JP7171833B2 - Automated footwear with cables and upper tensioners - Google Patents

Description

[Priority claim]
This patent application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/4718 filed March 15, 2017.
50, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/47510, filed March 22, 2017
5 priority benefit, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application relates generally to footwear tensioning systems. More specifically, this application relates to uppers and lacing systems for adjusting the fit of footwear.

Current footwear uppers are generally fixed in size and cannot be easily adapted to the shape of the foot. Therefore, the wearer typically adjusts the fit and tension of the upper with a lacing system. However, with footwear that includes an electrically powered lacing engine, the wearer of the footwear can adjust the lacing system to tighten the upper around the foot with the feel and tactile feedback available from manual lacing systems. may not be possible. Therefore, especially in automated racing engines, there is a need to improve the functionality of uppers and lacing systems to adapt to the shape of the foot with the desired tension.

The following specification describes a footwear assembly including a lacing system, including a motorized or non-motorized racing engine, footwear components associated with the racing engine, an automated racing footwear platform, and associated manufacturing processes. Various aspects are described. More specifically, much of the specification below describes various aspects of lacing structures (configurations) for use in footwear that include a centralized lacing powered or non-powered lacing engine. explain. Additionally, the following specification describes various tensioners that can be incorporated into footwear assemblies, such as lacing construction uppers.

The footwear assembly includes: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, each of which extends proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; a wear upper; a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial aspect; and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral aspect. , a lacing cable; and a plurality of lacing guides distributed along the medial and lateral carapace sides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable. a cage with lacing cables passing through each of the plurality of lacing guides and forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral sides of the footwear upper;
a lacing guide; a medial proximal that routes lacing cables from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the plurality of lacing guides to a location where the lacing cables can engage a lacing engine located in the midsole; race guides; race cables;
a proximal instep lacing guide that routes the lacing cable from a position where it can engage the racing engine to a pattern formed by the instep portions of the plurality of lacing guides; first and second of the plurality of lacing guides; a first elastic member extending between the race guides;
including.

The footwear assembly includes: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, each of which extends proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; a wear upper; a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial aspect; and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral aspect. , a lacing cable; and a plurality of lacing guides distributed along the medial and lateral carapace sides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable. a cage with lacing cables passing through each of the plurality of lacing guides and forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral sides of the footwear upper;
a lacing guide; a medial proximal that routes lacing cables from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the plurality of lacing guides to a location where the lacing cables can engage a lacing engine located in the midsole; race guides; race cables;
a proximal instep lace guide that routes the lacing cable from a location where it can engage a racing engine to a pattern formed by a plurality of instep portions of the lace guide; first and second portions of the footwear upper; a first elastic member extending therebetween.

The footwear assembly includes: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, each of which extends proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; a wear upper; a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial aspect; and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral aspect. , a lacing cable; and a plurality of lacing guides distributed along the medial and lateral carapace sides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable. a cage with lacing cables passing through each of the plurality of lacing guides and forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral sides of the footwear upper;
a lacing guide; a medial proximal that routes lacing cables from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the plurality of lacing guides to a location where the lacing cables can engage a lacing engine located in the midsole; race guides; race cables;
a proximal instep lacing guide that routes the lacing cable from a position where it can engage a racing engine to a pattern formed by a plurality of instep portions of the lacing guides; a first portion of the footwear upper and a plurality of a first elastic member extending between the first race guide of the race guides.

A footwear assembly includes: a sole structure; and a footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial instep side portion, a lateral instep side portion, and a heel portion, which are connected to the sole structure to form an interior space for receiving the foot. a footwear upper forming a collar that allows access to the interior space; a lacing engine located within the sole structure; a lacing system: a medial side anchored to the footwear upper. and lateral ends, and a lacing cable having a central portion passing through the racing engine; the lacing cable along the footwear upper between the medial and lateral ends and the racing engine; a lacing system including a plurality of routing lacing guides; a heel channel coupled to the heel and configured to facilitate access to the interior space.

A footwear assembly includes: a sole structure; and a footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial instep side portion, a lateral instep side portion, and a heel portion, which are connected to the sole structure to form an interior space for receiving the foot. a footwear upper forming a collar that allows access to the interior space; a lacing engine located within the sole structure; a lacing system: a medial side anchored to the footwear upper. and lateral ends, and a lacing cable having a central portion passing through the racing engine; the lacing cable along the footwear upper between the medial and lateral ends and the racing engine; a lacing system including a plurality of routed race guides; a resilient member coupled to the footwear assembly and functioning to smooth the torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the lace cables. .

The footwear assembly includes: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, each of which extends proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; a wear upper; a medial tension member secured to the medial side of the upper proximate the toe box; a lateral instep tension member secured to the lateral side of the upper proximate the toe box; a lace cable having a first end attached to the medial tension member and a second end attached to the lateral armor tension member; along the medial side and the lateral side of the carapace; A plurality of distributed race guides, each race guide of the plurality of race guides adapted to receive a portion of the race cable, the race cable passing through each of the plurality of race guides to the foot. lace guides forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral sides of the wear upper.

A footwear assembly includes: a sole structure; and a footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial instep side portion, a lateral instep side portion, and a heel portion, which are connected to the sole structure to form an interior space for receiving the foot. a footwear upper forming a collar that allows access to said interior space; a racing engine located within the sole structure; a medial floating overlay attached to the footwear; a lateral floating overlay attached to the lateral aspect of the footwear upper adjacent the toe box; a lacing system comprising: medial and lateral floating a lacing cable having medial and lateral ends anchored to the overlay and a central portion passing through the racing engine; a lacing cable connecting the medial and lateral ends to the racing engine; a lacing system including a plurality of lace guides routed along the footwear upper therebetween;

A footwear assembly is: a footwear upper including a toebox, a medial lateral, a lateral instep, and a heel, wherein the medial and lateral insteps extend from the toebox to the heel, respectively a footwear upper extending proximally to form a throat region of the footwear upper; a medial tension member secured to the medial side of the upper proximate the toe box; proximate the toe box. a lateral upper tension member secured to the lateral side of the upper; a first end attached to the medial tension member; and a second end attached to the lateral upper tension member. a plurality of lacing guides distributed along the medial and lateral carapace laterals; the lacing cables extending from a first end located on the medial tension member; , across the throat region and along the lateral side of the shell through one or more lace guides; the lace cable traverses the throat region from a second end located on the lateral upper tension member; and extends through one or more race guides along the medial lateral surface.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and like reference numerals may describe like components in different views. Similar numbers with different suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate the various embodiments described herein by way of example and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing some components of a footwear assembly with a motorized lacing system, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 4 is a top view of a lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 10 is a top view of a flattened footwear upper with a lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes a motorized racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 10 is a top view of a flattened footwear upper with a lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes a motorized racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 10 is a top view of a flattened footwear upper with a lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes a motorized racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a footwear upper with lacing structure for use in a footwear assembly including an electrically powered lacing engine and heel and tongue access adjustment components of the footwear upper, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. It is a diagram. FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a footwear upper with a lacing structure for use in a footwear assembly including heel elastic members and tongue elastic members connected to the lacing structure; FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a footwear upper with lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a footwear upper with lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of a footwear upper with a lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; 7B illustrates a portion of a footwear upper with a lacing structure for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 7C illustrates deformable lace guides for use in footwear assemblies, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. FIG. 7D illustrates a deformable lace guide for use with footwear assemblies, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 7E is a graph showing various torque vs. race displacement curves for deformable race guides, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a lacing guide for use with certain lacing structures, according to some example embodiments. Figure 8B is a diagram illustrating a lacing guide for use with a particular lacing structure, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating lacing guides for use with certain lacing structures, according to some example embodiments. FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating a lacing guide for use with certain lacing structures, according to some example embodiments. FIG. 8E is a diagram illustrating lacing guides for use with certain lacing structures, according to some example embodiments. FIG. 8F is a diagram illustrating lacing guides for use with certain lacing structures, according to some example embodiments. FIG. 8G is a diagram illustrating a lacing guide for use with a particular lacing structure, according to some exemplary embodiments; 4 is a flow chart illustrating a footwear assembly process for a footwear assembly including a racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; 4 is a flow chart illustrating a footwear assembly process for a footwear assembly including a racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments; 1 is a front view of a footwear upper partially cut away showing elastic strips connecting panels on the medial and lateral sides of the upper; FIG. 12 is a rear view of the footwear upper of FIG. 11 showing the heel strap assembly connecting the lace cable sections on the medial and lateral sides of the upper; FIG. 12 is a side view of the footwear upper of FIG. 11 partially cut away showing the lace guides connected to the footwear upper along elastic strips; FIG. Figure 14 shows the footwear upper of Figure 13 bent to show the lace guides connected to the footwear upper apart from the elastic strip; FIG. 13 shows the footwear upper of FIG. 12 showing loose lace cables pulled out of the electric racing engine by the pretension straps of the heel strap assembly; 15B illustrates the footwear upper of FIG. 15A showing the lace cable tightened to the electric racing engine and the heel strap of the heel strap assembly tightened around the heel portion of the footwear upper; FIG. FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a footwear upper showing lace cable tension straps on the medial and lateral sides. 5A-5D are graphs showing various force versus race displacement curves for shoe uppers including various elastic members described herein, according to some exemplary embodiments; 17 shows the footwear upper of FIG. 16 laid out flat to show the lacing structure including tensioning straps connected to the laces in a crossover configuration; FIG. Figure 19 shows the tensioning strap of Figure 18 showing the lockout and stretch areas; FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a footwear upper including a lacing structure including tensioning straps connected to laces in a non-crossover configuration; FIG. 4 is a top view of a two-zone lacing structure for use with footwear assemblies that include motorized or non-motorized racing engines, according to some exemplary embodiments; 22 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating an upper and the two-zone lacing structure of FIG. 21, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used or the discussion under the headings.

The self-tightening shoelace concept was first used in the fictional power laces worn by Marty McFly in the 1989 film Back to the Future II. Popularized by Nike® sneakers with Nike® has released at least one version of a power laced sneaker that looks similar to the movie prop version of Back to the Future® II, but with an internal mechanical system. and surrounding footwear platforms are not necessarily suitable for mass production or everyday use. Additionally, other previous designs of motorized lacing systems suffered from some problems such as high manufacturing costs, complexity, assembly challenges, and low maintainability. The inventors have developed a modular footwear platform for motorized and non-motorized racing engines that, among other things, solves some or all of the above problems. briefly explained below,
To take full advantage of the modular racing engine, which is described in greater detail in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/308,686, entitled "LACING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED FOORWEAR PLATFORM," the inventors developed the present invention. A lacing structure has been developed as described in the specification. The lacing structures described herein can solve various problems encountered with centralized lacing mechanisms, such as uneven tightening, fit, comfort, and performance.
This lacing structure provides a variety of benefits including smoothing lace tension over longer lace extensions and improved comfort while maintaining fit performance. One aspect of improving comfort includes reducing pressure across the instep. Exemplary lacing structures can also improve fit and performance by manipulating lace tension in both the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior (front-to-back) directions. . Various other advantages of the components described below will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The described lacing structure is located in the midsole area of the footwear assembly,
Specially developed for interfacing with modular racing engines. However, the concept can also be applied to motorized and manual lacing mechanisms placed at various locations around the footwear, such as the heel or toe portion of the footwear platform. The described lacing structure uses lace guides. Race guides can be formed of various shapes and materials such as tubular plastic, metal clips, fabric loops or channels, plastic clips, and open U-shaped channels. In some examples, different types of race guides can be combined to perform specific race routing functions within the racing structure.

The electric racing engine described below is designed to provide a robust, serviceable, replaceable component of an automated racing footwear platform.
Developed from scratch. The racing engine includes unique design elements that allow retail level final assembly into a modular footwear platform. This racing engine design leverages known assembly techniques for much of the footwear assembly process, and its unique adaptation to standard assembly processes allows it to leverage current assembly resources.

