EP3302122B1 - An article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear - Google Patents
An article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3302122B1 EP3302122B1 EP16728443.9A EP16728443A EP3302122B1 EP 3302122 B1 EP3302122 B1 EP 3302122B1 EP 16728443 A EP16728443 A EP 16728443A EP 3302122 B1 EP3302122 B1 EP 3302122B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- article
- footwear
- component
- compartment
- bootie
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 62
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims description 39
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 41
- 210000000474 heel Anatomy 0.000 description 36
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 13
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 description 13
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 12
- 210000004744 fore-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 11
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 10
- 210000000452 mid-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000037396 body weight Effects 0.000 description 2
- BFMKFCLXZSUVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl but-3-enoate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC=C BFMKFCLXZSUVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002649 leather substitute Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000208202 Linaceae Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000004431 Linum usitatissimum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000433 Lyocell Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002544 Olefin fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004755 animal textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004760 aramid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003235 aromatic polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000017531 blood circulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000459 calcaneus Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011121 hardwood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004790 ingeo Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004791 lurex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001872 metatarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004767 olefin fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004756 plant textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004758 synthetic textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000785 ultra high molecular weight polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- -1 wools and silks Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B11/00—Footwear with arrangements to facilitate putting-on or removing, e.g. with straps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B19/00—Shoe-shaped inserts; Inserts covering the instep
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/07—Linings therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0031—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use provided with a pocket, e.g. for keys or a card
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
- A43B3/36—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with light sources
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/004—Fastenings fixed along the upper edges of the uppers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/16—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like
- A43C11/165—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like characterised by a spool, reel or pulley for winding up cables, laces or straps by rotation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/22—Fastening devices with elastic tightening parts between pairs of eyelets, e.g. clamps, springs, bands
Definitions
- the present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear and methods of manufacturing an article of footwear.
- Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure.
- the upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot.
- the upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper.
- some articles of apparel may include various kinds of closure systems for adjusting the fit of the apparel.
- US 2012/0192462 discloses an illuminant shoe having a body, an outsole and an illuminating device.
- the body has a putting segment, a lifting cover and an insole.
- the putting segment has a heel lining and a through hole.
- the lifting cover is connected to the heel lining.
- the insole is mounted in the putting segment.
- the outsole is mounted on the putting segment and has a mounting chamber.
- the illuminating device is mounted in the mounting chamber and has an illuminating module, a controlling module and a switch.
- the illuminating module has first wires, multiple illuminating elements and a first electrical element.
- the controlling module is connected to the illuminating module and has two second electrical elements, multiple second wires, a controlling unit, a battery and a protecting casing.
- the switch is mounted in the putting segment, is connected to the controlling module and has a third wire and a third electrical element.
- US8463657 discloses a system and method of selling and distributing custom-fit shoes by a footwear manufacturer or seller.
- Each footwear includes a shoe shell with a foot bed cover, an arch support member, and an upper foot bed cover.
- Pad pockets are formed on the inside surfaces of the shoe's medial and lateral sides and on the tongue.
- Distributed with each shoe shell is a fit adjustment kit with a plurality of arch support pads, medial pads, lateral pads, forefoot pads, and tongue pads.
- the kit includes several sizes of arch support pads, medial pads, lateral pads, and tongue pads thereby enabling the user to interchange them and adjust the fit for optimal comfort.
- the fit of each shoe shell in a pair of footwear can be adjusted independently.
- the method of selling shoes includes a creation of a website where a plurality of different styles and sizes of shoes with fit adjustment kits are offered for sale.
- US 2014/0260677 discloses various sensor systems, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear.
- the inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member.
- the sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert, or positioned within the insert, in some configurations.
- the system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
- WO 2009/062030 discloses footwear including an upper, an outsole attached to a lower portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within the upper and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper.
- WO 2006/060057 discloses removable and/or replaceable liners (32) for use in a wide variety of footwear (10).
- Liners (32) may be permanently connected to the collar (22) of the shoe (10), or may be semi-permanently attached for easy removal from the collar (22).
- the liners (32) can be quickly removed from the interior (24) of the shoe (10) using any number of disengagement devices (40). Removing the liner (32) from within the shoe (10) permits rapid drying of the liner (32) when it becomes wet due to moisture generated by the foot within the shoe (10) or from external environmental conditions.
- Semi-permanently attached liners (32) can be detached for cleaning or for replacement by another liner (32) depending on the needs of the wearer.
- Disengagement means (40) can be provided in conjunction with the liner (32), which enable the wearer to easily pull the liner (32).
- the present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear, comprising an upper and a sole structure, the upper comprising an inner void and an inner surface.
- the article of footwear also has at least one removable element, where the at least one removable element is configured to be removable and re-insertable after manufacture of the article of footwear. A portion of the at least one removable element is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper.
- one or more compartments are disposed within the article of footwear, including a first compartment, and the removal of the at least one removable element provides access to the first compartment.
- the present disclosure is directed to a method of installing one or components in an article of footwear, the method comprising manufacturing the article of footwear with one or more compartments, including a first compartment, removing one or more inner lining materials associated with the article of footwear, and inserting one or more components into the article, including a first component.
- the method further includes installing the first component in the first compartment, and reinserting the one or more inner lining materials in the article of footwear.
- the present disclosure is directed to an assembly system for installing components in an article of footwear, the assembly system comprising an article of footwear, where the article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure.
- the sole structure includes a first compartment
- the upper includes a second compartment.
- the first component is configured to be inserted into the first compartment and the second component is configured to be inserted into the second compartment.
- the removable inner liner material is configured to be reinsertable within the upper.
- longitudinal refers to a direction extending a length of a component.
- a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear.
- forward is used to refer to the general direction in which the toes of a foot point, and the term “rearward” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the heel of the foot is facing.
- lateral direction refers to a side-to-side direction extending a width of a component.
- the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article of footwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being the surface that faces away from the other foot, and the medial side being the surface that faces toward the other foot.
- side refers to any portion of a component facing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, or rearward direction, as opposed to an upward or downward direction.
- vertical refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole.
- upward refers to the vertical direction heading away from a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to the vertical direction heading towards the ground surface.
- top refers to the portion of an object substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction
- bottom refers to the portion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a vertical direction
- the "interior” of a shoe refers to space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn.
- the “inner side” of a panel or other shoe element refers to the face of that panel or element that is (or will be) oriented toward the shoe interior in a completed shoe.
- the “outer side” or “exterior” of an element refers to the face of that element that is (or will be) oriented away from the shoe interior in the completed shoe.
- the inner side of an element may have other elements between that inner side and the interior in the completed shoe.
- an outer side of an element may have other elements between that outer side and the space external to the completed shoe.
- the terms “inward” and “inwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the interior of the shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the exterior of the shoe.
- the foregoing directional terms when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing groundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface.
- fixedly attached shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated (for example, without destroying one or both of the components).
- exemplary modalities of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails, staples, welding or other thermal bonding, or other joining techniques.
- two components may be "fixedly attached” by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process.
- removable attachment shall refer to the joining of two components or a component and an element in a manner such that the two components are secured together, but may be readily detached from one another.
- removable attachment mechanisms may include hook and loop fasteners, friction fit connections, interference fit connections, threaded connectors, cam-locking connectors, compression of one material with another, and other such readily detachable connectors.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of article 100 that is configured with a tensioning system 150.
- article 100 also referred to hereafter simply as article 100
- tensioning system 150 may be used with any other kind of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes.
- article 100 may be configured for use with various kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers as well as any other kinds of footwear.
- a tensioning system may not be limited to footwear and in other embodiments a tensioning system and/or components associated with a tensioning system could be used with various kinds of apparel, including clothing, sportswear, sporting equipment and other kinds of apparel.
- a tensioning system may be used with braces, such as medical braces.
- Article 100 may be divided into three general regions along a longitudinal axis 180: a forefoot region 105, a midfoot region 125, and a heel region 145.
- Forefoot region 105 generally includes portions of article 100 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.
- Midfoot region 125 generally includes portions of article 100 corresponding with an arch area of the foot.
- Heel region 145 generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.
- Forefoot region 105, midfoot region 125, and heel region 145 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of article 100.
- forefoot region 105, midfoot region 125, and heel region 145 are intended to represent general relative areas of article 100 to aid in the following discussion. Since various features of article 100 extend beyond one region of article 100, the terms forefoot region 105, midfoot region 125, and heel region 145 apply not only to article 100, but also to the various features of article 100.
- a lateral axis 190 of article 100 may extend between a medial side 165 and a lateral side 185 of the foot.
- longitudinal axis 180 may extend from forefoot region 105 to a heel region 145. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may also be applied to individual components of an article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole member.
- a vertical axis 170 refers to the axis perpendicular to a horizontal surface defined by longitudinal axis 180 and lateral axis 190.
- Article 100 may include upper 102 and sole structure 104.
- upper 102 may be any type of upper.
- upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color.
- upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle.
- upper 102 could be a low top upper.
- upper 102 may include one or more material elements (for example, meshes, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather), which may be joined to define an interior void configured to receive a foot of a wearer.
- the material elements may be selected and arranged to impart properties such as light weight, durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.
- Upper 102 may define an opening 130 through which a foot of a wearer may be received into the interior void.
- sole structure 104 may be fixedly attached to upper 102 (for example, with adhesive, stitching, welding, or other suitable techniques) and may have a configuration that extends between upper 102 and the ground. Sole structure 104 may include provisions for attenuating ground reaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the foot during vertical and horizontal loading). In addition, sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction, impart stability, and control or limit various foot motions, such as pronation, supination, or other motions.
- sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 104 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities.
- the configuration of sole structure 104 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 104 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 104 may be used.
- the disclosed concepts may be applicable to footwear configured for use on any of a variety of surfaces, including indoor surfaces or outdoor surfaces.
- the configuration of sole structure 104 may vary based on the properties and conditions of the surfaces on which article 100 is anticipated to be used. For example, sole structure 104 may vary depending on whether the surface is harder or softer. In addition, sole structure 104 may be tailored for use in wet or dry conditions.
- sole structure 104 may be configured for a particularly specialized surface or condition.
- the proposed footwear upper construction may be applicable to any kind of footwear, such as basketball, soccer, football, and other athletic activities. Accordingly, in some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction and stability on hard indoor surfaces (such as hardwood), soft, natural turf surfaces, or on hard, artificial turf surfaces. In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured for use on multiple different surfaces.
- sole structure 104 may include different components.
- sole structure 104 may include an outsole, a midsole, a cushioning layer, and/or an insole.
- sole structure 104 can include one or more cleat members or traction elements that are configured to increase traction with a ground surface.
- sole structure 104 may include multiple components, which may individually or collectively provide article 100 with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, or other attributes.
- sole structure 104 may include an insole/sockliner, a midsole 151, and a ground-contacting outer sole member ("outsole") 162, which may have an exposed, ground-contacting lower surface. In some cases, however, one or more of these components may be omitted.
- sole structure 104 may comprise a sole plate, as will be further discussed below.
- an insole may be disposed in the void defined by upper 102.
- the insole may extend through each of forefoot region 105, midfoot region 125, and heel region 145, and between lateral side 185 and medial side 165 of article 100.
- the insole may be formed of a deformable (for example, compressible) material, such as polyurethane foams, or other polymer foam materials. Accordingly, the insole may, by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability.
- Midsole 151 may be fixedly attached to a lower area of upper 102, for example, through stitching, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding (such as welding), or other techniques, or may be integral with upper 102.
- Midsole 151 may be formed from any suitable material having the properties described above, according to the activity for which article 100 is intended.
- midsole 151 may include a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane (PU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitable material that operates to attenuate ground reaction forces as sole structure 104 contacts the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities.
- PU polyurethane
- EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
- Midsole 151 may extend through each of forefoot region 105, midfoot region 125, and heel region 145, and between lateral side 185 and medial side 165 of article 100. In some embodiments, portions of midsole 151 may be exposed around the periphery of article 100, as shown in FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, midsole 151 may be completely covered by other elements, such as material layers from upper 102. For example, in some embodiments, midsole 151 and/or other portions of upper 102 may be disposed adjacent to a bootie (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
- article 100 may include a tongue 172, which may be provided near or along a throat opening 132.
- tongue 172 may be provided in or near an instep region 110 of article 100.
- tongue 172 may be disposed along other portions of an article of footwear, or an article may not include a tongue.
- article 100 may include a tensioning system 150.
- Tensioning system 150 may comprise various components and systems for adjusting the size of an opening 130 leading to an interior void (see FIG. 2 ) and tightening (or loosening) upper 102 around a wearer's foot.
- Some examples of different tensioning systems that can be used are disclosed in Beers et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0070042 published March 13, 2014 , (previously U.S. Patent Application No. 14/014,555, filed August 30, 2013 ) and entitled “Motorized Tensioning System with Sensors" and Beers et al., U.S. Patent Number 8,056,269, issued November 15, 2011 (previously U.S. Patent Publication Number 2009/0272013, published November 5, 2009 ) and entitled "Article of Footwear with Lighting System”.
- tensioning system 150 may comprise one or more laces, as well as a motorized tensioning device.
- a lace may be configured to pass through various lacing guides 154, which may be further associated with the edges of a throat opening 132.
- lacing guides 154 may provide a similar function to traditional eyelets on uppers.
- throat opening 132 may generally constrict so that upper 102 is tightened around a foot.
- lacing guides 154 in FIG. 1 is only intended to be exemplary and it will be understood that other embodiments are not limited to a particular configuration for lacing guides 154. Furthermore, the particular types of lacing guides 154 illustrated in the embodiments are also exemplary and other embodiments may incorporate any other kinds of lacing guides or similar lacing provisions. In some other embodiments, for example, laces could be inserted through traditional eyelets. Some examples of lace guiding provisions that may be incorporated into the embodiments are disclosed in Cotterman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0000091, published January 5, 2012 and entitled "Lace Guide”. Additional examples are disclosed in Goodman et al., U.S.
- Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0266384 published November 3, 2011 and entitled "Reel Based Lacing System”. Still additional examples of lace guides are disclosed in Kerns et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0225843, published September 22, 2011 and entitled "Guides For Lacing Systems”.
- a lace as used with article 100 may comprise any type of type of lacing material known in the art.
- laces that may be used include cables or fibers having a low modulus of elasticity as well as a high tensile strength.
- a lace may comprise a single strand of material, or can comprise multiple strands of material.
- An exemplary material for the lace is SPECTRATM, manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township NJ, although other kinds of extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fiber materials can also be used as a lace. Still further exemplary properties of a lace can be found in the Reel Based Lacing Application mentioned above.
- a lace may be passed through lacing guides 154.
