CN108495568A - Strapping system with induction element - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclose the article of footwear with various types of induction elements.Article of footwear, which provides, can pass through one group of tension component of induction element to move, to switch between the release of vamp and tightening position.It is across induction element associated with vamp that tension component, which can be arranged route, which can provide compression strength and support.

Description

Lacing system with guiding elements

priority claim

This application claims the benefit of priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 14/950,785, filed November 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

background

The present invention relates generally to footwear, and in particular the present invention relates to lacing systems for articles of footwear.

overview

Embodiments may include devices that help guide laces or other tensile elements along various portions or components of an article of footwear.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an article of footwear that includes an upper, a first guide element attached to the upper, and a first tensile element. The first tensile element is configured to condition the upper and is routed through the first guide element. Additionally, the first tensile element moves through the first guide element to condition the upper when tension is applied to the first tensile element, and the stiffness of the first guide element is greater than the stiffness of the first tensile element.

In additional aspects, the present disclosure relates to an article of footwear that includes an upper, a guide element attached to the upper, and a tensile element. The tensile element is routed through the guide element, and the tensile element is configured to adjust the upper when tension is applied to the tensile element. Furthermore, the guide element is incorporated into the first portion of the upper, and the guide element has a compressive strength greater than the compressive strength of the first portion of the upper. In addition, the curvature of the guide element is substantially similar to the curvature of the first portion of the upper into which the guide element is incorporated.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an article of footwear;

2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hollow panel;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hollow panel;

6 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a segmented hollow panel;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a segmented hollow panel;

10 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a series of hollow channels;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a series of hollow channels;

14 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a series of hollow tube embodiments;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a series of hollow tube embodiments;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guide element;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guide element; and

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guide element.

Detailed Description

1 is an embodiment of an article of footwear ("article") 100 in the form of an athletic shoe, also referred to simply as article 100 . For the sake of clarity, the following detailed description discusses several embodiments, however, it should be remembered that the present embodiments may also take the form of any other kind of footwear including, for example, roller skates, boots, ski boots, snowboard boots, Cycling shoes, dress shoes, slippers, or any other kind of footwear.

In some embodiments, article 100 includes, in some embodiments, upper 102 . In one instance, upper 102 may include entry opening 105 that allows foot 106 to enter upper 102 . In other cases, upper 102 also includes an interior cavity configured to receive foot 106 . In particular, access opening 105 may provide access to the lumen.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may be associated with sole structure 104 . In one embodiment, upper 102 is attached to sole structure 104 . In some cases, upper 102 is joined to sole structure 104 by stitching or adhesives. In other cases, upper 102 may be integrally formed with sole structure 104 .

In some embodiments, sole structure 104 includes a midsole. In other embodiments, sole structure 104 may also include an insole configured to contact foot 106 , shown in phantom in FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, sole structure 104 may include an outsole configured to contact the ground. In one embodiment, sole structure 104 may include a midsole as well as an outsole and an insole.

In general, upper 102 may have any design. In some embodiments, upper 102 may have the appearance of a low top sneaker. In other embodiments, upper 102 may have the appearance of a high top sneaker. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , upper 102 may include high ankle portion 132 . In particular, upper 102 may include first extension 181 and second extension 182 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the first extension 181 and the second extension 182 have a generally triangular shape. In other embodiments, the first extension portion 181 and the second extension portion 182 may have another shape. Examples of other shapes include, but are not limited to, circular shapes, rectangular shapes, polygonal shapes, regular shapes, and irregular shapes. Using this configuration for ankle portion 132 may help provide upper 102 with additional support for ankle 108 .

Article 100 may include means for tightening upper 102 around foot 106 . In some embodiments, article 100 may be associated with laces, straps, and/or fasteners for tightening upper 102 when foot 106 has been inserted therein. In some cases, article 100 may include laces, straps, and/or fasteners that may be manually adjusted by a user. In one embodiment, article 100 may include means for automatically adjusting laces, straps, and/or other fasteners associated with upper 102 . By using self-adjusting laces, straps, and/or other fasteners, upper 102 may be tightened around the foot with minimal effort from the user. In other embodiments, upper 102 may be manually tightened by a user.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may include individual tightening systems associated with different portions of upper 102 . In this exemplary embodiment, upper 102 may include a lacing system associated with arched portion 130 of upper 102 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a first lacing system 122 is shown. Likewise, upper 102 may include automatic ankle cinching system 124 associated with ankle portion 132 of upper 102 . In one embodiment, first lacing system 122 and automatic ankle tightening system 124 may be configured to automatically tighten and/or loosen upper 102 around foot 106 and ankle 108 .

In various embodiments, first lacing system 122 in some embodiments includes a plurality of tensile elements. The term tensile elements, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to any device that can be used to tighten and/or secure a portion of an article of footwear to a foot. For example, in some cases, the tensile elements may include laces, cords, strips, wires, straps, strands, threads, or any other fastener elements. In general, a tensile element can have any shape. In some embodiments, the tensile element can have a rectangular shape or a ribbon-like shape. It should be understood, however, that the term tensile element is not intended to be limited to tightening devices having a belt-like shape. In other embodiments, for example, the tensile element may have a lace-like shape. In yet other embodiments, the lacing system may be associated with other types of fasteners.

Additionally, the tensile elements may be made of any material. Examples of materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, leather, natural fibers, synthetic fabrics, metal, rubber, and other materials. In some embodiments, the strap may also be any type of braided strap. In particular, the tensile element may be knitted from any material known in the art for making knitted tensile elements.

In general, a lacing system can include any number of tensile elements. In some embodiments, only a single tensile element may be provided. In other embodiments, multiple tensile elements may be provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , first strap system 122 includes four tensile elements, including first strap 111 , second strap 112 , third strap 113 , and fourth strap 114 . For clarity, the first strip 111 , the second strip 112 , the third strip 113 and the fourth strip 114 may be collectively referred to as the first strip set 115 . It should be understood that in other embodiments, first strap set 115 may include any type of tensile element as described above.

In this embodiment, first strap set 115 is positioned below lacing gap 107 of upper 102 . In one embodiment, the first strap set 115 can be configured to adjust the size of the lacing gap 107 . As the size of lacing gap 107 is adjusted, the sidewall portions of upper 102 may move closer together or further apart. With this arrangement, upper 102 may be opened and/or closed about an arch of foot 106 when first strap set 115 is adjusted.

In general, first strap set 115 may be arranged in any direction on upper 102 . In some embodiments, first strap set 115 can extend in a generally longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, first strap set 115 may be arranged in a lateral direction relative to upper 102 . The term “transverse direction” as used in this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending from the medial side of upper 102 to the lateral side of upper 102 . In other words, in some embodiments, the lateral direction extends along the width of upper 102 .

Additionally, the first strip set 115 may include any type of spacing between adjacent strips. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent strips can vary. In other embodiments, one or more strips may cross each other or intersect each other. In one embodiment, the straps of the first strap set 115 can be substantially evenly spaced. In particular, the width between adjacent portions of two strips remains substantially constant. In other words, the strips may be approximately parallel at adjacent portions.

Although in the current embodiment, the lacing system is configured to tighten and/or loosen upper 102 at arched portion 130, in other embodiments, the lacing system may be associated with additional portions of upper 102. couplet. For example, in further embodiments, the automatic lacing system may be configured to tighten upper 102 at lateral portions of upper 102 . Additionally, a lacing system may be associated with a toe portion of upper 102 . In yet another embodiment, a lacing system may be associated with a heel region of upper 102 .

In some embodiments, automated ankle cinching system 124 includes at least one ankle tensile element. In some embodiments, automated ankle cinching system 124 may include multiple ankle tensile elements. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , automated ankle cinching system 124 includes ankle strap 150 . Ankle strap 150 may be any type of tensile element, including any type of tensile element previously discussed with reference to the tensile element of first strap system 122 . In some embodiments, ankle strap 150 may be a similar type of strap as the straps of first strap set 115 . In other embodiments, ankle strap 150 may be a different type of tensile element than the straps of first strap set 115 .

In some embodiments, automated ankle cinching system 124 also includes means for receiving a portion of ankle strap 150 . In this embodiment, the automatic ankle cinching system 124 includes a receptacle 160 configured to receive a portion of the ankle strap 150 . Receiver 160 may be located anywhere on ankle portion 132 of upper 102 . In some cases, receivers 160 may be disposed on the sides of ankle portion 132 . In other cases, the receiver 160 may be disposed at the front of the ankle portion 132 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , receiver 160 may be disposed on rear portion 161 of ankle portion 132 .

As will be discussed below, the automatic lacing systems described herein may include different types of guide elements to facilitate guiding tensile elements at various regions of article of footwear 100 . It should be understood, however, that the embodiments described herein are not necessarily associated with an automatic lacing system. For example, descriptions referring to guide elements and tensile elements may apply to any article of footwear, including articles of footwear that do not include a lacing system. Additionally, the guide and tensile elements disclosed herein may be used with articles of footwear that include lacing systems other than those described above.

For purposes of this description, guide elements include structures such as tubes, channels, or hollow panels that can facilitate routing or orientation of the tensile elements. In addition, the guide element can provide protection or support for the tensile element. Guide elements may vary in size, shape, length, location, and/or arrangement within article of footwear 100 . The guide element may include a hollow portion or cavity through which the tensile element may extend. Various guide elements are discussed below; however, it should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes and that a wide variety of guide elements may be used.