In one example, a modular automated racing footwear platform includes a midsole plate secured to the midsole to receive a racing engine. The midsole plate design allows the racing engine to drop into the footwear platform at the point of purchase. The midsole plate and other aspects of the modular, automated footwear platform allow different types of racing engines to be used interchangeably. For example, the electric racing engine described below can be replaced with a human powered racing engine. Alternatively, a fully automated electric racing engine, with foot presence sensing or any other function, can be housed within a standard midsole plate.

Utilizing a centralized racing engine, powered or non-powered, to tighten athletic shoes presents several challenges in providing adequate performance without sacrificing some degree of comfort. The lacing constructions described herein are specifically designed for use in centralized racing engines and are designed to allow for a variety of footwear designs from casual to high performance. .

This initial overview is intended to introduce the subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the various inventions disclosed in the more detailed description below.

[Automated Footwear Platform]
Various components of the automated footwear platform are described below. This platform includes an electric racing engine, a midsole plate, and various other components of the platform. Although most of this disclosure focuses on racing structures for use in electrically powered racing engines, the designs described
It can be applied to human-powered racing engines or other electric racing engines with additional or less features. Thus, the term "automated" as used in "automated footwear platform" does not cover only systems that operate without user input. Rather, an “automated footwear platform” includes a variety of electrically and manually powered, automatically activated and human activated mechanisms for tightening the lacing or retention system of the footwear.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing components of a motorized lacing system for footwear, according to some exemplary embodiments. Electric racing system 1 shown in FIG.
includes racing engine 10, lid 20, actuator 30, midsole plate 40
, midsole 50, and outsole 60. Figure 1 illustrates the basic assembly sequence of the components of the automated racing footwear platform. The motorized lacing system 1 begins by securing the midsole plate 40 within the midsole. Actuators 30 are then inserted into openings in the side of the midsole plate, opposite the interface buttons that may be embedded in outsole 60 . Next, the racing engine 10 is dropped into the midsole plate 40. - 特許庁In one example,
Insert the lacing system 1 under the continuous loop of the lacing cable so that the lacing cable
Align with the spool (described below) in the racing engine 10. Finally, the lid 20 is inserted into the groove of the midsole plate 40 and locked in the closed position, and the midsole plate 40
It latches into the recess of the Lid 20 may enclose racing engine 10 and may assist in maintaining alignment of the race cables during operation.

In one example, the article of footwear or motorized lacing system 1 includes or is configured to interface with one or more sensors that can monitor or measure foot presence characteristics. Based on information from one or more foot presence sensors, footwear including motorized lacing system 1 may be configured to perform various functions. For example, a foot presence sensor may be configured to provide binary information regarding whether a foot is present within the footwear. The motorized lacing system 1 can be activated to automatically tighten or loosen (i.e., loosen) the lacing cables of the footwear when the binary signal from the foot presence sensor indicates foot presence. can. In one example, the article of footwear includes processor circuitry that can receive or interpret signals from the foot presence sensor. This processor circuit may optionally be embedded in the racing engine 10, or in conjunction with the racing engine 10, such as in the sole of an article of footwear.

[Racing structure]
FIG. 2 is a top view of upper 200 showing an example lacing configuration, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the upper 205 includes, in addition to the lace (shoe lace) 210 and the racing engine 10 , the outer shell side lace fixing portion 215 and the inner shell side lace fixing portion 21 .
6, outer shell side lace guide 222, medial side lace guide 220, and brio cable 22
5. The example shown in FIG. 2 includes a continuous knit fabric upper 205 with a diagonal lacing pattern that includes non-overlapping medial and lateral lacing paths. The racing path starts at the outer race anchor 215, passes through the outer race guide 222, passes through the racing engine 10, passes through the medial race guide 220, and reaches the inner race anchor 21.
It is made to return to 6. In this example, the lace 210 is attached to the outer shell side lace fixing portion 21.
5 to the medial lace fixing portion 216 to form a continuous loop. In this example, the tightening from the medial side to the lateral side is transmitted via the Brio cable 225 . In another example, the racing paths may intersect or incorporate additional features to transmit tightening forces in a medial-lateral direction across upper 205 . Further, this continuous lace loop concept can be incorporated into a more traditional upper with a central (middle) gap and laces 210 crossing the central gap front to back.

3A-3C are top views of footwear upper 305 with lacing structure 300 for use with footwear assemblies that include an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. For purposes of describing an exemplary footwear upper, upper 305 is assumed to be designed for incorporation into a right foot version of the footwear assembly. FIG. 3A is a top view of a flattened footwear upper 305 with the lacing structure 300 shown. In this example, the footwear upper 30
5 is a series of race guides 320A to 320J (collectively referred to as race guides 320);
and a race cable 310 extending through the race guide 320 . In this example, the lace cable 310 is connected to the outer shell side lace fixing portion 345A and the inner shell side lace fixing portion 34
At 5B, loops are formed that terminate on each side of upper 305 . The central portion of the loop is threaded through the racing engine within the midsole of the footwear assembly. Upper 305 also includes stiffeners associated with each of a series of race guides 320 . The stiffeners can cover individual race guides or span multiple race guides. In this example, the reinforcing members are the central reinforcing member 325, the first outer shell side reinforcing member 335A, the first inner shell side reinforcing member 335B, the second outer shell side reinforcing member 330A, and the second inner shell side reinforcing member. Material 330B
including. The central portion of the lace cable 310 is routed to and/or from the racing engine via lateral posterior race guide 315A and medial posterior race guide 315B to exit lateral lace exit 340A and medial lace. Exit 3
Enter/exit upper 300 through 40B.

The upper 305 includes a forefoot (toe) portion 307, a midfoot portion 308,
and heel portion 309 . The forefoot portion 307 corresponds to the joint that connects the metatarsals and the phalanges of the foot. Midfoot point 308 may correspond to the arch area of the foot. Heel portion 309 may correspond to the rear or heel portion of the foot. The medial and lateral heel portions 309 can be connected via a heel member 350 , which can include a medial strip 352 and a lateral shell strip 354 . The medial and lateral instep sides of the midfoot portion of upper 305 can include central portion 306 . In some common footwear designs, the central portion 306 may include openings spanned by a crossing (or similar) pattern of laces that allow the fit of the footwear upper to be adjusted around the foot. . The central portion 306 includes openings that also facilitate foot entry and exit from the footwear assembly.

Lace guides 320 are tubular or channel-like structures for retaining lacing cables 310 and routing lacing cables 310 through patterns along each of the lateral and medial sides of upper 305 . In this example, the lace guides 320 are essentially sinusoidally arranged U-shapes that cycle up and down along the medial and lateral sides of the upper 305 .
It is a letter-shaped plastic tube. The number of cycles the lace cable 310 completes may vary depending on the shoe size. Small size footwear assemblies may only accommodate 1.5 cycles. The exemplary upper 305 includes the medial posterior race guide 3
It accommodates 2.5 cycles before entering 15B or instep rear race guide 315A. At least in this example, the pattern is described as sinusoidal in nature because the U-shaped guide has a wider profile than the peaks or valleys of a true sinusoid. In another example, a pattern that more closely approximates a true sine wave pattern can be utilized (without extensive use of carefully curved race guides, a true sine wave can be stretched between race guides). not easily achieved in a race). The shape of the race guide 320 can be changed to produce different torque versus race displacement curves. Torque is measured with a racing engine located in the midsole of the shoe. Using race guides with smaller radii of curvature or increasing the frequency of the wave pattern (eg, more cycles with more race guides) can change the torque vs. race displacement curve. For example, a race guide with a smaller radius of curvature may result in higher race cable friction and higher initial torque, which may cause the torque to appear smoother on the torque vs. race displacement curve. However, certain implementations utilize a race guide placement pattern or race guide design to help smooth the torque vs. race displacement curve, while maintaining a low initial torque (e.g., by keeping friction within the race guide low). It may be more desirable to keep the level low. Such a race guide design is described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, and another alternative race guide design is described with reference to Figures 8A and 8G. In addition to the race guides described with reference to these figures, race guides can be made from plastic, polymer, metal, or fabric. For example, using layers of fabric,
Molded channels can be made for routing the race cables in a desired pattern. As described below, a combination of plastic or metal guides and fabric overlays can be used to produce guide components for use in the described lacing structures.

Returning to FIG. 3A, stiffeners 325 , 335 and 330 are shown associated with various lace guides, such as lace guide 320 . In one example, stiffener 335 may comprise a fabric impregnated with a heat activated adhesive that may be adhered over race guides 320G, 320H, a process sometimes referred to as hot melt. . A stiffener, such as stiffener 325, can cover several lace guides, in this example over the six upper lace guides located adjacent to the central portion of the footwear, such as central portion 306. there is In another example, stiffener 325 is split in the middle of central portion 306 to cover the lace guides along the medial side of central portion 306 separately from the lace guides along the lateral side of central portion 306. It is possible to form two pieces. In yet another alternative, stiffener 325 can be split into six separate stiffeners covering individual race guides. The use of stiffeners can be varied to change the interaction dynamics between the race guide and the underlying footwear upper (such as upper 305).
Reinforcements can also be attached to upper 305 in a variety of other ways, including stitching, adhesives, or a combination of mechanisms. The method of adhesion of the stiffeners, along with the type of fabric or material used for the stiffeners, can affect the friction experienced by the lace cables passing through the lace guides. For example, a stiffer material hot melted over an otherwise flexible race guide can increase the friction experienced by the race cable. In contrast, a flexible material glued onto the race guide can reduce friction by keeping the race guide more flexible. Reinforcement 325 may also include an elastic mesh covering the throat area of the footwear upper.

As mentioned above, FIG. 3A shows the race guides (320A,
320B, 320E, 320F, 320I, and 320J), which is a single member, central stiffener 325 is shown. Assuming stiffeners 325 are stiffer and less flexible than the underlying footwear upper (upper 305 in this example), the resulting central portion 306 of the footwear assembly is less permissive. It will show fit characteristics. In some applications, a stiffer, less forgiving central portion 306 may be desirable. However, in applications where greater flexibility of the entire central section 305 is required,
Central stiffener 325 may be divided into two or more stiffeners. In some applications, a split central stiffener can be joined across central portion 306 using various flexible or elastic materials to allow for a more fitting shape to central portion 306 . In another example, the central stiffener 325 itself can be elastic. In some examples, upper 30
5 can have a small gap extending the length of the central portion 306 with one or more elastic members spanning the gap and connecting the multiple central stiffeners. This is shown at least partially in FIG. 4A, for example, comprising race guides 410 and elastic members 440 .

Heel member 350 is a device or component that can be used to adjust access to footwear upper 305 and, in addition or alternatively, to adjust the effective spring stiffness of footwear upper 305 . can contain. In one example, the medial strip 352 and the lateral shell strip 354 are located on the medial and lateral heel portions 30 .
An elastic strip sewn to each other may be included sewn or otherwise attached to each of 9 . In another embodiment, only one elastic strip is connected to the medial and lateral heels 309 . As such, strips 352 and 354 can provide some degree of elasticity to the heel portion of footwear upper 305 . As described below, this effect can be used to provide upper 305 with various comfort and performance aspects. For example, elasticity can help the heel portion 309 remain engaged with the wearer's heel during use of the article of footwear. Strips 352 and 354 may include elastic cord, spandex, rubber, or the like.

In another embodiment, medial strip 352 and lateral shell strip 354 may include releasably engaged components to allow a user of the article of footwear to selectively open and close footwear upper 305 . can. For example, strips 352 and 3
54 may comprise opposing components of hook-and-loop material or opposing components of zipper construction. In such embodiments, heel member 350 allows the foot to enter and exit footwear upper 305 regardless of the condition of lacing cable 310 . More specifically, the heel member 350 is designed to pull the foot out of the footwear upper 305 even if the racing engine pulls the lace cable 310 into the sole structure and tightens the lace cable 310 against the footwear upper 305 . can do.

FIG. 3B is another top view of a flattened footwear upper 305 with the lacing structure 300 shown. In this example, footwear upper 305 includes a similar lace guide pattern, including lace guide 320 and modified reinforcements 325 , 330 , and 335 . As noted above, changes to the stiffener configuration result in at least slightly different fit characteristics and may also change the torque versus race displacement curve.

