ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A CLOSURE SYSTEM
A fastening system for an article of footwear includes a fastening mechanism, a lace, and a cable. The fastening mechanism includes an upper cover that is rotatably coupled to a chassis. The lace is operably engaged with an upper of the footwear and the fastening mechanism. The cable is attached to the upper cover and rotated relative to the chassis about a rotational axis to adjust the footwear between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration. The fastening mechanism is tightened by actuating the cable and is loosened by rotating the upper cover counterclockwise.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/418,850, filed on Oct. 24, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable
SEQUENCE LISTINGNot applicable
BACKGROUND 1. Field of the InventionThe present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including a closure system.
2. Description of the BackgroundMany conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and a top portion. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole, and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates, embedded with the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.
The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulatable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.
The upper of many shoes may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be utilized to form the upper and chosen for use based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties.
However, in many cases, articles of footwear having uppers with an increased comfort and better fit are desired, along with improved closure mechanisms.
SUMMARYAn article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. The article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure connected to the upper.
In one embodiment, a fastening system for an article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism, a lace, and a cable. The fastening mechanism includes an upper cover that is rotatably coupled to a chassis. The lace is configured to be operably coupled to an upper of the article of footwear and the fastening mechanism. The cable is attached to the upper cover and is configured to be rotated relative to the chassis about a rotational axis to adjust the footwear between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration. The fastening mechanism is tightened by actuating the cable and is loosened by rotating the upper cover counterclockwise.
In another embodiment, a fastening system for an article of footwear comprises a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes an upper cover, a chassis, a floating latch, an affixed latch, a cable, and a pinion-spool assembly. A lace is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear and the fastening mechanism is configured to be actuated to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration.
In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a fastening system is introduced. The steps comprise providing an article of footwear that comprises an opening that is configured to receive a foot and then providing a fastening mechanism comprising a first actuation mechanism to adjust the tightness of the footwear, and providing a second actuation mechanism to further adjust the tightness of the footwear. The second and the first actuation mechanisms are configured to be operably engaged with a pinion-spool assembly. The first actuation mechanism is operably engaged with a spring element and the spring element adjusts a tension between a lace that is operably connected with the pinion-spool assembly. The pinion-spool assembly is rotated in a first direction to adjust the fastening mechanism to a tightened configuration. The pinion-spool assembly is rotated in a second direction to adjust the fastening mechanism to a loosened configuration.
Other aspects of the article of footwear, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the article of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and a sole structure. Although embodiments of a shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe or the sole structure may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the sole structure may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.
The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.
The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and/or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole or sole structure. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, and/or a non-woven textile. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and/or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and/or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, and/or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid and/or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and/or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.
Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper 102 of the article of footwear 100 is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, one area of the upper 102 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upper 102 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the upper 102 may vary throughout the upper 102 by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper 102.
With reference to the material(s) that comprise the upper 102, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of a knitted component may at least partially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knitted material. Elastane and stretch polyester may each provide a knitted component with a desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture absorbent material, wool may provide a material with an increased moisture absorbance, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion-resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic, durable material.
Other aspects of a knitted component may also be varied to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, a yarn forming a knitted component may include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. In addition, a knitted component may be formed using a particular knitting process to impart an area of a knitted component with particular properties. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to particular areas of the upper 102.
In some embodiments, an elasticity of a knit structure may be measured based on comparing a width or length of the knit structure in a first, non-stretched state to a width or length of the knit structure in a second, stretched state after the knit structure has a force applied to the knit structure in a lateral direction. In further embodiments, the upper 102 may also include additional structural elements. For example, in some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) may be provided on the heel region 112 to provide added support to a heel of a user. In some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to an exterior surface using glue or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the properties associated with the upper 102, e.g., a stitch type, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, may be varied.
Referring again to
Furthermore, the insole can be positioned within the interior cavity 106 of the upper 102, which can be in direct contact with a user's foot while an article of footwear 100 is being worn. Moreover, the upper 102 may also include a liner (not shown) that can increase comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the foot of the user and the upper 102, the sole structure 104, the insole, or the like, and/or by providing moisture wicking properties. The liner may line the entirety of the interior cavity 106 or only a portion thereof. In some embodiments, a binding (not shown) may surround an opening of the interior cavity 106 to secure the liner to the upper 102 and/or to provide an aesthetic element on the article of footwear 100.