- a lace may pass through internal channels 153 within upper 102 after entering channel openings 156 that are near lacing guides 154.
- internal channels 153 extend around the sides of upper 102 and guide the lace towards a motorized tensioning device disposed in sole structure 104.
- the motorized tensioning device may include provisions for receiving portions of a lace.
- end portions of the lace can exit internal channels 153 of upper 102 and can pass through apertures in a housing unit that contains a motorized tensioning device.
- a motorized tensioning device may generally be configured to automatically apply tension to a lace for purposes of tightening and loosening upper 102.
- a motorized tensioning device may thus include provisions for winding a lace onto, and unwinding a lace from, a spool internal to the motorized tensioning device.
- the provisions may include an electric motor that automatically winds and unwinds the spool in response to various inputs or controls.
- a compartment refers to a separate or distinct section or portion of article 100.
- a compartment can include a sleeve-like region, a tunnel or tubing disposed within article 100, and/or a recess, cavity, pocket, chamber, slot, pouch, or other space configured to receive an object, element, or component.
- one or more compartments can be included in article 100, as will be discussed below.
- FIG. 2 an isometric side view of article 100 is depicted including an embodiment of a second compartment 204 and a third compartment 206, disposed near heel of article 100.
- FIG. 2 also provides a view of an embodiment of a first compartment 202 disposed in sole structure 104 and an embodiment of fourth compartment 207 disposed along a portion of upper 102.
- upper 102 may include two sides.
- there may be an outer surface 221 of upper 102 where outer surface 221 is disposed to form at least a portion of the external (outward facing) surface of upper 102.
- there may be an inner surface 220 of upper 102 where inner surface 220 is the surface of upper 102 that is facing toward a foot when a foot is disposed within an interior void 218. It should be understood that there may be one or more layers of material disposed between outer surface 121 and inner surface 122 in different embodiments.
- article 100 may include other elements.
- article 100 includes a bootie 214 and a collar lining 212 that are disposed within upper 102.
- Bootie 214 and collar lining 212 may be removed, separated, or detached from article 100 in some embodiments.
- the position or arrangement of bootie 214 and collar lining 212 may be adjusted within article 100.
- bootie214 and collar 212 or other elements may be moved (or removed) and then reinserted or replaced into article 100 (i.e., returned to their original arrangement within article 100) in different embodiments. This can occur after manufacture of article 100, as discussed further below.
- Bootie 214, collar lining 212, and/or other such adjustable inner lining materials or elements (such as a tongue) associated with the disclosed embodiments of article 100 may be referred to as "removable elements" for purposes of this description and the claims. Specific examples of removable elements such as bootie 214 and collar lining 212 will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 3-6 below.
- article 100 can include a sole plate 250, which will be described with respect to FIGS. 8-10 below.
- midsole 151 may be disposed adjacent to or receive sole plate 250.
- midsole 151 may be disposed adjacent to outsole 162.
- first compartment 202 which is associated with sole plate 250, comprises a cavity 275, and is disposed underneath an optional insole 216 and bootie 214.
- First compartment 202 will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 8-10 .
- second compartment 204 includes a relatively small recess within sole structure 104.
- Second compartment 204 may further be associated with a slot within heel region 145 of upper 102, which provides access to second compartment 204.
- third compartment 206 can comprise a sleeve-like region. In other words, third compartment 206 can be shaped as a generally tubular portion, with an end that can be opened.
- third compartment 206 is disposed within upper 102, adjacent to bootie 214 and collar lining 212. Second compartment 204 and third compartment 206 will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 11-14 .
- fourth compartment 207 comprises a sleeve-like region extending along medial side 165 of upper 102. In FIG. 2 , fourth compartment 207 is disposed within upper 102, adjacent to bootie 214 and collar lining 212. Fourth compartment 207 will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 15-16 .
- article 100 may include areas that are disposed in different regions and can allow for the removable insertion, attachment, or installation of other objects, elements, or components.
- compartments in FIG. 2 may be applicable to articles that do not include a tensioning system.
- the method of manufacture where an article can include compartments, and/or the article which includes such compartments may be utilized in any type or configuration of footwear or article of apparel.
- removable bootie 214 may be provided within upper 102.
- booties could be configured for use with an article of footwear.
- a removable bootie for example, could be inserted into an upper in order to receive the foot and provide an additional layer of cushioning, support, structure, protection as well as any other user comfort needs.
- booties can be provided with various structures such as tongues, fastening systems, cushioning and supporting systems.
- a portion of bootie 214 may be used to replace a tongue associated with an article of footwear.
- a tongue may be provided separately from bootie 214.
- bootie 214 can substantially surround or bound interior void 218 in article 100. In some embodiments, bootie 214 can be disposed adjacent to a substantial majority or all of inner surface 220 of upper 102. Furthermore, bootie 214 may also include bootie opening 230 for receiving a foot. In some embodiments, bootie opening 230 may correspond to or be aligned with opening 130 of upper 102 when bootie 214 is disposed and/or assembled in upper 102.
- bootie 214 when bootie 214 is disposed within upper 102, bootie 214 can partially or completely cover a wearer's foot.
- bootie 214 can comprise a resilient and/or stretchable material that can envelop the foot of a wearer.
- bootie 214 is thin relative to the material of upper 102 and/or sole structure 104 components. The thinness of bootie 214 is such that assembled article 100 is not too bulky, and can allow bootie 214 to be substantially deformed or made compact if desired (e.g., for ease of removal from interior void 218 through opening 130).
- Bootie 214 can be made of any material, as discussed further below.
- bootie 214 is of a construction which is sturdy enough to provide for foot protection, and support.
- bootie 214 may comprise various shapes or dimensions.
- bootie 214 may be provided as a high-top bootie.
- an ankle portion 322 of bootie 214 can be configured to sit relatively high on an ankle of a foot of a user.
- bootie 214 may be provided as a low-top bootie.
- an ankle portion of the bootie is configured to sit relatively low on an ankle of a foot of a user.
- bootie 214 may be joined to article 100 in different locations. In some embodiments, a portion of bootie 214 may be attached or joined to a portion of article 100. In one embodiment, a portion of bootie 214 may be joined to a portion of upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of bootie 214 may be attached to a portion of upper 102 near the region associated with opening 130. Thus, in one embodiment, bootie 214 may include a first attachment region 330 for securing bootie 214 to a portion of article 100.
- First attachment region 330 may comprise stitching, welding, loops, buckles, adhesives, Velcro, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, straps and/or any other kinds of fasteners or means of attachment, etc.
- a variety of different securing means can be used, and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
- bootie 214 may not be lasted into the bottom of article 100 as midsole 151 may be, a wearer's body weight can hold the bootie relatively fixed in place with respect to other components of article 100 when article 100 is worn.
- first attachment region 330 is located in heel region 145, adjacent to opening 130, at the rear edge associated with a collar 310.
- the location of first attachment region 330 may allow bootie 214 to be more readily moved and/or rotated relative to upper 102 while remaining anchored or tethered to article 100.
- a portion of bootie 214 may be fixedly attached or joined to a portion of upper 102.
- bootie 214 may be removable from interior void 218.
- bootie 214 is shown being pulled or removed from interior void 218 of upper 102.
- FIG. 3 a substantial majority of bootie 214 has been pulled through opening 130, and is raised above article 100.
- bootie 214 may include one or more loops 320 or tab portions for facilitating the removal and/or movement of bootie 214 (for example, by allowing a finger to be inserted into loops 320 and tugging or pulling at upper 102 via loops 320).
- loops 320 are shown near heel region 145 of bootie 214, as well as near an edge of bootie opening 230.
- bootie 214 is disposed in a generally "upside-down" position relative to its original position within upper 102. In other words, bootie 214 has been removed from interior void 218, and swiveled in a rearward direction.
- bootie 214 can be disposed adjacent to article 100 in a variety of shapes or orientations upon removal. It should be understood that in other embodiments, bootie 214 may be entirely removable, such that bootie 214 may be entirely separated from article 100 (i.e., such that there is no first attachment region 330).
- article 100 may not include bootie 214 or the configuration of bootie 214 may differ from that illustrated herein.
- removable collar lining 212 may be provided within upper 102.
- the term "collar lining" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any component or fabric that is generally configured to be associated with heel region 145 of upper 102.
- a removable collar lining for example, could be inserted into an upper in order to receive a foot and provide an additional layer of cushioning, support, structure, protection as well as any other user comfort needs.
- collar lining 212 can be disposed within interior void 218 of upper 102. In one embodiment, collar lining 212 can be associated with or disposed adjacent to a substantial majority of inner surface 220 of heel region 145 of upper 102.
- collar lining 212 is thin relative to the material of upper 102 and/or sole structure 104 components. The thinness of collar lining 212 is such that assembled article 100 is not too bulky, and can allow collar lining 212 to be substantially deformed or made compact if desired (e.g., for ease of removal from interior void 218 through opening 130). Collar lining 212 can be made of any material, as discussed below. In some embodiments, collar lining 212 is of a construction which is sturdy enough to provide for foot protection, and support. In some cases, collar lining 212 can be associated with or include cushioned regions that can provide additional support, comfort, and/or cushioning to a foot.
- collar lining 212 may comprise various shapes or dimensions.
- collar lining 212 may be provided as a substantially flat or two-dimensional material or structure.
- the term "two-dimensional" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any generally flat material exhibiting a length and width that are substantially greater than a thickness of the material. Although two-dimensional materials may have smooth or generally untextured surfaces, some two-dimensional materials will exhibit textures or other surface characteristics, such as dimpling, protrusions, ribs, or various patterns, for example.
- the geometry of collar lining 212 could vary and could include various contours or features associated with parts of a foot, for example, an ankle region and/or heel region of a foot.
- collar lining 212 may be disposed in such a manner so as to contact the region of interior void 218 of upper 102 that is most rear of article 100. In some embodiments, collar lining 212 may be disposed along or lie against at least a portion of inner surface 220 of upper 102 material in heel region 145 when collar lining 212 is in its assembled configuration within upper 102.
- collar lining 212 may be joined to article 100 in different locations. In some embodiments, a portion of collar lining 212 may be attached or joined to a portion of article 100. In one embodiment, a portion of collar lining 212 may be joined to a portion of upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of collar lining 212 may be attached to a portion of upper 102 near the region and/or perimeter (border) associated with opening 130. In one embodiment, collar lining 212 may be attached along a continuous or substantially continuous region extending along or adjacent to a portion of collar 310. Thus, in one embodiment, collar lining 212 may include a second attachment region 530 for securing collar lining 212 to a portion of article 100.
- Second attachment region 530 may comprise stitching, welding, loops, buckles, adhesives, Velcro, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, straps and/or any other kinds of fasteners or means of attachment, etc.
- a variety of different securing means can be used, and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
- collar lining 212 may not be lasted into article 100, a wearer's body weight (specifically, at least the portion of a wearer's foot associated with the heel) can hold collar lining 212 relatively taut when article 100 is worn.
- second attachment region 530 is located in heel region 145, adjacent to opening 130, at the rear edge associated with collar 310.
- the location of second attachment region 530 may allow collar lining 212 to be more readily moved and/or rotated relative to upper 102 while remaining anchored or tethered to article 100.
- a portion of collar lining 212 may be fixedly attached or joined to a portion of upper 102.
- second attachment region 530 and first attachment region 330 may be substantially similar or joined.
- collar lining 212 may be removable from interior void 218.
- collar lining 212 is shown being pulled or removed from interior void 218 of upper 102.
- FIG. 5 a portion of collar lining 212 has been pulled up from the rear "wall" of upper 102.
- collar lining 212 may include provisions for facilitating the removal and/or movement of collar lining 212, including but not limited to a tab or a loop.
- collar lining 212 is disposed in a generally "inside-out" position relative to its original position within upper 102. In other words, collar lining 212 has been removed from interior void 218, and swiveled in a rearward direction along second attachment region 530. In embodiments where collar lining 212 is secured to upper 102 via second attachment region 530, collar lining 212 can be disposed adjacent to article 100 in a variety of shapes or orientations upon removal. It should be understood that in other embodiments, collar lining 212 may be entirely removable, such that collar lining 212 may be entirely separated from article 100 (i.e., such that there is no second attachment region 530).
- article 100 may not include collar lining 212 or the configuration of collar lining 212 may differ from that illustrated herein.
- the removal of collar lining 212 may expose access regions within article 100 to one or more compartments 202.
- bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 can be detached from their assembled position (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and removed or displaced.
- the displacement of bootie 214, collar lining 212, and/or other removable elements can expose different areas within interior void 218. In some cases, this can facilitate access to various portions or compartments disposed throughout article 100, as will be discussed below.
- a base layer or other portion for bootie 214 or collar lining 212 could be constructed of any kind of material, including but not limited to various kinds of textiles.
- Textiles for purposes of this disclosure are generally manufactured from fibers, filaments, or yarns that are, for example, either (a) produced directly from webs of fibers by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts or (b) formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn to produce a woven fabric.
- the textiles may incorporate fibers that are arranged to impart one-directional stretch or multi-directional stretch, and the textiles may include coatings that form a breathable and water-resistant barrier, for example.
- textile materials examples include, but are not limited to: animal textiles, such as wools and silks, plant textiles, such as cotton, flax, and lyocell, synthetic textiles such as polyester, aramid, acrylic, nylon, spandex, olefin fiber, ingeo, lurex and carbon fibers.
- materials used for making the base layer of a bootie could include non-woven fabrics, flexible materials, polymer layers, natural leathers, synthetic leathers as well as any other materials.
- polymer sheets could be used that may be extruded, rolled, or otherwise formed from a polymer material to exhibit a generally flat aspect.
- Bootie or collar lining materials may also encompass laminated or otherwise layered materials that include two or more layers of textiles, polymer sheets, or combinations of textiles and polymer sheets.
- FIG. 7 an embodiment of article 100 with bootie 214 removed from interior void 218 as well as collar lining 212 removed interior void 218 is shown. As noted previously, the removal of certain elements of article 100 may facilitate access to different portions or sections within article 100.
- connecting element 710 (such as wiring, cables, leads, cords, filaments or any other type of mechanical and/or electrical connector) may be disposed, incorporated, or integrated into article 100.
- connecting element 710 can be disposed or installed in article 100 during the manufacturing process of the article of footwear.
- connecting element 710 comprise a portion of wire extending from the region associated with sole structure 104, and upward along a sidewall 720 of upper 102.
- the wire may be disposed to extend between layers of upper 102.
- portions of upper 102 may comprise multiple layers, and connecting element 710 may be laid within or between two or more layers of upper 102.
- connecting element 710 may be disposed between a first layer and a second layer of upper 102.
- connecting element 710 may be stitched, molded, bonded, or otherwise fixedly or removably attached to article 100 during manufacture.
