral strand 310 and the medial strand 312 of the heel portion 306 are fixed to the upper 100, movement of the lateral strand 310 and the medial strand 312 in the tightening direction D_T draws the respective lateral and medial ends 132, 134 of the heel strap 128 towards the anterior end 12 to constrict ankle opening 104 around the posterior end 14 of the upper 100.

Independently attaching the second ends 319, 327 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 further allows the lateral and medial strands 310, 312 to be independently tensioned from one another, whereby the lateral strand 310 can have a different tension from the medial strand 312. Furthermore, by attaching the heel strap 128 to the upper 100, the lateral end 132 and the medial end 134 of the heel strap 128 can also be tightened independently from one another. For example, a first tightening force (not shown) applied to the lateral strand 310 may be transmitted to the lateral end 132 of the heel strap 128, while a second tightening force (not shown) applied to the medial strand 312 is transmitted to the medial end 134 of the heel strap 128. Because the central portion 130 of heel strap 128 is attached to the posterior end 14 of the upper, the first force will not be transmitted to the medial end 134, and the second force will not be transmitted to the lateral end 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, an article of footwear 10a is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10a with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of the article of footwear 10a includes a system providing for dual tensioning, whereby a fit of the article of footwear 10a can be adjusted in both a heel region 24 and a mid-foot region 22. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10a includes an upper 100a and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper 100a. The article of footwear 10a further includes a tensioning system 300a and a cable lock 400 each integrated into at least one of the upper 100a and the sole structure 200.

As provided above, the article of footwear 10a is substantially similar to the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, in the example of the article of footwear 10a shown in FIGS. 5-8, the control element 304 and the release mechanism 404 are routed through the upper 100a to the heel region 24 of the footwear 10a, instead of being routed along the mid-foot region 22. Furthermore, the article of footwear 10a may be provided with an alternative example of the heel strap 128a having a split central portion 130a that extends to a lateral end 132a and a medial end 134a, similar to the heel strap 128 described above. Here, the heel strap 128a includes disc-shaped routing features 136a having a channel 138a extending continuously around a circumference thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 is connected to the lateral strand 310 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 334 at the cable lock 400 to a second end 336 along the heel region 24 of the upper 100a. Particularly, the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 includes a lower segment 338 extending from the first end 334 and through the shroud 126a along the heel side panel 118a on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100a. The lateral strand 314 further includes an upper segment 340 extending from the shroud 126a at the lateral side 16 of the heel counter 120a, and along an exterior surface of the upper 100a to the second end 336. Here, the second end 336 is disposed adjacent to the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10a.

Referring to FIG. 6, the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 is connected to the medial strand 312 of the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 342 at the cable lock 400 to a second end 344 along the upper 100a. The medial strand 316 of the control element 304 includes a lower segment 346 extending from the first end 342 and through the shroud 126a along the heel side panel 118a on the medial side 18 of the upper 100a. The medial strand 316 further includes an upper segment 348 extending from the shroud 126a at medial side 18 of the heel counter 120a and along an exterior surface of the upper 100a to the second end 344. Here, the second end 344 is disposed adjacent to the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10a.

In the illustrated example, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is connected to the second end 344 of the medial strand 316, such that the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 form a continuous strand extending around the posterior end 14 of the upper 100a. In other examples, the second ends 336, 344 of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 may be indirectly connected to each other by an intermediate connecting element (not shown).

The upper segments 340, 348 of the control element 304 that extend around the heel region 24 of the upper 100a may be enclosed within the sheath 350. Likewise, a separate tightening grip 352 may operatively connect to the sheath 350 at an attachment location proximate to the throat 108 to allow a user to apply the tightening force F_T to pull the control element 304 away from the upper 100a, thereby causing each of the control element 304 and the heel portion 306 of the tensioning element 302 to move in the tightening direction D_T.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, an article of footwear 10b is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10b with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

Referring to FIG. 9, an example of an article of footwear 10b includes a system providing for dual tensioning, whereby a fit of the article of footwear can be adjusted in both a heel region and a mid-foot region. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10b includes an upper 100b and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper 100b. The article of footwear 10b further includes a tensioning system 300b and a cable lock 400 each integrated into at least one of the upper 100b and the sole structure 200. The tensioning system 300b includes a tensioning element 302b and the control element 304 that cooperate with the cable lock 400 to move the article of footwear 10b between a tightened state and a relaxed state, as detailed below. The tensioning element 302b and the control element 304 may be collectively referred to as adjustment elements 302b, 304. The adjustment elements 302b, 304 are movable in a tightening direction D_T to move the article of footwear 10b into a tightened state, and in a loosening direction D_L to allow the article of footwear 10b to transition to a relaxed state. In some examples, a tightening force F_T applied to the control element 304 is transmitted to at least a portion of the tensioning element 302b through the cable lock 400 to move the tensioning element 302b in the tightening direction D_T. In some implementations, the upper 100b and the sole structure 200 cooperate to provide passages and guides for routing portions of the adjustment elements 302b, 304 through the cable lock 400. The cable lock 400 is configured to selectively secure the adjustment elements 302b, 304 in the tightened state.

In the illustrated example of the upper 100b, the throat 108b is enclosed and the quarter panels 106b are connected to each other. In some examples, the quarter panels 106b and the throat 108b are continuously formed of a single piece of material. In other examples, the throat 108b may be formed of a different material than the quarter panels 106b. For example, the quarter panels 106b may be formed of a relatively inelastic material, such as leather or vinyl, while the throat 108b is formed of an elastic material to allow the quarter panels 106b to be selectively moved apart from each other.