The guide element may be made of any substantially rigid material. Examples of various materials that can be used to make the guide elements include, but are not limited to, plastic, rigid rubber, metal, and wood, among other materials. In one embodiment, guide element 130 is made of substantially rigid plastic. In other embodiments, the guiding element may comprise a composite material. In some embodiments, the guide element is made of a substantially more rigid material than the upper. In some embodiments, the stiffness of the guide element can allow the tensile element to move more smoothly and easily through the guide element and facilitate translation in different directions of the tensile element passing through the guide element. In some embodiments, the stiffness or stiffness of the guide element is greater than the stiffness or stiffness of the tensile element with which it is associated. The greater stiffness of the guide element relative to the tensile element can provide support for the tensile element. Furthermore, the material associated with the guide elements may provide the guide elements with high compressive strength relative to the portion of the upper that incorporates them. For example, in some cases, the compressive strength of the guide element can allow the guide element to resist deformation and maintain a substantially unobstructed path for the tensile element to slide within the guide element, as will be discussed further below.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of the operation of first lacing system 122 with automatic ankle cinching system 124 of article 100 . In other embodiments, the automatic ankle cinching system 124 may not be present, and the first lacing system 122 may be used without the automatic ankle cinching system. Initially, article 100 may be configured to receive foot 106 as seen in FIG. 1 . In particular, first lacing system 122 and automatic ankle cinching system 124 can each be configured in an open position. In this open position, the access opening 105 can have a large opening. Additionally, in this open position, the lace gap 107 may also have a large opening. In some embodiments, this open position of first lacing system 122 and/or automatic ankle tightening system 124 may be associated with an open or relaxed configuration or position of upper 102 . In subsequent configurations, the first lacing system 122 and/or the automatic ankle cinching system 124 may include a closed or tightened configuration in which the lacing gap 107 is narrower. In the closed configuration or position, tension associated with various portions of upper 102 may increase. In some embodiments, a closed configuration may be used to secure the foot within the article of footwear.

2-5 are intended to illustrate the respective components and operation of the first lacing system 122 in detail. It should be appreciated that the following detailed description discusses several embodiments for a lacing system. In other embodiments, some of which are discussed below, some devices or components of these systems may be optional. Furthermore, in other embodiments, additional devices or components may be provided for these systems.

2 and 3 illustrate an assembled perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the first lacing system 122, respectively. For clarity, a portion of upper 102 has been cut away in FIG. 2 . As previously discussed, first strap system 122 may include first strap set 115 . In one embodiment, first strap system 122 also includes means for moving first strap set 115 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5 , the first lacing system 122 preferably includes a fastener moving mechanism 202 . As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "fastener moving mechanism" refers to any mechanism capable of providing motion to one or more tensile elements without requiring work by a user.

In some embodiments, fastener moving mechanism 202 includes means for powering first lacing system 122 . In general, any type of power supply can be used. Various types of power sources include, but are not limited to, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and other types of power sources. In some embodiments, the fastener moving mechanism 202 can include a motor 230 . Motor 230 may be any type of motor including, but not limited to, electric motors, electrostatic motors, pneumatic motors, hydraulic motors, fuel powered motors, or any other type of motor. In one embodiment, the motor 230 is an electric motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Typically, motor 230 may be associated with some kind of electrical power source. In some cases, motor 230 may be associated with an external battery. In yet other cases, motor 230 may include an internal battery. In one embodiment, motor 230 may be configured to receive power from battery 299 . Battery 299 can be any type of battery. In some embodiments, battery 299 may be a disposable battery. Examples of different types of primary batteries include, but are not limited to, zinc-carbon, zinc chloride, alkaline, silver oxide, lithium disulfide, lithium-thionyl chloride, mercury, zinc-air, thermal, water activated, nickel oxyhydroxide objects and paper batteries. In one embodiment, the battery 299 may be some sort of rechargeable battery. Examples of rechargeable batteries include, but are not limited to, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and rechargeable alkaline batteries.

In general, battery 299 may be provided in any portion of article 100 . In some embodiments, battery 299 may be associated with an ankle cuff of article 100 . In other embodiments, battery 299 may be located in additional portions of upper 102 . In one embodiment, battery 299 may be disposed in a portion of sole structure 104 . In some embodiments, this arrangement helps protect battery 299 from the elements and from direct contact with the wearer's foot.

In general, the size of the battery 299 can vary. In some embodiments, battery 299 may have a length in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm. Furthermore, the battery 299 may have a width in the range of 10mm to 50mm. In one embodiment, battery 299 has a width of about 30mm. Additionally, battery 299 has a length of about 40 mm in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, article 100 may include means for recharging batteries. In some cases, an inductive charger may be used. In other cases, a USB-based charger can be used. In yet other cases, other types of charging devices may be used. In one embodiment, sole structure 104 includes charging port 297 . In this embodiment, charging port 297 may be a mini-USB type charging port. In addition, charging port 297 may be electrically connected to battery 299 via some electrical circuit. In some embodiments, charging port 297 may be coupled to some type of battery charger. With this arrangement, power can be delivered from an external power source to the battery 299 in order to recharge the battery 299 .

Motor 230 may be connected to drive rod 232 . In particular, in some embodiments, motor 230 is configured to provide torque to drive rod 232 to rotate drive rod 232 . Additionally, drive lever 232 may include one or more gears for transmitting power to first strap set 115 . In one embodiment, the drive lever 232 may include a first gear 240 and a second gear 242 .

In some embodiments, fastener moving mechanism 202 may include one or more belts for transmitting power to first strap set 115 . In this embodiment, the fastener moving mechanism 202 may include a first belt 250 and a second belt 252 . In some embodiments, the first belt 250 and the second belt 252 are configured to engage the first gear 240 and the second gear 242, respectively. In one embodiment, first belt 250 and second belt 252 are serpentine belts that move laterally relative to sole structure 104 as first gear 240 and second gear 242 rotate.

In some embodiments, the first strap 250 and the second strap 252 may be attached to a yoke member associated with the first strap set 115 . In this embodiment, the first attachment portion 260 of the first strap 250 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 . Also, the second attachment portion 262 of the second strap 252 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 .

In some embodiments, each tensile element of first strap set 115 is also directly attached to yoke member 270 . In this embodiment, the first end portion 281 of the first strap 111 is attached to the yoke member 270 . Likewise, second strap 112 , third strap 113 , and fourth strap 114 are attached to yoke member 270 at similar end portions in some embodiments. This arrangement provides a yoking configuration of the first strip 111 , the second strip 112 , the third strip 113 and the fourth strip 114 . With this arrangement, the first strap 111 , the second strap 112 , the third strap 113 and the fourth strap 114 can move substantially in unison at the first end portion 290 of the first strap set 115 . This allows, in some embodiments, tightening and loosening of upper 102 to be applied evenly across arched portion 130 of upper 102 .

In general, yoke member 270 may be any type of yoke. In some embodiments, the yoke member 270 may be a curved yoke. For example, in some cases, yoke member 270 may be an arcuate yoke. In other embodiments, the yoke member 270 may be substantially straight. In one embodiment, the yoke member 270 has an approximately cylindrical rod or rod shape. With this arrangement, multiple tensile elements may be connected along the entire length of yoke member 270 in a generally parallel fashion.

In some embodiments, article 100 includes means for receiving one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 202 . In some embodiments, one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 202 may be disposed within upper 102 . In other embodiments, one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 202 may be disposed within sole structure 104 . In one embodiment, sole structure 104 may include an internal cavity configured to receive various components of fastener moving mechanism 202 .

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, sole structure 104 includes interior cavity 1285 . In general, lumen 285 can have any shape. Examples of different shapes include, but are not limited to: round shapes, oval shapes, square shapes, rectangular shapes, polygonal shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes, and other kinds of shapes. In this exemplary embodiment, lumen 285 has a generally rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, lumen 285 is configured to receive motor 230 . Additionally, lumen 285 may be configured to receive drive rod 232 , including first gear 240 and second gear 242 . In particular, lumen 285 may provide space for rotation of drive rod 232 , first gear 240 , and second gear 242 .

In some embodiments, cavity 285 may be disposed within sole structure 104 . In other words, cavity 285 may be disposed below the upper surface of sole structure 104 . In other embodiments, cavity 285 may open at the upper surface of sole structure 104 . In other words, lumen 285 may be in fluid communication with an interior portion of upper 102 .

In the current embodiment, interior cavity 285 includes an upper opening 287 disposed on an upper surface 289 of sole structure 104 . In other words, cavity 285 is a recessed portion of upper surface 289 . In some embodiments, upper surface 289 of sole structure 104 may be covered by an insole to separate interior cavity 285 from foot-receiving cavity 291 of upper 102 . With this arrangement, the foot may be prevented from contacting and potentially interfering with one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 202 that may be disposed within lumen 285 .