- one or more connecting element 710 may be incorporated post-manufacture.
- article 100 may include a compartment for receiving connecting element 710 in some embodiments where connecting element 710 are inserted after manufacture of article 100. It should be understood that in different embodiments, article 100 may not include any connecting element 710.
- connecting element 710 has been removed from interior void 218 of upper 102.
- some or all portions of connecting element 710 may be readily moved within or removed from article 100 to facilitate any insertion or connection of article 100 to one or more components.
- some or all portions of connecting element 710 may be fully or partially detached from their position in the manufactured article.
- FIG. 8 an embodiment of article 100 with bootie 214 removed from interior void 218 as well as collar lining 212 removed interior void 218 is shown. Furthermore, to provide reader with an improved view of sole plate 250, optional insole 216 is raised to uncover a portion of sole plate 250 (sole plate 250 will be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 9-10 below).
- FIG. 8 several components 800 are also illustrated adjacent to article 100. As noted above, one or more components 800 may be installed in article 100. In different embodiments, installation of components 800 may occur after the initial manufacture of article 100, as will be discussed further below.
- components 800 including a first component 810, a second component 820, a third component 830, and a fourth component 840 are depicted.
- one component may be substantially similar to another component. However, in other embodiments, each component may be different from another component.
- first component 810 comprises a housing unit
- second component 820 comprises a sensor
- third component 830 comprises an LED panel
- fourth component 840 comprises a control panel (here, a button board).
- different mechanical or electrical components may be included, such as circuitry, textiles, or other materials. It should be understood that while two or more components may be connected or attached to one another, or share a common port (as seen with second component 820, third component 830, and fourth component 840 in the embodiment of FIG. 8 ), in other embodiments, any two components could be separate or disconnected from one another.
- article 100 may be manufactured to accommodate one or more components 800 in a manner that allows ready and secure incorporation of components 800 post manufacture.
- article 100 may include one or more compartments for receiving components 800.
- first compartment 202 is configured to receive first component 810
- second compartment 204 is configured to receive second component 820
- third compartment 206 is configured to receive third component 830
- fourth compartment 207 is configured to receive fourth component 840.
- first component 810 comprising a housing unit
- the housing unit may include various mechanisms or components that can be utilized in tensioning system 150 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the housing unit may include a motorized tensioning device (see discussion above with respect to FIG. 1 ).
- first component 810 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion into article 100.
- the housing unit may have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments. In FIG. 9 , first component 810 has a substantially three-dimensional rectangular shape.
- first component 810 may include a port or other accommodation for connecting with connecting element 710.
- first component 810 is shown as it is being secured to a portion of connecting element 710.
- first component 810 may be installed in article 100. However, it should be understood that installation of first component 810 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element of article 100.
- FIG. 10 a view of interior void 218 in upper 102 is depicted. The optional insole has been removed in this illustration to reveal a portion of sole plate 250.
- sole plate 250 may include a region configured to receive or accommodate first component 810, here identified as first compartment 202.
- first compartment 202 may comprise a cavity 275 in sole plate 250.
- Cavity 275 may be bounded by one or more sidewalls that form a region with an average depth 1010 in sole plate 250.
- the dimensions of cavity 275 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the housing unit of first component 810.
- cavity 275 includes depth 1010 greater than a thickness 1020 of the housing unit comprising first component 810.
- a first area associated with a first side 1032 of first component 810 may be less than a second area associated with a base 1004 of cavity 275.
- cavity 275 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass or hold first component 810.
- the second area of the base may be slightly larger than the first area of first side 1032, such that a substantially snug fit is formed between first component 810 and first compartment 202.
- dimensions of either first component 810 or first compartment 202 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other.
- first component 810 may be easily deposited or inserted into cavity 275 of sole plate 250 without requiring the removal of sole plate 250 from article 100. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to remove sole plate 250 prior to installation of first component 810. In addition, in some embodiments, other insulation or securing materials may be inserted into cavity 275 to further stabilize first component 810 if desired.
- insole 216 may be replaced. Furthermore, if no other additional components are desired in article 100, bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (see FIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed below.
- control of a motorized lacing system or other electrical or automated features in an article can be accomplished using various processes and apparatuses.
- some embodiments may utilize various kinds of devices for sending commands to a motorized tensioning system or other systems associated with article 100.
- some embodiments can incorporate a variety of sensors for providing information to a control unit of a motorized tensioning system.
- a sensor may provide a current as an input to a control unit.
- a predetermined current may be known to correspond to a certain pressure or weight.
- pressure sensors could be used under the insoles of an article to indicate when the user is standing.
- a motorized tensioning system can be programmed to automatically loosen the tension of the lace when the user moves from the standing position to a sitting position. Such configurations may be useful for older adults that may require low tension when sitting to promote blood circulation but high tension for safety when standing.
- various features of a motorized tensioning system may turn on or off, or adjust the tension of a lace, in response to information from a sensor.
- sensors may be used to provide information that can determine the activation of LED or other light sources. However, in other embodiments, it will be understood that the use of any sensor may be optional.
- the sensors providing information might include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors in shoe insoles to detect standing and/or rate of motion, bend indicators, strain gauges, gyroscopes, and accelerometers.
- the sensor information may be used to establish a new target tension.
- pressure sensors could be used to measure contact pressures of the upper of an article of footwear against the foot of a wearer and automatically adjust to achieve a desired pressure.
- sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers could be incorporated into article 100.
- an accelerometer and/or gyroscope could be used to detect sudden moment and/or position information that may be used as feedback for adjusting lace tension, for example.
- These sensors could also be implemented to control periods of sleep/awake to extend battery life. In some cases, for example, information from these sensors could be used to reduce lacing tension in a system when the user is inactive, and increase lacing tension during periods of greater activity.
- some embodiments could incorporate pressure sensors to detect high pressure regions that may develop during tightening. In some cases, the tension of the lace could be automatically reduced to avoid such high pressure regions. Additionally, in some cases, a system could prompt a user to alter the lacing arrangement associated with these high pressure regions.
- a user could be provided with feedback through motor pulsing, which generates haptic feedback for the user in the form of vibrations/sounds.
- Such provisions could facilitate operation of a tensioning system directly, or provide haptic feedback for other systems in communication with a motorized tensioning device.
- a tensioning system may include provisions for readjusting lace tension to the initial tension set by the user.
- a control unit may be configured to monitor tension in those first minutes to then readjust tension to match original tension.
- second component 820 comprising a sensor
- the sensor may include various mechanisms or components that can be utilized for measuring current, pressure, or other properties in article 100.
- the sensor may detect and measure a relative change in a force or applied load, detect and measure the rate of change in force, identify force thresholds and/or detect contact and/or touch.
- the senor may comprise a generally two-dimensional material.
- second component 820 may include a piezoelectric material.
- second component 820 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion into article 100.
- the sensor may have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments. In FIG. 11 , second component 820 has a substantially oval or elliptical shape. In other embodiments, the dimensions and/or shape of second component 820 may differ.
- second component 820 may include a port or other accommodation for connecting with second portion 1150.
- second component 820 has a port 1190 for contacting and/or connection to second portion 1150.
- second component 820 may be linked to port 1190 via wiring disposed in a sheath 1180 or other type of protective or insulation covering.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 a view of interior void 218 in upper 102 is depicted.
- the optional insole has been removed to reveal a portion of sole structure 104.
- sole structure 104 may include a region configured to receive or accommodate second component 820, here identified as second compartment 204.
- second compartment 204 may be disposed in any layer of sole structure 104, including insole 216; in such cases, insole 216 would not need to be lifted to reveal second compartment 204, as removal of bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 could sufficiently expose access to second compartment 204. In other cases, second compartment 204 may be disposed in sole plate 250, midsole 151, outsole 162, or any other portion of sole structure 104.
- Second compartment 204 may also comprise a sleeve-like region disposed along a portion of upper 102. Thus, second compartment 204 may be at least partially bounded by one or more upper layers that together form a tunnel 1110. It should be understood that second compartment 204 may additionally include a slot or entryway that can provide access to the interior of tunnel 1110. In one embodiment, the slot may be secured or substantially closed after insertion of second component 820.
- second compartment 204 may also comprise a recess 1175 in sole structure 104.
- second compartment 204 is disposed in midsole 151, along heel region 145.
- Recess 1175 may be bounded by one or more relatively shallow sidewalls in one embodiment.
- the dimensions of recess 1175 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the sensor that comprises second component 820.
- recess 1175 includes a depth greater than a thickness of the sensor comprising second component 820.
- a first area associated with a first side of second component 820 may be less than a second area associated with the base of recess 1175.
- recess 1175 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass or hold second component 820.
- the second area of recess 1175 may be slightly larger than the first area of second component 820, such that a substantially snug fit is formed between second component 820 and second compartment 204.
- the dimensions of either second component 820 or second compartment 204 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other.
- second component 820 may be easily deposited or inserted into recess 1175 of midsole 151 without requiring the removal of midsole 151 from article 100. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to remove midsole 151 or another layer of sole structure 104 prior to installation of second component 820 into article 100.
- insole 216 may be replaced. Furthermore, if no other additional components are desired in article 100, bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (see FIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed below.
- third component 830 comprising a light-emitting diode strip (referred to herein as an LED unit), is shown during installation into article 100.
- the LED unit may include various mechanisms or components that can be utilized in tensioning system 150 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the LED unit may include one or more LEDs of varying sizes, colors, and/or intensity levels.
- third component 830 includes five LEDs.
- third component 830 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion into article 100.
- the LED unit may have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments.
- third component 830 has a substantially two-dimensional shape.
- the LEDs are disposed along a substantially continuous, rectangular-shaped and relatively narrow strip.
- second portion 1150 of connecting elements is shown prior to contact with third component 830 via port 1190.
- third component 830 and second component 820 may share a common port or connecting portion along wires disposed along a common sheath 1180.
- two or more components may include their own individual port and/or wiring assembly.
- third component 830 has port 1190 for contacting and/or connection to second portion 1150.
- the substantially same portion of connecting elements may contact both second component 820 and third component 830 in some embodiments.
- third component 830 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element of article 100.
- Third compartment 206 may comprise a sleeve-like region disposed along a portion of upper 102 in some embodiments. Third compartment 206 may be at least partially bounded by one or more upper layers that together form a tunnel 1375. It should be understood that third compartment 206 may additionally include a slot 1350 that can provide access to the interior of tunnel 1375. In one embodiment, slot 1350 may be secured or substantially closed after insertion of third component 830. In other embodiments, tunnel 1375 and/or slot 1350 may be substantially similar to the slot and tunnel described above for use with second component 820. However, in other embodiments, the slot and tunnels used may be different.
- tunnel 1375 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the LED unit of third component 830.
- tunnel 1475 includes a diameter greater than a width of the LED unit of third component 830.
- a first length associated with the LED unit may be less than a second length associated with tunnel 1375 of third compartment 206.
- tunnel 1375 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass, accommodate or hold third component 830.
- the second length of tunnel 1375 may be slightly larger than the first length of the LED unit, such that a substantially snug fit is formed between third component 830 and third compartment 206.
- dimensions of either third component 830 and third compartment 206 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other.
- tunnel 1375 can be extended to accommodate the wiring associated with third component 830.
- third component 830 may be easily slid or inserted into tunnel 1375 in upper 102 without requiring the removal of various layers of upper 102. Once third component 830 has been inserted, if no other additional components are desired in article 100, bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (see FIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed below.
- buttons for tightening, loosening and/or performing other functions can be located directly on or in an article.
- buttons refer to a material or element that can be pressed or otherwise configured to operate a mechanism, such as a tab, switch, knob, control, lever, handle, or other such control means.
- fourth component 840 may include one or more buttons for initiating incremental tightening and incremental loosening commands, for example.
- additional buttons can be included for initiating any other commands including the open command (or fully loosen command), store tension command and return to stored tension command.
- Still other embodiments could incorporate any other buttons for issuing any other kinds of commands.
- fourth component 840 comprising a control unit or button board
- the "button board” may include various switches, mechanisms or components that can be utilized for measuring current, pressure, or other properties in article 100.
- the button board may detect and measure a relative change in a force or applied load, detect and measure the rate of change in force, identify force thresholds and/or detect contact and/or touch.
- the button board may comprise a generally two-dimensional material.
- fourth component 840 may include one or more buttons.
- fourth component 840 includes a first button 1610, a second button 1620, and a third button 1630.
- fourth component 840 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion into article 100, and/or any number of buttons.
- the button board may further have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments.
- the buttons are disposed along a substantially continuous, rectangular-shaped and relatively narrow strip. In other embodiments, the dimensions and/or shape of fourth component 840 may differ.
- second portion 1150 of connecting element 710 is shown prior to contact with fourth component 840 via port 1190.
- fourth component 840, third component 830, and second component 820 may share a common port or connecting portion along wires disposed along a common sheath 1180.
- two or more components may include their own individual port and/or wiring assembly.
- fourth component 840 has port 1190 for contacting and/or connection to second portion 1150 of connecting elements.
- fourth component 840 may be installed in article 100. However, it should be understood that installation of fourth component 840 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element of article 100.
- fourth compartment 207 may comprise a sleeve-like region disposed along a portion of upper 102 in some embodiments. Fourth compartment 207 may be at least partially bounded by one or more upper layers that together form a tunnel 1575. It should be understood that fourth compartment 207 may additionally include a slot 1550 that can provide access to the interior of tunnel 1575. In one embodiment, slot 1550 may be secured or substantially closed after insertion of fourth component 840. In addition, fourth compartment 207 may include provisions for allowing access to the buttons or other control mechanisms. In FIG. 16 , for example, a first hole 1662, a second hole 1664, and a third hole 1666 comprising apertures in a portion of upper 102 are depicted.
- first hole 1662 may be aligned with first button 1610
- second hole 1664 may be aligned with second button 1620
- third hole 1666 can be aligned with third button 1630.
- some compartments may include exposed portions that allow external user contact with at least a portion of any installed components.
- tunnel 1575 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the button board of fourth component 840.
- tunnel 1575 includes a diameter greater than a width associated with the button board of fourth component 840.
- a first length associated with the button board may be less than a second length associated with tunnel 1575 of fourth compartment 207.
- tunnel 1575 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass, accommodate, or hold fourth component 840.
- the second length of tunnel 1575 may be slightly larger than the first length of the button board, such that a substantially snug fit is formed between fourth component 840 and fourth compartment 207.
- dimensions of either fourth component 840 and fourth compartment 207 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other.
- tunnel 1575 can be extended to accommodate the wiring associated with fourth component 840.
- fourth component 840 may be easily slid or inserted into tunnel 1575 in upper 102 without requiring the removal of various layers of upper 102. Once fourth component 840 has been inserted, if no other additional components are desired in article 100, bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (see FIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed earlier.