The upper 100b may be further described as including heel side panels 118b extending through the heel region 24 along the lateral and medial sides 22, 24 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 120b wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 118b. As shown, the tongue 114b is integrally formed with the throat 106b. Uppermost edges of the tongue 114b, the side panels 118b, and the heel counter 120b cooperate to form a collar 122b, which defines the ankle opening 104 of the interior void 102. The upper 100b may include one or more grip features 124 attached to the collar 122b adjacent the ankle opening 104 for pulling the footwear 10b onto and off of the foot.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the upper 100b may be provided with one or more shrouds 126b for concealing the various components of the tensioning system 300b. For example, at least one of the adjustment elements 302b, 304 of the tensioning system 300b may be routed beneath a shroud 126b. In the illustrated example, a portion of the control element 304 extending between the sole structure 200 and the exterior of the upper 100b may be concealed within the shrouds 126b on each of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18. Here, the shrouds 126b are integrally formed within the quarter panels 106b and the heel side panels 118b of the upper 100b. As discussed above with respect to the article of footwear 10, the heel counter 120b may be formed of a different material than the heel side panels 118b and/or the remainder of the upper 100b.

The upper 100b further includes a heel strap 128b extending around the posterior end 14 of the upper 100b. In the illustrated example, the heel strap 128b includes a central portion 130b attached to the heel counter 114b at the posterior end 14. The heel strap 128b extends around the posterior end 14 of the upper 10b from a first, lateral end 132b on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100b to a second, medial end 134b on the medial side 18 of the upper 100b. While the central portion 130b is attached to the heel counter 120b, the ends 132b, 134b are detached from the upper 100b and are able to move freely adjacent to the respective heel side panels 118b.

Each of the lateral end 132b and the medial end 134b of the heel strap 128b includes a routing feature 136 configured to cooperate with the tensioning element 302b of the tensioning system 300b. In the illustrated example, the routing feature 136 is a cable guide 136 configured to slideably receive a cable therein.

In the illustrated example, the upper 100b includes a pair of straps 140, 142 that extend over the upper 100b and are operable to selectively constrict the throat 108b of the upper 100b around the foot of the user. With reference to FIGS. 9-11, a lateral forefoot strap 140 extends from a proximal end 144 attached to the bite line 28 along the quarter panel 106b on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100b, and over the throat 108b to a distal end 146 on the medial side 18 of the upper 100b. Similarly, a medial forefoot strap 142 extends from a proximal end 148 attached to the bite line 28 along the quarter panel 106b on the medial side 18 of the upper 100b, and over the throat 108b to a distal end 150 on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100b. The distal ends 146, 150 of each of the straps 140, 142 each includes routing features 136 configured to have an instep portion 308b of the tensioning element 302b routed therethrough, as described in greater detail below.

The upper 100b may further include one or more conduits 152 for routing the adjustment elements 302b, 304 along the upper 100b. For example, the example of the upper 100b shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 include conduits 152 formed by loops of fabric attached to the heel side panels 118b. In other examples, the conduits 152 may be formed of a rigid material.

As introduced above, the tensioning system 300b generally includes the tensioning element 302b and the control element 304, which cooperate to selectively transition the upper 100b between a tightened state and a relaxed state. In the illustrated example, the tensioning element 302b includes a heel portion 306b and an instep portion 308b, which cooperate with each other to provide tensioning of the upper 100b around both the front of the ankle opening 104 and the rear of the ankle opening 104.

As best shown in FIG. 11, the tensioning element 302b and the control element 304 may be described as including lateral strands 310b, 314 and medial strands 312b, 316. Particularly, the tensioning element 302b includes a lateral strand 310b and a medial strand 312b. Each of the lateral strand 310b and the medial strand 312b may be further described as including the heel portion 306b and the instep portion 308b. For example, the tensioning element 302b may be described as having the heel portion 306b of the lateral strand 310b, the heel portion 306b of the medial strand 312b, the instep portion 308b of the lateral strand 310b, or the instep portion 308b of the medial strand 310b.

The control element 304 also includes a lateral strand 314 and a medial strand 316. In the illustrated example, the lateral strand 310b of the tensioning element 302b is connected to the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 through the cable lock 400, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, the medial strand 312b of the tensioning element 302b is connected to the medial strand 316 of the control element through the cable lock 400, as shown in FIG. 10. Accordingly, positions of the lateral and medial strands 310b, 312b of the tensioning element 302b may be adjusted by applying tension to a respective one of the lateral and medial strands 314, 316 of the control element 304.

With reference to FIG. 9, the heel portion 306b of the lateral strand 310b of the tensioning element 302b extends from a first end 318b at the cable lock 400 and through the shroud 126b along the heel side panel 118b on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100b. From the shroud 126b, the heel portion 306b of the lateral strand 310b extends through the routing feature 136 on the lateral end 132b of the heel strap 128b, and to a second end 319b at the conduit 152 along the heel side panel 118b on the lateral side 16.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, a first end 320b of the instep portion 308b of the lateral strand 310b of the tensioning element 302b is connected to the second end 319b of the heel portion 306b at the conduit 152. Thus, the instep portion 308b of the lateral strand 310b extends from the conduit 152 and is routed through the routing feature 136 on the distal end 150 of the medial forefoot strap 142. From the routing feature 136, the lateral strand 310b then extends along the quarter panel 106b on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100b and to a second end 321b attached at the bite line 28 on the lateral side 16. In the illustrated example, a portion of the instep portion 308b between the routing feature 136 and the second end 321b may be concealed beneath the shroud 126b.