In some embodiments, first lacing system 122 also includes means for guiding first strap set 115 within upper 102 , which are also referred to as guiding elements. Guide elements may provide a mechanism for routing and/or facilitating movement of tensile elements through upper 102 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , first lacing system 122 may include a guide element such as hollow plate 300 . In this embodiment, hollow panel 300 may be associated with first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 . In some embodiments, hollow panel 300 may be positioned against an inner surface of first sidewall portion 302 . In other embodiments, the hollow panel 300 may be positioned against the outer surface of the first side wall portion 302 . In one embodiment, the hollow panel 300 may be integral with the first side wall portion 302 . In other words, hollow panel 300 may be disposed between the inner and outer liner layers of upper 102 to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302 . In some embodiments, hollow panel 300 may include a greater stiffness than first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 . In other embodiments where hollow panel 300 is disposed elsewhere along upper 102 , hollow panel 300 may comprise greater stiffness than portions of upper 102 adjacent thereto. Additionally, as noted above, in some embodiments, hollow panel 300 may have a greater stiffness relative to the stiffness of the tensile elements with which hollow panel 300 is associated.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the hollow panel 300 may include openings for receiving a strip into the hollow cavity of the hollow panel 300 and openings for releasing the strip from the hollow cavity of the hollow panel 300 . In this embodiment, the hollow panel 300 includes a first lower opening 311 , a second lower opening 312 , a third lower opening 313 , and a fourth lower opening 314 collectively referred to as a first lower opening set 315 . Additionally, the hollow plate 300 may include a first upper opening 321 , a second upper opening 322 , a third upper opening 323 , and a fourth upper opening 324 collectively referred to as a first upper opening group 325 .

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the second end portion 330 of the first strip 111 can be inserted into the hollow panel 300 at the first lower opening 311 and can exit from the hollow panel 300 at the first upper opening 321 . In some embodiments, second portions of second strap 112, third strap 113, and fourth strap 114 may similarly be inserted into second lower opening 312, third lower opening 313, and fourth lower opening 314, respectively. middle. Likewise, the second end portions of the second strip 112, the third strip 113 and the fourth strip 114 can be removed from the hollow plate at the second upper opening 322, the third upper opening 323 and the fourth upper opening 324, respectively. 300 left. With this arrangement, the hollow plate 300 can be used as a guide for the first strap set 115 . In some embodiments, hollow plate 300 helps reduce friction between the straps of first strap set 115 and upper 102 that might otherwise inhibit movement of the straps. Accordingly, the hollow panel 300 may be configured to receive the middle portion of the strip.

In general, the hollow panel 300 can have any shape. In some embodiments, hollow panel 300 may be substantially flat. In one embodiment, the height of the hollow panel 300 may vary along different sections. In other embodiments, hollow panel 300 may be curved. In one embodiment, hollow panel 300 may have a curved shape that substantially matches the contour of first sidewall portion 302 . Additionally, in some embodiments, hollow panel 300 extends from sole structure 104 to the top of first sidewall portion 302 . With this arrangement, hollow plate 300 may help guide first strap set 115 through the interior of upper 102 .

In general, the hollow panel 300 can have any thickness. In some embodiments, hollow panel 300 may have a thickness substantially greater than the lining layer of upper 102 . In other embodiments, hollow panel 300 may have a thickness that is substantially less than the lining layer of upper 102 . In one embodiment, hollow panel 300 has a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the liner of upper 102 . With this arrangement, in some embodiments, hollow panel 300 does not substantially interfere with movement and flexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of the hollow panel 300 along the transverse direction as indicated in FIG. 3 . Referring to FIG. 4 , the hollow panel 300 may include separate channels for receiving each strap of the first strap set 115 . In various embodiments disclosed herein, the passageways can be substantially hollow, or they can comprise portions of a tensile element. In this embodiment, the hollow panel 300 includes a first strap receiving passage 341, a second strap 111, a second strap 112, a third strap 113, and a fourth strap 114 configured to receive the first strap 111, the second strap 112, and the fourth strap 114, respectively. A tape receiving passage 342 , a third tape receiving passage 343 , and a fourth tape receiving passage 344 . The strap can exit or enter from the first upper opening 321 , the second upper opening 322 , the third upper opening 323 and the fourth upper opening 324 .

In general, the hollow panel 300 can have passageways of any shape. In the current embodiment, since the hollow plate 300 has an approximately curved shape, the first tape receiving passage 341, the second tape receiving passage 342, the third tape receiving passage 343, and the fourth tape receiving passage 344 have Slightly curved shape. However, in other embodiments the passages of the hollow plates may also be approximately straight.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of a hollow panel 300 in the longitudinal direction as indicated in FIG. 3 . Referring to FIG. 5 , the respective passages shown in FIG. 4 are shown in transverse cross-section. 5 illustrates a first strap receiving passage configured to receive (as shown in FIG. 3 ) a first strap 111 , a second strap 112 , a third strap 113 , and a fourth strap 114 , respectively. 341 , the cross section of the second strap receiving passage 342 , the third strap receiving passage 343 and the fourth strap receiving passage 344 .

In some embodiments, the strap-receiving passages may be substantially larger than the straps of the first strap set 115 . In one embodiment, the dimensions of the first strap receiving passage 341 , the second strap receiving passage 342 , the third strap receiving passage 343 , and the fourth strap receiving passage 344 are substantially similar to those of the first strap set 115 . The size of the strip. With this arrangement, the first strap receiving passage 341, the second strap receiving passage 342, the third strap receiving passage 343, and the fourth strap receiving passage 344 can be configured as guides that allow each strap to pass through. A smooth sliding motion through the hollow panel 300 is provided without allowing undesired bending, twisting, or other motion patterns that may impede such smooth sliding motion. For example, if the strap receiving passage is too large, the strap may bunch or fold within the strap receiving passage instead of sliding smoothly through the strap receiving passage. In further examples, if the lace-receiving passageway is too narrow, the lace may experience increased friction and/or erratic movement through the passageway.

In the embodiment of Figures 6-9, a second lacing system 623 is shown. Second strap system 623 includes four tensile elements including first strap 611 , second strap 612 , third strap 613 , and fourth strap 614 . For clarity, the first strip 611 , the second strip 612 , the third strip 613 and the fourth strip 614 may be collectively referred to as the second strip set 615 . It should be understood that in other embodiments, first strap set 115 may include any type of tensile element as described above.

6-9 are intended to illustrate some of the individual components and operation of the second harness system 623 in detail. 6 and 7 illustrate an assembled perspective view of the second strap system 623 and an exploded perspective view of the second strap system 623, respectively. For clarity, in FIG. 6 a portion of upper 102 has been cut away. As previously discussed, the second strap system 623 can include the second strap set 615 .

It should be understood that in the embodiments described below, the lacing system may incorporate, include, or include one or more straps for moving or interacting with a tensile element such as that discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-5 . device. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 , second lacing system 623 includes fastener moving mechanism 602 . In yet other embodiments, each lacing system disclosed herein can include one or more belts, gears, or yoke-type members. Additionally, sole structure 104 may include an internal cavity or one or more motors, drive rods, batteries, and other components or structural variations as described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 .

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, first strap 250 and second strap 252 may be attached to a yoke member associated with second strap set 615 . In this embodiment, the first attachment portion 260 of the first strap 250 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 . Also, the second attachment portion 262 of the second strap 252 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 .

In one embodiment, each strap of the second strap set 615 is also directly attached to the yoke member 270 . In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the first end portion 281 of the first strap 611 is attached to the yoke member 270 . Likewise, the second strap 612, the third strap 613 and the fourth strap 614 are attached to the yoke member 270 at similar end portions. This arrangement provides a yoke configuration of the first strap 611 , the second strap 612 , the third strap 613 and the fourth strap 614 . With this arrangement, the first strap 611 , the second strap 612 , the third strap 613 and the fourth strap 614 can move substantially in unison at the first end portion 290 of the second strap set 615 . In some embodiments, this may allow tightening and loosening of upper 102 to be applied evenly across arched portion 130 of upper 102 .

In one embodiment, article 100 includes means for receiving one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 202 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 . Additionally, second lacing system 623 may also include means for guiding second strap set 615 within upper 102 . In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , second lacing system 623 may include a guide element such as hollow plate pack 700 . In some embodiments, hollow panel pack 700 may comprise a series of segmented sections, similar to the segments of hollow panel 300 in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the hollow plate set 700 includes a first hollow plate 702 , a second hollow plate 704 , a third hollow plate 706 and a fourth hollow plate 708 .

In this embodiment, hollow panel pack 700 may be associated with first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 as shown in FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, the hollow panel pack 700 may be positioned against the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 302 . In other embodiments, the hollow panel pack 700 may be positioned against the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 302 . In one embodiment, the hollow panel pack 700 may be integral with the first side wall portion 302 . In other words, hollow plate pack 700 may be disposed between the inner and outer liner layers of upper 102 to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302 . In some embodiments, hollow plate pack 700 may include a stiffness greater than the stiffness of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 . In other embodiments where hollow plate pack 700 is disposed elsewhere along upper 102 , hollow plate pack 700 may comprise greater stiffness than portions of upper 102 adjacent thereto. Additionally, as noted above, in some embodiments, hollow panel pack 700 may have a greater stiffness relative to the stiffness of the tensile elements with which hollow panel pack 700 is associated.