- first component 810 is disposed in first compartment 202 along sole plate 250.
- second component 820 is disposed in second compartment 204 along heel region 145.
- third component 830 is disposed in third compartment 206 adjacent to a heel counter 1710 along upper 102.
- fourth component 840 is disposed in fourth compartment 207 along instep region 110.
- any of the components could be disposed in any other portions of an article, including the upper and/or sole structure. In some cases, some components could be disposed in one portion of an article and other components could be disposed in another, different, portion.
- first component 810 comprising a housing unit with a motorized tensioning device could be disposed near the heel of article 100, while fourth component 840 could be disposed near forefoot region 105 of article 100.
- the location of one or more components may be selected according to various factors including, but not limited to: size constraints, manufacturing constraints, aesthetic preferences, optimal design and functional placement, ease of removability or accessibility relative to other portions of article 100, as well as possibly other factors.
- bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 may be moved relative to their original, assembled positions in article 100.
- FIG. 18 provides an embodiment of article 100 as bootie 214 and collar lining 212 are returned to resume a position within interior void 218.
- article 100 is configured for a ready return to an assembled state, where a user may wear article 100.
- the insertion of bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 may cover and/or further conceal the various compartments of article 100.
- bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 can improve the security or incorporation of components within article 100 when they are replaced in upper 102 by pressing or closing off any regions that were exposed for accessibility.
- a tensioning system 150 may be completed and/or supplemented by the installation of components.
- two or more components may work in concert or conjunction with one another.
- a signal may be transmitted to activate the LED unit of third component 830.
- one or more regions of article 100 may include light-diffusive, light-transmissive, translucent, or transparent materials, to facilitate the transmission of light from an LED that has been incorporated during or after manufacture of article 100.
- heel counter 1710 may be formed of a light-diffusive material, for example.
- third component 830 comprising LED unit may emit light that can be visible to the wearer or others via the diffuse material of heel counter 1710.
- an enhanced aesthetic design may be produced by the use of various materials with LED unit.
- components can interact with a tensioning device to activate or operate tensioning system 150.
- a wearer can press first button 1610 of fourth component 840 to initiate an open, or fully loosen, command in tensioning system 150, as an example.
- an article may be manufactured that has one or more compartments configured to receive components.
- an article may have multiple components installed after a "first stage" manufacturing process.
- a separate installation process or “second stage”, as generally described above one or more components may be installed throughout article 100.
- This process is generally represented in the flow diagrams of FIGS. 20-21 , which represent two embodiments of a method for making an article of footwear with an automated, electronic, and/or mechanical system (for example, a fastening or tensioning system), where components of the system are installed during a post-manufacturing process.
- FIG. 20 provides two main steps, including a first step 2010, where an article is made using techniques, such as one or more in-line article making techniques.
- the article also includes accommodations for one or more components.
- a second step 2020 the component(s) is inserted into the in-line article (for example, by hand). It should be understood that the assembly process of first step 2010 produces an article of footwear that can have specific accommodations dimensioned to receive the various electromechanical components of the automated system.
- a first step 2110 may involve beginning assembly or manufacture of in-line footwear, where the article includes a sole structure and an upper.
- the sole structure can include a specialized plate for receiving an electronic control unit, and/or a recess for receiving a heel sensor.
- the upper can include a cable or wiring that is routed from the sole structure through tubes along one side (on the medial or lateral side) of the upper, and then back and forth over the instep region of the upper through additional series of tubes.
- the upper can also include a compartment for receiving an LED unit, as well as a compartment for receiving a button board. Any of these steps may be optional, however.
- a removable bootie or tongue there can be a removable bootie or tongue, as well as a removable collar lining, included in the manufacture of the upper.
- the collar lining, bootie, and other types of inner liner materials i.e., removable elements
- the stitching is directed to specialized portions of the inner liner materials so that while they generally remain attached or anchored to a portion of the upper, they can be easily removed and/or reinserted.
- a sixth step 2160 beginning a second stage of the process, some of the inner materials are pulled out, revealing the interior compartments and/or the various accommodations for receiving additional components. In other words, the removal of these inner liner materials allows access to portions of the interior cavity of article that were covered previously.
- a seventh step 2170 various electronic or mechanical components are inserted into the article (such as an LED in the heel, a heel sensor in the sole structure, a button board in the instep region, and/or an electronic control unit in the sole plate).
- the components can be hand-inserted.
- the article may be "opened up" without damage to the article, and the cables or other elements/areas that had been assembled within the interior of the shoe during manufacture in first step 2110 may be readily accessed in later steps.
- the inner materials may be easily reinserted in a eighth step 2180, and the exposed portions of the article are covered again.
- FIGS. 20 and 21 may occur in rapid succession and in close proximity to one another in some embodiments.
- one or more steps may occur spaced apart in time and location.
- one step may occur in a first location
- another step may occur in a second location, where the first location is different from the second location.
- the manufacture of the article in first step 2010 and/or first step 2110 may occur off-site (e.g., at a factory or manufacturing facility), and the installation of components of later steps may take place at a second, different location (at a shopping outlet, retail store, or a residence, a separate manufacturing facility, etc.).
- the manufacture of the article in first step 2010 and/or first step 2110 may occur in a "remote site” (e.g., out of state, or abroad), while the actual insertion of the components of later steps may occur in a "local site” (e.g., within the country or state where the item or article will be sold and/or used), or vice-versa.
- a "remote site” e.g., out of state, or abroad
- local site e.g., within the country or state where the item or article will be sold and/or used
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Description
- The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear and methods of manufacturing an article of footwear.
- Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. Likewise, some articles of apparel may include various kinds of closure systems for adjusting the fit of the apparel.
-
US 2012/0192462 discloses an illuminant shoe having a body, an outsole and an illuminating device. The body has a putting segment, a lifting cover and an insole. The putting segment has a heel lining and a through hole. The lifting cover is connected to the heel lining. The insole is mounted in the putting segment. The outsole is mounted on the putting segment and has a mounting chamber. The illuminating device is mounted in the mounting chamber and has an illuminating module, a controlling module and a switch. The illuminating module has first wires, multiple illuminating elements and a first electrical element. The controlling module is connected to the illuminating module and has two second electrical elements, multiple second wires, a controlling unit, a battery and a protecting casing. The switch is mounted in the putting segment, is connected to the controlling module and has a third wire and a third electrical element. -
US8463657 discloses a system and method of selling and distributing custom-fit shoes by a footwear manufacturer or seller. Each footwear includes a shoe shell with a foot bed cover, an arch support member, and an upper foot bed cover. Pad pockets are formed on the inside surfaces of the shoe's medial and lateral sides and on the tongue. Distributed with each shoe shell is a fit adjustment kit with a plurality of arch support pads, medial pads, lateral pads, forefoot pads, and tongue pads. The kit includes several sizes of arch support pads, medial pads, lateral pads, and tongue pads thereby enabling the user to interchange them and adjust the fit for optimal comfort. The fit of each shoe shell in a pair of footwear can be adjusted independently. The method of selling shoes includes a creation of a website where a plurality of different styles and sizes of shoes with fit adjustment kits are offered for sale. -
US 2014/0260677 discloses various sensor systems, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert, or positioned within the insert, in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access. -
WO 2009/062030 discloses footwear including an upper, an outsole attached to a lower portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within the upper and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper. -
WO 2006/060057 discloses removable and/or replaceable liners (32) for use in a wide variety of footwear (10). Liners (32) may be permanently connected to the collar (22) of the shoe (10), or may be semi-permanently attached for easy removal from the collar (22). The liners (32) can be quickly removed from the interior (24) of the shoe (10) using any number of disengagement devices (40). Removing the liner (32) from within the shoe (10) permits rapid drying of the liner (32) when it becomes wet due to moisture generated by the foot within the shoe (10) or from external environmental conditions. Semi-permanently attached liners (32) can be detached for cleaning or for replacement by another liner (32) depending on the needs of the wearer. Disengagement means (40) can be provided in conjunction with the liner (32), which enable the wearer to easily pull the liner (32). - The invention is defined in the attached independent claims to which reference should now be made. Further, optional features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear, comprising an upper and a sole structure, the upper comprising an inner void and an inner surface. The article of footwear also has at least one removable element, where the at least one removable element is configured to be removable and re-insertable after manufacture of the article of footwear. A portion of the at least one removable element is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper. Furthermore, one or more compartments are disposed within the article of footwear, including a first compartment, and the removal of the at least one removable element provides access to the first compartment.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of installing one or components in an article of footwear, the method comprising manufacturing the article of footwear with one or more compartments, including a first compartment, removing one or more inner lining materials associated with the article of footwear, and inserting one or more components into the article, including a first component. The method further includes installing the first component in the first compartment, and reinserting the one or more inner lining materials in the article of footwear.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly system for installing components in an article of footwear, the assembly system comprising an article of footwear, where the article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a first compartment, and the upper includes a second compartment. There is a removable inner liner material associated with the upper, and at least two components, the at least two components including a first component and a second component. The first component is configured to be inserted into the first compartment and the second component is configured to be inserted into the second compartment. Furthermore, the removable inner liner material is configured to be reinsertable within the upper.
- Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description.
- The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric side view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic cutaway view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric side view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric side view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric side view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric side view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of some insertable components and an article of footwear; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a sole plate and a component; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a sole plate and a component; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a component; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a component; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a component; -
FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a component; -
FIG. 15 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a component; -
FIG. 16 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a component; -
FIG. 17 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and some components; -
FIG. 18 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 19 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 20 is an embodiment of a flow chart for a method of assembling an article with components; and -
FIG. 21 is an embodiment of a flow chart for a method of assembling an article with components. - The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose articles of footwear and a method of assembly of an article of footwear. Concepts associated with the footwear disclosed herein may be applied to a variety of athletic footwear types, including running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, and golf shoes, for example. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein apply to a wide variety of footwear types.
- To assist and clarify the subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments.
- The term "longitudinal," as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term "forward" is used to refer to the general direction in which the toes of a foot point, and the term "rearward" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the heel of the foot is facing.
- The term "lateral direction," as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side direction extending a width of a component. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article of footwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being the surface that faces away from the other foot, and the medial side being the surface that faces toward the other foot.
- The term "side," as used in this specification and in the claims, refers to any portion of a component facing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, or rearward direction, as opposed to an upward or downward direction.
- The term "vertical," as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term "upward" refers to the vertical direction heading away from a ground surface, while the term "downward" refers to the vertical direction heading towards the ground surface. Similarly, the terms "top," "upper," and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction, and the terms "bottom," "lower," and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a vertical direction.
- The "interior" of a shoe refers to space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The "inner side" of a panel or other shoe element refers to the face of that panel or element that is (or will be) oriented toward the shoe interior in a completed shoe. The "outer side" or "exterior" of an element refers to the face of that element that is (or will be) oriented away from the shoe interior in the completed shoe. In some cases, the inner side of an element may have other elements between that inner side and the interior in the completed shoe. Similarly, an outer side of an element may have other elements between that outer side and the space external to the completed shoe. Further, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" shall refer to the direction toward the interior of the shoe, and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" shall refer to the direction toward the exterior of the shoe.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing groundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface.
- In addition, for purposes of this disclosure, the term "fixedly attached" shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated (for example, without destroying one or both of the components). Exemplary modalities of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails, staples, welding or other thermal bonding, or other joining techniques. In addition, two components may be "fixedly attached" by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term "removably attached" or "removably inserted" shall refer to the joining of two components or a component and an element in a manner such that the two components are secured together, but may be readily detached from one another. Examples of removable attachment mechanisms may include hook and loop fasteners, friction fit connections, interference fit connections, threaded connectors, cam-locking connectors, compression of one material with another, and other such readily detachable connectors.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic isometric view of an embodiment ofarticle 100 that is configured with atensioning system 150. In the current embodiment,article 100, also referred to hereafter simply asarticle 100, is shown in the form of an athletic shoe, such as a running shoe. However, in other embodiments,tensioning system 150 may be used with any other kind of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in someembodiments article 100 may be configured for use with various kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers as well as any other kinds of footwear. As discussed in further detail below, a tensioning system may not be limited to footwear and in other embodiments a tensioning system and/or components associated with a tensioning system could be used with various kinds of apparel, including clothing, sportswear, sporting equipment and other kinds of apparel. In still other embodiments, a tensioning system may be used with braces, such as medical braces. - As noted above, for consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description.