FIG. 3C is an example of a series of lacing structures shown on a flattened footwear upper, according to an illustrative embodiment; Race structure 300A shows a race guide pattern similar to the sinusoidal pattern described with reference to FIG. 3A, with individual stiffeners covering the individual race guides. Lace structure 300B is also a wave-shaped lacing pattern, also referred to as parachute lacing, showing a pattern with a pair of upper race guides spanning the central portion and elongated stiffeners covering the individual lower race guides. Lacing structure 300C is yet another wave-shaped lacing pattern with a single central stiffener. Lace structure 300D introduces a triangular lace pattern with individual stiffeners cut to fit individual lace guides. The race structure 300E is
Fig. 4 shows variations of stiffener configurations in a triangular lace pattern; At the end,
Lace structure 300F illustrates another variation in stiffener configuration, including a central stiffener and a reinforced bottom stiffener.

FIG. 4A illustrates a footwear upper 4 with a lacing structure 400 for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments.
05 shows a part of FIG. In this example, the medial side of upper 405 is shown with lacing guide 410 routing lacing cable 430 through medial exit guide 415 . Race guide 410 is encapsulated within stiffener 420 to form race guide component 415 , at least a portion of which is repositionable on upper 405 . In one example, the race guide component 415 is lined with a hook-and-loop material and the upper 405 is provided with a receiving surface for the hook-and-loop material. In this example, race guide component 415:
The upper 405 , which may be lined with hook portions, is provided with a knit loop surface for receiving the lace guide component 415 . In another example, race guide component 415 may have a track interface integrated to engage a track such as track 445 . Track-based integration can provide race guide component 415 with safe, limited-travel movement options. For example, track 445 extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of central portion 450,
Allows for placement of race guide components 415 along the length of the track. In some examples, the track 445 can span from the lateral to the medial side and retain the lace guide components on either side of the midsection 450 . A similar track can be placed in place to hold all of the lace guide components 415 and allow for adjustment of the restrictive orientation of all lace guides on the footwear upper 405 .

Footwear upper 405 illustrates another exemplary lacing structure that includes central elastic members such as elastic member 440 . In these examples, at least the upper lace guide components along the medial and lateral instep sides are centered with elastic members that allow different footwear designs to achieve different levels of fit and performance. 450 can be connected. For example, high-performance basketball shoes that require the foot to be secured over a wide range of lateral movements can use high modulus elastic members to ensure a snug fit. In another example, running shoes can use elastic members with a low modulus of elasticity. This is because running shoes can be designed to focus on long-distance road running comfort rather than high levels of lateral motion containment. In some examples, the elastic member 440 can be replaceable or include a mechanism that allows adjustment of the level of elasticity. As previously discussed, in some examples, a footwear upper, such as upper 405, may include a gap extending along midsection 450 that at least partially separates the medial side of the upper from the lateral side of the upper. can. Even if there is a small gap along central portion 450, an elastic member such as elastic member 440 can be used to compensate for the gap.

Although FIG. 4A shows a single track 445 or single elastic member 440, these elements may be replicated in some or all of the race guides in a particular lacing construction. For example, each race guide component 415 may be attached to its own track 445 that extends generally across the central portion 450 in a medial-lateral direction.
The position of each lace guide component 415 can be correlated with the presence of the foot within footwear upper 405 . For example, when a presence sensor, such as a contact switch in the sole structure, detects the weight of the foot in the footwear upper 405 , the lace guide component 415 pulls the lace cable closer to the central portion 450 and releases the lace cable 43 .
Take up 0 slack and tighten the footwear upper 405 over the foot. However, if the presence sensors do not detect the weight of the foot within the footwear upper 405, the lace guide component 415 is pulled away from the central portion 450, allowing the lace cables 430 to slack, thereby allowing the foot to enter the footwear upper 405. can be made easier. In such embodiments, a lace cable drive mechanism may additionally be used to move the lace guide component 415 over the track 445 . In another embodiment, one or more additional drive mechanisms (eg, motors) may be incorporated into the article of footwear. Additionally, in such embodiments, a central stiffener 325 is added to the central portion to provide an elastic zone, and additionally, or alternatively, an opening to the footwear upper 405, such as a zipper (e.g., zipper 465). can be provided.

FIG. 4B shows heel strap 480 spanning heel ridge 650 and lace guide 4
A plurality of elastic members 440 located at 15 are also shown. heel strap 480
and elastic member 440 can be used to adjust the effective spring stiffness of footwear upper 405 . As previously described, heel strap 480 and elastic member 440
Elasticity imparted by various strips such as can provide the footwear upper 405 with a degree of stretchability, thereby adjusting various comfort and performance aspects of the upper 405 . In an example, heel strap 480 may be directly connected to heel lacing component guide 615 on the medial and lateral sides of heel ridge 650 . Alternatively, the heel strap 480 may be attached to the lacing component guide 61 at one end.
5 and may be sewn to footwear upper 605 at heel ridge 650 .
In such embodiments, a single heel strap 480 can be used on either the medial or lateral side of footwear upper 605, or a heel strap 480 can be used on each of the medial and lateral sides of footwear upper 605. A strap 480 can be used. The heel lacing component guide 615 is separated from the footwear upper 405 and
Footwear upper 40 is secured by lace cable 430 and heel strap 480 .
5 can be suspended. The elastic member 440 pretension the heel lacing component guide 615 in the rear or heel portion of the footwear upper 405 so that the lace cable 430 can be pulled out of the racing engine with the lace cable 430 loosened. However, since the racing engine winds up the lace cable 430 in a tight state, the heel strap 480 can tighten the lace cable 430 on the footwear upper 405, causing the heel portion of the footwear upper 405 to pull down on the wearer's heel. can be made available.

Elastic member 440 may provide additional stretch to footwear upper 405 . The elastic member 440 has one end attached to the race guide component 415 and the other end attached to another opposite race guide component 415 or the footwear upper 405 (
central portion 450). Similar to heel strap 480 , elastic member 440 can be used to pull lace cable 430 from the racing engine, but can be stretched so that lace cable 430 can be tightened to footwear upper 405 .

Heel strap 480, elastic member 440 and elastic central stiffener 325 can each provide a degree of elasticity to the footwear upper, introducing various comfort and performance zones into the lacing action provided by the lacing mechanism. can do. Figure 1
7 shows various comfort and performance curves for various exemplary footwear uppers incorporating various combinations of lace cables 480, elastic members 440, elastic heel members 350, and elastic central stiffeners 325. there is

FIG. 5 illustrates a footwear upper 40 with a lacing structure 400 for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments.
5 shows a part of FIG. In this example, central portion 450 shown in FIG. 4A has been replaced with central closure mechanism 460 . In this example, the central closure mechanism is a central zipper 46
5. The central closure mechanism is designed to widen the opening of the footwear upper 405 for easy entry and exit of the foot. central zipper 4
65 is easily removable to allow foot entry and exit. In another example, the central closure mechanism 460 can be a hook-and-loop fastener, snap, buckle, toggle, secondary laces, or any similar closure mechanism.

FIG. 6 illustrates a footwear upper 40 with a lacing structure 600 for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments.
5 shows a part of FIG. In this example, lacing structure 600 has added heel lacing component 615 including heel race guide 610 and heel stiffener 620 , as well as heel redirect guide 610 and heel exit guide 615 . Heel redirect guide 610 directs lace cable 430 to last lace guide 410
to the heel lacing component 615. Heel lacing component 615 is formed from heel lace guide 610 with heel reinforcement 620 . Heel lace guide 610 is depicted in a similar shape to lace guides used elsewhere in upper 405 . However, in other embodiments, the heel race guide 610 can be another shape or can include multiple race guides. In this example, heel race component 615 is shown attached to heel track 645 , which allows for position adjustment of heel race component 615 . Similar to the adjustable lace guides described above, other mechanisms such as hook-and-loop fasteners or equivalent fastening mechanisms can be utilized to allow adjustment of the positioning of the heel lace component 615 .

In some examples, the upper 405 includes a heel ridge 650 that can include a closure mechanism like the central portion 450 described above. In examples with a heel closure mechanism, the heel closure mechanism is designed to facilitate entry and exit of the foot from the footwear by enlarging the foot opening of conventional footwear assemblies. Additionally, in some examples, heel lacing component 615 may be coupled to a corresponding heel lacing component on the opposite side (with or without a heel closure mechanism) via heel ridge 6510 . This connection may include an elastic member similar to elastic member 440 .

7A-7B illustrate a portion of a footwear upper 405 comprising a lacing structure 700 for use with a footwear assembly that includes an electrically powered racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, lacing structure 700 includes lace 730
includes a race guide 710 that routes the . Race guide 710 may include associated stiffeners 720 . In this example, lace guide 710 is configured to allow bending of portions of lace guide 710 from an open initial position shown in FIG. 7A to a bent closed position shown in FIG. The figure has a phantom line indicating the opposite position for reference). In this example, race guide 710 includes extensions that exhibit approximately 14 degrees of bend between the open initial position and the closed position. In other examples, the race guide 710 can bend more between its initial and final positions (or shapes),
Alternatively, it can be bent to a smaller extent. As race 730 is tightened, race guide 710 bends. Bending of race guide 710 has the effect of smoothing the torque vs. race displacement curve by applying some initial tension to race 730 and providing the additional function of dissipating tension in the race during the tightening process. be. Thus, in the initial shape or bent position, the race guide 710 creates some initial tension in the race cable, but it also functions to absorb slack in the race cable. As the tightening of the race cable begins, the race guide 710 bends or deforms.

In this example, race guide 710 is a plastic or polymer tube that can have different elastic moduli depending on the particular composition of the tube. The elastic modulus of lace cable 710 , along with the configuration of stiffener 720 , adjusts the amount of additional tension induced in lace 730 by flexing of lace guide 710 . Elastic deformation of the ends (legs or extensions) of race guide 710 causes race 7 to collapse as race guide 710 attempts to return to its original shape.
30 induce continuous tension. In some examples, the entire race guide bends uniformly along the length of the race guide. In another example, this bend is primarily the U of the race guide.
Occurring within the glyph portion, the extension remains substantially straight. In yet another example, the extension accommodates most of the bend while the U-shaped portion remains relatively fixed.

The stiffeners 720 are attached to the race guides 7 in a manner that permits movement of the ends of the race guides 710 .
10 is glued on. In some examples, stiffener 720 is adhered with a hot-melt process as described above, and the placement of the heat-activated adhesive allows openings to allow flexing of lace guide 710 . In another embodiment, the stiffener 720 can be sewn in place or a combination of glue and stitching can be used. How the stiffener 720 is adhered or structured can affect what the load from the race cable is and what part of the race guide bends. In some instances, the hot melt is concentrated around the U-shaped portion of the lace guide, allowing the extensions (legs) to bend more freely.

710 illustrates a deformable lace guide 710 for use with a footwear assembly, according to some exemplary embodiments; FIG. In this example, the details of the race guide 710 described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B are described. FIG. 7C shows the race guide 710 in a first (open) state, which can be considered an undeformed state. FIG. 7D shows the race guide 710 in a second (closed/bent) state, which can be considered a deformed state. Race guide 710 may include three different sections. A middle section 712 , a first extension section 714 and a second extension section 716 . Lace guide 710 may also include a lace receiving opening 740 and a lace exit opening 742 . As mentioned above, race guide 7
10 have different moduli of elasticity, which can adjust the level of deformation when a constant tension is applied. In some examples, the race guide 710 has an intermediate portion 712 having a first modulus of elasticity, a first extension having a second modulus of elasticity, and a second extension having a third elasticity. It may be composed of different sections with different elastic moduli, such as having modulus. In one example, the second and third elastic moduli can be substantially the same such that the first extension and the second extension bend or deform in the same manner. In this example, "substantially the same" can be interpreted to mean that the difference in elastic modulus is within several percent. In some examples, the race guide 710 has a variable modulus of elasticity that varies from a high modulus at the apex 746 to a low modulus toward the outer ends of the first and second extensions. be able to. In these examples, the elastic modulus may vary based on the wall thickness of race guide 710 .