Referring to FIG. 7, each of the first hollow plate 702, the second hollow plate 704, the third hollow plate 706 and the fourth hollow plate 708 may include an opening for receiving the strap into the hollow cavity and releasing it from the hollow cavity. The opening of the strip. 6 to 9, the first hollow plate 702 includes a first lower opening 711, the second hollow plate 704 includes a second lower opening 712, the third hollow plate 706 includes a third lower opening 713 and the fourth hollow Plate 708 includes fourth lower openings 714 collectively referred to as second set of lower openings 715 . Additionally, the first hollow panel 702 includes a first upper opening 721 , the second hollow panel 704 includes a second upper opening 722 , the third hollow panel 706 includes a third upper opening 723 and the fourth hollow panel 708 includes a fourth upper opening 724 , these upper openings are collectively referred to as the second upper opening group 725 .

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the second end portion 330 of the first strip 611 can be inserted into the first hollow plate 702 at the first lower opening 711 and can be inserted from the first The hollow plate 702 leaves. In some embodiments, second portions of the second strap 612, the third strap 613, and the fourth strap 614 may be similarly inserted into the second lower opening 712, the third lower opening 713, and the fourth lower opening 714, respectively. middle. Likewise, the second end portions of the second strip 612, the third strip 613 and the fourth strip 614 can be removed from the hollow plate at the second upper opening 722, the third upper opening 723 and the fourth upper opening 724, respectively. Each hollow panel of the set 700 leaves. With this arrangement, each hollow plate of the hollow plate set 700 can serve as a guide for the second strip set 615 . Thus, in some embodiments, first hollow panel 702 , second hollow panel 704 , third hollow panel 706 , and fourth hollow panel 708 help reduce friction between the straps of second strap set 615 and upper 102 , otherwise this friction could inhibit the movement of the strip. Accordingly, the hollow panel pack 700 may be configured to receive the middle portion of the strip.

In general, each hollow panel in the set of hollow panels 700 can have any shape. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow plate 702 may be generally flat. In one embodiment, the first hollow panel 702 may be generally rectangular or strip-shaped. In other embodiments, the first hollow plate 702 may be curved. In one embodiment, the first hollow panel 702 may have a curved shape that substantially matches the contour of the first sidewall portion 302 . Additionally, first hollow panel 702 may extend from sole structure 104 to the top of first sidewall portion 302 . With this arrangement, first hollow plate 702 may help guide second strap set 615 through the interior of upper 102 .

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first hollow panel 702 may match the contour of the first sidewall portion 302 to which it is adjacent. Thus, since the first sidewall portion 302 of the upper 102 may curve upward and increase in height from the forefoot region 620 toward the midfoot region 622 and/or from the midfoot region 622 to the heel region 624, the first hollow plate 702 , the second hollow panel 704 , the third hollow panel 706 and the fourth hollow panel 708 may increase in height to follow the contour of the first side wall portion 302 . Such a design may enhance the ability of the hollow plate set 700 to act as a guide for the second strap set 615 as the straps are routed through the fastener moving mechanism 602 . The variation in curvature of the structure of the hollow plate will be further discussed below with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20 .

In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow panels or a greater number of hollow panels in the set of hollow panels 700 . For example, in one embodiment, there may be three or fewer hollow panels. In other embodiments, there may be five or more hollow panels. As will be discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 18-20 , there may also be embodiments in which only a single hollow panel is incorporated into the article of footwear. Additionally, it should be understood that in other embodiments, hollow panels may be positioned along various regions of the article of footwear. For example, referring to FIG. 6 , one or more hollow panels may alternatively be positioned along forefoot region 620 , midfoot region 622 , and/or heel region 624 of upper 102 .

In general, each hollow panel of the hollow panel set 700 may have any thickness. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow sheet 702 may have a thickness substantially greater than the lining layer of upper 102 . In other embodiments, first hollow panel 702 may have a thickness that is substantially less than the lining layer of upper 102 . In one embodiment, first hollow plate 702 has a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the liner of upper 102 . With this arrangement, first hollow panel 702 may not substantially interfere with the movement and flexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of the hollow panel pack 700 along the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 7 . Referring to FIG. 8 , the set of hollow panels 700 includes a separate passage along each hollow panel for receiving each strip of the second strip set 615 . In this embodiment, the set of hollow panels 700 includes a first ribbon receiving channel 741 in a first hollow panel 702, a second ribbon receiving channel 742 in a second hollow panel 704, a third ribbon receiving channel 742 in a third hollow panel 706. A strip receiving passage 743 and a fourth strip receiving passage 744 in the fourth hollow plate 708 . Each strap receiving passage is configured to receive a first strap 611, a second strap 612, a third strap 613, and a fourth strap 614, respectively. The strip can exit or enter from the first upper opening 721 , the second upper opening 722 , the third upper opening 723 and the fourth upper opening 724 .

In general, the hollow plate pack 700 may have passageways of any shape as discussed with reference to the hollow plate 300 of FIGS. 2-5 . In the current embodiment, since the first hollow plate 702, the second hollow plate 704, the third hollow plate 706, and the fourth hollow plate 708 all have approximately curved shapes, the first strip receiving passage 741, the second strip The strap receiving passage 742, the third strap receiving passage 743 and the fourth strap receiving passage 744 have a slightly curved shape. However, in other embodiments the passages of the hollow plate pack can also be approximately straight.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction as indicated in FIG. 7 of an embodiment of the interior of a hollow panel pack 700 . Referring to FIG. 9 , the respective passages shown in FIG. 8 are shown in longitudinal cross-section. FIG. 9 illustrates a first strap receiving passage configured to receive (as shown in FIG. 7 ) a first strap 611, a second strap 612, a third strap 613, and a fourth strap 614, respectively. 741 , second strap receiving passage 742 , third strap receiving passage 743 , and fourth strap receiving passage 744 .

In some embodiments, the strip-receiving passages of the hollow plate set 700 may be substantially larger than the strips of the second strip set 615 . In one embodiment, the dimensions of the first strap receiving passage 741 , the second strap receiving passage 742 , the third strap receiving passage 743 , and the fourth strap receiving passage 744 are substantially similar to those in the second strap set 615 The size of the strip. Thus, with this arrangement, the first strap receiving passage 741, the second strap receiving passage 742, the third strap receiving passage 743, and the fourth strap receiving passage 744 can be configured as guides that allow each The smooth sliding motion of the belt through the hollow plate 700 does not allow for undesired bending, twisting, or other motion patterns that might impede this smooth sliding motion. For example, as noted above, if the strap receiving passage is too large, the strap may bunch or fold within the strap receiving passage instead of sliding smoothly through the strap receiving passage. Additionally, if the lace-receiving passageway is too narrow, the lace may experience increased friction and/or erratic movement through the passageway. Additionally, in one embodiment, by increasing the degree of segmentation between adjacent strip-receiving channels, the hollow panel pack 700 can allow for the passage along the sidewall portion 302 (or The portion of upper 102 into which hollow panel pack 700 is incorporated) is more flexible.

In the embodiment of Figures 10-13, a third lacing system 1022 is shown. Third strap system 1022 includes six tensile elements including first strap 1011 , second strap 1012 , third strap 1013 , fourth strap 1014 , fifth strap 1016 , and sixth strap 1017 . For clarity, the first strip 1011 , the second strip 1012 , the third strip 1013 , the fourth strip 1014 , the fifth strip 1016 and the sixth strip 1017 may collectively be referred to as the first strip set 1015 . It should be understood that in other embodiments, first strap set 1015 may include any type of tensile element as described above.

10-13 are intended to illustrate some of the individual components and operation of the third harness system 1022 in detail. 10 and 11 illustrate an assembled perspective view of the third strap system 1022 and illustrate an exploded perspective view of the third strap system 1022, respectively. For clarity, in FIG. 10 a portion of upper 102 has been cut away. As previously discussed, third strap system 1022 may include first strap set 1015 .

It should be understood that in the embodiments described below, the lacing system may incorporate, include, or contain one or more straps for moving or interacting with a tensile element such as that discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-9 . device. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 , third lacing system 1022 includes fastener moving mechanism 1002 . In other embodiments, some of the lacing systems disclosed herein may include one or more belts, gears, or yoke-type members. Additionally, sole structure 104 may include an internal cavity or one or more motors, drive rods, batteries, and other components or structural variations as described with reference to FIGS. 1-9 .

Accordingly, in some embodiments, first strap 250 and second strap 252 may be attached to a yoke-type member associated with second strap set 615 . In this embodiment, the first attachment portion 260 of the first strap 250 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 . Also, the second attachment portion 262 of the second strap 252 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 .

In one embodiment, each lace in first strap set 1015 is also directly attached to yoke member 270 . In the embodiment of FIG. 10 , the first end portion 281 of the first strap 1011 is attached to the yoke member 270 . Likewise, the second strap 1012, the third strap 1013, the fourth strap 1014, the fifth strap 1016 and the sixth strap 1017 are attached to the yoke member 270 at similar end portions. This arrangement provides a yoke configuration of the first strap 1011 , the second strap 1012 , the third strap 1013 , the fourth strap 1014 , the fifth strap 1016 and the sixth strap 1017 . With this arrangement, the first strip 1011, the second strip 1012, the third strip 1013, the fourth strip 1014, the fifth strip 1016 and the sixth strip 1017 can be the An end portion 290 moves substantially in unison. In some embodiments, this may allow tightening and loosening of upper 102 to be applied evenly across arched portion 130 of upper 102 .