Article 100 may be divided into three general regions along a longitudinal axis 180: aforefoot region 105, amidfoot region 125, and aheel region 145.Forefoot region 105 generally includes portions ofarticle 100 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.Midfoot region 125 generally includes portions ofarticle 100 corresponding with an arch area of the foot.Heel region 145 generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.Forefoot region 105,midfoot region 125, andheel region 145 are not intended to demarcate precise areas ofarticle 100. Rather,forefoot region 105,midfoot region 125, andheel region 145 are intended to represent general relative areas ofarticle 100 to aid in the following discussion. Since various features ofarticle 100 extend beyond one region ofarticle 100, theterms forefoot region 105,midfoot region 125, andheel region 145 apply not only toarticle 100, but also to the various features ofarticle 100. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , for reference purposes, alateral axis 190 ofarticle 100, and any components related toarticle 100, may extend between amedial side 165 and alateral side 185 of the foot. Additionally, in some embodiments,longitudinal axis 180 may extend fromforefoot region 105 to aheel region 145. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may also be applied to individual components of an article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole member. In addition, avertical axis 170 refers to the axis perpendicular to a horizontal surface defined bylongitudinal axis 180 andlateral axis 190. -
Article 100 may include upper 102 andsole structure 104. Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments wherearticle 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments wherearticle 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , upper 102 may include one or more material elements (for example, meshes, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather), which may be joined to define an interior void configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The material elements may be selected and arranged to impart properties such as light weight, durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.Upper 102 may define anopening 130 through which a foot of a wearer may be received into the interior void. - At least a portion of
sole structure 104 may be fixedly attached to upper 102 (for example, with adhesive, stitching, welding, or other suitable techniques) and may have a configuration that extends between upper 102 and the ground.Sole structure 104 may include provisions for attenuating ground reaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the foot during vertical and horizontal loading). In addition,sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction, impart stability, and control or limit various foot motions, such as pronation, supination, or other motions. - In some embodiments,
sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction forarticle 100. In addition to providing traction,sole structure 104 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration ofsole structure 104 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration ofsole structure 104 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on whichsole structure 104 may be used. - For example, the disclosed concepts may be applicable to footwear configured for use on any of a variety of surfaces, including indoor surfaces or outdoor surfaces. The configuration of
sole structure 104 may vary based on the properties and conditions of the surfaces on whicharticle 100 is anticipated to be used. For example,sole structure 104 may vary depending on whether the surface is harder or softer. In addition,sole structure 104 may be tailored for use in wet or dry conditions. - In some embodiments,
sole structure 104 may be configured for a particularly specialized surface or condition. The proposed footwear upper construction may be applicable to any kind of footwear, such as basketball, soccer, football, and other athletic activities. Accordingly, in some embodiments,sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction and stability on hard indoor surfaces (such as hardwood), soft, natural turf surfaces, or on hard, artificial turf surfaces. In some embodiments,sole structure 104 may be configured for use on multiple different surfaces. - As will be discussed further below, in different embodiments,
sole structure 104 may include different components. For example,sole structure 104 may include an outsole, a midsole, a cushioning layer, and/or an insole. In addition, in some cases,sole structure 104 can include one or more cleat members or traction elements that are configured to increase traction with a ground surface. - In some embodiments,
sole structure 104 may include multiple components, which may individually or collectively providearticle 100 with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, or other attributes. In some embodiments,sole structure 104 may include an insole/sockliner, amidsole 151, and a ground-contacting outer sole member ("outsole") 162, which may have an exposed, ground-contacting lower surface. In some cases, however, one or more of these components may be omitted. In one embodiment,sole structure 104 may comprise a sole plate, as will be further discussed below. - Furthermore, in some embodiments, an insole may be disposed in the void defined by upper 102. The insole may extend through each of
forefoot region 105,midfoot region 125, andheel region 145, and betweenlateral side 185 andmedial side 165 ofarticle 100. The insole may be formed of a deformable (for example, compressible) material, such as polyurethane foams, or other polymer foam materials. Accordingly, the insole may, by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability. -
Midsole 151 may be fixedly attached to a lower area of upper 102, for example, through stitching, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding (such as welding), or other techniques, or may be integral with upper 102.Midsole 151 may be formed from any suitable material having the properties described above, according to the activity for whicharticle 100 is intended. In some embodiments,midsole 151 may include a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane (PU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitable material that operates to attenuate ground reaction forces assole structure 104 contacts the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. -
Midsole 151 may extend through each offorefoot region 105,midfoot region 125, andheel region 145, and betweenlateral side 185 andmedial side 165 ofarticle 100. In some embodiments, portions ofmidsole 151 may be exposed around the periphery ofarticle 100, as shown inFIG. 1 . In other embodiments,midsole 151 may be completely covered by other elements, such as material layers from upper 102. For example, in some embodiments,midsole 151 and/or other portions of upper 102 may be disposed adjacent to a bootie (seeFIGS. 3 and4 ). - Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 1 ,article 100 may include atongue 172, which may be provided near or along athroat opening 132. In some embodiments,tongue 172 may be provided in or near aninstep region 110 ofarticle 100. However, in other embodiments,tongue 172 may be disposed along other portions of an article of footwear, or an article may not include a tongue. - In addition, as noted above, in different embodiments,
article 100 may include atensioning system 150.Tensioning system 150 may comprise various components and systems for adjusting the size of anopening 130 leading to an interior void (seeFIG. 2 ) and tightening (or loosening) upper 102 around a wearer's foot. Some examples of different tensioning systems that can be used are disclosed in Beers et al.,U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0070042 published March 13, 2014 , (previouslyU.S. Patent Application No. 14/014,555, filed August 30, 2013 ) and entitled "Motorized Tensioning System with Sensors" andBeers et al., U.S. Patent Number 8,056,269, issued November 15, 2011 (previouslyU.S. Patent Publication Number 2009/0272013, published November 5, 2009 ) and entitled "Article of Footwear with Lighting System". - In some embodiments,
tensioning system 150 may comprise one or more laces, as well as a motorized tensioning device. A lace may be configured to pass through various lacing guides 154, which may be further associated with the edges of athroat opening 132. In some cases, lacing guides 154 may provide a similar function to traditional eyelets on uppers. In particular, as a lace is pulled or tensioned, throat opening 132 may generally constrict so that upper 102 is tightened around a foot. - The arrangement of lacing guides 154 in
FIG. 1 is only intended to be exemplary and it will be understood that other embodiments are not limited to a particular configuration for lacing guides 154. Furthermore, the particular types of lacing guides 154 illustrated in the embodiments are also exemplary and other embodiments may incorporate any other kinds of lacing guides or similar lacing provisions. In some other embodiments, for example, laces could be inserted through traditional eyelets. Some examples of lace guiding provisions that may be incorporated into the embodiments are disclosed inCotterman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0000091, published January 5, 2012 and entitled "Lace Guide". Additional examples are disclosed inGoodman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0266384, published November 3, 2011 and entitled "Reel Based Lacing System". Still additional examples of lace guides are disclosed inKerns et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0225843, published September 22, 2011 and entitled "Guides For Lacing Systems". - A lace as used with
article 100 may comprise any type of type of lacing material known in the art. Examples of laces that may be used include cables or fibers having a low modulus of elasticity as well as a high tensile strength. A lace may comprise a single strand of material, or can comprise multiple strands of material. An exemplary material for the lace is SPECTRA™, manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township NJ, although other kinds of extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fiber materials can also be used as a lace. Still further exemplary properties of a lace can be found in the Reel Based Lacing Application mentioned above. - Thus, in some embodiments, a lace may be passed through lacing guides 154. In other embodiments, a lace may pass through
internal channels 153 within upper 102 after enteringchannel openings 156 that are near lacing guides 154. In some embodiments,internal channels 153 extend around the sides of upper 102 and guide the lace towards a motorized tensioning device disposed insole structure 104. In some cases, the motorized tensioning device may include provisions for receiving portions of a lace. In some cases, end portions of the lace can exitinternal channels 153 of upper 102 and can pass through apertures in a housing unit that contains a motorized tensioning device. - In some embodiments, a motorized tensioning device may generally be configured to automatically apply tension to a lace for purposes of tightening and loosening upper 102. A motorized tensioning device may thus include provisions for winding a lace onto, and unwinding a lace from, a spool internal to the motorized tensioning device. Moreover, the provisions may include an electric motor that automatically winds and unwinds the spool in response to various inputs or controls.
- Some embodiments may include one or more compartments disposed throughout various portions of
article 100. For purposes of this disclosure, a compartment refers to a separate or distinct section or portion ofarticle 100. In some embodiments, a compartment can include a sleeve-like region, a tunnel or tubing disposed withinarticle 100, and/or a recess, cavity, pocket, chamber, slot, pouch, or other space configured to receive an object, element, or component. In some embodiments, during manufacture ofarticle 100, one or more compartments can be included inarticle 100, as will be discussed below. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , an isometric side view ofarticle 100 is depicted including an embodiment of asecond compartment 204 and athird compartment 206, disposed near heel ofarticle 100.FIG. 2 also provides a view of an embodiment of afirst compartment 202 disposed insole structure 104 and an embodiment offourth compartment 207 disposed along a portion of upper 102. - In addition, as shown in
FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, upper 102 may include two sides. For example, there may be anouter surface 221 of upper 102, whereouter surface 221 is disposed to form at least a portion of the external (outward facing) surface of upper 102. Furthermore, there may be aninner surface 220 of upper 102, whereinner surface 220 is the surface of upper 102 that is facing toward a foot when a foot is disposed within aninterior void 218. It should be understood that there may be one or more layers of material disposed between outer surface 121 and inner surface 122 in different embodiments. - In different embodiments,
article 100 may include other elements. Referring toFIG. 2 ,article 100 includes abootie 214 and a collar lining 212 that are disposed within upper 102.Bootie 214 and collar lining 212 may be removed, separated, or detached fromarticle 100 in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the position or arrangement ofbootie 214 and collar lining 212 may be adjusted withinarticle 100. In some embodiments, bootie214 andcollar 212 or other elements may be moved (or removed) and then reinserted or replaced into article 100 (i.e., returned to their original arrangement within article 100) in different embodiments. This can occur after manufacture ofarticle 100, as discussed further below.Bootie 214, collar lining 212, and/or other such adjustable inner lining materials or elements (such as a tongue) associated with the disclosed embodiments ofarticle 100 may be referred to as "removable elements" for purposes of this description and the claims. Specific examples of removable elements such asbootie 214 and collar lining 212 will be discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS. 3-6 below. - In addition,
article 100 can include asole plate 250, which will be described with respect toFIGS. 8-10 below. In some embodiments,midsole 151 may be disposed adjacent to or receivesole plate 250. Furthermore,midsole 151 may be disposed adjacent tooutsole 162. - In some embodiments, the various compartments may be designed, dimensioned, and/or configured to receive different types of components or elements. For example,
first compartment 202, which is associated withsole plate 250, comprises acavity 275, and is disposed underneath anoptional insole 216 andbootie 214.First compartment 202 will be discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS. 8-10 . In another example,second compartment 204 includes a relatively small recess withinsole structure 104.Second compartment 204 may further be associated with a slot withinheel region 145 of upper 102, which provides access tosecond compartment 204. Furthermore,third compartment 206 can comprise a sleeve-like region. In other words,third compartment 206 can be shaped as a generally tubular portion, with an end that can be opened. InFIG. 2 ,third compartment 206 is disposed within upper 102, adjacent tobootie 214 andcollar lining 212.Second compartment 204 andthird compartment 206 will be discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS. 11-14 . Similarly, in another example,fourth compartment 207 comprises a sleeve-like region extending alongmedial side 165 of upper 102. InFIG. 2 ,fourth compartment 207 is disposed within upper 102, adjacent tobootie 214 andcollar lining 212.Fourth compartment 207 will be discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS. 15-16 . Thus, in different embodiments,article 100 may include areas that are disposed in different regions and can allow for the removable insertion, attachment, or installation of other objects, elements, or components. - Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein with respect to the compartments in
FIG. 2 , and in further figures, may be applicable to articles that do not include a tensioning system. In other words, the method of manufacture where an article can include compartments, and/or the article which includes such compartments, may be utilized in any type or configuration of footwear or article of apparel. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and4 , in some embodiments,removable bootie 214 may be provided within upper 102. The term "bootie" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any component or layer that is generally configured to receive a foot. In some cases, booties could be configured for use with an article of footwear. A removable bootie, for example, could be inserted into an upper in order to receive the foot and provide an additional layer of cushioning, support, structure, protection as well as any other user comfort needs. In some cases, booties can be provided with various structures such as tongues, fastening systems, cushioning and supporting systems. In other cases, a portion ofbootie 214 may be used to replace a tongue associated with an article of footwear. However, in another case, a tongue may be provided separately frombootie 214. - In one embodiment,
bootie 214 can substantially surround or boundinterior void 218 inarticle 100. In some embodiments,bootie 214 can be disposed adjacent to a substantial majority or all ofinner surface 220 of upper 102. Furthermore,bootie 214 may also includebootie opening 230 for receiving a foot. In some embodiments,bootie opening 230 may correspond to or be aligned with opening 130 of upper 102 whenbootie 214 is disposed and/or assembled in upper 102. - In some cases, when
bootie 214 is disposed within upper 102,bootie 214 can partially or completely cover a wearer's foot. In other words,bootie 214 can comprise a resilient and/or stretchable material that can envelop the foot of a wearer. In some embodiments,bootie 214 is thin relative to the material of upper 102 and/orsole structure 104 components. The thinness ofbootie 214 is such that assembledarticle 100 is not too bulky, and can allowbootie 214 to be substantially deformed or made compact if desired (e.g., for ease of removal frominterior void 218 through opening 130).Bootie 214 can be made of any material, as discussed further below. In some embodiments,bootie 214 is of a construction which is sturdy enough to provide for foot protection, and support. - In different embodiments,
bootie 214 may comprise various shapes or dimensions. For example, inFIG. 3 ,bootie 214 may be provided as a high-top bootie. In this embodiment, anankle portion 322 ofbootie 214 can be configured to sit relatively high on an ankle of a foot of a user. In another embodiment,bootie 214 may be provided as a low-top bootie. In this embodiment, an ankle portion of the bootie is configured to sit relatively low on an ankle of a foot of a user. - In different embodiments,
bootie 214 may be joined toarticle 100 in different locations. In some embodiments, a portion ofbootie 214 may be attached or joined to a portion ofarticle 100. In one embodiment, a portion ofbootie 214 may be joined to a portion of upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion ofbootie 214 may be attached to a portion of upper 102 near the region associated withopening 130. Thus, in one embodiment,bootie 214 may include afirst attachment region 330 for securingbootie 214 to a portion ofarticle 100.First attachment region 330 may comprise stitching, welding, loops, buckles, adhesives, Velcro, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, straps and/or any other kinds of fasteners or means of attachment, etc. In other words, a variety of different securing means can be used, and are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some cases, althoughbootie 214 may not be lasted into the bottom ofarticle 100 asmidsole 151 may be, a wearer's body weight can hold the bootie relatively fixed in place with respect to other components ofarticle 100 whenarticle 100 is worn. - In
FIGS. 3-4 ,first attachment region 330 is located inheel region 145, adjacent to opening 130, at the rear edge associated with acollar 310. In some embodiments, the location offirst attachment region 330 may allowbootie 214 to be more readily moved and/or rotated relative to upper 102 while remaining anchored or tethered toarticle 100. Thus, in some embodiments, a portion ofbootie 214 may be fixedly attached or joined to a portion of upper 102. - As indicated above,