Referring to
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It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear 100 and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear 100, with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and/or the lateral side 116 as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. However, aspects of the article of footwear 100 and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear 100 and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, the heel region 112, the medial side 118, and/or the lateral side 116 discussed herein.
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The lateral side 116 also begins at the distal, toe end 140 and bows outward along an outer side of the article of footwear 100 along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The lateral side 116 reaches the first line 144, at which point the lateral side 116 bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis 120. The lateral side 116 extends from the first line 144, i.e., the widest portion 142, toward the second line 150, i.e., the thinnest portion 148, at which point the lateral side 116 enters into the midfoot region 110, i.e., upon crossing the first line 144. Once reaching the second line 150, the lateral side 116 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 120, at which point the lateral side 116 extends into the heel region 112, i.e., upon crossing the second line 150. The lateral side 116 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 146, and terminates at a point where the lateral side 116 meets the longitudinal, central axis 120.
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In the illustrated embodiment, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole 172 and an outsole 174. The outsole 174 may define a bottom end or bottom surface 176 of the sole structure 104 across the heel region 112, the midfoot region 110, and the forefoot region 108. Further, the outsole 174 may be a ground-engaging portion or include a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure 104 and may be opposite of the insole thereof. As illustrated in
Still referring to
In embodiments where the midsole 172 is formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams, such as a TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO2, N2, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam. In further embodiments, the midsole 172 may be formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 172 may be formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape.
In some embodiments, the fastening system 204 is embedded in the upper 102. In some embodiments, the fastening system 204 can be removed from the upper 102 and transferred to a different article of footwear 200. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 208 is mounted to the upper 102 on the medial side 118 of the article of footwear 200 within the midfoot region 110. In some aspects, the fastening mechanism 208 is mounted to the upper 102 within the heel region 112.
With continued reference to
The central stem 280 is disposed within the intermediate wall 278 that defines an inner cavity 286. The central stem 280 within the inner cavity 286 receives a spool 288. The intermediate wall 278 includes a pocket 290 that is disposed outwardly of the intermediate wall 278. An intermediate channel 292 is defined between the outer chassis wall 262 and the intermediate wall 278 and further defines an intermediate surface 294. In some embodiments, the intermediate surface 294 may be a flat surface, a helical surface, or an inwardly ramped surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate channel 292 contains a spring element 296. A first inner opening 302 and second inner opening 304 are disposed along the intermediate wall 278 diametrically opposite of one another relative to the central axis CA.
As illustrated in
The fastening system 204 includes an affixed latch 320, a floating latch 322, and a pinion 324 that is integrally formed with the spool 288. The affixed latch 320 includes a first arm 328, a second arm 330, a primary hole 332, and a secondary hole 334. The primary hole 332 of the affixed latch 320 is coupled with the pocket 290 of the chassis 224 by a static bolt 338 inserted therethrough. The static bolt 338 defines a longitudinal axis LAS that is configured to be parallel with but offset from the center axis CA. A pin 340 is inserted into the secondary hole 334 of the affixed latch 320 and connected to a first latching end 344 of the spring element 296. The floating latch 322 includes a main arm 348, a main hole 350, a recessed area 352, and a slot 354 disposed proximate the recessed area 352. The slot 354 is connected with the spring element 296 by a second latching end 358. The main hole 350 of the floating latch 322 is coupled with the intermediate aperture 240 of the upper cover 220 by the dynamic bolt 246. Further, the main hole 350 is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis LAD defined by the dynamic bolt 246. The longitudinal axis LAD of the dynamic bolt 246 is configured to be coaxial with the longitudinal axis LAS of the static bolt 338, such that both are parallel with and offset from the center axis CA. The floating latch 322 travels above the affixed latch 320 during a radial motion e.g., rotation, and the thickness of the pinion 324 is approximately equal to a sum of the thicknesses of the floating latch 322 and the affixed latch 320.