In one embodiment, article 100 includes means for receiving one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 1002 as described above also with reference to FIGS. 1-9 . Additionally, third lacing system 1022 may also include means for guiding first strap set 1015 within upper 102 . In the embodiment of FIG. 11 , third lacing system 1022 may include guide elements such as set of hollow channels 1100 . The set of hollow channels 1100 may include a first hollow channel 1102 , a second hollow channel 1104 , a third hollow channel 1106 , a fourth hollow channel 1108 , a fifth hollow channel 1109 and a sixth hollow channel 1110 . In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow channels or a greater number of hollow channels in the set of hollow channels 1100 . For example, in one embodiment, there may be three or fewer hollow channels. In other embodiments, there may be five or more hollow channels.

In this embodiment, set of hollow channels 1100 may be associated with first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 as shown in FIG. 10 . In some embodiments, the set of hollow channels 1100 can be disposed against the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 302 . In other embodiments, the set of hollow channels 1100 may be disposed against the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 302 . In one embodiment, the set of hollow channels 1100 may be integral with the first sidewall portion 302 . In other words, set of hollow channels 1100 may be disposed between the inner and outer liner layers of upper 102 to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302 . In some embodiments, set of hollow channels 1100 may include a stiffness greater than the stiffness of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 . In other embodiments where set of hollow channels 1100 is disposed elsewhere along upper 102 , set of hollow channels 1100 may comprise a greater stiffness than portions of upper 102 adjacent thereto. Additionally, as noted above, in some embodiments, set of hollow channels 1100 may have a greater stiffness relative to the stiffness of the tensile elements with which set of hollow channels 1100 is associated.

11, each of the first hollow channel 1102, the second hollow channel 1104, the third hollow channel 1106, the fourth hollow channel 1108, the fifth hollow channel 1109 and the sixth hollow channel 1110 may include a An opening to receive into the hollow cavity and an opening to release the lace from the hollow cavity. 10 to 13, the first hollow passage 1102 includes a first lower opening 1111, the second hollow passage 1104 includes a second lower opening 1112, the third hollow passage 1106 includes a third lower opening 1113, and the fourth hollow passage 1106 includes a third lower opening 1113. Channel 1108 includes a fourth lower opening 1114 , fifth hollow channel 1109 includes a fifth lower opening 1115 and sixth hollow channel 1110 includes a sixth lower opening 1116 , collectively referred to as a third set of lower openings 1117 . Additionally, the first hollow channel 1102 includes a first upper opening 1121 , the second hollow channel 1104 includes a second upper opening 1122 , the third hollow channel 1106 includes a third upper opening 1123 , and the fourth hollow channel 1108 includes a fourth upper opening 1124 , the fifth hollow channel 1109 includes a fifth upper opening 1126 and the sixth hollow channel 1110 includes a sixth upper opening 1127 , these upper openings are collectively referred to as a third upper opening group 1125 .

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the second end portion 330 of the first strap 1011 can be inserted into the first hollow channel 1102 at the first lower opening 1111 and can be inserted at the first upper opening 1121 from the first Hollow channel 1102 exits. In some embodiments, second portions of the second strap 1012, the third strap 1013, the fourth strap 1014, the fifth strap 1016, and the sixth strap 1017 can be similarly inserted into the second lower opening 1112, respectively. , the third lower opening 1113 , the fourth lower opening 1114 , the fifth lower opening 1115 and the sixth lower opening 1116 . Likewise, the second end portions of the second strip 1012, the third strip 1013, the fourth strip 1014, the fifth strip 1016 and the sixth strip 1017 may respectively be in the second upper opening 1122, the third upper opening The opening 1123 , the fourth upper opening 1124 , the fifth upper opening 1125 and the sixth upper opening 1126 exit from each hollow channel of the set of hollow channels 1100 . With this arrangement, each hollow channel in the set of hollow channels 1100 can act as a guide for the first strap set 1015 . Thus, in some embodiments, first hollow channel 1102, second hollow channel 1104, third hollow channel 1106, fourth hollow channel 1108, fifth hollow channel 1109, and sixth hollow channel 1110 help reduce the Friction between the lace and upper 102 in 1015, which friction might otherwise inhibit the movement of the lace. Accordingly, set of hollow channels 1100 may be configured to receive a medial portion of a shoelace.

In general, each hollow channel in set of hollow channels 1100 can have any shape. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow channel 1102 can be generally flat. In one embodiment, the first hollow channel 1102 may resemble a rectangular or square cylinder or a rectangular prism. In other embodiments, the first hollow channel 1102 can be curved. In one embodiment, first hollow channel 1102 may have a curved shape that substantially matches the contour of first sidewall portion 302 . Additionally, first hollow channel 1102 may extend from sole structure 104 to a top of first sidewall portion 302 . With this arrangement, first hollow channel 1102 may help guide first strap set 1015 through the interior of upper 102 .

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first hollow channel 1102 can match the contour of the first sidewall portion 302 to which it is adjacent. Accordingly, first hollow channel 1102 is formed because first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 may curve upward and increase in height from forefoot region 620 toward midfoot region 622 and/or from midfoot region 622 to heel region 624. The heights of the second hollow channel 1104 , third hollow channel 1106 , fourth hollow channel 1108 , fifth hollow channel 1109 and sixth hollow channel 1110 may be increased to follow the contour of the first sidewall portion 302 . Such a design may enhance the ability of hollow channel set 1100 to serve as a guide for first strap set 1015 as the laces are routed through fastener moving mechanism 1002 .

In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow channels or a greater number of hollow channels in the set of hollow channels 1100 . For example, in one embodiment, there may be three or fewer hollow channels. In other embodiments, there may be five or more hollow channels. As will be discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 18-20 , there may also be embodiments in which only a single hollow channel is incorporated into the article of footwear. Additionally, it should be understood that in other embodiments, hollow passages may be positioned along various regions of the article of footwear. For example, referring to FIG. 10 , one or more hollow channels may alternatively be positioned along forefoot region 620 , midfoot region 622 , and/or heel region 624 of upper 102 .

In general, each hollow channel of set of hollow channels 1100 can have any thickness. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow channel 1102 may have a thickness substantially greater than the lining layer of upper 102 . In other embodiments, first hollow channel 1102 may have a thickness that is substantially less than the lining layer of upper 102 . In one embodiment, first hollow channel 1102 has a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the liner of upper 102 . With this arrangement, first hollow channel 1102 may not substantially interfere with movement and flexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302 .

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of the set of hollow channels 1100 along the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 11 . Referring to FIG. 12 , set of hollow channels 1100 includes a separate conduit along each hollow channel for receiving each lace of first strap set 1015 . In this embodiment, the set of hollow channels 1100 includes a first ribbon receiving channel 1141 in a first hollow channel 1102, a second ribbon receiving channel 1142 in a second hollow channel 1104, a third ribbon receiving channel in a third hollow channel 1106. Strip receiving passage 1143, fourth strip receiving passage 1144 in fourth hollow channel 1108, fifth strip receiving passage 1145 in fifth hollow channel 1109, and sixth strip receiving passage 1146 in sixth hollow channel 1110 . Each strap receiving passage is configured to receive a first strap 1011, a second strap 1012, a third strap 1013, a fourth strap 1014, a fifth strap 1016, and a sixth strap 1017, respectively. Laces may exit or enter from first upper opening 1121 , second upper opening 1122 , third upper opening 1123 , fourth upper opening 1124 , fifth upper opening 1125 , and sixth upper opening 1126 .

In general, the hollow channel set 1100 may have passageways of any shape, as discussed with reference to the hollow plate 300 of FIGS. 2-5 and the hollow plate set 700 of FIGS. 6-9 . In the present embodiment, since the first hollow channel 1102, the second hollow channel 1104, the third hollow channel 1106, the fourth hollow channel 1108, the fifth hollow channel 1109, and the sixth hollow channel 1110 all have approximately curved shapes, Therefore, the first tape receiving passage 1141, the second tape receiving passage 1142, the third tape receiving passage 1143, the fourth tape receiving passage 1144, the fifth tape receiving passage 1145 and the sixth tape receiving passage 1146 have slightly curved shape. However, in other embodiments, the passages of the set of hollow channels may also be approximately straight.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of the set of hollow channels 1100 in the longitudinal direction as indicated in FIG. 11 . Referring to FIG. 13 , the respective pathways shown in FIG. 12 are shown in longitudinal cross-section. FIG. 13 illustrates a first strap 1011, a second strap 1012, a third strap 1013, a fourth strap 1014, a fifth strap 1016 and First strap receiving path 1141, second strap receiving path 1142, third strap receiving path 1143, fourth strap receiving path 1144, fifth strap receiving path 1145 and sixth strap receiving path 1145 of sixth strap 1017 Access path 1146 is received.