bootie 214 may be removable frominterior void 218. For example, referring toFIGS. 3 and4 ,bootie 214 is shown being pulled or removed frominterior void 218 of upper 102. InFIG. 3 , a substantial majority ofbootie 214 has been pulled throughopening 130, and is raised abovearticle 100. In some embodiments,bootie 214 may include one ormore loops 320 or tab portions for facilitating the removal and/or movement of bootie 214 (for example, by allowing a finger to be inserted intoloops 320 and tugging or pulling at upper 102 via loops 320). InFIGS. 3 and4 ,loops 320 are shown nearheel region 145 ofbootie 214, as well as near an edge ofbootie opening 230. - In
FIG. 4 ,bootie 214 is disposed in a generally "upside-down" position relative to its original position within upper 102. In other words,bootie 214 has been removed frominterior void 218, and swiveled in a rearward direction. In embodiments wherebootie 214 is secured to upper 102 viafirst attachment region 330,bootie 214 can be disposed adjacent toarticle 100 in a variety of shapes or orientations upon removal. It should be understood that in other embodiments,bootie 214 may be entirely removable, such thatbootie 214 may be entirely separated from article 100 (i.e., such that there is no first attachment region 330). Furthermore, it should be understood that in other embodiments,article 100 may not includebootie 214 or the configuration ofbootie 214 may differ from that illustrated herein. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and6 , in some embodiments, removable collar lining 212 may be provided within upper 102. The term "collar lining" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any component or fabric that is generally configured to be associated withheel region 145 of upper 102. A removable collar lining, for example, could be inserted into an upper in order to receive a foot and provide an additional layer of cushioning, support, structure, protection as well as any other user comfort needs. - In some embodiments, collar lining 212 can be disposed within
interior void 218 of upper 102. In one embodiment, collar lining 212 can be associated with or disposed adjacent to a substantial majority ofinner surface 220 ofheel region 145 of upper 102. - In some embodiments, collar lining 212 is thin relative to the material of upper 102 and/or
sole structure 104 components. The thinness of collar lining 212 is such that assembledarticle 100 is not too bulky, and can allow collar lining 212 to be substantially deformed or made compact if desired (e.g., for ease of removal frominterior void 218 through opening 130). Collar lining 212 can be made of any material, as discussed below. In some embodiments, collar lining 212 is of a construction which is sturdy enough to provide for foot protection, and support. In some cases, collar lining 212 can be associated with or include cushioned regions that can provide additional support, comfort, and/or cushioning to a foot. - In different embodiments, collar lining 212 may comprise various shapes or dimensions. For example, in
FIG. 5 , collar lining 212 may be provided as a substantially flat or two-dimensional material or structure. The term "two-dimensional" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any generally flat material exhibiting a length and width that are substantially greater than a thickness of the material. Although two-dimensional materials may have smooth or generally untextured surfaces, some two-dimensional materials will exhibit textures or other surface characteristics, such as dimpling, protrusions, ribs, or various patterns, for example. In other embodiments, the geometry of collar lining 212 could vary and could include various contours or features associated with parts of a foot, for example, an ankle region and/or heel region of a foot. In one embodiment, collar lining 212 may be disposed in such a manner so as to contact the region ofinterior void 218 of upper 102 that is most rear ofarticle 100. In some embodiments, collar lining 212 may be disposed along or lie against at least a portion ofinner surface 220 of upper 102 material inheel region 145 when collar lining 212 is in its assembled configuration within upper 102. - In different embodiments, collar lining 212 may be joined to
article 100 in different locations. In some embodiments, a portion of collar lining 212 may be attached or joined to a portion ofarticle 100. In one embodiment, a portion of collar lining 212 may be joined to a portion of upper 102. In some embodiments, a portion of collar lining 212 may be attached to a portion of upper 102 near the region and/or perimeter (border) associated withopening 130. In one embodiment, collar lining 212 may be attached along a continuous or substantially continuous region extending along or adjacent to a portion ofcollar 310. Thus, in one embodiment, collar lining 212 may include asecond attachment region 530 for securing collar lining 212 to a portion ofarticle 100.Second attachment region 530 may comprise stitching, welding, loops, buckles, adhesives, Velcro, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, straps and/or any other kinds of fasteners or means of attachment, etc. In other words, a variety of different securing means can be used, and are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some cases, although collar lining 212 may not be lasted intoarticle 100, a wearer's body weight (specifically, at least the portion of a wearer's foot associated with the heel) can hold collar lining 212 relatively taut whenarticle 100 is worn. - In
FIGS. 5-6 ,second attachment region 530 is located inheel region 145, adjacent to opening 130, at the rear edge associated withcollar 310. In some embodiments, the location ofsecond attachment region 530 may allow collar lining 212 to be more readily moved and/or rotated relative to upper 102 while remaining anchored or tethered toarticle 100. Thus, in some embodiments, a portion of collar lining 212 may be fixedly attached or joined to a portion of upper 102. In one embodiment,second attachment region 530 and first attachment region 330 (shown inFIG. 3 ) may be substantially similar or joined. - As indicated above, collar lining 212 may be removable from
interior void 218. For example, referring toFIGS. 5 and6 , collar lining 212 is shown being pulled or removed frominterior void 218 of upper 102. InFIG. 5 , a portion of collar lining 212 has been pulled up from the rear "wall" of upper 102. In some embodiments, collar lining 212 may include provisions for facilitating the removal and/or movement of collar lining 212, including but not limited to a tab or a loop. - In
FIG. 6 , collar lining 212 is disposed in a generally "inside-out" position relative to its original position within upper 102. In other words, collar lining 212 has been removed frominterior void 218, and swiveled in a rearward direction alongsecond attachment region 530. In embodiments where collar lining 212 is secured to upper 102 viasecond attachment region 530, collar lining 212 can be disposed adjacent toarticle 100 in a variety of shapes or orientations upon removal. It should be understood that in other embodiments, collar lining 212 may be entirely removable, such that collar lining 212 may be entirely separated from article 100 (i.e., such that there is no second attachment region 530). Furthermore, it should be understood that in other embodiments,article 100 may not include collar lining 212 or the configuration of collar lining 212 may differ from that illustrated herein. In some embodiments, the removal of collar lining 212 may expose access regions withinarticle 100 to one ormore compartments 202. - Thus, in some embodiments, different elements, layers, or components of
article 100 may be readily moved or removed fromarticle 100. In one embodiment,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 can be detached from their assembled position (as shown inFIG. 1 ) and removed or displaced. In one embodiment, the displacement ofbootie 214, collar lining 212, and/or other removable elements (for example, a tongue) can expose different areas withininterior void 218. In some cases, this can facilitate access to various portions or compartments disposed throughoutarticle 100, as will be discussed below. - In different embodiments, it should be understood that the materials utilized in constructing various components and structures may vary. For example, a base layer or other portion for
bootie 214 or collar lining 212 could be constructed of any kind of material, including but not limited to various kinds of textiles. Textiles for purposes of this disclosure are generally manufactured from fibers, filaments, or yarns that are, for example, either (a) produced directly from webs of fibers by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts or (b) formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn to produce a woven fabric. The textiles may incorporate fibers that are arranged to impart one-directional stretch or multi-directional stretch, and the textiles may include coatings that form a breathable and water-resistant barrier, for example. Examples of textile materials that could be used include, but are not limited to: animal textiles, such as wools and silks, plant textiles, such as cotton, flax, and lyocell, synthetic textiles such as polyester, aramid, acrylic, nylon, spandex, olefin fiber, ingeo, lurex and carbon fibers. In other embodiments, materials used for making the base layer of a bootie could include non-woven fabrics, flexible materials, polymer layers, natural leathers, synthetic leathers as well as any other materials. In some cases, polymer sheets could be used that may be extruded, rolled, or otherwise formed from a polymer material to exhibit a generally flat aspect. Bootie or collar lining materials may also encompass laminated or otherwise layered materials that include two or more layers of textiles, polymer sheets, or combinations of textiles and polymer sheets. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , an embodiment ofarticle 100 withbootie 214 removed frominterior void 218 as well as collar lining 212 removedinterior void 218 is shown. As noted previously, the removal of certain elements ofarticle 100 may facilitate access to different portions or sections withinarticle 100. - In some embodiments, during manufacture of
article 100, one or more portions ofarticle 100 may include connectingelement 710. In some embodiments, connecting element 710 (such as wiring, cables, leads, cords, filaments or any other type of mechanical and/or electrical connector) may be disposed, incorporated, or integrated intoarticle 100. In one embodiment, connectingelement 710 can be disposed or installed inarticle 100 during the manufacturing process of the article of footwear. For example, inFIG. 7 , connectingelement 710 comprise a portion of wire extending from the region associated withsole structure 104, and upward along asidewall 720 of upper 102. In one embodiment, the wire may be disposed to extend between layers of upper 102. In other words, in some embodiments, portions of upper 102 may comprise multiple layers, and connectingelement 710 may be laid within or between two or more layers of upper 102. For example, connectingelement 710 may be disposed between a first layer and a second layer of upper 102. In other embodiments, connectingelement 710 may be stitched, molded, bonded, or otherwise fixedly or removably attached toarticle 100 during manufacture. In another embodiment, one or more connectingelement 710 may be incorporated post-manufacture. However,article 100 may include a compartment for receiving connectingelement 710 in some embodiments where connectingelement 710 are inserted after manufacture ofarticle 100. It should be understood that in different embodiments,article 100 may not include any connectingelement 710. - In
FIG. 7 , a portion of connectingelement 710 has been removed frominterior void 218 of upper 102. In some embodiments, some or all portions of connectingelement 710 may be readily moved within or removed fromarticle 100 to facilitate any insertion or connection ofarticle 100 to one or more components. In one embodiment, some or all portions of connectingelement 710 may be fully or partially detached from their position in the manufactured article. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , an embodiment ofarticle 100 withbootie 214 removed frominterior void 218 as well as collar lining 212 removedinterior void 218 is shown. Furthermore, to provide reader with an improved view ofsole plate 250,optional insole 216 is raised to uncover a portion of sole plate 250 (sole plate 250 will be discussed further with respect toFIGS. 9-10 below). InFIG. 8 ,several components 800 are also illustrated adjacent toarticle 100. As noted above, one ormore components 800 may be installed inarticle 100. In different embodiments, installation ofcomponents 800 may occur after the initial manufacture ofarticle 100, as will be discussed further below. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , some examples ofcomponents 800, including afirst component 810, asecond component 820, athird component 830, and afourth component 840 are depicted. In different embodiments, there may be a fewer or a greater number of components. In some embodiments, one component may be substantially similar to another component. However, in other embodiments, each component may be different from another component. - In one embodiment, one or
more components 800 may be configured to provide various functions or features toarticle 100. For example, inFIG. 8 ,first component 810 comprises a housing unit,second component 820 comprises a sensor,third component 830 comprises an LED panel, andfourth component 840 comprises a control panel (here, a button board). In other embodiments, different mechanical or electrical components may be included, such as circuitry, textiles, or other materials. It should be understood that while two or more components may be connected or attached to one another, or share a common port (as seen withsecond component 820,third component 830, andfourth component 840 in the embodiment ofFIG. 8 ), in other embodiments, any two components could be separate or disconnected from one another. - As noted above,
article 100 may be manufactured to accommodate one ormore components 800 in a manner that allows ready and secure incorporation ofcomponents 800 post manufacture. In other words,article 100 may include one or more compartments for receivingcomponents 800. Thus, as an example, in the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 2 and8 ,article 100 may be manufactured such thatfirst compartment 202 is configured to receivefirst component 810,second compartment 204 is configured to receivesecond component 820,third compartment 206 is configured to receivethird component 830, andfourth compartment 207 is configured to receivefourth component 840. - To better illustrate the incorporation of various components with
article 100,FIGS. 9-16 provide a series of figures depicting different embodiments of the insertion and installation ofcomponents 800 ofFIG. 8 . Referring toFIG. 9 ,first component 810, comprising a housing unit, is shown adjacent toarticle 100. In some embodiments, the housing unit may include various mechanisms or components that can be utilized in tensioning system 150 (seeFIG. 1 ). In some cases, the housing unit may include a motorized tensioning device (see discussion above with respect toFIG. 1 ). For example, within the interior offirst component 810 there may be a battery (or other power source), circuitry (or other control mechanism), spools, gears, a motor, light sources, and/or other mechanisms. However, in other embodiments,first component 810 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion intoarticle 100. The housing unit may have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments. InFIG. 9 ,first component 810 has a substantially three-dimensional rectangular shape. - In
FIG. 9 , the portion of connectingelement 710 identified inFIG. 7 is shown as it contactsfirst component 810. In some embodiments,first component 810 may include a port or other accommodation for connecting with connectingelement 710. InFIGS. 8 and9 ,first component 810 is shown as it is being secured to a portion of connectingelement 710. - In some embodiments, after a connection has occurred with connecting
element 710, it may be desired to installfirst component 810 inarticle 100. However, it should be understood that installation offirst component 810 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element ofarticle 100. Referring toFIG. 10 , a view ofinterior void 218 in upper 102 is depicted. The optional insole has been removed in this illustration to reveal a portion ofsole plate 250. As noted earlier, in some embodiments,sole plate 250 may include a region configured to receive or accommodatefirst component 810, here identified asfirst compartment 202. - As best depicted in a magnified
view 1050,first compartment 202 may comprise acavity 275 insole plate 250.Cavity 275 may be bounded by one or more sidewalls that form a region with anaverage depth 1010 insole plate 250. In some embodiments, the dimensions ofcavity 275 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the housing unit offirst component 810. InFIG. 10 ,cavity 275 includesdepth 1010 greater than athickness 1020 of the housing unit comprisingfirst component 810. Furthermore, in some cases, a first area associated with afirst side 1032 offirst component 810 may be less than a second area associated with abase 1004 ofcavity 275. In other words,cavity 275 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass or holdfirst component 810. In some embodiments, for example, the second area of the base may be slightly larger than the first area offirst side 1032, such that a substantially snug fit is formed betweenfirst component 810 andfirst compartment 202. However, in other embodiments, dimensions of eitherfirst component 810 orfirst compartment 202 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other. - Thus, in some embodiments,
first component 810 may be easily deposited or inserted intocavity 275 ofsole plate 250 without requiring the removal ofsole plate 250 fromarticle 100. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to removesole plate 250 prior to installation offirst component 810. In addition, in some embodiments, other insulation or securing materials may be inserted intocavity 275 to further stabilizefirst component 810 if desired. - Once
first component 810 has been inserted,insole 216 may be replaced. Furthermore, if no other additional components are desired inarticle 100,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (seeFIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed below. - In different embodiments, control of a motorized lacing system or other electrical or automated features in an article can be accomplished using various processes and apparatuses. Referring now to
FIGS. 11 and12 , some embodiments may utilize various kinds of devices for sending commands to a motorized tensioning system or other systems associated witharticle 100. For example, some embodiments can incorporate a variety of sensors for providing information to a control unit of a motorized tensioning system. In some embodiments, a sensor may provide a current as an input to a control unit. In some cases, for example, a predetermined current may be known to correspond to a certain pressure or weight. In one embodiment, pressure sensors could be used under the insoles of an article to indicate when the user is standing. In another embodiment, a motorized tensioning system can be programmed to automatically loosen the tension of the lace when the user moves from the standing position to a sitting position. Such configurations may be useful for older adults that may require low tension when sitting to promote blood circulation but high tension for safety when standing. In other embodiments, various features of a motorized tensioning system may turn on or off, or adjust the tension of a lace, in response to information from a sensor. In other embodiments, sensors may be used to provide information that can determine the activation of LED or other light sources. However, in other embodiments, it will be understood that the use of any sensor may be optional. - In different embodiments, the sensors providing information might include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors in shoe insoles to detect standing and/or rate of motion, bend indicators, strain gauges, gyroscopes, and accelerometers. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to maintaining an initial tension, the sensor information may be used to establish a new target tension. For example, pressure sensors could be used to measure contact pressures of the upper of an article of footwear against the foot of a wearer and automatically adjust to achieve a desired pressure.