Race guide 710 defines a number of axes that help explain how the deformable race guide works. For example, the first extension 714 is the first extension 714
a first entry race axis 75 aligned with at least an outer portion of an inner channel defined therein;
0 can be defined. Second extension 716 can define a first delivery race axis 760 aligned with at least an outer portion of an inner channel defined within second extension 716 . Upon deformation, race guide 710 defines a second incoming race axis 752 and a second outgoing race axis 762 aligned with respective portions of the first and second extensions, respectively. Race guide 710 intersects race guide 710 at apex 746 (assuming a symmetrical race guide in its undeformed state, as shown in FIG. 7C).
It includes a median axis 744 equidistant from the first extension and the second extension.

FIG. 7E is a graph 770 showing various torque versus race displacement curves for deformable race guides, according to some exemplary embodiments. As mentioned above, race guide 710
One of the advantages achieved using is that the torque (or race tension) versus race displacement (or foreshortening) curve is modified. Curve 776 shows the torque versus displacement curve for a non-deformable race guide used in an example lacing structure. Curve 776 shows how the lace increases in tension abruptly with a short displacement near the end of the tightening process. In contrast, curve 778 shows the torque versus displacement curve for the first deformable race guide used in the example lacing structure. Curve 778 begins in a similar fashion to curve 776, but as the race guide deforms with additional race tension, the curve flattens out, resulting in increased tension at greater race displacements. Flattening the curve allows for more fine tuning of the fit and performance of the end user's footwear.

The final example is divided into three segments: an initial tightening segment 780, an adaptive segment 782, and a reaction segment 784. Segments 780, 782
, 784 may be utilized in any situation where torque and resulting displacement are desired. However, the reaction segment 784 causes the displacement of the laces to suddenly change, particularly in response to an external factor unexpected by the electric racing engine (such as a relatively high load on the laces due to a sudden stoppage of movement by the wearer). It can be used in changing or modifying situations. Adaptive segment 782, in contrast, is used because changes in load on the race are predictable (e.g.,
A more gradual approach to racing (because changes in load are less abrupt, or changes in activity are input by the wearer into the electric racing engine, or the electric racing engine can predict changes in activity through machine learning). Can be used when displacement is available. The resulting deformable race guide design of this last example is designed to produce an adaptive segment 782 and a reactive segment 784 through the structural design of the race guide (such as channel shape, material selection, or a combination of parameters). It is The lacing structure and race guides that make up the last example also pre-tension the lacing cable resulting in the initial tightening segment 780 shown.

8A-8F are diagrams illustrating a lacing guide 800 for use with certain lacing structures, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example an alternative lace guide with an open lace channel is shown. Lace guide 800 includes guide tab 805, stitch opening 810, upper guide surface 815, lace retainer 820, lace channel 825, channel radius 830, lace access opening 840, guide lower surface 845, and guide radius 805.
50 included. Advantages of an open channel lacing guide such as lacing guide 800 include the ability to easily route the lacing cables after the lacing guide is attached to the footwear upper. With tubular race guides, such as those shown in many of the race construction examples described above, it is easiest to route the race cables through the race guide prior to adhering the race guide to the footwear upper. The open channel lace guide facilitates easy routing of the laces by allowing the lace cables to simply pass through the lace retainer 820 after the lace guide 800 is placed on the footwear upper. Race guide 800 may be manufactured from a variety of materials including metal or plastic.

In this example, the lace guide 800 may first be attached to the footwear upper with stitches or glue. The illustrated design includes a stitch opening 810 configured to facilitate stitching of the lace guide 800 onto the footwear upper (or similar material), either manually or automatically. Once the lace guide 800 is attached to the footwear upper, the lace cable can be routed by simply pulling the lace cable loop into the lace channel 825 . A race access opening 840 extends through the lower surface 845 to provide a relief recess for the race cable to circumvent the race retainer 820 . In this example, channel radius 830 is designed to correspond to or slightly larger than the diameter of the race cable. Channel radius 830 is one parameter of race guide 800 that can adjust the amount of friction experienced by the race cables passing through race guide 800 . Another parameter of race guide 800 that affects the friction experienced by the race cable includes guide radius 850 . The guide radius 850 may also affect the frequency or spacing of race guides placed on the footwear upper.

FIG. 8G illustrates a portion of footwear upper 405 comprising lacing structure 890 using lacing guide 800, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, a plurality of lacing guides 800 form one half of a lacing structure 890 located on the lateral side of footwear upper 405 . Similar to the lacing structures described above, lacing structure 890 uses lacing guide 800 to form a corrugated or parachute lacing pattern for routing lacing cables. One of the advantages of this type of lacing construction is that the tightening of the laces is in front of the footwear upper 405-
It is to be able to provide both a post tightening and a lateral-to-medial tightening.

In this example, lace guide 800 is at least initially attached to upper 405 via stitches 860 . Stitch 860 is shown overlying or engaged with stitch opening 810 . One of the race guides 800 is also depicted with a stiffener 870 covering the race guide. Such stiffeners may be placed individually on each of the race guides 800 . Alternatively, larger stiffeners can be used to cover multiple race guides. Similar to the stiffeners described above, the stiffeners 87
0 may be attached by glue, heat activated glue, and/or stitching. In some cases, the reinforcement 870 may be adhered using an adhesive (heat activated or non-heat activated) and a vacuum bag process that evenly presses the reinforcement onto the race guide. A similar vacuum bag process can also be used with the previously described stiffeners and race guides. In another example, a mechanical press or similar machine can be used to help adhere the stiffener onto the race guide.

First, once all the lace guides 800 have been placed and attached to the footwear upper 405, lace cables can be routed through the lace guides.
The routing of the lace cable can begin by securing the first end of the lace cable to the instep anchor point 470 . A lacing cable can then be drawn into each lacing channel 825 , starting at the forwardmost lacing guide and working backwards toward the heel of upper 405 . All race guides 800
A stiffener 870 can optionally be glued over each of the race guides 800 to secure both the race guides and the race cables once threaded through.

[Assembly process]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a footwear assembly process 900 for footwear assemblies including racing engines, according to some example embodiments.
In this example, the assembly process 900 includes the following actions: obtaining the upper of the footwear, the lace guides, and the lace cables (910); routing the lace cables through the tubular lace guides (920); Anchor one end (930); Anchor second end of lace cable (940); Position lace guide (950); Secure lace guide (960); Integrate (970). Process 900, described in more detail below, can include some or all of the process operations described, at least some of which are performed at various locations and/or using different automated tools. can do.

In this example, process 900 begins by obtaining (910) a footwear upper, a plurality of lace guides, and a lace cable. A footwear upper, such as upper 405, may be a flattened footwear upper that is separated from the rest of the footwear assembly (eg, sole, midsole, outer cover, etc.). The race guide in this example includes a tubular plastic race guide as described above, but other types of race guides are possible. Subsequently, at step (920), the process 900 routes (or threads) the race cable through a plurality of race guides. While the lace cables can be routed through the lace guides at different points in the assembly process 900, if tubular lace guides are used, it may be preferable to route the laces through the lace guides prior to assembly into the footwear upper. There is In some cases, the lace guides may have been pre-threaded onto the lace cables, and process 900 begins with multiple lace guides already threaded into the laces obtained during operation of step (910). .

Subsequently, at step (930), process 900 anchors the first end of the lace cable to the footwear upper. For example, lace cables 430 may be anchored along the lateral edge of upper 405 . In some cases, more permanent anchors may be used to temporarily anchor the lace cables to upper 405 when the footwear upper is integrated with the rest of the footwear assembly. At step (940), process 900 anchors the second end of the lace cable to the footwear upper. Like the first end of the lace cable, the second end can be temporarily anchored to the upper. Additionally, the process 900 can optionally delay anchoring of the second end until later in the process or when integrated with the footwear assembly.

At step (950), process 900 places a plurality of lace guides on the upper. For example, lacing guides 410 can be placed on upper 405 to create a desired lacing pattern. Once the race guide is in place, process 9
00, by fixing the lace guide on the footwear upper, the step (96
0) can continue. For example, stiffeners 420 can be secured over race guides 410 to hold them in place. Finally, process 900 includes the step (
At 970), the footwear upper is integrated with the rest of the footwear assembly, including the sole. In one example, the integration involves placing loops of lace cables connecting the lateral and medial sides of the footwear upper in place to engage a racing engine in the midsole of the footwear assembly. can contain.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a footwear assembly process 1000 for footwear assemblies including multiple racing engines, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the assembly process 1000 includes the following actions: obtaining a footwear upper, a lace guide, and a lace cable (1010); securing the lace guide to the footwear upper (1020); anchor (1030) the end of the; route (1040) the lace cable through the lace guide;
Anchor (1050) the second end of the lace cable; optionally secure (1060) the stiffener on the lace guide; Integrate the upper and footwear assembly (1
070). Process 1000, which is described in more detail below, can include some or all of the process operations described, at least some of which are performed at various locations and/or using different automated tools. can do.

In this example, process 1000 begins with obtaining (1010) a footwear upper, a plurality of lace guides, and a lace cable. A footwear upper, such as upper 405, may be a flattened footwear upper that is separated from the rest of the footwear assembly (eg, sole, midsole, outer cover, etc.). The race guide in this example includes an open channel plastic race guide as described above, but other types of race guides are possible. Then step (
At 1020), process 1000 secures the lace guide to the upper. For example, lace guides 800 may be individually stitched into place on upper 405 .

Subsequently, at step (1030), the process 1000 begins the first
Anchor the end of the footwear to the footwear upper. For example, lace cables 430 may be anchored along the lateral edge of upper 405 . In some cases, more permanent anchors are used to integrate the footwear upper with the rest of the footwear assembly,
A lace cable may be temporarily anchored to upper 405 . Step (1040)
, the process 100 routes the race cable through the open channel race guide. This step includes leaving lace loops to engage the racing engine between the lateral and medial sides of the footwear upper. The lace loops may be of a predetermined length to ensure that the racing engine properly tightens the assembled footwear.

Subsequently, at step (1050), the process 1000 begins the second
can be anchored to the footwear upper. Like the first end of the lace cable, the second end can be temporarily anchored to the upper. Additionally, the process 1000 can optionally delay anchoring of the second end until later in the process or when integrated with the footwear assembly. In certain instances, retarding the anchoring of the first and/or second ends of the race cables may allow adjustment of the overall race length, which may be useful during integration of the racing engine. may be convenient for

At step 1060, process 1000 may optionally include securing a fabric stiffener (cover) over the lace guide to further secure the lace guide to the footwear upper. For example, the race guide 800 can have stiffeners 870 heat fused onto the race guide to further secure the race guide and race cable. Finally, process 1000 integrates the footwear upper with the rest of the footwear assembly, including the sole, at step (1070). In one example, the integration involves placing loops of lace cables connecting the lateral and medial sides of the footwear upper in place to engage a racing engine in the midsole of the footwear assembly. can contain.

[Tension strap]
FIG. 11 shows medial side 1104 and lateral side 1106 of footwear upper 1100 .
11 is a front view of footwear upper 1100 partially cut away showing elastic strip 1102 connecting the . The footwear upper 1100 may be connected to a sole structure 1108 on which an electrically powered racing engine may be located. footwear upper 1
100 may include inner layers, such as medial instep panel 1110 and lateral instep panel 1112 configured to wrap around the foot. The inner shell panel 1110 and outer shell panel 1112 may include a backing layer or padding layer (not shown). The elastic strip 1102 may be connected to both the medial panel 1110 and the lateral shell panel 1112 .

Footwear upper 1110 may also include lace guide 1114 , lace 1116 and outer layer 1118 . Upper 1100 includes laces 1116, elastic strips 110
2, and an outer layer 1118 configured to cover the race guide 1114 . In FIG. 11, medial panel 1110, lateral shell panel 1112, elastic strip 1102,
Outer layer 1118 is cut away to reveal race guide 1114 and race 1116 .

A lace guide 1114 may be coupled to the medial panel 1110 and the lateral shell panel 1112 . Race guides 1114 may each include guide tabs 1115 and race channel bodies 1117 . Guide tabs 1115 may be attached directly to panels 1110 and 1112 by adhesive, stitching, rivets, or the like. Race guide 1114 may be configured similar to other race guides described herein. Race 1116 is threaded through a channel located within channel body 1117 of race guide 1114 . race eleven
16 may have a distal portion anchored to the upper toward the toe region and a proximal portion coupled to the distal portion for placement within the racing engine.