In some embodiments, the strap receiving passages of hollow channel set 1100 may be substantially larger than the laces of first strap set 1015 . In one embodiment, the first strap receiving path 1141, the second strap receiving path 1142, the third strap receiving path 1143, the fourth strap receiving path 1144, the fifth strap receiving path 1145 and the sixth strap receiving path The dimensions of receiving passage 1146 are generally similar to the dimensions of the shoelaces in first strap set 1015 . Thus, with this arrangement, the first strap receiving path 1141, the second strap receiving path 1142, the third strap receiving path 1143, the fourth strap receiving path 1144, the fifth strap receiving path 1145 and the sixth strap receiving path Strap receiving passage 1146 may be configured as a guide that allows for smooth sliding movement of each shoelace through set of hollow channels 1100 without allowing for undesired bending, twisting, or other movement that might impede such smooth sliding movement. model. For example, if the strap-receiving passage is too large, the shoelaces may bunch or fold within the strap-receiving passage instead of sliding smoothly through the strap-receiving passage. In further examples, if the strap receiving passage is too narrow, the shoelace may experience increased friction and/or erratic movement through the passage.

In some embodiments, the set of hollow channels 1100 can include different lengths and/or heights. For example, the length of the first hollow channel 1102 may be different than the length of the second hollow channel 1104 . In one embodiment, each of the first hollow channel 1102, the second hollow channel 1104, the third hollow channel 1106, the fourth hollow channel 1108, the fifth hollow channel 1109, and the sixth hollow channel 1110 may vary in length. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 , the first hollow channel 1102 , the second hollow channel 1104 , the third hollow channel 1106 , the fourth hollow channel 1108 , the fifth hollow channel 1109 and the sixth hollow channel 1110 form a stepped design. In other words, in some cases, the length of each channel may increase such that the length of the channels increases in a direction from first hollow channel 1102 to sixth hollow channel 1110 . The varying lengths of the hollow channels can accommodate straps or other tensile elements of different lengths.

In addition, referring to the hollow plate group 700 of FIGS. 6 to 9 and the hollow channel group 1100 of FIGS. Tensile elements having a reduced width relative to their thickness. Additionally, greater spacing between each guide element in set of hollow channels 1100 may allow for further movement along first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 or other portions of upper 102 that incorporate set of hollow channels 1100 . flexible.

In the embodiment of Figures 14-17, a fourth lacing system 1422 is shown. Fourth lacing system 1422 includes nine tensile elements including first lace 1411 , second lace 1412 , third lace 1413 , fourth lace 1414 , fifth lace 1416 , sixth lace 1417 , Seventh lace 1418 , eighth lace 1419 and ninth lace 1420 . For clarity, first lace 1411, second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419 and ninth lace 1420 may be collectively referred to as second lace set 1415 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, second lace set 1415 may include any type of tensile element as described above.

14-17 are intended to illustrate some of the individual components and operation of the fourth strap system 1422 in detail. 14 and 15 illustrate an assembled perspective view of the fourth strap system 1422 and illustrate an exploded perspective view of the fourth strap system 1422, respectively. For clarity, in FIG. 14 a portion of upper 102 has been cut away. As previously discussed, fourth lacing system 1422 may include second lace set 1415 .

It should be understood that in the embodiments described below, the lacing system may incorporate, include, or contain one or more straps for moving or interacting with a tensile element such as that discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-13 . device. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 , fourth lacing system 1422 includes fastener moving mechanism 1402 . In other embodiments, each lacing system disclosed herein may include one or more belts, gears, or yoke-type members. Additionally, sole structure 104 may include an internal cavity or one or more motors, drive rods, batteries, and other components or structural variations as described with reference to FIGS. 1-13 .

Accordingly, in some embodiments, first strap 250 and second strap 252 may be attached to a yoke-type member associated with second strap set 615 . In this embodiment, the first attachment portion 260 of the first strap 250 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 . Also, the second attachment portion 262 of the second strap 252 may be directly attached to the yoke member 270 .

In one embodiment, each lace in second lace set 1415 is also directly attached to yoke member 270 . In the embodiment of FIG. 14 , first end portion 281 of first lace 1411 is attached to yoke member 270 . Likewise, second lace 1412 , third lace 1413 , fourth lace 1414 , fifth lace 1416 , sixth lace 1417 , seventh lace 1418 , eighth lace 1419 and ninth lace 1420 Attached to the yoke member 270 at a similar end portion. This arrangement provides first lace 1411, second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace Yoke Configuration of Strap 1419 and Ninth Strap 1420 . With this arrangement, the first shoelace 1411, the second shoelace 1412, the third shoelace 1413, the fourth shoelace 1414, the fifth shoelace 1416, the sixth shoelace 1417, the seventh shoelace 1418, the eighth shoelace Strap 1419 and ninth lace 1420 may move in substantially unison at first end portion 290 of second lace set 1415 . In some embodiments, this may allow tightening and loosening of upper 102 to be applied evenly across arched portion 130 of upper 102 .

In one embodiment, article 100 includes means for receiving one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 1002 as described above also with reference to FIGS. 1-13 . Additionally, fourth lacing system 1422 may also include means for guiding second set of laces 1415 within upper 102 . In the embodiment of FIG. 15 , fourth lacing system 1422 may include a guide element such as hollow tubing set 1500 .

The hollow tube group 1500 may include a first hollow tube 1502, a second hollow tube 1503, a third hollow tube 1504, a fourth hollow tube 1505, a fifth hollow tube 1506, a sixth hollow tube 1507, a Seventh hollow tube 1508 , eighth hollow tube 1509 and ninth hollow tube 1510 . In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow tubes or a greater number of hollow tubes in the set of hollow tubes 1500 . For example, in one embodiment, there may be three or fewer hollow tubes. In other embodiments, there may be five or more hollow tubes.

In this embodiment, set of hollow tubes 1500 may be associated with first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 as shown in FIG. 14 . In some embodiments, the set of hollow tubes 1500 can be positioned against the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 302 . In other embodiments, the set of hollow tubes 1500 may be positioned against the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 302 . In one embodiment, the set of hollow tubes 1500 may be integral with the first sidewall portion 302 . In other words, hollow tube set 1500 may be disposed between the inner and outer liner layers of upper 102 to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302 . In some embodiments, set of hollow tubes 1500 may include a stiffness greater than the stiffness of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 . In other embodiments where set of hollow tubes 1500 is disposed elsewhere along upper 102 , set of hollow tubes 1500 may comprise greater stiffness than portions of upper 102 adjacent thereto. Additionally, as noted above, in some embodiments, hollow tube set 1500 may have a greater stiffness relative to the stiffness of the tensile elements with which hollow tube set 1500 is associated.

Referring to Fig. 15, the first hollow tube 1502, the second hollow tube 1503, the third hollow tube 1504, the fourth hollow tube 1505, the fifth hollow tube 1506, the sixth hollow tube 1507, the seventh hollow tube Each of tube 1508, eighth hollow tube 1509, and ninth hollow tube 1510 may include openings for receiving a shoelace into the hollow cavity and openings for releasing the shoelace from the hollow cavity. 14-17, the first hollow tube 1502 includes a first lower opening 1511, the second hollow tube 1503 includes a second lower opening 1512, the third hollow tube 1504 includes a third lower opening 1513, The fourth hollow tube 1505 includes a fourth lower opening 1514, the fifth hollow tube 1506 includes a fifth lower opening 1515, the sixth hollow tube 1507 includes a sixth lower opening 1516, and the seventh hollow tube 1508 includes a seventh lower opening. 1517 , the eighth hollow tube 1509 includes an eighth lower opening 1518 and the ninth hollow tube 1510 includes a ninth lower opening 1519 , these lower openings are collectively referred to as a fourth lower opening group 1520 . Additionally, the first hollow tube 1502 includes a first upper opening 1521, the second hollow tube 1503 includes a second upper opening 1522, the third hollow tube 1504 includes a third upper opening 1523, and the fourth hollow tube 1505 includes a second upper opening 1523. Four upper openings 1524, the fifth hollow tube 1506 includes a fifth upper opening 1526, the sixth hollow tube 1507 includes a sixth upper opening 1527, the seventh hollow tube 1508 includes a seventh upper opening 1528, and the eighth hollow tube 1509 Including the eighth upper opening 1529 and the ninth hollow tube 1510 including the ninth upper opening 1530 , these upper openings are collectively referred to as the fourth upper opening group 1525 .

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , the second end portion 330 of the first shoelace 1411 can be inserted into the first hollow tube 1502 at the first lower opening 1511 and can be inserted into the first hollow tube 1502 at the first upper opening 1521. The first hollow tube 1502 exits. In some embodiments, second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace The second portion of the shoelace 1420 may similarly be inserted into the second lower opening 1512, the third lower opening 1513, the fourth lower opening 1514, the fifth lower opening 1515, the sixth lower opening 1516, the seventh lower opening 1517, the Eight lower openings 1518 and ninth lower openings 1519 . Likewise, second lace 1412 , third lace 1413 , fourth lace 1414 , fifth lace 1416 , sixth lace 1417 , seventh lace 1418 , eighth lace 1419 and ninth lace 1420 The second end portion of the upper opening 1522, the third opening 1523, the fourth opening 1524, the fifth opening 1526, the sixth opening 1527, the seventh opening 1528, the eighth opening 1529, respectively. and the ninth upper opening 1530 exits from each hollow tube in the hollow tube set 1500 . With this arrangement, each hollow tube in set of hollow tubes 1500 may serve as a guide for second lace set 1415 . Thus, in some embodiments, first hollow tube 1502, second hollow tube 1503, third hollow tube 1504, fourth hollow tube 1505, fifth hollow tube 1506, sixth hollow tube 1507, Seventh hollow tube 1508, eighth hollow tube 1509, and ninth hollow tube 1510 help reduce friction between the laces of second lace set 1415 and upper 102 that might otherwise inhibit the laces from moving. sports. Accordingly, hollow tube set 1500 may be configured to receive a medial portion of a shoelace.