With reference to FIG. 10, the heel portion 306b of the medial strand 312b of the tensioning element 302b extends from a first end 326b at the cable lock 400 and through the shroud 126b along the heel side panel 118b on the medial side 18 of the upper 100b. From the shroud 126b, the heel portion 306b of the medial strand 312b extends through the routing feature 136 on the medial end 134b of the heel strap 128b, and to a second end 327b at the conduit 152 along the heel side panel 118b on the medial side 18.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, a first end 328b of the instep portion 308b of the medial strand 312b of the tensioning element 302b is connected to the second end 327b of the heel portion 306b at the conduit 152. Thus, the instep portion 308b of the medial strand 312b extends from the conduit 152 and is routed through the routing feature 136 on the distal end 146 of the lateral forefoot strap 140. From the routing feature 136, the medial strand 312b then extends along the quarter panel 106b on the medial side 18 of the upper 100b and to a second end 329b attached at the bite line 28 on the medial side 18. In the illustrated example, a portion of the instep portion 308b between the routing feature 136 and the second end 329b may be concealed beneath the sheath 126b.

As described above, the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 is connected to the lateral strand 310b of the tensioning element 302b through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 334 at the cable lock 400 to the second end 336 along the upper 100b. The lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 includes the lower segment 338 extending from the first end 334 and through the shroud 126b of the upper 100b, and an upper segment 340 extending from the shroud 126b and along an exterior surface of the upper 100b to the second end 336b. As shown, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is disposed adjacent to the throat 108b in the mid-foot region 22 of the upper 100b.

Likewise, the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 is connected to the medial strand 312 of the tensioning element 302b through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 342 at the cable lock 400 to a second end 344 along the upper 100b. The medial strand 316 of the control element 304 includes a lower segment 346 extending from the first end 342 and through the shroud 126b of the upper 100b, and an upper segment 348 extending from the shroud 126b and along an exterior surface of the upper 100b to the second end 344. As shown, the second end 344 of the medial strand 316 is disposed adjacent to the throat 108b in the mid-foot region 22 of the upper 100.

In the illustrated example, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is connected to the second end 344 of the medial strand 316, such that the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 form a continuous strand extending over the throat 108b of the upper 100b. In other examples, the second ends 336, 344 of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 may be indirectly connected to each other by an intermediate connecting element (not shown). The upper segments 340, 348 of the control element 304 that extend around the upper 100b may be enclosed within a sheath 350 and may include one or more tightening grips 352.

As discussed above, the locking device or cable lock 400 may be disposed within sole structure 200 of the footwear 10b and may be biased to a locked state to restrict movement of the adjustment elements 302b, 306 in the their respective loosening directions D_L. Referring again to FIG. 9, the cable lock 400 may further include the release mechanism 402 operable to transition the cable lock 400 from a locked state to an unlocked state to permit the adjustment elements 302b, 304 to move in both directions D_T, D_F. FIG. 9 shows the gripping feature 408 of the release mechanism 404 extending from the shroud 126b on the lateral side 16 of the upper 10b. As shown, the release mechanism 404 is routed adjacent to the control element 304, whereby each of the release cord 404 and the control element 304 are routed through the same opening in the shroud 126b to the exterior of the upper 100b.

In use, the article of footwear 10b may be initially provided in the relaxed or loosened state, whereby the interior void 102, the ankle opening 104, and the throat 108b are unrestricted by the tensioning element 302b. Accordingly, the upper 100b may be freely expanded to allow a foot of a user to be inserted into the interior void 102. Once the foot of the user is disposed within the interior void 102, the tensioning element 302b is moved in the tightening direction D_T to constrict the upper 100 around the foot of the user. Here, the tensioning force F_T is applied to the control element 304 to move each of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 in the tightening direction D_T. As discussed above, movement of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 in the tightening direction D_T causes the respective lateral strand 310b and medial strand 312b of the tensioning element 302b to be pulled in the tightening direction D_T.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the lateral strand 310b of the tensioning element 302b is moved in the tightening direction D_T by application of the tensioning force F_T to the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304, an effective length of the lateral strand 310b of the tensioning element 302b (i.e., the length of the tensioning element 302 from the first end 318b of the heel portion 306b to the second end 321b of the instep portion 308b) is reduced. Accordingly, the heel portion 306b of the lateral strand 310b draws the routing feature 136 on the lateral end 132b of the heel strap 128b toward the anterior end 12 to tighten the collar 122 around the heel of the foot. Simultaneously, the instep portion 308b of the lateral strand 310b draws the routing feature 136 on the distal end 150 of the medial forefoot strap 142 down towards the bite line 28 on the lateral side 16 to tighten the medial forefoot strap 142 over the top of the foot.

With reference to FIG. 10, when the medial strand 312b of the tensioning element 302b is moved in the tightening direction D_T by application of the tensioning force F_T to the medial strand 316 of the control element 304, an effective length of the medial strand 312b of the tensioning element 302b (i.e., the length of the tensioning element 302b from the first end 326b of the heel portion 306b to the second end 329b of the instep portion 308b) is reduced. Accordingly, the heel portion 306b of the medial strand 312b draws the routing feature 136 on the medial end 134b of the heel strap 128b toward the anterior end 12 to tighten the collar 122 around the heel of the foot. Simultaneously, the instep portion 308b of the medial strand 312b draws the routing feature 136 on the distal end 146 of the lateral forefoot strap 140 down towards the bite line 28 on the medial side 18 to tighten the lateral forefoot strap 140 over the top of the foot.