The pinion 324 is formed integrally with the spool 288 that is received by the inner cavity 286 of the chassis 224. In some embodiments, the pinion 324 and the spool 288 may be coupled by an adhesive or may be welded to form a pinion-spool assembly 360. The pinion 324 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 includes a plurality of teeth 362 disposed circumferentially thereabout and spaced radially from one another. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 may be provided as a spur-shape or a helical shape. In some embodiments, the respective shapes of the first arm 328, the second arm 330 of the affixed latch 320, and/or the main arm 348 of the floating latch 322 resemble or mirror the shape of the teeth 362 of the pinion 324 to promote engagement during certain operation functions. The spool 288 further includes a barrel 364 extending between an outer flange 366 and an inner flange 368 along the central axis CA. The outer flange 366 defines a frontal outer flange surface 370 and a rear outer flange surface 372 and the inner flange 368 defines a frontal inner flange surface 374 and a rear inner flange surface 376 (shown in
Referring to
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The guide groove 256 is disposed between the upper cover 220 and the chassis 224. The upper cover 220 may rotate clockwise and/or counterclockwise based on the pulling motion or the retraction of the cable 214. The upper cover 220 partially receives the outer chassis wall 262 forming guide groove 256. A chamber 412 that is in fluidic communication with the first outer opening 306 and the second outer opening 308 of the outer chassis wall 262 is formed radially about the spool 288 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 which may receive the lace (not shown) of the footwear 200.
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A fourth step 640 includes actuating a second mechanism, such as, e.g., pulling the cable 214 connected to the upper cover 220, to adjust the tightness of the footwear. In some embodiments, the step 640 includes pulling the cable 214, which subsequently causes the upper cover 220 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the center axis CA. The floating latch 322 coupled to the upper cover 220 engages with at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion-spool assembly 360. The engagement between the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 and the floating latch 322 enables the spool 288 to incrementally wind lengths of the lace 212 around the barrel 364 to incrementally adjust the tension of the lace 212 to tighten the footwear 200. A decision step 650 is reached by the user to determine whether a desired tightness has been achieved. If the desired tightness has not been achieved, the user may assess the tightness of the footwear 200 and actuate the tightness of the footwear 200 by returning to the third step 630. Once the desired tightness of the lace 212 is reached, the affixed latch 320 engages the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 holding the pinion-spool assembly 360 in place, and the tension between the spring element 296 in connection with the affixed latch 320 and the floating latch 322 increases as the floating latch 322 also engages with the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324. A partially closed position may be achieved by both the affixed latch 320 and the floating latch 322 being engaged with the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324, which increases the tension of the spring element 296.
A user decision step 660 is reached in which the user determines whether or not to remove the footwear 200. If the user decides to remove the footwear 200 (i.e., YES) at decision step 660, a fifth step 670 comprises loosening of the lace 212 to remove the user's foot from the footwear 200 after use. The loosening of the lace 212 occurs as the upper cover 220 of the fastening mechanism 208 is turned counterclockwise. In other embodiments, the loosening of the lace 212 may be enabled by pulling the cable 214 connected to the upper cover 220. As the upper cover 220 rotates counterclockwise, the floating latch 322 coupled to the upper cover 220 disengages from the at least one of the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 by sliding away from the pinion 324. Subsequently and simultaneously, the spool 288 of the pinion-spool assembly 360 partially releases the lace 212 from the final actuation position 500. As described above, the bolt head 402 of the dynamic bolt 246 couples the floating latch 322 and upper cover 220. In the illustrated embodiment, as the bolt head 402 of the dynamic bolt 246 abuts the affixed latch 320 between the first arm 328 and the second arm 330, the dynamic bolt 246 generates a pushing force against the first arm 328 and the second arm 330 of the affixed latch 320, which disengages the affixed latch 320 from the plurality of teeth 362 of the pinion 324 and relieves the tension of the lace 212. A sixth step 680 includes the removal of the user's foot from the footwear 200. If the user decides not to remove the footwear 200 (i.e., NO) at decision step 660, the footwear 200 may be worn until it becomes necessary to repeat any of the steps 620-650 to adjust the tightness of the footwear 200.
It is also contemplated that the fastening mechanism 208, may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,325,613, 5,600,875, 5,606,778, 5,638,588, 5,651,198, and 5,669,116, which are all commonly assigned to Puma SE and incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. For example, it is contemplated that the fastening mechanism 208 may include one or more aspects of such closure mechanisms to provide tightening or loosening functionality when mounted on the respective footwear 200 of the present disclosure.
In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, certain features and combinations of features that are presented with respect to particular embodiments in the discussion above can be utilized in other embodiments and in other combinations, as appropriate. Further, any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.