In general, each hollow tube in the set of hollow tubes 1500 can have any shape. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow tube 1502 can be generally flat. In one embodiment, the first hollow tube 1502 may resemble a circular cylinder. In other embodiments, the first hollow tube 1502 can be curved. In one embodiment, first hollow tube 1502 may have a curved shape that substantially matches the contour of first sidewall portion 302 . Additionally, first hollow tube 1502 may extend from sole structure 104 to the top of first sidewall portion 302 . With this arrangement, first hollow tube 1502 may help guide second lace set 1415 through the interior of upper 102 .

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first hollow tube 1502 can match the contour of its adjacent first sidewall portion 302 . Accordingly, since the first sidewall portion 302 of the upper 102 may curve upward and increase in height from the forefoot region 620 toward the midfoot region 622 and/or from the midfoot region 622 to the heel region 624, the first hollow tube 1502, second hollow tube 1503, third hollow tube 1504, fourth hollow tube 1505, fifth hollow tube 1506, sixth hollow tube 1507, seventh hollow tube 1508, eighth hollow tube 1509 The height of the and ninth hollow tube 1510 may be increased to follow the contour of the first sidewall portion 302 . Such a design may enhance the ability of hollow tube set 1500 to serve as a guide for second lace set 1415 as the laces are routed through fastener moving mechanism 1402 .

In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow channels or a greater number of hollow channels in the set of hollow tubes 1500 . For example, in one embodiment, there may be three or fewer hollow tubes. In other embodiments, there may be five or more hollow tubes. As will be discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 18-20 , there may also be embodiments in which only a single hollow tube is incorporated into the article of footwear. Additionally, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the hollow tubes may be positioned along various regions of the article of footwear. For example, referring to FIG. 10 , one or more hollow tubes may alternatively be positioned along forefoot region 620 , midfoot region 622 , and/or heel region 624 of upper 102 .

In general, each hollow tube in the set of hollow tubes 1500 can have any thickness. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow tube 1502 may have a thickness that is substantially greater than the lining layer of upper 102 . In other embodiments, first hollow tube 1502 may have a thickness that is substantially less than the lining layer of upper 102 . In one embodiment, first hollow tube 1502 has a thickness substantially similar to the thickness of the liner of upper 102 . With this arrangement, first hollow tube 1502 may not substantially interfere with the movement and flexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302 .

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of the hollow tube set 1500 along the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 15 . Referring to FIG. 16 , set of hollow tubes 1500 includes a separate conduit along each hollow tube for receiving each lace of second lace set 1415 . In this embodiment, the set of hollow tubes 1500 includes a first lace receiving passage 1541 in a first hollow tube 1502, a second lace receiving passage 1542 in a second hollow tube 1503, a third hollow tube 1504 The third lace receiving passage 1543 in the fourth hollow tube 1505, the fifth lace receiving passage 1545 in the fifth hollow tube 1506, the fourth lace receiving passage 1545 in the sixth hollow tube 1507 Sixth lace receiving passage 1546, seventh lace receiving passage 1547 in seventh hollow tube 1508, eighth lace receiving passage 1548 in eighth hollow tube 1509, and ninth lace receiving passage 1510 in ninth hollow tube 1510. Lace receiving passage 1549. Each lace receiving passage is configured to receive first lace 1411, second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace 1417, seventh lace, respectively. Strap 1418 , eighth lace 1419 and ninth lace 1420 . The shoelaces can pass through the first upper opening 1521, the second upper opening 1522, the third upper opening 1523, the fourth upper opening 1524, the fifth upper opening 1526, the sixth upper opening 1527, the seventh upper opening 1528, and the eighth upper opening. 1529 and ninth upper opening 1530 to exit or enter.

In general, the hollow tube set 1500 may have passageways of any shape as discussed with reference to the hollow plate 300 of FIGS. 2-5 , the hollow plate set 700 of FIGS. . In the current embodiment, since the first hollow tube 1502, the second hollow tube 1503, the third hollow tube 1504, the fourth hollow tube 1505, the fifth hollow tube 1506, the sixth hollow tube 1507, The seventh hollow tube 1504, the eighth hollow tube 1509 and the ninth hollow tube 1510 all have approximately circular, cylindrical and curved shapes, so that the first shoelace receiving passage 1541, the second shoelace receiving passage 1542 , third lace-receiving passage 1543, fourth lace-receiving passage 1544, fifth lace-receiving passage 1545, sixth lace-receiving passage 1546, seventh lace-receiving passage 1547, eighth lace-receiving passage 1548, and Nine lace receiving passages 1549 have a slightly curved and rounded shape. However, in other embodiments, the path of the hollow tube set may also be approximately straight.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interior of the hollow tube set 1500 in the longitudinal direction as indicated in FIG. 15 . Referring to FIG. 17 , the respective pathways shown in FIG. 16 are shown in longitudinal cross-section. 17 illustrates first lace receiving passage 1541, second lace receiving passage 1542, third lace receiving passage 1543, fourth lace receiving passage 1544, fifth lace receiving passage 1545, sixth lace receiving passage Passageway 1546, seventh lace-receiving passageway 1547, eighth lace-receiving passageway 1548, and ninth lace-receiving passageway 1549 configured to receive first lace 1411, second lace 1412, third lace 1413, respectively , fourth lace 1414 , fifth lace 1416 , sixth lace 1417 , seventh lace 1418 , eighth lace 1419 , and ninth lace 1420 (as shown in FIG. 15 ).

In some embodiments, the lace-receiving passages of hollow tube set 1500 may be substantially larger than the laces of second lace set 1415 . In one embodiment, first lace receiving passage 1541, second lace receiving passage 1542, third lace receiving passage 1543, fourth lace receiving passage 1544, fifth lace receiving passage 1545, sixth lace receiving passage Receiving passage 1546 , seventh lace receiving passage 1547 , eighth lace receiving passage 1548 , and ninth lace receiving passage 1549 are generally similar in size to the laces of second lace set 1415 . Thus, with this arrangement, the first lace-receiving passage 1541, the second lace-receiving passage 1542, the third lace-receiving passage 1543, the fourth lace-receiving passage 1544, the fifth lace-receiving passage 1545, the sixth lace-receiving passage Strap receiving passage 1546 , seventh lace receiving passage 1547 , eighth lace receiving passage 1548 , and ninth lace receiving passage 1549 may be configured as guides that allow smooth passage of each lace through hollow tube set 1500 . sliding motion without allowing for undesired bending, twisting, or other motion patterns that could impede this smooth sliding motion. In one example, if the lace-receiving passage is too large, the laces may bunch or fold within the lace-receiving passage instead of sliding smoothly through the lace-receiving passage. In further examples, if the lace-receiving passageway is too narrow, the lace may experience increased friction and/or erratic movement through the passageway.

Furthermore, referring to the set of hollow channels 1100 of FIGS. 10-13 and the set of hollow tubes 1500 of FIGS. or roundness) (relative to the guiding elements of the hollow channel set 1100) may allow the hollow tube set 1500 to better accommodate circular tensile elements. For example, the circular channels of hollow tube set 1500 can receive similar circular tensile elements, such as ropes or shoelaces, which can reduce the problem of tensile elements twisting inside guide elements. Additionally, in some embodiments, rounded tensile elements may be positioned along more paths through upper 102 (including paths outside of the guide elements) than wider or flatter shaped tensile elements. Additionally, in one instance, flat tensile elements may not transfer as smoothly between different portions of upper 102 as round tensile elements. In one instance, in combination with a relatively wide or flat guide element (eg, first hollow channel 1102 ), the associated portion of upper 102 may not free to bend like the part associated with the empty tube 1502). In some cases, circular tensile elements may also allow for minimal contact between the guide elements and portions of upper 102 into which the guide elements are incorporated, allowing portions of upper 102 immediately adjacent to the guide elements to be independent of direct attachment. to the part of the guide element bent.

Although FIGS. 1-17 generally depict a guide element as part of a group (eg, the hollow plate of FIGS. 6-9 , the hollow channel of FIGS. 10-13 and/or the hollow tube of FIGS. 14-17 ) , but it should be understood that each guide element may be incorporated or otherwise included in the article of footwear in isolation. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18-20 , a single guide element may be used with an article of footwear. For the sake of clarity, only a part of the guide element is illustrated. It should be understood, however, that each guide element of FIGS. 18-20 may represent a fully formed guide element that may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

In Fig. 18, a first guiding element 1800 is shown. The first guide element 1800 includes a first end 1810 and a second end 1820 . In some cases, first guide element 1800 may be substantially similar to first hollow plate 702 (as shown in FIG. 7 ). However, in other embodiments, the curvature of the first guide element 1800 may be increased and associated with the first angle 1850 . The first angle 1850 is substantially less than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the curvature of the first guide element 1800 may approximate or correspond to the curvature of the upper of the article or other region into which it is incorporated or otherwise associated. In other words, in some embodiments, the profile of first guide element 1800 may be configured to generally correspond to the profile of the portion of upper 102 in which (or adjacent to) first guide element 1800 is disposed, thereby allowing for more Smoother and/or more comfortable fit. Furthermore, the first guide element 1800 may include one or more openings. In FIG. 18, the first guide element 1800 has a first opening 1812 associated with a first end 1810 near the top of the first guide element 1800, and a second opening 1822 is associated with a lower portion of the first guide element 1800. The second end 1820 is associated. Thus, unlike previously described embodiments, the first channel 1870 may extend continuously from the first end 1810 to the second end 1820 . This can be compared with the embodiment of FIGS. A first lower opening is provided on the side.