Independently attaching the second ends 321, 329 of the instep portions 308b of the lateral and medial strands 310b, 312b of the tensioning element 302 allows the lateral and medial strands 310b, 312b to be independently tensioned from one another, whereby the lateral strand 310b can have a different tension from the medial strand 312b. For example, a first tightening force (not shown) applied to the lateral strand 310b may be applied to the lateral end 132b of the heel strap 128b and the medial forefoot strap 142, while a second tightening force (not shown) applied to the medial strand 312b is applied to the medial end 134b of the heel strap 128b and the lateral forefoot strap 140. Furthermore, by attaching the heel strap 128b to the upper 100b, the lateral end 132b and the medial end 134b of the heel strap 128b can also be tightened independently from one another. Because the central portion 130b of heel strap 128b is attached to the posterior end 14 of the upper, the first force will not be transmitted to the medial end 134b, and the second force will not be transmitted to the lateral end 132b.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, an article of footwear 10c is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10c with respect to the article of footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

Referring to FIG. 13, an example of an article of footwear 10c includes a system providing for dual tensioning, whereby a fit of the article of footwear can be adjusted in both a heel region and a mid-foot region. In some implementations, the article of footwear 10c includes an upper 100c and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper 100c. The article of footwear 10c further includes a tensioning system 300c and a cable lock 400 each integrated into at least one of the upper 100c and the sole structure 200. The tensioning system 300c includes a tensioning element 302c and the control element 304 that cooperate with the cable lock 400 to move the article of footwear 10c between a tightened state and a relaxed state, as detailed below. The tensioning element 302c and the control element 304 may be collectively referred to as adjustment elements 302c, 304. The adjustment elements 302c, 304 are movable in a tightening direction D_T to move the article of footwear 10c into a tightened state, and in a loosening direction D_L to allow the article of footwear 10c to transition to a relaxed state. In some examples, a tightening force F_T applied to the control element 304 is transmitted to at least a portion of the tensioning element 302c through the cable lock 400 to move the tensioning element 302c in the tightening direction D_T. In some implementations, the upper 100c and the sole structure 200 cooperate to provide passages and guides for routing portions of the adjustment elements 302c, 304 through the cable lock 400. The cable lock 400 is configured to selectively secure the adjustment elements 302c, 304 in the tightened state.

The upper 100c includes a plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void 102 and an ankle opening 104, which cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200. For example, the upper 100c includes a pair of quarter panels 106c in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void 102. A throat 108c extends across the top of the upper 100c and defines an instep region extending between the quarter panels 106c from the ankle opening 104 to the forefoot region 20. In the illustrated example, the throat 108c is open, whereby opposing upper edges 110c (i.e., eyestays) of the quarter panels 106c are separated from each other by a space 112c and can be selectively spaced apart from each other to adjust the size of the interior void 102 and the ankle opening 104. In some examples, a tongue 114c may be disposed within space 112c to cover the interior void 102. The upper 100c further includes a plurality of apertures 116c spaced along each of the upper edges 110c. As discussed in greater detail below, in some examples the tensioning element 302b may be alternatingly routed between the apertures 116c of the respective quarter panels 106c along the length of the throat 108c.

The upper 100c may be further described as including heel side panels 118c extending through the heel region 24 along the lateral and medial sides 22, 24 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 120c wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 118c. Uppermost edges of the tongue 110c, the side panels 118c, and the heel counter 120c cooperate to form a collar 122c, which defines the ankle opening 104 of the interior void 102. The upper 100c may include one or more grip features 124 attached to the collar 122c adjacent the ankle opening 104 for pulling the footwear 10c onto and off of the foot.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the upper 100c may be provided with one or more shrouds 126c for concealing the various components of the tensioning system 300c. For example, at least one of the adjustment elements 302c, 304 of the tensioning system 300c may be routed beneath a shroud 126c. In the illustrated example, a portion of the control element 304 extending between the sole structure 200 and the exterior of the upper 100c may be concealed within the shroud 126c on each of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18. Here, the shrouds 126c are integrally formed within the quarter panels 106c and the heel side panels 118c of the upper 100c. As discussed above with respect to the article of footwear 10, the heel counter 120c may be formed of a different material than the heel side panels 118c and/or the remainder of the upper 100c.

The upper 100c further includes a heel strap 128c extending around the posterior end 14 of the upper 100c. In the illustrated example, the heel strap 128c includes a central portion 130c attached to the heel counter 114c at the posterior end 14. The heel strap 128c extends around the posterior end 14 of the upper 10c from a first, lateral end 132c on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100c to a second, medial end 134c on the medial side 18 of the upper 100c. As best shown in FIG. 16, the central portion 130c of the heel strap 128c comprises a band attached to the posterior end 14 of the upper 100c, and each of the lateral end 132c and the medial end 134c comprises a cable. While the central portion 130c is attached to the heel counter 114, the ends 132c, 134c are detached from the upper 100c and are able to move freely adjacent to the respective heel side panels 118c.

Each of the lateral end 132c and the medial end 134c of the heel strap 128c includes a routing feature 136 configured to cooperate with the tensioning element 302 of the tensioning system 300c. In the illustrated example, the routing feature 136 is a cable guide 136 configured to slideably receive a cable therein. Particularly, the cable guide 136 may define an inner channel 138 that extends along an arcuate path and is configured to slideably receive a cable of the tensioning element 302 therein, as described in greater detail below.

As introduced above, the tensioning system 300c generally includes a tensioning element 302c and the control element 304, which cooperate to selectively transition the upper 100c between a tightened state and a relaxed state. In the illustrated example, the tensioning element 302c includes a heel portion 306c and an instep portion 308b, which cooperate with each other to provide tensioning of the upper 100c around both the front of the ankle opening 104 and the rear of the ankle opening 104.

As best shown in FIG. 15, the tensioning element 302c and the control element 304 may be described as including lateral strands 310c, 314 and medial strands 312c, 316. Particularly, the tensioning element 302c includes a lateral strand 310c and a medial strand 312c. Each of the lateral strand 310c and the medial strand 312c may be further described as including the heel portion 306c and the instep portion 308c. For example, the tensioning element 302c may be described as having the heel portion 306c of the lateral strand 310c, the heel portion 306c of the medial strand 312c, the instep portion 308b of the lateral strand 310c, or the instep portion 308b of the medial strand 312c.