As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYNumerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
Claims
1. A fastening system for an article of footwear, comprising:
- a fastening mechanism including an upper cover that is rotatably coupled to a chassis;
- a lace that is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear and the fastening mechanism; and
- a cable that is attached to the upper cover, wherein the cable is configured to be rotated relative to the chassis about a rotational axis to adjust the footwear between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration, wherein the fastening mechanism is tightened by actuating the cable, and wherein the fastening mechanism is loosened by rotating the upper cover counterclockwise.
2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism is mounted to the upper on a lateral side of the footwear within a midfoot region.
3. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the lace is operably engaged with the fastening mechanism and extends through a spool, and wherein the lace is proximate a tongue of the footwear.
4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein the fastening mechanism includes the upper cover that is configured to receive a cable, the spool that is configured to receive the lace, and a screw that is operably engaged with the upper cover and the spool.
5. The fastening system of claim 4, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a floating latch that is coupled to the upper cover, wherein the floating latch is configured to be selectively engaged with a pinion.
6. The fastening system of claim 5, wherein the fastening mechanism includes an affixed latch that is coupled to a static bolt, wherein the affixed latch is configured to be selectively engaged with the pinion.
7. The fastening system of claim 4, wherein the spool is integrally formed with a pinion, and wherein the rotation of the spool is configured to rotate the pinion.
8. The fastening system of claim 6, wherein the floating latch reaches a final position angle of 270 degrees relative to a reference axis that intersects a center point of the static bolt.
9. The fastening system of claim 6, wherein the floating latch is configured to move radially about the screw and vertically above the affixed latch, wherein a first thickness is defined by a plurality of teeth of the pinion, a second thickness is defined by the floating latch, and a third thickness is defined by the affixed latch, the first thickness being no less than a sum of the second thickness and the third thickness.
10. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the upper cover is rotated counterclockwise to loosen a tension of the lace.
11. A fastening system for an article of footwear, comprising:
- a fastening mechanism including an upper cover, a chassis, a floating latch, an affixed latch, a cable, and a pinion-spool assembly; and
- a lace that is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to be actuated to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration.
12. The fastening system of claim 11, wherein a pinion and a spool are integrally formed to define a pinion-spool assembly, the pinion-spool assembly including a medial hole that extends through the pinion-spool assembly.
13. The fastening system of claim 11, wherein the chassis includes a receptacle that has a guide passage through which a portion of the cable is pulled to cause rotation of the upper cover relative to the chassis.
14. The fastening system of claim 13, wherein rotation of the upper cover is configured to adjust a tension of a spring element.
15. The fastening system of claim 14, wherein the floating latch is configured to be rotated radially about a central axis to increase the tension of the spring element, and wherein a main arm of the floating latch is configured to engage at least one of a plurality of teeth of the pinion to maintain the tension of the spring element.
16. A method of operating a fastening system, comprising the steps of:
- providing an article of footwear that comprises an opening that is configured to receive a foot;
- providing a fastening mechanism comprising a first actuation mechanism to adjust a tightness of the footwear; and
- providing a second actuation mechanism to further adjust the tightness of the footwear, wherein the second actuation mechanism and the first actuation mechanism are configured to be operably engaged with a pinion-spool assembly,
- wherein the first actuation mechanism is operably engaged with a spring element, the spring element adjusting a tension between a lace that is operably connected with the pinion-spool assembly,
- wherein the pinion-spool assembly is rotated in a first direction to adjust the fastening mechanism to a tightened configuration, and
- wherein the pinion-spool assembly is rotated in a second direction to adjust the fastening mechanism to a loosened configuration.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein an initial angle of an initial position is measured between a first point that is intersected by a longitudinal axis of a dynamic bolt and a second point that is intersected by a longitudinal axis of a static bolt, and wherein the initial angle is between about 75 degrees and about 89 degrees.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein an intermediate angle of an intermediate position is measured between the first point and the second point, and wherein the intermediate angle is between about 89 degrees and about 269 degrees.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein a final angle of a final position is measured between the first point and the second point, and wherein the final angle is between about 270 degrees and about 290 degrees.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the dynamic bolt rotatably couples a floating latch to the fastening mechanism, and wherein the floating latch is selectively configured to disengage from a plurality of teeth of the pinion-spool assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 23, 2023
Publication Date: Apr 25, 2024
Inventor: Andreas Siegismund (Rueckersdorf)
Application Number: 18/383,347