- In some embodiments, sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers could be incorporated into
article 100. In some embodiments, an accelerometer and/or gyroscope could be used to detect sudden moment and/or position information that may be used as feedback for adjusting lace tension, for example. These sensors could also be implemented to control periods of sleep/awake to extend battery life. In some cases, for example, information from these sensors could be used to reduce lacing tension in a system when the user is inactive, and increase lacing tension during periods of greater activity. - It is also contemplated that some embodiments could incorporate pressure sensors to detect high pressure regions that may develop during tightening. In some cases, the tension of the lace could be automatically reduced to avoid such high pressure regions. Additionally, in some cases, a system could prompt a user to alter the lacing arrangement associated with these high pressure regions.
- It is further contemplated that in some embodiments a user could be provided with feedback through motor pulsing, which generates haptic feedback for the user in the form of vibrations/sounds. Such provisions could facilitate operation of a tensioning system directly, or provide haptic feedback for other systems in communication with a motorized tensioning device.
- Various methods of automatically operating a motorized tensioning device in response to various inputs can be used. For example, after initially tightening a shoe, it is common for the lace tension to quickly decline in the first few minutes of use. Some embodiments of a tensioning system may include provisions for readjusting lace tension to the initial tension set by the user. In some embodiments, a control unit may be configured to monitor tension in those first minutes to then readjust tension to match original tension.
- Referring to
FIG. 11 ,second component 820, comprising a sensor, is shown adjacent toarticle 100. In some embodiments, the sensor may include various mechanisms or components that can be utilized for measuring current, pressure, or other properties inarticle 100. In different embodiments, the sensor may detect and measure a relative change in a force or applied load, detect and measure the rate of change in force, identify force thresholds and/or detect contact and/or touch. - In some cases, the sensor may comprise a generally two-dimensional material. In some embodiments,
second component 820 may include a piezoelectric material. However, in other embodiments,second component 820 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion intoarticle 100. The sensor may have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments. InFIG. 11 ,second component 820 has a substantially oval or elliptical shape. In other embodiments, the dimensions and/or shape ofsecond component 820 may differ. - In
FIG. 11 , a second portion of the connecting elements described above (now labeled as "second portion" 1150 for purposes of convenience) is shown as before contact withsecond component 820. In some embodiments,second component 820 may include a port or other accommodation for connecting withsecond portion 1150. For example, inFIG. 11 ,second component 820 has aport 1190 for contacting and/or connection tosecond portion 1150. In some embodiments,second component 820 may be linked toport 1190 via wiring disposed in asheath 1180 or other type of protective or insulation covering. - In some embodiments, after a connection has occurred with
second portion 1150, it may be desired to installsecond component 820 inarticle 100. However, it should be understood that installation ofsecond component 820 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element ofarticle 100. Referring now toFIGS. 11 and12 , a view ofinterior void 218 in upper 102 is depicted. The optional insole has been removed to reveal a portion ofsole structure 104. As noted earlier, in some embodiments,sole structure 104 may include a region configured to receive or accommodatesecond component 820, here identified assecond compartment 204. In different embodiments,second compartment 204 may be disposed in any layer ofsole structure 104, includinginsole 216; in such cases,insole 216 would not need to be lifted to revealsecond compartment 204, as removal ofbootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 could sufficiently expose access tosecond compartment 204. In other cases,second compartment 204 may be disposed insole plate 250,midsole 151,outsole 162, or any other portion ofsole structure 104. -
Second compartment 204 may also comprise a sleeve-like region disposed along a portion of upper 102. Thus,second compartment 204 may be at least partially bounded by one or more upper layers that together form atunnel 1110. It should be understood thatsecond compartment 204 may additionally include a slot or entryway that can provide access to the interior oftunnel 1110. In one embodiment, the slot may be secured or substantially closed after insertion ofsecond component 820. - As shown in
FIGS. 11 and12 , in some embodiments,second compartment 204 may also comprise arecess 1175 insole structure 104. In one embodiment,second compartment 204 is disposed inmidsole 151, alongheel region 145.Recess 1175 may be bounded by one or more relatively shallow sidewalls in one embodiment. In some embodiments, the dimensions ofrecess 1175 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the sensor that comprisessecond component 820. InFIG. 12 ,recess 1175 includes a depth greater than a thickness of the sensor comprisingsecond component 820. Furthermore, a first area associated with a first side ofsecond component 820 may be less than a second area associated with the base ofrecess 1175. In other words,recess 1175 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass or holdsecond component 820. In some embodiments, for example, the second area ofrecess 1175 may be slightly larger than the first area ofsecond component 820, such that a substantially snug fit is formed betweensecond component 820 andsecond compartment 204. However, in other embodiments, the dimensions of eithersecond component 820 orsecond compartment 204 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other. - Thus, in some embodiments,
second component 820 may be easily deposited or inserted intorecess 1175 ofmidsole 151 without requiring the removal ofmidsole 151 fromarticle 100. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to removemidsole 151 or another layer ofsole structure 104 prior to installation ofsecond component 820 intoarticle 100. - Once
second component 820 has been inserted,insole 216 may be replaced. Furthermore, if no other additional components are desired inarticle 100,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (seeFIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed below. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 ,third component 830, comprising a light-emitting diode strip (referred to herein as an LED unit), is shown during installation intoarticle 100. In some embodiments, the LED unit may include various mechanisms or components that can be utilized in tensioning system 150 (seeFIG. 1 ). In some cases, the LED unit may include one or more LEDs of varying sizes, colors, and/or intensity levels. For example,third component 830 includes five LEDs. However, in other embodiments,third component 830 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion intoarticle 100. The LED unit may have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments. InFIG. 13 ,third component 830 has a substantially two-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the LEDs are disposed along a substantially continuous, rectangular-shaped and relatively narrow strip. - In
FIG. 13 ,second portion 1150 of connecting elements is shown prior to contact withthird component 830 viaport 1190. In other words, in some embodiments,third component 830 andsecond component 820 may share a common port or connecting portion along wires disposed along acommon sheath 1180. In other embodiments, two or more components may include their own individual port and/or wiring assembly. InFIG. 13 ,third component 830 hasport 1190 for contacting and/or connection tosecond portion 1150. Furthermore, the substantially same portion of connecting elements may contact bothsecond component 820 andthird component 830 in some embodiments. - In some embodiments, after a connection has occurred with connecting
element 710, it may be desired to installthird component 830 inarticle 100. However, it should be understood that installation ofthird component 830 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element ofarticle 100. -
Third compartment 206 may comprise a sleeve-like region disposed along a portion of upper 102 in some embodiments.Third compartment 206 may be at least partially bounded by one or more upper layers that together form atunnel 1375. It should be understood thatthird compartment 206 may additionally include aslot 1350 that can provide access to the interior oftunnel 1375. In one embodiment,slot 1350 may be secured or substantially closed after insertion ofthird component 830. In other embodiments,tunnel 1375 and/orslot 1350 may be substantially similar to the slot and tunnel described above for use withsecond component 820. However, in other embodiments, the slot and tunnels used may be different. - In some embodiments, the dimensions of
tunnel 1375 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the LED unit ofthird component 830. For example, inFIG. 14 , tunnel 1475 includes a diameter greater than a width of the LED unit ofthird component 830. Furthermore, a first length associated with the LED unit may be less than a second length associated withtunnel 1375 ofthird compartment 206. In other words,tunnel 1375 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass, accommodate or holdthird component 830. In some embodiments, for example, the second length oftunnel 1375 may be slightly larger than the first length of the LED unit, such that a substantially snug fit is formed betweenthird component 830 andthird compartment 206. However, in other embodiments, dimensions of eitherthird component 830 andthird compartment 206 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other. For example, depending on the length and size of the portion ofsheath 1180 that is incorporated into upper 102,tunnel 1375 can be extended to accommodate the wiring associated withthird component 830. - Thus, in some embodiments,
third component 830 may be easily slid or inserted intotunnel 1375 in upper 102 without requiring the removal of various layers of upper 102. Oncethird component 830 has been inserted, if no other additional components are desired inarticle 100,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (seeFIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed below. - As noted above with respect to
second component 820 inFIGS. 11-12 , some embodiments ofarticle 100 may utilize various kinds of devices for sending or transmitting commands to a motorized tensioning system or other mechanisms. In some embodiments, buttons for tightening, loosening and/or performing other functions can be located directly on or in an article. For purposes of this disclosure, buttons refer to a material or element that can be pressed or otherwise configured to operate a mechanism, such as a tab, switch, knob, control, lever, handle, or other such control means. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and16 , in some cases,fourth component 840 may include one or more buttons for initiating incremental tightening and incremental loosening commands, for example. In other embodiments, additional buttons can be included for initiating any other commands including the open command (or fully loosen command), store tension command and return to stored tension command. Still other embodiments could incorporate any other buttons for issuing any other kinds of commands. - Referring to
FIG. 15 ,fourth component 840, comprising a control unit or button board, is shown as being installed withinfourth compartment 207 ofarticle 100. In some embodiments, the "button board" may include various switches, mechanisms or components that can be utilized for measuring current, pressure, or other properties inarticle 100. In different embodiments, the button board may detect and measure a relative change in a force or applied load, detect and measure the rate of change in force, identify force thresholds and/or detect contact and/or touch. - In some cases, the button board may comprise a generally two-dimensional material. In some embodiments,
fourth component 840 may include one or more buttons. InFIG. 16 ,fourth component 840 includes afirst button 1610, asecond button 1620, and a third button 1630. However, in other embodiments,fourth component 840 may comprise any desired object or element for insertion intoarticle 100, and/or any number of buttons. The button board may further have different dimensions and/or shapes in different embodiments. InFIG. 16 , the buttons are disposed along a substantially continuous, rectangular-shaped and relatively narrow strip. In other embodiments, the dimensions and/or shape offourth component 840 may differ. - In
FIG. 15 ,second portion 1150 of connectingelement 710 is shown prior to contact withfourth component 840 viaport 1190. In other words, in some embodiments,fourth component 840,third component 830, andsecond component 820 may share a common port or connecting portion along wires disposed along acommon sheath 1180. In other embodiments, two or more components may include their own individual port and/or wiring assembly. InFIG. 15 ,fourth component 840 hasport 1190 for contacting and/or connection tosecond portion 1150 of connecting elements. - In some embodiments, after a connection has occurred with connecting
element 710, it may be desired to installfourth component 840 inarticle 100. However, it should be understood that installation offourth component 840 may also occur without any prior (or subsequent) connection to an element ofarticle 100. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and16 ,fourth compartment 207 may comprise a sleeve-like region disposed along a portion of upper 102 in some embodiments.Fourth compartment 207 may be at least partially bounded by one or more upper layers that together form atunnel 1575. It should be understood thatfourth compartment 207 may additionally include aslot 1550 that can provide access to the interior oftunnel 1575. In one embodiment,slot 1550 may be secured or substantially closed after insertion offourth component 840. In addition,fourth compartment 207 may include provisions for allowing access to the buttons or other control mechanisms. InFIG. 16 , for example, afirst hole 1662, asecond hole 1664, and athird hole 1666 comprising apertures in a portion of upper 102 are depicted. In some embodiments, whenfourth component 840 is installed in upper 102,first hole 1662 may be aligned withfirst button 1610,second hole 1664 may be aligned withsecond button 1620, andthird hole 1666 can be aligned with third button 1630. In other words, some compartments may include exposed portions that allow external user contact with at least a portion of any installed components. - In different embodiments, the dimensions of
tunnel 1575 may be designed or configured for secure and/or snug receipt of the button board offourth component 840. For example, inFIGS. 15 and16 ,tunnel 1575 includes a diameter greater than a width associated with the button board offourth component 840. Furthermore, a first length associated with the button board may be less than a second length associated withtunnel 1575 offourth compartment 207. In other words,tunnel 1575 may be dimensioned to at least partially encompass, accommodate, or holdfourth component 840. In some embodiments, for example, the second length oftunnel 1575 may be slightly larger than the first length of the button board, such that a substantially snug fit is formed betweenfourth component 840 andfourth compartment 207. However, in other embodiments, dimensions of eitherfourth component 840 andfourth compartment 207 may differ such that one is substantially different from the other. For example, depending on the length and size of the portion ofsheath 1180 that is incorporated into upper 102,tunnel 1575 can be extended to accommodate the wiring associated withfourth component 840. - Thus, in some embodiments,
fourth component 840 may be easily slid or inserted intotunnel 1575 in upper 102 without requiring the removal of various layers of upper 102. Oncefourth component 840 has been inserted, if no other additional components are desired inarticle 100,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 or other removable elements may be returned to interior void 218 (seeFIG. 18 ), which can substantially complete the installation process in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, additional or different components may be incorporated, as discussed earlier. - Referring now to
FIG. 17 ,article 100 is illustrated withcomponents 800 installed. InFIG. 17 , upper 102 andsole structure 104 are depicted in dotted line to provide a view ofinterior void 218 and various compartments. It can be seen thatfirst component 810 is disposed infirst compartment 202 alongsole plate 250. Furthermore,second component 820 is disposed insecond compartment 204 alongheel region 145. In addition,third component 830 is disposed inthird compartment 206 adjacent to aheel counter 1710 along upper 102. Finally,fourth component 840 is disposed infourth compartment 207 alonginstep region 110. - In other embodiments, any of the components could be disposed in any other portions of an article, including the upper and/or sole structure. In some cases, some components could be disposed in one portion of an article and other components could be disposed in another, different, portion. In another embodiment, for example,
first component 810 comprising a housing unit with a motorized tensioning device could be disposed near the heel ofarticle 100, whilefourth component 840 could be disposed nearforefoot region 105 ofarticle 100. The location of one or more components may be selected according to various factors including, but not limited to: size constraints, manufacturing constraints, aesthetic preferences, optimal design and functional placement, ease of removability or accessibility relative to other portions ofarticle 100, as well as possibly other factors. - As discussed with respect
FIGS. 3-6 ,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 (or other removable elements) may be moved relative to their original, assembled positions inarticle 100.FIG. 18 provides an embodiment ofarticle 100 asbootie 214 and collar lining 212 are returned to resume a position withininterior void 218. In other words, after installation of the desired components,article 100 is configured for a ready return to an assembled state, where a user may weararticle 100. Furthermore, the insertion ofbootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 may cover and/or further conceal the various compartments ofarticle 100. In addition,bootie 214 and/or collar lining 212 can improve the security or incorporation of components withinarticle 100 when they are replaced in upper 102 by pressing or closing off any regions that were exposed for accessibility. - Once components have been installed in