The control element 304 also includes a lateral strand 314 and a medial strand 316. In the illustrated example, the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c is connected to the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 through the cable lock 400, as shown in FIG. 13. Similarly, the medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c is connected to the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 through the cable lock 400, as shown in FIG. 14. Accordingly, positions of the lateral and medial strands 310c, 312c of the tensioning element 302c may be adjusted by applying tension to a respective one of the lateral and medial strands 314, 316 of the control element 304.

With reference to FIG. 13, the heel portion 306c of the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c extends from a first end 318c at the cable lock 400 and through the shroud 126c along the heel side panel 118c on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100c. From the shroud 126c, the heel portion 306c of the lateral strand 310c extends through the routing feature 136 on the lateral end 132c of the heel strap 128c, and to a second end 319c at a first aperture 116c adjacent to the ankle opening 104 on the lateral side 16.

With reference to FIG. 15, a first end 320c of the instep portion 308c of the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c is connected to the second end 319c of the heel portion 306c at the first aperture 116c on the lateral side 16. From the first aperture 116c, the instep portion 108c of the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c is alternatingly routed between the apertures 116c on the respective quarter panels 106c and along the length of the throat 108c. For example, the lateral strand 310c may be routed from a first aperture 116c of the quarter panel 106c on the lateral side 16 to a second aperture 116c of the quarter panel 106c on the medial side 18, back to a third aperture 116c of the quarter panel 106c on the lateral side 16, and so on until the lateral strand 310c is routed along the entire length of the throat 108c to a second end 321c at a base of the throat 108c.

With reference to FIG. 14, the heel portion 306c of the medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c extends from a first end 326c at the cable lock 400 and through the shroud 126c along the heel side panel 118c on the medial side 18 of the upper 100c. From the shroud 126c, the heel portion 306c of the medial strand 312c extends through the routing feature 136 on the medial end 134c of the heel strap 128c, and to a second end 327c at a first aperture 116c adjacent to the ankle opening 104 on the medial side 18.

With reference to FIG. 15, a first end 328c of the instep portion 308c of the medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c is connected to the second end 327c of the heel portion 306c at the first aperture 116c on the medial side 18. From the first aperture 116c, the instep portion 108c of the medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c is alternatingly routed between the apertures 116c on the respective quarter panels 106c and along the length of the throat 108c. For example, the medial strand 312c may be routed from a first aperture 116c of the quarter panel 106c on the medial side 18 to a second aperture 116c of the quarter panel 106c on the lateral side 16, back to a third aperture 116c of the quarter panel 106c on the medial side 18, and so on until the medial strand 312c is routed along the entire length of the throat 108c to a second end 329c at the base of the throat 108c.

In the illustrated example, the second end 321c of the lateral strand 310c and the second end 329c of the medial strand 312c are connected to each other at the anterior end of the throat 108c such that the lateral strand 310c and the medial strand 312c are continuously formed with each other. Accordingly, forces applied to the lateral strand 310c or the medial strand 312c will be transferred to the other of the lateral strand 310c and the medial strand 312c whereby the tensioning element 302c will provide uniform tensioning along lateral and medial sides of the throat 108c.

As described above, the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 is connected to the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 334 at the cable lock 400 to the second end 336 along the upper 100c. The lateral strand 314 of the control element 304 includes the lower segment 338 extending from the first end 334 and through the shroud 126c of the upper 100, and an upper segment 340 extending from the shroud 126c and along an exterior surface of the upper 100c to the second end 336b. As shown, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is disposed adjacent to the throat 108b in the mid-foot region 22 of the upper 100c.

Likewise, the medial strand 318 of the control element 304 is connected to the medial strand 312 of the tensioning element 302c through the cable lock 400, and extends from a first end 342 at the cable lock 400 to a second end 344 along the upper 100c. The medial strand 318b of the control element 304 includes a lower segment 346 extending from the first end 342 and through the shroud 126c of the upper 100c, and an upper segment 348 extending from the shroud 126c and along an exterior surface of the upper 100c to the second end 344b. As shown, the second end 344 of the medial strand 318 is disposed adjacent to the throat 108b in the mid-foot region 22 of the upper 100.

In the illustrated example, the second end 336 of the lateral strand 314 is connected to the second end 344 of the medial strand 316, such that the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 form a continuous strand extending over the throat 108b of the upper 100c. In other examples, the second ends 336, 344 of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 may be indirectly connected to each other by an intermediate connecting element (not shown). As discussed previously, the upper segments 340, 348 of the control element 304 that extend around the upper 100c may be enclosed within one or more sheaths 350 including one or more tightening grips 352.

As discussed above, the locking device or cable lock 400 may be disposed within sole structure 200 of the footwear 10c and may be biased to a locked state to restrict movement of the adjustment elements 302c, 304 in the their respective loosening directions D_L. Referring again to FIG. 13, the cable lock 400 may further include the release mechanism 404 operable to transition the cable lock 400 from a locked state to an unlocked state to permit the adjustment elements 302c, 304 to move in both directions D_T, D_F. FIG. 13 shows the gripping feature 410 of the release mechanism 404 extending from the shroud 126c on the lateral side 16 of the upper 100c. As shown, the release mechanism 404 is routed adjacent to the control element 304, whereby each of the release mechanism 404 and the control element 304 are routed through the same opening in the shroud 126c to the exterior of the upper 100c.