As shown in Figure 18, in some embodiments, the first channel 1870 can be substantially hollow. First channel 1870 can include various dimensions, including in some embodiments a round opening or other circular opening, which can allow the channel to accommodate a tensile member having a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the first channel 1870 may have a square or rectangular opening (as depicted in Figure 18). Accordingly, first guide element 1800 can accommodate, support, or facilitate the use of tensile elements having square or rectangular cross-sectional shapes.

In Fig. 19, a second guide element 1900 is shown. The second guide element 1900 includes a first end 1910 and a second end 1920 . In some cases, second guide element 1900 can be substantially similar to first hollow channel 1102 (as shown in FIG. 11 ). However, in other embodiments, the curvature of the second guide element 1900 may be increased and associated with the second angle 1950 . The second angle 1950 is substantially less than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the curvature of the second guide element 1900 may approximate or correspond to the curvature of the upper of the article or other region into which it is incorporated or otherwise associated. In other words, in some embodiments, the profile of the second guide element 1900 can be configured to generally correspond to the profile of the portion of the upper 102 in which (or adjacent to) the second guide element 1900 is disposed, thereby allowing for smoother flow. and/or a more comfortable fit. Furthermore, the second guide element 1900 may include one or more openings. In FIG. 19 , the second guide element 1900 has a first opening 1912 associated with the first end 1910 and a second opening 1922 associated with the second end 1920 . Thus, unlike the embodiments previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-17 , the second channel 1970 may extend continuously from the first end 1910 to the second end 1920 . This can be compared with the embodiment of FIGS. A first lower opening 1111 is provided on the side.

In some embodiments, the second channel 1970 can be substantially hollow. As described with reference to first channel 1870 in FIG. 18 , second channel 1970 may include various dimensions, including in some embodiments round openings or other circular openings, which may allow the channel to accommodate the tensile element. In other embodiments, the second channel 1970 may have a square or rectangular opening (as depicted in FIG. 19 ). Thus, the second guide element 1900 can accommodate, support, or facilitate the use of tensile elements having square or rectangular cross-sectional shapes.

In Fig. 20, a third guide element 2000 is shown. The third guiding element 2000 comprises a first end 2010 and a second end 2020 . In some cases, third guide element 2000 can be substantially similar to first hollow tube 1502 (as shown in FIG. 15 ). However, in other embodiments, the curvature of the third guide element 2000 may be increased and associated with the third angle 2050 . The third angle 2050 is substantially less than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the curvature of the third guide element 2000 may approximate or correspond to the curvature of the upper of the article or other regions into which it is incorporated or otherwise associated. In other words, in some embodiments, the profile of third guide element 2000 may be configured to generally correspond to the profile of the portion of upper 102 in which (or adjacent to) third guide element 2000 is disposed, thereby allowing more Smoother and/or more comfortable fit. Furthermore, the third guide element 2000 may comprise one or more openings. In FIG. 20 , the third guide element 2000 has a first opening 2012 associated with the first end 2010 and a second opening 2022 associated with the second end 2020 . Thus, unlike the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-17 , the third channel 2070 may extend continuously from the first end 2010 to the second end 2020 . This can be compared with the embodiment of FIGS. A lower opening 1511 is provided on one side.

It can be seen that, in some embodiments, the third channel 2070 can be substantially hollow. As described with reference to the first channel 1870 in FIG. 18 and the second channel 1970 in FIG. 19 , the third channel 2070 in some embodiments may include various sizes, including round or otherwise circular openings, which may Allows the channel to accommodate tensile elements with a circular cross-section. In FIG. 20 , the third channel 2070 is depicted as having a circular first opening 2012 and a circular second opening 2022 . In other embodiments, the third channel 2070 can have a square or rectangular opening, wherein the third guide element 2000 can thus accommodate, support, or facilitate the use of a tensile element having a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

Although the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 18-20 are depicted in isolation, it should be understood that they may be representative of multiple guiding elements. Accordingly, the features and principles of first guide element 1800, second guide element 1900, and third guide element 2000 are applicable to multiple guide elements disposed in an article of footwear, including the implementations described above with reference to FIGS. 1-17 . Program. Furthermore, the features and principles of the guide element described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17 may also be applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 18 to 20 .

It should be understood that the structures described herein may be provided in various regions of the article of footwear. In other words, the guide element is not limited to the positions illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17 . For example, each of the embodiments of guide elements described herein may be incorporated along different portions of the article of footwear. In one embodiment, a lacing system according to the present disclosure may include a guide element extending along the rear of the upper near the heel region. In additional embodiments, one or more guide elements may extend over or near the toe of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the guide element may extend from the forefoot region to the heel region. In other words, the lacing system may include not only guide elements extending around the upper along the lateral and medial sides, but guide elements extending in other orientations as well. In one embodiment, a guide element can be positioned along an edge of the lacing region, and in some cases, the guide element can provide the function of an eyelet to the tensile element. In another instance, the guide element may extend from one side of the upper across the tongue and toward the opposite side of the upper. In additional embodiments, guide elements may be positioned or secured at locations along the heel region to facilitate extension of the tensile element around the rear of the article of footwear. Accordingly, guide elements may be arranged such that they extend along or within any portion of an article of footwear, including but not limited to an upper and/or a sole structure.

In some embodiments, the guide element may be arranged in a configuration as described with reference to the tube guide in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0138029 to Gerber et al., published May 30, 2013, which is adopted by References are incorporated herein in their entirety. Additionally, the guide elements may be arranged in a configuration as described with reference to channels in Follet's US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0196316, published Jul. 17, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, the arrangement of the guide elements in this embodiment may be arranged as described with reference to the tubular structure of Seamarks et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0245638, published September 4, 2014, which is incorporated by reference as It is incorporated herein in its entirety.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments are within the scope of the embodiments and implementations are possible. While many possible combinations of features are shown in the drawings and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in place of any other feature or element of any other embodiment, unless specifically limited. Accordingly, it is to be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in this disclosure can be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. An article of footwear comprising: vamp; a first guide element attached to the upper; a first tensile element configured to condition the upper, wherein the first tensile element is routed through the first guide element; wherein the first tensile element moves through the first guide element to adjust the upper when tension is applied to the first tensile element; and Wherein, the stiffness of the first guiding element is greater than the stiffness of the first tensile element. 2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element includes a first opening and a second opening. 3. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element comprises a hollow plate geometry, and wherein the first opening has a generally rectangular shape. 4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element includes a hollow channel geometry, and wherein the first opening has a generally square shape. 5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element comprises a hollow tube geometry, and wherein the first opening has a generally circular shape. 6. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first tensile element is a rope. 7. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first tensile element is a shoelace for the article of footwear. 8. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element is associated with a sidewall portion of the upper, and wherein the stiffness of the first guide element is greater than that of the upper The stiffness of the sidewall portion. 9. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide element and a second tensile element, and wherein the second guide element is substantially similar to the first guide element. 10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first guide element is associated with a sidewall portion of the upper, and wherein a curvature of the first guide element is substantially similar to that of the The curvature of the sidewall portion of the upper. 11. An article of footwear comprising: vamp; a guide element attached to the upper; a tensile element, wherein the tensile element is routed through the guide element, and wherein the tensile element is configured to adjust the upper when tension is applied to the tensile element; wherein the guiding element is incorporated into the first portion of the upper; wherein the guide element has a compressive strength greater than the compressive strength of the first portion of the upper; and Wherein the curvature of the guiding element is substantially similar to the curvature of the first portion of the upper in which the guiding element is incorporated. 12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the guide element is generally hollow, and wherein the guide element includes a first opening and a second opening. 13. The article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein the tensile element extends through the guide element from at least the first opening to the second opening. 14. The article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein the stiffness of the guide element is greater than the stiffness of the tensile element. 15. The article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein the guide element includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first opening is associated with the first end, and wherein, The second opening is associated with the second end. 16. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the guide element is disposed against an inner surface of a sidewall portion of the upper. 17. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the guide element is disposed against an exterior surface of a sidewall portion of the upper. 18. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the guide element is disposed between an outer liner layer of the sidewall portion and an inner liner layer of the sidewall portion. 19. The article of footwear according to claim 11, further comprising an automatic lacing system that controls tension of the tensile element. 20. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the automatic lacing system includes a motor, and wherein, by activating the motor, the tensile element can be moved between a tightened configuration and a loosened configuration. between them automatically.