As described herein, the operation of the racing engine can act to tighten the laces 1116 and press against the medial panel 1110 and the outer panel 1112 . In particular, lace guide 1114 may be drawn toward sole structure 1108 by pulling the proximal portion of lace 1116 into sole structure 1108 during operation of the racing engine. Lace guides 1114 on medial panel 1110 and lateral panel 1112
is drawn near sole structure 1108 , elastic strip 1102 can stretch around the foot disposed within footwear upper 1100 . Elastic strip 11
02 can be made of any kind of material that is elastic in addition to elastic, e.g.
Such as rubber or spandex. The elastic strips 1102 are in an unstretched or pre-tensioned state (
pre-tensioned state). In another embodiment, elastic strip 1102 can be replaced with an elastic mesh material.

12 is a rear view of the footwear upper 1110 of FIG. Heel strap assembly 1120 includes a pretension strap 1122,
A heel strap 1124 and an anchor point 1126 may be included. The pretension straps 1122 extend from the laces 1116 on the lateral side of the footwear upper 1100 shown in FIG. not visible) and connect to the opposite end of the race 1116 . Pretension strap 1122
, in any suitable manner, such as by using race guides 1114.
At 130 it may be connected to race 1116 . In one example, race 1116 can slide within junction 1130 with pretension strap 1122 . In one example, pretension straps 1122 are coupled to guide tabs 1115 of race guide 1114 and
Race 1116 may be coupled to race channel body 1117 of race guide 1114 . The pretension straps 1122 can be elastic elongated members that can be stretched and that can recover to their original length after being stretched. As described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, pretension strap 1122:
It may be configured to pull the race 1116 from the racing engine when the racing engine spool is unwound to release the race 1116 .

Heel strap 1124 can extend from juncture 1130 of pretension strap 1122 with lace 1116 to anchor point 1126 . In the state shown in FIG. 12, heel strap 1124 is anchored at anchor point 1126 and junction 1130.
is folded between 15A and 15B, the heel strap 1124 connects the footwear upper 110 at the junction 1130 to the footwear upper 110 .
Drawn towards the toe of 0, it unfolds and eventually anchor point 112
6 pulls the heel portion 1128 toward the toe portion to assist in holding the footwear upper 1100 to the heel of the foot inserted within the upper 1100 . Anchor point 11
16 may include any suitable means or device capable of providing a resting point on footwear upper 1100 . In the illustrated embodiment, anchor point 1126 is
Threaded fasteners extending through footwear upper 1100 may be included.

13 is a side view of the footwear upper 1100 of FIG. 11 partially cut away showing lace guides 1114 connected to the footwear upper 1100 along elastic strips 1102. FIG. 14 shows footwear upper 1100 of FIG. 13 bent to show lace guide 1114 coupled to footwear upper 1100 apart from elastic strip 1102. FIG. Figures 13 and 14 will be described simultaneously.

Outer layer 1118 is partially cut away to show upper panel 1112 independently connected to elastic strip 1102 and lace guide 1114 . race guide 111
The four guide tabs 1115 may be connected to the upper panel 1112 by any suitable method. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide tabs 1115 are connected to the outer panel 1112 by stitches 1132 . A guide tab 1115 is separated from the upper edge of the upper panel 1112 over which an elastic strip 1102 is placed to provide the guide tab 1
A gap is formed between 115 and elastic strip 1102 .

Elastic strip 1102 may comprise a single strip, or may comprise multiple strips aligned end-to-end as shown in FIGS. Elastic strip 1102 may be connected to upper panel 1112 in any suitable manner, such as adhesive or stitching. In the illustrated embodiment, elastic strip 1102 is connected to upper panel 1112 by stitches 1134 . By separating the lace guide 1114 from the elastic strip 1102, the elastic strip 1102 can be attached to the upper panel 1
112 can extend evenly along the length of the race and can provide a more uniform motion in the operation of the race guide on the race.

FIG. 15A is a view of footwear upper 1100 of FIG. As shown, a distance D1 between race guide 1114A and race guide 1114B can be a first open length. Similarly, race guide 1114A
and anchor point 1126 can be a first folded length. Distance D1 is greater than distance D3 in FIG. 15B. Loosening the laces 1116 allows the foot to enter the footwear upper 1100 . pretension strap 112
2 is actuated to pull race 1116 toward heel 1128 at junction 1130, thereby pulling proximal end 1131 of race 1116 out of the racing engine. Heel strap 1 is slackened to allow excess slack from proximal end 1131 to act on the pretension strap to pull joint 1130 toward anchor point 1126.
124 is bent or folded between joint 1130 and anchor point 1126 .

FIG. 15B shows the footwear upper 1100 of FIG. 15A with the laces 1116 tightened to the electric racing engine and the heel strap tightened around the heel of the footwear upper 1100. FIG. As shown, race guide 1114A and race guide 1
114B can be a second folded length. Similarly, a distance D4 between race guide 1114A and anchor point 1126 can be a second open length. The racing engine operates to push proximal end 113 of race 1116
1 into the racing engine, the distance D3 is smaller than the distance D1. This stretches the previously retracted tension strap 1122, causing D4 to become D
2, the heel strap 1124 is flattened and stretched. Stretching the heel strap 1124 draws the heel portion 1128 of the footwear upper 1100 into the heel of the foot located within the footwear 1100 as the laces 1116 seal the footwear upper 1100 and the foot therein.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a footwear upper 1200 showing inner and outer lace cable tension straps 1202 and 1204. FIG. Footwear upper 1200 may be connected to a sole structure 1206 on which an electrically powered racing engine may be located. The footwear upper 1200 includes an inner shell panel 1208, an outer shell panel 12
10 and toe panel 1212, which are configured to at least partially enclose the foot. The inner and outer panels 1208, 1210 may include additional layers such as backing layers or padding layers (not shown). Cable tension strap 1202
and 1204 may be connected at their lower ends to medial and lateral shell panels 1208 and 1210, respectively, and to laces 1214, respectively, at distal ends 1216A and 1216B. Footwear upper 1110 may also include lace guides 1218 and elastic panels 1220 .

Elastic panel 1220 functions similarly to elastic strip 1102 of FIGS.
The footwear upper 1200 can have some stretchability. Race guide 1218 can function similarly to other race guides described herein.
For the sake of brevity, it is not further described here. Lace 1214 is tension strap 1
can have a distal end connected to 201 and 1204, while race 12
A central portion of 14 may be disposed within a lacing mechanism disposed on sole structure 1206 .
Thus, when the lacing mechanism winds up lace 1214 , lace 1214 is pulled through lace guide 1218 to tighten lace 1214 against footwear upper 1200 . Tension straps 1202 and 1204 provide anchors to ends 1216A and 1216B of lace 1214 to facilitate the tightening action.

Tension straps 1202 and 1204 wrap lace 1214 at least partially around panels 1208 and 1210 of footwear upper 1220 while
Allows anchoring to sole structure 1206 . As can be seen, race 121
4 traverses over footwear upper 1200 once at medial panel 1208 and once at lateral upper panel 1210 . This also allows a portion of the force used to tension lace 1214 to be used directly to apply inward pressure to footwear upper 1200 adjacent toe panel 1212 . tension straps 1202 and 120
4 provides a greater surface area over which tension in race 1214 is distributed to panels 1208 and 1210 . That is, when lace 1214 is anchored to footwear upper 1200 at sole structure 1206, the surface area of straps 1202 and 1204 contacting panels 1208 and 1210 is greater than the surface area of lace 1214 contacting panels 1208 and 1210 at the same location. is also big. In one embodiment, straps 1202 and 1204 are trapezoidal. In another embodiment, straps 1202 and 1204 can be triangular or rectangular. For example, the strap 1202 has a top region 1224
It may have a lower end region 1222 that is wider than the . Bottom region 1222 is attached to medial upper panel 120, for example, by adhesive or stitching, or by incorporation into sole structure 1206.
8 can be attached to the bottom. Top region 1224 may be attached to lace 1214 in any suitable manner, such as by stitching 1226 to the length of strap 1202 . Straps 1202 and 1204 are attached to sole structure 120 to flap.
6 can be attached to the footwear upper 1200 only. In another embodiment, straps 1202 and 1204 may be attached to footwear upper 1200 along their entire lengths, or along only a portion of their lengths. Straps 1202 and 1204 can be made of rigid or inelastic materials, or stretchable (resilient) or elastic materials. Trapezoidal or triangular straps 1202 and 1204 can distribute stresses and forces more evenly within the toe box of footwear upper 11200 to provide a comfortable and secure fit. Similarly, the strap 120
2 and 1204 can include different shapes that have various advantages, such as evenly distributing stresses and forces along footwear upper 1200 .

FIG. 17 illustrates various force versus race displacement curves 1300A, 1300B, 1300C, 130 for various elastic or tension members described herein, according to some exemplary embodiments.
13 is a graph showing 0D, 1300E and 1300F; The bottom X-axis shows displacement in millimeters and the side Y-axis shows load in Newtons. Curve 1300A~
1300F are each associated with a different load in the race. As shown, by adjusting the parameters of the various components described herein (race cable 480, elastic member 440, elastic heel member 350, elastic central stiffener 325, etc.), the elastic zone is locked out to improve performance. Various levels of comfort gradients can be provided before the zone is initiated. Accordingly, the comfort and performance slopes of each curve can be designed to provide different benefits for different types of shoes or articles of footwear, or different types of wearers.

FIG. 18 shows tension straps 1202 connected to races 1214 in a crossover configuration.
1204 shows the upper 1200 of the footwear of FIG. 16 laid out flat to show the lacing structure, including .

Footwear upper 1200 can include medial instep panel 1208, outer instep panel 1210, heel panels 1211A and 1211B, and toe panel 1212, where heel panel 1211B is attached to outer panel 1210 and footwear upper 1211B is attached to upper panel 1210. It is configured to at least partially enclose the foot when 1200 is attached to the sole structure. Inner shell panel 1208 and outer shell panel 1210 are provided with a lining (
not shown), outer layer 1230 (which may include sole portions 1230A and 1230B and throat portions 1240C and 1230D), and overlay 1232 (which may include sole portions 1232A and 1232B and throat portions 1232C and 1232D). can include

Outer layer 1230 may include layers of material to strengthen inner shell panel 1208 and outer shell panel 1210 . In one example, outer layer 1230 may comprise a synthetic material such as nylon. Overlay 1232 may include layers that support race guide 1218 . Overlay 1232 may comprise a semi-rigid yet flexible material that can distribute the load of lace guide 1218 to footwear upper 1200 . In one example, overlay 1232 may comprise a synthetic material such as Poron®, which is a microcellular urethane.

Tension straps 1202 and 1204 are connected at lower ends 1222A and 1222B to inner and outer shell panels 1208 and 1210, respectively, and at outer ends 1224A and 1224A and 1224B.
At 224B, they may be connected to distal ends 1216A and 1216B of race 1214, respectively. Footwear upper 1110 also includes lace guide 1218 and elastic panel 1
220 can be included.

Proximal ends 1234A and 1234B of race 1214 may be coupled to a racing engine (not shown). Proximal ends 1234 A and 1234 B may be coupled together to form race 1214 . That is, race 1214 may be constructed of a single piece construction. Race 1214 is threaded through race guide 1218 such that distal ends 1216 A and 1216 B extend to tension straps 1202 and 1204 .
Distal end 1216 A is connected to tensioning strap 1202 with stitch 1226 . Similarly, distal end 1216B may be coupled to tensioning strap 1204 . As shown, distal ends 1216A and 1216B are, for example, throat portion 123 of outer layer 1230.
It traverses the throat region of footwear upper 1200 formed between 0C and 1230D. In such a configuration, race guides 1218 on throat portions 1230C and 1230D may be omitted near toe panel 1212 to prevent interference with race 1214.