In use, the article of footwear 10c may be initially provided in the relaxed or loosened state, whereby the interior void 102, the ankle opening 104, and the throat 108b are unrestricted by the tensioning element 302c. Accordingly, the upper 100c may be freely expanded to allow a foot of a user to be inserted into the interior void 102. Once the foot of the user is disposed within the interior void 102, the tensioning element 302c is moved in the tightening direction D_T to constrict the upper 100 around the foot of the user. Here, the tensioning force F_T is applied to the control element 304 to move each of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 in the tightening direction D_T. As discussed above, movement of the lateral strand 314 and the medial strand 316 of the control element 304 in the tightening direction D_T causes the respective lateral strand 310c and medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c to be pulled in the tightening direction D_T.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c is moved in the tightening direction D_T by application of the tensioning force F_T to the lateral strand 314 of the control element 304, an effective length of the lateral strand 310c of the tensioning element 302c (i.e., the length of the tensioning element 302 from the first end 318c of the heel portion 306c to the second end 321c of the instep portion 308c) is shortened. Accordingly, the heel portion 306c of the lateral strand 310c draws the routing feature 136 on the lateral end 132c of the heel strap 128c toward the anterior end 12 to tighten the collar 122c around the heel of the foot. Simultaneously, the instep portion 308c of the lateral strand 310c draws opposing edges of the respective quarter panels 106c towards each other to tighten the throat 108c along the instep region of the upper 100c.

With reference to FIG. 14, when the medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c is moved in the tightening direction D_T by application of the tensioning force F_T to the medial strand 316 of the control element 304, an effective length of the medial strand 312c of the tensioning element 302c (i.e., the length of the tensioning element 302c from the first end 326c of the heel portion 306c to the second end 329c of the instep portion 308c) is reduced. Accordingly, the heel portion 306c of the medial strand 312c draws the routing feature 136 on the medial end 134c of the heel strap 128c toward the anterior end 12 to tighten the collar 122c around the heel of the foot. Simultaneously, the instep portion 308c of the medial strand 312c draws opposing edges of the respective quarter panels 106c towards each other to tighten the throat 108c along the instep region of the upper 100c.

In some implementations, the cable lock 400 includes a housing 402 and a locking member or lock member 412 slidably disposed within the housing 402 and enclosed by a lid 414 releasably fastened to the housing 402. FIG. 18 provides an exploded view of the cable lock 400 of FIG. 17 showing the locking member 412 and the lid 414 removed from the housing 402. The housing 402 defines a length extending between a first end 416 and a second end 418. The housing 402 includes a base portion 420 having a cable-receiving surface 422 and a mounting surface 424 disposed on an opposite side of the base portion 420 than the cable-receiving surface 422 and opposing the exterior surface of the upper 100. The lid 414 opposes the cable-receiving surface 422 of the base portion 420 to define a locking member cavity 426 therebetween that is configured to receive the locking member 412 and a portion of the tensioning system 300. In some configurations, the locking member cavity 426 is bounded by a first engagement or lock surface 428 (FIGS. 19 and 20) and a second engagement or lock surface 430 (FIGS. 19 and 20) that converge toward one another such that the locking member cavity 426 is associated with a wedge-shaped configuration tapering toward the second end 418 of the housing 402. Accordingly, the first engagement surface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 include corresponding sidewalls of the housing 402 converging toward one another and extending between the lid 414 and the cable-receiving surface 422 of the base portion 420 to define the locking member cavity 426.

As discussed above, the tensioning system 300 may include a tensioning element 302 and a control element 304 are connected to each other by a locking element 305 that extends through the locking member cavity 426 and includes a first portion extending along the first engagement surface 428 and a second portion extending along the second engagement surface 430. The tensioning element 302 exits out of corresponding slots 432 (FIGS. 19 and 20) formed through opposing sidewalls of the housing 402 proximate to the first end 416. The control element 304 exits out of corresponding slots 432 (FIGS. 19 and 20) formed through the opposing sidewalls of the housing 402 proximate to the second end 418.

In some implementations, the locking member 412 includes a first lock surface 434 opposing the first engagement surface 428 of the housing 402 and a second lock surface 436 opposing the second engagement surface 430 of the housing 402 when the locking member 412 is disposed within the locking member cavity 426 of the housing 402. In some examples, the first lock surface 434 and the second lock surface 436 converge toward one another. Additionally or alternatively, the first lock surface 434 may be substantially parallel to the first engagement surface 428 and the second lock surface 436 may be substantially parallel to the second engagement surface 430. In the example shown, the locking surfaces 434, 436 include projections or teeth each having an angled surface to permit movement by tensioning system 300 in the tightening direction D_T (i.e., when the tightening force F_T is applied to control element 304) while restricting movement by the tensioning system 300 by gripping the locking element 305 in the loosening direction D_L when the locking member 412 is in the locked state. A biasing member 438 (e.g., a spring) may include a first end 440 attached to the second end 418 of the housing 402 and a second end 442 attached to a first end 444 of the locking member 412 to attach the locking member 412 to the housing 402.

In some implementations, the locking member 412 is slidably disposed within the housing 402 and is movable between a locked position (FIG. 19) associated with the locked state of the cable lock 400 and an unlocked position (FIG. 20) associated with the unlocked state of the cable lock 400. In some examples, the release mechanism 404 (e.g., release cord 404) moves the locking member 412 from the locked position (FIG. 19) to the unlocked position (FIG. 20). The locking member 412 may include a tab portion 446 extending from an opposite end of the locking member 412 than the first end 444. In one configuration, the first end 406 of the release cord 404 attaches to the tab portion 446 of the locking member 412. The tab portion 446 may include a pair of retention features or recesses 448 formed in corresponding ones of the first lock surface 434 and the second lock surface 436 and selectively receiving one or more retention features 450 associated with the housing 402 to maintain the cable lock 400 in the unlocked state. The retention features 450 associated with the housing 402 may include a first retention feature 450 and a second retention feature 450 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 402, whereby the retention features 450 are biased inward toward the cavity 426 and one another by corresponding biasing members 452. The retention features 450 may be projections that are integrally formed with the housing 402 such that the retention features 450 act as living hinges movable between a retracted state (FIG. 19) and an extended state (FIG. 20).

FIG. 19 provides a top view of the cable lock 400 of FIG. 17 with the lid 414 removed to show the locking member 412 disposed within the cavity 426 of the housing 402 while in the locked position. In some examples, the locking member 412 is biased into the locked position. For instance, FIG. 19 shows the biasing member 438 exerting a biasing force F_B (represented in a direction D_B) upon the locking member 412 to urge the first end 444 of the locking member 412 toward the second end 418 of the housing 402, and thereby bias the locking member 412 into the locked position. While in the locked position, the locking member 412 restricts movement of the tensioning system 300 relative to the housing 402 by pinching the locking element 305 of the tensioning system 300 between the lock surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430. Accordingly, the locked position of the locking member 412 restricts the tensioning system 300 from moving in the loosening direction D_L. In the example shown, the locking member 412 permits movement of the tensioning system 300 when the tightening force F_T is applied to the tightening grip 352, as this direction causes the tensioning system 300 to apply a force on the locking member 412 due to the generally wedge shape of the locking member 412, thereby moving the locking member 412 into the unlocked state. The locking member 412 automatically returns to the locked state once the force applied to the tightening grip 352 is released due to the forces imparted on the locking member 412 by the biasing member 438.

FIG. 20 provides a top view of the cable lock 400 of FIG. 17 with the lid 414 removed to show the locking member 412 disposed within the cavity 426 of the housing 402 while in the unlocked position. In some examples, the release cord 404 attached to the tab portion 446 of the locking member 412 applies a release force F_R upon the locking member 412 to move the locking member 412 away from the first engagement surface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 relative to the housing 402. Here, the release force F_R is sufficient to overcome the biasing force F_B of the biasing member 438 to permit the locking member 412 to move relative to the housing 402 such that the pinching upon the locking element 305 of the tensioning system 300 between the lock surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430 is released. In some examples, the biasing force F_B causes the locking member 412 to transition back to the locked position when the release force F_R applied by the release cord 404 is released. The release cord 404 may apply the release force F_R when a release force F_R of sufficient or predetermined magnitude is applied to pull the release cord 404 away from the upper 100 relative to the view of FIG. 20.

While in the unlocked position, the locking member 412 permits movement of the tensioning system 300 relative to the housing 402 by allowing the locking element 305 of the tensioning system 300 to freely move between the lock surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430. The unlocked position of the locking member 412 permits movement of the tensioning system 300 in both the tightening direction D_T and the loosening direction D_L when the forces F_T, F_L are applied to respective ones of the control element 304 and the tensioning element 302.

In some examples, a sufficient magnitude and/or duration of the release force F_R applied to the release cord 404 causes the release cord 404 to apply the release force F_R (FIG. 20) upon the locking member 412 in a direction opposite the direction of the biasing force F_B (FIG. 19) such that the locking member 412 moves away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 relative to the housing 402 and toward the first end 416 of the housing 402. At least one of the retention features 450 of the housing 402 may engage the retention feature 448 of the locking member 412 when release force F_R moves the locking member 412 a predetermined distance away from the first engagement surface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 of the housing 402. Here, engagement between the retention feature 448 of the locking member 412 and the at least one retention feature 450 of the housing 402 maintains the locking member 412 in the unlocked position once the release force F_R is released to cease the application of the release force F_R. The biasing force F_B of the biasing member 438 and the forces exerted by the pair of biasing members 452 on the retention features 450 lock the retention feature 388e of the locking member 412 into engagement with the retention features 450 of the housing 402 after the locking member 412 moves the predetermined distance and the release force 398 is no longer applied.

In some scenarios, a release force F_R associated with a first magnitude may be applied to the release cord 404 to move the locking member 412 away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 by a distance less than the predetermined distance such that the retention features 448, 450 do not engage. In these scenarios, the release force F_R associated with the first magnitude can be maintained when it is desirable to move the tensioning system 300 in the loosening direction D_L or the tightening direction D_T (e.g., by applying the tightening force F_T to the tightening grip 352) for adjusting the fit of the interior void 102 around the foot. Once the desired fit of the interior void 102 around the foot is achieved, the release force F_R can be released to cause the locking member 412 to transition back to the locked position so that movement of the tensioning system 300 is restricted in the loosening direction D_L and the desired fit can be sustained. It should be noted that even when the locking member 412 is in the locked position, the tensioning system 300 can be moved in the tightening direction D_T. As such, once the release force F_R is released and a desired fit is achieved, the locking member 412 automatically retains the desired fit by locking a position of the tensioning system 300 relative to the housing 402.

In other scenarios, a release force F_R associated with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude can be applied to the release cord 404 to move the locking member 412 the predetermined distance away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 to cause the corresponding retention features 448, 450 to engage. Engagement of the retention features 448, 450 is facilitated by providing the retention features 450 with a tapered edge that opposes the locking member 412 to allow the locking member 412 to more easily move the retention features 450 against the biasing force F_B imparted thereon by the biasing members 452 when the release cord 404 is pulled the predetermined distance. In these scenarios, engagement between the corresponding retention features 448, 450 maintains the locking member 412 in the unlocked position when the release force F_R is released.