Tension straps 1202 and 1204 may be configured to float on top of footwear upper 1200 . This is to allow the various layers (eg, outer layer 1230 and overlay 1232) of footwear upper 1200 to contract when the laces are pulled tight, regardless of the tension of laces 1214. For example, throat portions 1230C and 1230D are drawn near sole portions 1230A and 1230B, respectively, so that when proximal ends 1234A and 1234B are pulled tight by a racing engine, throat portions 1230C and 1230D are drawn into tension strap 1.
202 and 1204 can be slid under. Accordingly, in one embodiment, only a portion of each of tensioning straps 1202 and 1204 are attached to footwear upper 1200 .
can be attached to

Tension straps 1202 and 1204 distribute the force of lace 1214 to medial panel 1208 .
and may have various shapes for distribution on the upper panel 1210 . strap 12
02 and 1204 can be triangular, square, trapezoidal, rectilinear or any other shape. In one example, straps 1202 and 1204 are wide at the bottom near the sole structure and narrow at the top near lace 1214 . This is to distribute the force from the laces 1214 along a broad band of the footwear upper 1200 and sole structure. Straps 1202 and 1204 can have the same shape, or the
It can also have a different shape as shown at 0.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing lockout region 1240 and stretch region 1242 of tensioning strap 1202 of FIG. A distal end 1216A of lace 1214 may be connected to the lockout region along length L by stitches 1226, for example.

A bottom region 1222 of the strap 1202 can be wider than a top region 1224 . Bottom region 1222 may be connected to footwear upper 1200 or sole structure. In some embodiments, only a portion of stretch region 1242, such as bottom region 1222, is connected to footwear upper 1200 or sole structure. This is to allow stretching of stretch region 1242 . In one embodiment, stretch region 1242 is composed of elastics, synthetic materials, polymers, proprietary materials having one or more of these properties (such as Lunar Fly Strap materials). In another example, most or all of stretch region 1242 is connected to footwear upper 1200 .

Lockout region 1240 may extend from stretch region 1242 to top region 1224 . Lockout region 1240 may extend laterally across the top of stretch region 1242 . Lockout region 1240 may include a portion of tension strap 1202 that is less elastic and stretchable than stretch region 1242 . In one example, lockout region 1240 may include a separate material attached to the material of stretch region 1242 . In another embodiment, the lockout area 1240 is the lockout area 12
It is an extension of the material in stretch region 1242 that has been treated to strengthen the material within 40 . For example, stitching 1226 along length L of lace 1214 may provide a reinforcing treatment. In one example, length L can be about 15 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively,
Lockout region 1240 can be treated with a hot melt material to secure distal end 1216A and strengthen lockout region 1240 . In another embodiment, lockout region 1240 can be treated with a stretch-reducing coating, such as Terranina, to improve the lockout functionality of tension strap 1202 . The lockout feature refers to the non-stretching property to tighten the laces 1214 . That is, a fully locked out lace will increase the tightness of the foot in proportion to the amount the lace is tightened. In other words, the lace can no longer stretch. The lockout function of lockout region 1240 and the stretch function of stretch region 1242 can be varied in different combinations for different embodiments of tensioning strap 1202 .

FIG. 20 shows tension straps 125 connected to races 1214 in a non-crossover configuration.
1252 shows another embodiment of a footwear upper 1200 including lacing structures including 0 and 1252. FIG. Footwear upper 1200 of FIG. 20 is similar to that of FIG. 1, except that tensioning straps 1202 and 1204 of FIG. 18 have been replaced with tensioning straps 1250 and 1252, and lace guides 1218A and 1218B have been added.
8 footwear upper 1200 including several components. As seen in FIG. 20, distal ends 1216A and 1216B of lace 1214 can be configured to remain on the same side of footwear upper 1200, with the racing engine and respective tension straps on the same side. and are connected to That is, the distal end 1
216B may be connected to medial tension straps 1250, extend through race guide 1218A and other race guides 1218 and across medial panel 1208, and may be connected to a racing engine. Meanwhile, distal end 1216A is connected to outer tension strap 1252 and extends through upper panel 1210 through race guide 1218B and another race guide 1218.
It can extend all the way through and be connected to a racing engine. Race guides 1218A and 121
8B may be added to facilitate tightening of upper 1200 and stretching of elastic panel 1220 along the length of the throat region of upper 1200 . As shown, the relative sizes of tensioning straps 1250 and 1252 can be varied to impart different performance characteristics to the medial and lateral surfaces of upper 1200 . For example, in the non-intersecting embodiment of FIG. 20, tensioning straps 1250 and 1252 can be shorter than tensioning straps 1202 and 1204, eg, to bring distal ends 1216A and 1216B closer to the sole structure. Also, the medial tension straps 1250 can be shorter than the lateral tension straps 1252, or vice versa, to vary the forces applied to the ball, metatarsal and phalange regions of the toes. .

FIG. 21 is a top view illustrating a flattened footwear upper 1400 with a lacing structure for use with a racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 22 illustrates an example footwear assembly using the two-zone lacing structure described with reference to FIG. In this example, footwear upper 1400 has medial and lateral surfaces 1403 and 1404, and distal (toe) and proximal (heel) ends. The distal end includes toe box section 1407 and the proximal end includes heel portion 1406 . Footwear upper 1400 may also include a floating textile layer (optional, not shown), outer layer 1402 and floating tongue 1405 . Floating tongue 1405 extends from foot opening 1409 in outer layer 1402 at least adjacent to throat portion 1411 (also referred to as throat section) formed from a U-shaped cutout in outer layer 1402 . In some cases, throat part 1
411 varies in configuration and includes sections of various notch shapes or alternate materials. The entire throat portion allows portions of the lateral upper and medial sides of the footwear assembly to move relative to each other. In another example, the throat portion 1411 can be incorporated into the covering layer of the outer layer 1402 so that the throat portion 1411 and the lacing structure are hidden from the outside. In some cases, throat portion 1411 is also a cutout in the floating textile layer. Footwear upper 1400 may include some or all of the construction described with reference to footwear upper 300, but is shown here in a simpler manner to emphasize the two-zone lacing construction.

In this example the lacing structure is divided into two different zones. The first zone acts on the toe or forefoot area of footwear upper 1400 . The second zone acts in the midfoot area of footwear upper 1400 . The race cables of the first racing zone are shown in dark gray solid lines and the race cables of the second racing zone are shown in black dashed lines. These differences are for illustrative purposes only to distinguish the cable paths of different races, the race cables in these details are
A length of cable running from end 1420 to end 1421 (ends are also called anchor positions or anchor points). Alternatively, even in designs where the first and second lacing zones use different lacing cables, the materials typically used are:
Common among different zones. The first lacing zone may include a lace guide that guides lace cable 1410 from first lace end 1420 . In this example, first lace end 1420 is located on the distal shell portion of eyestay 1408 . The race cable 1410 traverses from the first race end 1420 to the distal end of the throat portion 1411;
It is routed through the first medial lace guide 1440 . Race cable 1410 is connected to the first
from the medial race guide 1440 , returns via the throat portion 1411 and is routed through the first lateral lace guide 1430 . The lace cable 1410 is routed from a first instep lace guide 1430 , through a second instep lace guide 1431 and through a third instep lace guide 1432 . The race guides are labeled first, second, third, etc., to indicate the order in which they extend proximally from the distal end of throat portion 411 toward foot opening 1409. . Optionally, race cable 1410 is
The material can be fed through material guide 1422 on its way from the upper side lace guide 1430 to the third side lace guide 143 . From the third lateral lace guide 1432, the lace cable 1410 passes through an outward facing tongue lace guide 1417 to an optional material guide 1
422 to the outer shell side heel lace guide 1451. A lateral heel lace guide 1451 routes the lace cable 1410 through a lateral instep lace exit 1419 and into the midsole plate.

The second lace zone includes a series of lace guides that route lace cable 1410 from second end 1421 to medial lace exit 1418 . In this example, race cable 141
0 is routed from the lateral second end 1421 of the eyestay 1408 to the second medial lace guide 1441 . The lace cable 1410 is connected to the second medial lace guide 14
41 across the throat portion 1411 and into the second instep race guide 1341 . The lace cable 1410 then passes through the second instep lace guide 1431 to
It traverses the throat portion 411 (third time) back and is fed through the third medial lace guide 1442 . The third medial lace guide 1442 feeds the lace cable 1410 to the inward tongue lace guide 1416 and routes the lace cable to the medial heel lace guide 145 .
Send towards 0. On the way to the medial side heel lace guide 1450, the lace cable
It can optionally pass through a material race guide 1424 . Medial heel lace guide 1
From 450 , the lace cable 1410 is routed into the midsole plate via the medial lace exit 1418 .

The two-zone lacing structure, between the distal and proximal ends of the throat portion 1411,
Allows uneven distribution of race cable tension. In the first lacing zone, fewer race guides are subjected to the same race cable tension, resulting in a smaller area of tension distribution. In the second lacing zone, the lace cable tension is distributed over a larger area with more lace guides. A two-zone lacing construction allows the user to experience a tighter, higher performance fit in the toe (forefoot) area of the footwear. Alternative multi-zone lacing structures can be utilized to vary the distribution of lace cable tension as desired in a particular footwear application.

In this example, the lacing structure includes a tongue lace guide assembly 1415 (or simply tongue lace guide 1415). The tongue lace guides 1415 can include a medial lace guide 1416 and a lateral lace guide 1417 . The medial race guide 1416 and lateral race guide 1417 may be separate structures cast or formed from a single piece of material or joined in some manner. In a particular example, the medial and lateral lace guides are elastic members 44
0, which allows separation between the race guides when the race cable 1418 is tensioned. In certain examples, the medial lace guide 1416 and the lateral lace guide 1417 may be glued to the tongue lace guide reinforcement. In yet another example, the medial and lateral lace guides are disposed on, wrapped in, or connected through webbing material. The tongue lace guide reinforcement can be a non-stretchable material, a limited stretchable material, a rigid material, or an elastic material. The tongue lace guide reinforcement can be glued, stitched, or similarly secured to the floating tongue 1405 . In some cases, the tongue lace guide stiffener may be padded or similarly configured to distribute the force applied to the tongue lace guide over a wider area to avoid user hot spots. In another example, medial lace guide 1416 and lateral lace guide 1417 may be connected by elastic elements or webbing and may float relative to floating tongue 1405 .

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be aimed at adjusting the effective spring stiffness of a shoe when the shoe is tightened on the foot. Graphic elastic areas in the lacing system of the footwear upper allow for different tightening speeds. For example, a very stiff lacing system can become very tight very quickly and cause discomfort to the wearer. Lacing systems and/or elastic regions intentionally added to the footwear upper manipulate the lockout stiffness, travel, modulus or other parameters of the shoe to tailor the fit of the footwear upper to the foot be able to. Accordingly, elastic zones can be added to the upper and rear (or heel) regions of the foot to allow the footwear upper to be drawn down on the foot in a desired manner. For example, elastic zones can facilitate placement or pre-tensioning of unconstricted material of a footwear upper. It can be thought of as a material parachute that is secured to the foot by a lacing structure. Depending on the user's desire for the footwear article, footwear preference or use,
The lacing mechanism can be adjusted to tailor the article of footwear to have different comfort or performance characteristics.

Example 1 may include or use subject matter such as footwear assemblies. The footwear assembly includes: toe box, medial side, lateral side,
and a heel portion, wherein the medial and lateral sides, respectively, extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel; and anchored along the distal lateral portion of the medial lateral portion. a lace cable comprising a first end and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral carapaceal side; a distributed arrangement along the medial and lateral carapaceal sides; a plurality of lacing guides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable, the lacing cable passing through each of the plurality of lacing guides to the footwear upper; a lace guide forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral instep lateral portions of the midsole; a medial proximal lacing guide that routes to a position where it can engage a deployed racing engine; and a lacing cable formed by the lateral portion of the plurality of lacing guides from a position where the lacing cable can engage the racing engine. a lateral proximal lace guide routing in a pattern; and a first elastic member extending between first and second lace guides of the plurality of lace guides.

Example 2 includes, or is optionally combined with, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein a first elastic member traverses a centerline portion of the footwear upper and extends between the first race guide and the second race guide.
It can optionally include a structure that can connect with the race guide of.

Example 3 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 or 2, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member traverses the heel portion of the footwear upper and extends across the heel portion of the footwear upper; Arrangements may optionally be included to allow connection between one race guide and a second race guide.

Example 4 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3, or in any combination therewith, between a third race guide and a fourth race guide of the plurality of race guides. Arrangements can optionally be included that further include a second elastic member that can extend into.

Example 5 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member has a modulus of elasticity to vary the fit characteristics of the footwear upper. Arrangements may optionally be included that may be interchangeable with different elastic members that vary the .

Example 6 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-5, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member, during tightening of the race cable, has a torque vs. race displacement curve can optionally include a configuration that can function to smooth out the

Example 7 can include a housing structure that can include a footwear assembly,
May include or use subject matter such as footwear lacing equipment.
The footwear assembly includes: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, wherein the medial side portion and the lateral side portion each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; a footwear upper; a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial aspect; and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral aspect. a lacing cable; and a plurality of lacing guides distributed along the medial and lateral carapace sides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable. a lace guide through each of the plurality of lace guides, the lace cables forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral instep lateral portions of the footwear upper; a medial proximal lace guide that routes the lacing cable from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the lacing cable to a location where the lacing cable can engage a lacing engine located in the midsole; a proximal instep lace guide routing from a position engagable to a racing engine in a pattern formed by a plurality of instep portions of the lace guide; extending between the first and second portions of the footwear upper; and a first elastic member.

Example 8 includes, or is optionally combined with, the subject matter of Example 7, wherein the first elastic member includes an elastic centerline portion extending proximally from at least the toe box portion to the foot opening, and Optionally, the first and second portions of the footwear upper can include configurations that can include medial and lateral instep sides, respectively.

Example 9 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 7 or 8, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member comprises an elastic heel portion extending proximally of the foot opening. , the first and second portions of the footwear upper may optionally include configurations in which the medial instep and lateral instep lateral portions of the heel may be included, respectively.

Example 10 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-9, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member exhibits a torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the race cable. Arrangements can optionally be included that can serve to smooth.

Example 11 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 7-19, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member provides access to an interior space within the footwear upper. It can optionally include a configuration that can be opened or expanded to allow.

Example 12 may include or use subject matter such as a footwear lacing device that may include a footwear assembly. The footwear assembly includes: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, wherein the medial side portion and the lateral side portion each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; a footwear upper; a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial aspect; and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral aspect. a lacing cable; and a plurality of lacing guides distributed along the medial and lateral carapace sides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable. a lace guide through each of the plurality of lace guides, the lace cables forming a pattern along each of the medial and lateral instep lateral portions of the footwear upper; a medial proximal lace guide that routes the lacing cable from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the lacing cable to a location where the lacing cable can engage a lacing engine located in the midsole; a proximal instep lace guide routing from a position engageable with a racing engine into a pattern formed by the instep portions of the plurality of lace guides; a first portion of the footwear upper and the first of the plurality of lace guides; a first elastic member extending between the one race guide.

Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first portion of the footwear upper includes a heel portion and the first lace guide is positioned proximate the heel portion. It can optionally contain a configuration to obtain.

Example 14 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12 or 13, or
Or in any combination thereof, the first portion of the footwear upper includes either the medial side or the lateral side of the footwear upper, the first race guide proximate the throat of the upper; can optionally include a configuration that can be arranged as

Example 15 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-14, or in any combination therewith, a second portion of the footwear upper and a second lace guide of the plurality of lace guides. can optionally include a configuration that can further include a second elastic member extending between the .

Example 16 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-15, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member has a modulus of elasticity to vary the fit characteristics of the footwear upper. may optionally include configurations that may be interchangeable with different elastic members that change the .

Example 17 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-16, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first elastic member, during tightening of the lace cable:
Arrangements can optionally be included that can serve to smooth the torque versus race displacement curve.

Example 18 may include or use subject matter such as a footwear lacing device that may include a footwear assembly. The footwear assembly includes: a sole structure; a footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion; a footwear upper forming a collar that allows access to said interior space; a lacing engine located within the sole structure; a lacing system: an inner instep anchored to the footwear upper. a lacing cable having lateral and lateral ends and a central portion passing through the racing engine; and a lacing cable along the footwear upper between the medial and lateral ends and the racing engine. a lacing system including: a plurality of lacing guides that route through; a heel channel coupled to the heel and configured to facilitate access to the interior space.

Example 19 includes the subject matter of Example 18, or optionally in combination therewith, optionally the configuration in which the heel channel may include an elastic member connecting the medial and lateral instep portions of the heel portion. can be included in

Example 20 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 18 or 19; or
Alternatively or in combination therewith, the elastic member may be coupled to the footwear assembly and may include a configuration that may function to smooth the torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the race cable.

Example 21 can optionally include the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 18-20, or in any combination therewith, a configuration in which the heel channel can include a zipper.

Example 22 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 18-21, or in any combination thereof, wherein heel channels are located in the medial and lateral instep portions, respectively, of the heel portion. Arrangements can optionally be included that can include strips of hook-and-loop material that are taped together.

Example 23 may include or use subject matter such as a footwear lacing device that may include a footwear assembly. The footwear assembly includes: a sole structure; a footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion; a footwear upper forming a collar that allows access to said interior space; a lacing engine located within the sole structure; a lacing system: an inner instep anchored to the footwear upper. a lacing cable having lateral and lateral ends and a central portion passing through the racing engine; and a lacing cable along the footwear upper between the medial and lateral ends and the racing engine. a lacing system comprising: a plurality of race guides routed through a lacing system; and a resilient member coupled to the footwear assembly and functioning to smooth the torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the lace cables. include.

Example 24 may include, or optionally be combined with, the subject matter of Example 23 and optionally include a configuration in which the elastic member may be configured to extend after the racing engine has tightened the race cable.

Example 25 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23 or 24; or
Or in any combination thereof, it may optionally include a configuration in which the modulus of elasticity of the elastic member is lower than the modulus of elasticity of the footwear upper.

Example 26 may include the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-25, or optionally in combination therewith, an arrangement in which the elastic member may be configured to spread the collar. can.

Example 27 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-26, or in any combination thereof, wherein a resilient member connects first and second race guides of the plurality of race guides. Any possible configuration can be included.

Example 28 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-27, or in any combination thereof, wherein first and second lace guides respectively comprise a medial portion of the heel portion and a Arrangements can optionally be included that can be placed on the lateral shell portion.

Example 29 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-28, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first and second lace guides each comprise a medial side portion of the footwear upper. and can optionally include features that can be placed on the lateral sides of the carapace.

Example 30 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-29, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first and second lace guides can float relative to the footwear upper. can optionally include possible configurations.

Example 31 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-30, or in any combination thereof, wherein a resilient member urges a first of the plurality of race guides to a first race guide of the shoe upper. It can optionally include structures that can be connected to one part.

Example 32 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-31, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first lace guide is positioned on the medial or lateral instep side of the footwear upper. Arranged anywhere, the first portion of the shoe upper can optionally include a configuration that can be arranged at the heel.

Example 33 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-33, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first race guide and the first portion of the shoe upper are the first portion of the footwear upper. Arrangements can optionally be included that allow the first portion of the shoe upper to be positioned at the throat, either on the medial or lateral side of the shoe.

Example 34 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-33, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first and second lace guides can float relative to the footwear upper. can optionally include possible configurations.

Example 35 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-35, or in any combination thereof, wherein an elastic member connects the first portion and the second portion of the shoe upper. Any possible configuration can be included.

Example 36 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-35, or in any combination thereof, wherein a first portion of the shoe upper includes a lateral instep lateral portion, and a first portion of the shoe upper includes a lateral instep lateral portion; The two parts include the medial side and can include a configuration in which the elastic member can span the heel.

Example 37 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-36, or in any combination thereof, wherein a first portion of the shoe upper includes a lateral instep lateral portion, and a first portion of the shoe upper includes a lateral instep lateral portion; The two portions may include medial side portions and may optionally include a configuration in which the elastic member may span the throat portion of the footwear upper.

Example 38 may optionally include a plurality of elastic members that may be incorporated into a lacing system, including, or in any combination with, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-37.

Example 39 may include or use subject matter such as a footwear lacing device that may include a footwear assembly. The footwear assembly includes a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, wherein the medial side portion and the lateral side portion each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion. a footwear upper;
a medial tension member secured to the medial side of the upper proximate the toe box; a lateral instep tension member secured to the lateral lateral side of the upper proximate the toe box; and a medial tension member. a lace cable having a first end attached to the member and a second end attached to the lateral upper tension member; distributed along the medial side and the lateral side; a plurality of lacing guides, each lacing guide of the plurality of lacing guides adapted to receive a portion of the lacing cable, the lacing cable passing through each of the plurality of lacing guides and into the footwear upper; and lace guides forming a pattern along each of the instep and lateral sides of the carapace.

Example 40 includes, or is optionally combined with, the subject matter of example 39, wherein the footwear upper includes the footwear upper's medial side and lateral side of the footwear upper at the throat region of the footwear upper. Arrangements can optionally be included that can further comprise elastic members connecting along.

Example 41 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39 or 40;
or optionally in combination therewith may optionally include a configuration that allows the medial and lateral tension members, respectively, to at least partially float against respective medial and lateral sides of the footwear upper. .

Example 42 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-41, or in any combination thereof, wherein each of the medial and lateral tension members includes: a lockout zone; and a stretch can optionally include a configuration that can include a zone and a.

Example 43 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-42, or in any combination thereof, wherein the lockout zone is connected to the lace cable and the stretch zone is connected to the footwear upper. It can optionally contain a configuration to obtain.

Example 44 can optionally include the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-43, or in any combination therewith, a configuration in which the lower ends of the stretch zones can be coupled to the footwear upper. can.

Example 45 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-44, or optionally in combination with any configuration that allows the lockout zone to completely float relative to the footwear upper. can be included in

Example 46 can optionally include the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-45, or in any combination therewith, a configuration in which the lockout zone can include a stretch-reducing coating.

Example 47 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-46, or optionally in combination with any configuration in which the lockout zone and stretch zone may be constructed from a continuous sheet of material. can be included in

Example 48 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-47, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first and second ends of the race cable are internal at the lockout zone. Arrangements can optionally be included that can be sutured to the instep and lateral tension members.

Example 49 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-48, or in any combination thereof, wherein the lacing cables are: a medial lateral portion of the footwear upper and a first of the lacing cables; a first proximal portion connected to the end; a second proximal portion connected to the lateral instep portion of the footwear upper and the second end of the lacing cable; Arrangements can optionally be included in which the first end can be connected to the medial tension member and the second end of the lace cable can be connected to the lateral tension member.

Example 50 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-49, or in any combination thereof, wherein the first end and the second end of the lace cable are connected to the footwear upper. can optionally include features that can traverse the throat region of the .

Example 51 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-50, or in any combination thereof, wherein a lacing cable comprises: said medial lateral portion of the footwear upper and said lacing cable of said a first proximal portion connected to a first end; and a second proximal portion connected to the lateral side of the footwear upper and the second end of the lace cable. wherein the first end of the lace cable may be coupled to the lateral instep tension member and the second end of the lace cable may be coupled to the medial tension member. can optionally be included.

Example 52 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 39-51, or in any combination thereof, wherein a lace cable is formed by the medial portion of said plurality of lace guides, said a medial proximal lacing guide that routes the lacing cables from the pattern to a position where the lacing cables can engage a racing engine located in the midsole; and lacing cables from a position where the lacing cables can engage the racing engine. , a lateral proximal lace guide that routes to the pattern formed by the lateral portion of the plurality of lace guides.

Example 53 may include or use subject matter such as a footwear lacing device that may include a footwear assembly. The footwear assembly includes: a sole structure; and a footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion of the instep, and a heel portion, the interior space being connected to the sole structure for receiving a foot. a footwear upper forming a collar that allows access to the interior space; a racing engine located within the sole structure; and the medial instep of the footwear upper adjacent the toebox section a laterally attached medial floating overlay;
a lateral floating overlay attached to the lateral side of the footwear upper proximate the toebox; and a lacing system: medial side anchored to medial and lateral floating overlays. and a lacing cable having a medial and lateral end and a central portion passing through the racing engine; and a lacing cable extending between the medial and lateral ends and the racing engine of the footwear upper. a lacing system including a plurality of race guides for routing along;

Example 54 includes the subject matter of Example 53, or in any combination thereof, wherein the medial end of the lace cable is coupled to the medial floating overlay and the lateral end of the lace cable is coupled to the medial floating overlay. can optionally include a configuration in which the can be connected to the lateral floating overlay.