The locking member 412 is returned to the locked position when a tightening force F_T is applied to the control element 304. Namely, when a force is applied to the lateral and medial strands 314, 316, these strands 314, 316 are placed in tension which, in turn, exerts a force on the biasing members 452 via the retention features 450, as the strands 314, 316 pass through a portion of the retention features 450. In so doing, the retention features 450 compress the biasing members 452 and, as such, cause the retention features 450 to move away from one another and disengage the retention features 448 of the locking member 412, thereby allowing the biasing member 438 to return the locking member 412 to the locked position.

The following Clauses provide exemplary configurations for an article of footwear and a cable lock in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising, an upper including an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter, a sole structure attached to the upper, a heel strap disposed at the heel counter of the upper, a cable lock disposed within the sole structure, and a tensioning system including a tensioning element having a heel portion extending from the cable lock to the heel strap, and a control element extending from the cable lock to an exterior surface of the upper, the control element operable to move the tensioning element between a first position and a second position.

Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the heel strap extends around the heel counter from a medial end on a medial side of the upper to a lateral end on a lateral side of the upper.

Clause 3: The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein each of the medial end and the lateral end includes a cable guide configured to cooperate with the tensioning element.

Clause 4: The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the heel portion of the tensioning element includes at least one of a medial portion extending from the cable lock to the medial end of the heel strap and a lateral portion extending from the cable lock to the lateral end of the heel strap.

Clause 5: The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion includes a first segment extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a second segment extending from the heel strap to one of the quarter region and the instep region.

Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the upper includes a plurality of eyelets and the second segment extends from the heel strap to one of the eyelets.

Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the tensioning system further includes an instep portion operable to move the instep region between a tightened state and a relaxed state.

Clause 8: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the heel counter has a greater pliability than the quarter region of the upper.

Clause 9: The article of footwear of Clause 8, wherein the heel counter is formed of an elastic material.

Clause 10: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the control element extends along the exterior surface of the upper from a first end on a medial side of the upper to a second end on a lateral side of the upper.

Clause 11: An article of footwear comprising an upper including an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter, a sole structure attached to the upper, a cable lock disposed within the sole structure, and a tensioning system including a heel portion operable to control a fit of the heel counter and an instep portion operable to control a fit of the instep region.

Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, further comprising a heel strap extending around the heel counter from a medial end on a medial side of the upper to a lateral end on a lateral side of the upper.

Clause 13: The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein each of the medial end and the lateral end includes a cable guide configured to cooperate with a tensioning cable of the tensioning system.

Clause 14: The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein the heel portion of the tensioning system includes at least one of a medial portion extending from the cable lock to the medial end of the heel strap and a lateral portion extending from the cable lock to the lateral end of the heel strap.

Clause 15: The article of footwear of Clause 14, wherein the at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion includes a first segment extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a second segment extending from the heel strap to one of the quarter region and the instep region.

Clause 16: The article of footwear of Clause 15, wherein the upper includes a plurality of eyelets and the second segment extends form the heel strap to one of the eyelets.

Clause 17: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the instep portion is independently operable from the heel portion.

Clause 18: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the heel counter has a greater pliability than the quarter region of the upper.

Clause 19: The article of footwear of Clause 18, wherein the heel counter is formed of an elastic material.

Clause 20: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the instep portion includes a lace operable to selectively draw a medial side of the upper and a lateral side of the upper toward one another to adjust the fit of the instep region.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper including an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter;

a sole structure attached to the upper;

a heel strap disposed at the heel counter of the upper;

a cable lock disposed within the sole structure; and

a tensioning system including a tensioning element having a heel portion extending from the cable lock to the heel strap, and a control element extending from the cable lock to an exterior surface of the upper, the control element operable to move the tensioning element between a first position and a second position.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel strap extends around the heel counter from a medial end on a medial side of the upper to a lateral end on a lateral side of the upper.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein each of the medial end and the lateral end includes a cable guide configured to cooperate with the tensioning element.

4. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the heel portion of the tensioning element includes at least one of a medial portion extending from the cable lock to the medial end of the heel strap and a lateral portion extending from the cable lock to the lateral end of the heel strap.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion includes a first segment extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a second segment extending from the heel strap to one of the quarter region and the instep region.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the upper includes a plurality of eyelets and the second segment extends from the heel strap to one of the eyelets.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the tensioning system further includes an instep portion operable to move the instep region between a tightened state and a relaxed state.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel counter has a greater pliability than the quarter region of the upper.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the heel counter is formed of an elastic material.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the control element extends along the exterior surface of the upper from a first end on a medial side of the upper to a second end on a lateral side of the upper.

11. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper including an instep region at an anterior end of an ankle opening, a heel counter at a posterior end of the ankle opening, and a quarter region extending between the instep region and the heel counter;

a sole structure attached to the upper;

a cable lock disposed within the sole structure; and

a tensioning system including a heel portion operable to control a fit of the heel counter and an instep portion operable to control a fit of the instep region.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, further comprising a heel strap extending around the heel counter from a medial end on a medial side of the upper to a lateral end on a lateral side of the upper.

13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein each of the medial end and the lateral end includes a cable guide configured to cooperate with a tensioning cable of the tensioning system.

14. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the heel portion of the tensioning system includes at least one of a medial portion extending from the cable lock to the medial end of the heel strap and a lateral portion extending from the cable lock to the lateral end of the heel strap.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion includes a first segment extending from the cable lock to the heel strap and a second segment extending from the heel strap to one of the quarter region and the instep region.

16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the upper includes a plurality of eyelets and the second segment extends form the heel strap to one of the eyelets.

17. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the instep portion is independently operable from the heel portion.

18. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the heel counter has a greater pliability than the quarter region of the upper.

19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the heel counter is formed of an elastic material.

20. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the instep portion includes a lace operable to selectively draw a medial side of the upper and a lateral side of the upper toward one another to adjust the fit of the instep region.