Example 55 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53 or 54, or in any combination thereof, wherein the medial and lateral ends of the lace cable are joined to the medial lateral portion. can optionally include formations that can traverse the throat region of the footwear upper between the upper and lateral sides of the footwear.

Example 56 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-55, or in any combination thereof, wherein said medial end of a lace cable connects to said lateral floating overlay. and the lateral end of the lace cable can be connected to the medial side floating overlay.

Example 57 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-56, or in any combination thereof, further comprising an elastic member connecting said medial and lateral instep sides of a footwear upper. Any possible configuration can be included.

Example 58 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-57, or in any combination thereof, wherein each of the medial and lateral tension members includes: a lockout zone; and a stretch can optionally include a configuration that can include a zone and a.

Example 59 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-58, or in any combination thereof, wherein a lockout sawn is coupled to said lace cable and said stretch zone is attached to said footwear upper. can optionally include a configuration that can be coupled to

Example 60 includes the subject matter of, or in any combination with, one or any combination of Examples 53-59 and optionally includes a configuration in which the lower end of the stretch zone may be coupled to said footwear upper. can be done.

Example 61 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-60, or in any combination therewith, a configuration that allows the lockout zone to completely float relative to the footwear upper. can optionally be included.

Example 62 can optionally include the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-61, or in any combination thereof, a configuration in which the lockout zone can include a stretch-reducing coating.

Example 63 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-62, or optionally includes configurations in which the lockout zone and stretch zone may comprise a continuous sheet of material, in any combination thereof. be able to.

Example 64 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 53-63, or in any combination thereof, wherein said medial and lateral ends of a lace cable comprise:
Arrangements can optionally be included that can be sutured to the medial and lateral tension members, respectively, in the lockout zone.

Example 63 can include or use subject matter such as footwear lacing devices that can include footwear assemblies. The footwear assembly includes: a footwear upper including: a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, wherein the medial side portion and the lateral side portion extend from the toe box portion. a footwear upper, each extending proximally to the heel to form a throat region of the footwear upper; and a medial tensioner secured to the medial side of the upper adjacent the toe box. a member; fixed to the lateral instep of the upper adjacent to the toe box;
a lace cable comprising a lateral tension member; a first end attached to a medial tension member; and a second end attached to the medial tension member; and a plurality of lace guides distributed along the lateral side of the carapace; wherein a lace cable extends from the first end located on the medial tension member across the throat region. , extending through one or more lace guides along the instep side; a lace cable extends from the second end located in the instep tension member across the throat region, Extending through one or more race guides along the medial side of the carapace.

Example 65 includes, or is optionally combined with, the subject matter of example 64, wherein the footwear upper comprises the medial instep side and the lateral instep side of the footwear upper. The configuration may further include an elastic member coupled along the throat region.

Embodiment 66 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 64 or 65, or in any combination thereof, wherein medial and lateral tension members, respectively, are attached to said medial tension member of said footwear upper. Arrangements may optionally be included that allow at least partial floatation with respect to each of the instep and lateral shell sides.

Example 67 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 64 or 65, or in any combination thereof, wherein each of the medial and lateral tension members includes: a rigid lockout zone; and elastic stretch zones.

Example 68 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 64-67, or in any combination thereof, wherein a lockout zone is coupled to said lace cable and said stretch zone is attached to said footwear. Arrangements can optionally be included that can be coupled to the upper.

Example 69 includes the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 64-67, or in any combination thereof, wherein the lockout zone and said stretch zone comprise:
It can optionally include a construction that can be constructed from a continuous sheet of material.

[Other precautions]
Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, acts, or structures described in a single instance. Although individual acts of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate acts, one or more of the individual acts can be performed simultaneously, and the acts are not necessarily performed in the order shown. do not have to. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are included within the scope of the subject matter herein.

Although the present subject matter has been outlined with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the disclosed embodiments. can be done. Although such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention", this is merely for convenience and in fact a plurality of It is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept, if any.

The embodiments presented herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed teachings. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments includes the full range of equivalents to which the disclosed subject matter may be entitled.

As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Also, multiple instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures that are described herein in a single instance. Moreover, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and specific operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may be included within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate resources in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure as expressed by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Each of these non-limiting examples can be used alone or in various permutations or combinations with one or more other examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the inventors do not intend that an element (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to other examples (or either) Examples using any combination or permutation of are contemplated. The inventors also find examples (or one or more aspects thereof) using any combination or permutation of the elements shown or described, or specific examples (or one or more aspects thereof), or Other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein are also contemplated.

In the event of conflicting usage between this specification and any document incorporated by reference, the usage of the specification shall control.

As used herein, terms where the indefinite article (“a” or “an”) is used are defined by other examples such as “at least one” or “one or more,” as is common in patent documents. or including one or more, regardless of usage. As used herein, the term "or" is used in a non-exclusive manner and unless otherwise specified, "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", "A and B" are used to include. As used herein, "including" and "in which
h)" is used as the plain English equivalent of the terms "comprising" and "wherein" respectively. Also, in the following claims, the term “including in
The terms including" and "comprising" are open-ended. i.e., a system that includes elements in addition to those listed after such term in a claim;
Devices, articles, compositions, formulations, or processes are still considered to be within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as "first,""second," and "third" are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their subject matter. not

An example method (process), such as the example footwear assembly described herein, includes:
May include at least partially machine or robotic implementations.

The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract, if provided, is intended to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above description, various functions may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and such embodiments being indistinguishable from one another in various combinations or permutations. It is conceivable that they can be combined. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims (28)

A footwear assembly that:
footwear comprising a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral instep side portion, and a heel portion, wherein the medial side portion and the lateral instep side portion each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; upper;
a lace comprising a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial shell side and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral shell side; cable;
a plurality of lace guides distributed along the medial and lateral shell sides, each lace guide of the plurality of lace guides adapted to receive a portion of the lace cable; lace guides, wherein the lace cables pass through each of the plurality of lace guides and form a pattern along each of the medial and lateral instep sides of the footwear upper;
a medial proximal lace routing the lacing cables from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the plurality of lacing guides to a location where the lacing cables can engage a lacing engine disposed within the midsole; a guide;
a lateral instep proximal lacing guide that routes the lacing cable from a position where the lacing cable can engage the racing engine to the pattern formed by the lateral portions of the plurality of lacing guides;
including
The medial side proximal race guide and the lateral side proximal race guide are floating with respect to the footwear upper,
further comprising a first elastic member extending between the medial proximal race guide and the lateral lateral proximal race guide;
The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elastic member traverses the heel portion of the footwear upper and connects the medial and lateral proximal lace guides. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a second elastic member traversing a centerline portion of the footwear upper and connecting a first race guide and a second race guide of the plurality of race guides. footwear assembly. 3. The footwear assembly of claim 2, further comprising a third elastic member extending between a third and fourth race guide of the plurality of race guides. 2. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elastic member is replaceable with a different elastic member that varies in elastic modulus to change fit characteristics of the footwear upper. 2. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elastic member functions to smooth a torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the race cable. A footwear assembly that:
footwear comprising a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral instep side portion, and a heel portion, wherein the medial side portion and the lateral instep side portion each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion; upper;
a lace comprising a first end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the medial shell side and a second end anchored along a distal lateral portion of the lateral shell side; cable;
a plurality of lace guides distributed along the medial and lateral shell sides, each lace guide of the plurality of lace guides adapted to receive a portion of the lace cable; lace guides, wherein the lace cables pass through each of the plurality of lace guides and form a pattern along each of the medial and lateral instep sides of the footwear upper;
a medial proximal lace routing the lacing cables from the pattern formed by the medial portion of the plurality of lacing guides to a location where the lacing cables can engage a lacing engine disposed within the midsole; a guide;
a lateral instep proximal lacing guide that routes the lacing cable from a position where the lacing cable can engage the racing engine to the pattern formed by the lateral portions of the plurality of lacing guides;
a first elastic member extending between first and second portions of the footwear upper;
including
The first elastic member includes an elastic heel portion extending proximally of the foot opening, and the first and second portions of the footwear upper respectively cover medial and lateral instep lateral portions of the heel portion. including
The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elastic member is configured to pretension medial and lateral instep portions of the lace cable. further comprising a second elastic member including an elastic centerline portion extending proximally from at least the toe box portion to the foot opening;
7. The footwear assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second portions of the footwear upper include the medial and lateral instep sides, respectively. 7. The footwear assembly of claim 6, wherein the first elastic member functions to smooth a torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the race cable. 7. The footwear assembly of claim 6, wherein the first elastic member can be opened or expanded to allow access to an interior space within the footwear upper. A footwear assembly that:
a sole structure;
A footwear upper defining a toe box portion, a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and a heel portion, the footwear upper being connected to the sole structure to form an interior space for receiving the foot and providing access to the interior space. a footwear upper forming a collar that allows for;
a racing engine disposed within the sole structure;
A racing system that:
a lace cable having medial and lateral ends anchored to said footwear upper and a central portion passing through said racing engine;
a lacing system including a plurality of lacing guides that route the lacing cables along the footwear upper between the medial and lateral ends and the lacing engine;
a resilient member coupled to the footwear assembly and operable to smooth a torque versus race displacement curve during tightening of the race cable;
including
The elastic member connects first and second race guides of the plurality of race guides,
The first and second lace guides are arranged on the medial instep side portion and the lateral instep side portion of the heel portion, respectively;
The footwear assembly, wherein the elastic member is configured to pretension the first and second lace guides toward the heel portion of the footwear upper. 11. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the elastic member is configured to stretch after the racing engine tightens the race cable. 11. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the elastic member is less than the modulus of elasticity of the footwear upper. 11. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second lace guides float relative to the footwear upper. 11. The footwear assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second elastic member connecting a third race guide of the plurality of race guides to the first portion of the footwear upper . The third lace guide is located on either the medial or lateral instep side of the footwear upper , and the first portion of the footwear upper is located at the throat portion of the footwear upper. 15. The footwear assembly of claim 14, wherein the footwear assembly comprises: 16. The footwear assembly of claim 15, wherein the third lace guide floats relative to the footwear upper. 11. The footwear assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second elastic member connecting the first and second portions of the footwear upper . 4. The first portion of the footwear upper includes the lateral instep side, the second portion of the footwear upper includes the medial side, and the elastic member spans the heel. 18. Footwear assembly according to 17. The first portion of the footwear upper includes the lateral instep side portion, the second portion of the footwear upper includes the medial side portion of the footwear upper, and the second elastic member comprises the footwear upper. 18. The footwear assembly of claim 17, spanning the throat portion. 11. The footwear assembly of Claim 10, further comprising a plurality of elastic members incorporated into said lacing system. 2. The footwear assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first elastic member is slidable relative to said footwear upper. 7. The footwear assembly of Claim 6, wherein the first elastic member is slidable relative to the footwear upper. the medial proximal lace guide is coupled to the footwear assembly via the lace cable and a first end of the first elastic member;
2. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the lateral instep proximal lace guide is coupled to the footwear upper via the lace cable and the second end of the first elastic member. 24. The footwear assembly of claim 23, wherein the first elastic member further includes a heel strap extending from the lateral instep proximal lace guide to an anchor point secured to the footwear upper. The first elastic member is configured to bias the outer shell side proximal lace guide toward the heel portion of the footwear upper,
25. The footwear assembly according to claim 24, wherein the heel strap limits movement of the lateral proximal lace guide toward the toebox portion. The first elastic member is
7. The footwear assembly of claim 6, including a tensioning strap across the heel portion of the footwear upper and connecting a medial side of the lace cable and a lateral side of the lace cable. The tension strap is
a material comprising a first end and a second end;
a first joint coupling the first end to the lateral dorsal proximal race guide;
a second joint coupling the second end to the medial proximal race guide;
27. The footwear assembly of claim 26, further comprising: 28. The footwear assembly of claim 27, wherein the first elastic member further includes a heel strap extending from the lateral proximal lace guide to an anchor point secured to the footwear upper.

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