article 100, various systems may be operated, enjoyed, or used by a wearer. For example, referring toFIG. 19 , atensioning system 150 may be completed and/or supplemented by the installation of components. Furthermore, in some embodiments, as a result of the integration of various components withinarticle 100, it can be possible for two or more components to work in concert or conjunction with one another. For example, in one embodiment, when pressure is exerted on the sensor comprisingsecond component 820, a signal may be transmitted to activate the LED unit ofthird component 830. Thus, during walking, when the heel applies pressure in article 100 (stepping downward), the LED lights can turn on, and/or after the heel has been lifted, the LED lights can turn off, or vice versa. Furthermore, some regions ofarticle 100 may be configured for providing optimal use of various components. In one example, one or more regions ofarticle 100 such asheel counter 1710 may include light-diffusive, light-transmissive, translucent, or transparent materials, to facilitate the transmission of light from an LED that has been incorporated during or after manufacture ofarticle 100. Referring toFIG. 19 ,heel counter 1710 may be formed of a light-diffusive material, for example. Thus,third component 830 comprising LED unit may emit light that can be visible to the wearer or others via the diffuse material ofheel counter 1710. In some embodiments, an enhanced aesthetic design may be produced by the use of various materials with LED unit. In another example, components can interact with a tensioning device to activate or operatetensioning system 150. In one embodiment, a wearer can pressfirst button 1610 offourth component 840 to initiate an open, or fully loosen, command intensioning system 150, as an example. - Thus, in different embodiments, an article may be manufactured that has one or more compartments configured to receive components. In one embodiment, such as articles with a tensioning system, an article may have multiple components installed after a "first stage" manufacturing process. In a separate installation process or "second stage", as generally described above, one or more components may be installed throughout
article 100. This process is generally represented in the flow diagrams ofFIGS. 20-21 , which represent two embodiments of a method for making an article of footwear with an automated, electronic, and/or mechanical system (for example, a fastening or tensioning system), where components of the system are installed during a post-manufacturing process. -
FIG. 20 provides two main steps, including afirst step 2010, where an article is made using techniques, such as one or more in-line article making techniques. The article also includes accommodations for one or more components. In asecond step 2020, the component(s) is inserted into the in-line article (for example, by hand). It should be understood that the assembly process offirst step 2010 produces an article of footwear that can have specific accommodations dimensioned to receive the various electromechanical components of the automated system. - Referring to
FIG. 21 , in some embodiments, afirst step 2110 may involve beginning assembly or manufacture of in-line footwear, where the article includes a sole structure and an upper. Furthermore, in asecond step 2120, the sole structure can include a specialized plate for receiving an electronic control unit, and/or a recess for receiving a heel sensor. In athird step 2130, the upper can include a cable or wiring that is routed from the sole structure through tubes along one side (on the medial or lateral side) of the upper, and then back and forth over the instep region of the upper through additional series of tubes. In afourth step 2140, the upper can also include a compartment for receiving an LED unit, as well as a compartment for receiving a button board. Any of these steps may be optional, however. - In the factory assembled article of a
fifth step 2150, there can be a removable bootie or tongue, as well as a removable collar lining, included in the manufacture of the upper. In other words, the collar lining, bootie, and other types of inner liner materials (i.e., removable elements) can be stitched or otherwise joined onto the upper during manufacture of the article. The stitching is directed to specialized portions of the inner liner materials so that while they generally remain attached or anchored to a portion of the upper, they can be easily removed and/or reinserted. - In a
sixth step 2160, beginning a second stage of the process, some of the inner materials are pulled out, revealing the interior compartments and/or the various accommodations for receiving additional components. In other words, the removal of these inner liner materials allows access to portions of the interior cavity of article that were covered previously. - In a
seventh step 2170, various electronic or mechanical components are inserted into the article (such as an LED in the heel, a heel sensor in the sole structure, a button board in the instep region, and/or an electronic control unit in the sole plate). In some cases, the components can be hand-inserted. - Thus, the article may be "opened up" without damage to the article, and the cables or other elements/areas that had been assembled within the interior of the shoe during manufacture in
first step 2110 may be readily accessed in later steps. Once the desired components have been inserted, the inner materials may be easily reinserted in aeighth step 2180, and the exposed portions of the article are covered again. - The embodiments of
FIGS. 20 and21 as described herein may occur in rapid succession and in close proximity to one another in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments, one or more steps may occur spaced apart in time and location. In other words, one step may occur in a first location, and another step may occur in a second location, where the first location is different from the second location. For example, the manufacture of the article infirst step 2010 and/orfirst step 2110 may occur off-site (e.g., at a factory or manufacturing facility), and the installation of components of later steps may take place at a second, different location (at a shopping outlet, retail store, or a residence, a separate manufacturing facility, etc.). In another example, the manufacture of the article infirst step 2010 and/orfirst step 2110 may occur in a "remote site" (e.g., out of state, or abroad), while the actual insertion of the components of later steps may occur in a "local site" (e.g., within the country or state where the item or article will be sold and/or used), or vice-versa.
Claims (14)
- An article of footwear (100), comprising:a sole structure (104);an upper (102) comprising an inner surface (220) and forming an inner void (218);
a removable element (212, 214), wherein a substantial majority of the removable element (212, 214) is configured to be removable from, and re-insertable within, the inner void (218) after manufacture of the article of footwear (100), wherein a portion of the removable element (212, 214) is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper (102); wherein the removable element (212, 214) is an inner lining material associated with the article of footwear (100); anda compartment (202, 204) disposed within the sole structure (104) of the article of footwear (100);wherein the removal of the removable element (212, 214) provides access to the compartment (202, 204). - The article of footwear (100) according to claim 1, wherein the removable element (212, 214) includes:a) a bootie (214), and wherein the bootie (214) is arranged to be adjacent to a majority of the inner surface (220) of the upper (102), and/orb) a collar lining (212).
- The article of footwear according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the sole structure (104) includes:a) a sole plate (250) including the compartment (202, 204), and wherein the compartment (202, 204) comprises a cavity configured to receive a component (800); orb) a heel region (145) including the compartment (202, 204), and wherein the compartment (202, 204) comprises a recess configured to receive a component (800).
- The article of footwear according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the upper (102) includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein a further compartment (206) is disposed between a portion of the first layer and a portion of the second layer, and wherein the further compartment (206) comprises a tunnel configured to receive a component, optionally wherein the upper (102) includes a heel counter (1710), wherein the further compartment (206) is disposed adjacent to the heel counter (1710), and wherein the heel counter (1710) comprises a light diffusive material.
- The article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper (102) includes a first layer and a second layer, and wherein the upper (102) includes one or more cables disposed between the first layer and the second layer.
- An assembly system for installing components (800) in an article of footwear (100), comprising:an article of footwear (100) in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the compartment (202, 204) is a first compartment (202), and wherein the upper (102) includes a second compartment;wherein the inner lining material is associated with the upper, and wherein a portion of the inner lining material is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper (102);at least two components (800), the at least two components (800) including a first component (800) and a second component (800);wherein the first component (800) is configured to be inserted into the first compartment (202) and wherein the second component (800) is configured to be inserted into the second compartment (204); andwherein the removable inner lining material is configured to be reinsertable within the upper (102).
- The assembly system according to claim 6, wherein the removable inner lining material comprises a bootie (214) and a collar lining (212).
- The assembly system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the article of footwear (100) includes a connecting element (710), and wherein the first component (800) is configured to be attached to the connecting element (710).
- A method of installing a component (800) in an article of footwear (100), the article of footwear (100) comprising an upper (102) comprising an inner surface (220) and forming an inner void (218), the method comprising:manufacturing the article of footwear (100) with a first compartment (202);incorporating a sole plate (250) that includes the first compartment (202) into the article of footwear during manufacturing, wherein the first compartment (202); comprises a cavity (275);removing a substantial majority of an inner lining material associated with the article of footwear (100) from the inner void (218), thereby providing access to the first compartment (202), wherein a portion of the inner lining material remains fixedly attached to a portion of the footwear (100);inserting a component (800) into the article;installing the component (800) in the first compartment (202); andreinserting the substantial majority of the inner lining material in the inner void (218) of the article of footwear (100).
- The method according to claim 9, wherein the component (800) includes:a) a housing unit containing a motorized tightening device; orb) a heel sensor.
- The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein manufacturing the article of footwear (100) further comprises incorporating a sole structure (104) with a recess into the article of footwear (100), wherein the recess comprises a second compartment (204).
- The method according to any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising exposing a region in the article of footwear (100) and therein providing access to the first compartment (202).
- The method according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein manufacturing the article of footwear (100) further comprises forming an upper (102) comprising at least two layers of material including a first layer and a second layer, and positioning a portion of wire between the first layer and the second layer, optionally wherein installing the component (800) further comprises connecting the component (800) to the portion of wire that is disposed within the upper (102).
- The method according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein removing the inner lining material further includes removing a bootie (214) or a collar lining (212) from the inner void (218).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180944.7A EP3939464B1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2016-05-13 | Article of footwear comprising removable and insertable bootie and a sole having a cavity comprising a motorized tensioning device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/723,972 US11206891B2 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2015-05-28 | Article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear |
PCT/US2016/032251 WO2016191115A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2016-05-13 | An article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180944.7A Division EP3939464B1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2016-05-13 | Article of footwear comprising removable and insertable bootie and a sole having a cavity comprising a motorized tensioning device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3302122A1 EP3302122A1 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
EP3302122B1 true EP3302122B1 (en) | 2021-06-23 |
Family
ID=56117970
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180944.7A Active EP3939464B1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2016-05-13 | Article of footwear comprising removable and insertable bootie and a sole having a cavity comprising a motorized tensioning device |
EP16728443.9A Active EP3302122B1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2016-05-13 | An article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180944.7A Active EP3939464B1 (en) | 2015-05-28 | 2016-05-13 | Article of footwear comprising removable and insertable bootie and a sole having a cavity comprising a motorized tensioning device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3939464B1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN107847007A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016191115A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11723436B2 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2023-08-15 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear and charging system |
US11206891B2 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2021-12-28 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear |
US8046937B2 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2011-11-01 | Nike, Inc. | Automatic lacing system |
US11103030B2 (en) | 2015-10-07 | 2021-08-31 | Puma SE | Article of footwear having an automatic lacing system |
US11033079B2 (en) | 2015-10-07 | 2021-06-15 | Puma SE | Article of footwear having an automatic lacing system |
US11185130B2 (en) | 2015-10-07 | 2021-11-30 | Puma SE | Article of footwear having an automatic lacing system |
CN112754109B (en) | 2015-11-30 | 2023-04-07 | 耐克创新有限合伙公司 | System and method for controlling an article of footwear |
WO2017092775A1 (en) | 2015-12-02 | 2017-06-08 | Puma SE | Method for lacing a shoe, particularly a sports shoe |
CN110087499A (en) | 2016-11-22 | 2019-08-02 | 彪马欧洲股份公司 | The method that clothes is through with wearer or takes off or closes, put on, open from wearer or remove the luggage that people carries |
RU2728126C1 (en) | 2016-11-22 | 2020-07-28 | Пума Се | Method for lacing shoe, in particular sports shoes, and shoe article, in particular sports shoes |
KR102514691B1 (en) * | 2018-08-27 | 2023-03-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Shoes |
KR102588072B1 (en) | 2018-08-27 | 2023-10-12 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method for manufacturing an insole |
KR102514651B1 (en) | 2018-08-27 | 2023-03-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Insole and shoes comprising the same |
KR102604085B1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2023-11-21 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Shoe type apparatus and control method thereof |
USD906657S1 (en) | 2019-01-30 | 2021-01-05 | Puma SE | Shoe tensioning device |
US11484089B2 (en) | 2019-10-21 | 2022-11-01 | Puma SE | Article of footwear having an automatic lacing system with integrated sound damping |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4169324A (en) * | 1978-01-31 | 1979-10-02 | Gibbs Don W | Sock and shoe and sock and shoe fastening means |
US5499459A (en) * | 1994-10-06 | 1996-03-19 | H. H. Brown Shoe Company, Inc. | Footwear with replaceable, watertight bootie |
US5722757A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 1998-03-03 | Chien; Thang Lu | Distributed illumination arrangement for a soft object |
CN2438353Y (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2001-07-11 | 周龙交 | Automatic tieing and untieing shoelaces shoes |
US7370438B2 (en) * | 2004-12-01 | 2008-05-13 | The Timberland Company | Removable or reversible lining for footwear |
US7607243B2 (en) * | 2006-05-03 | 2009-10-27 | Nike, Inc. | Athletic or other performance sensing systems |
US7752774B2 (en) * | 2007-06-05 | 2010-07-13 | Tim James Ussher | Powered shoe tightening with lace cord guiding system |
US20090109659A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2009-04-30 | Iht Technology, Inc. | Footwear with integrated power system |
US20110010964A1 (en) * | 2007-11-07 | 2011-01-20 | Linckia Development Llc | Footwear suspension system |
FR2924577B1 (en) * | 2007-12-07 | 2010-03-12 | Ct Tech Cuir Chaussure Maroqui | FOAMING ARTICLE WITH EASY CLAMP |
US8056269B2 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2011-11-15 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with lighting system |
CN102821635B (en) | 2010-01-21 | 2015-10-14 | 博技术有限公司 | For the guiding device of strapping system |
US8463657B1 (en) * | 2010-04-01 | 2013-06-11 | Joe Bentvelzen | Self-help system and method for selling footwear |
KR20200077624A (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2020-06-30 | 보아 테크놀러지, 인크. | Reel based lacing system |
WO2012003399A2 (en) | 2010-07-01 | 2012-01-05 | Boa Technology, Inc. | Lace guide |
TWM408261U (en) * | 2011-01-28 | 2011-08-01 | Zheng-Zhong Xu | Light-emitting shoe capable of changing battery |
US9365387B2 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2016-06-14 | Nike, Inc. | Motorized tensioning system with sensors |
US10024740B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-07-17 | Nike, Inc. | System and method for analyzing athletic activity |
WO2014201356A1 (en) * | 2013-06-14 | 2014-12-18 | Sole Power, Llc | Energy storage system for foot-powered devices |
-
2016
- 2016-05-13 EP EP21180944.7A patent/EP3939464B1/en active Active
- 2016-05-13 CN CN201680044192.3A patent/CN107847007A/en active Pending
- 2016-05-13 WO PCT/US2016/032251 patent/WO2016191115A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-05-13 CN CN202311268090.8A patent/CN117617623A/en active Pending
- 2016-05-13 EP EP16728443.9A patent/EP3302122B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN107847007A (en) | 2018-03-27 |
WO2016191115A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
EP3302122A1 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
EP3939464B1 (en) | 2024-06-19 |
EP3939464A1 (en) | 2022-01-19 |
CN117617623A (en) | 2024-03-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20230309645A1 (en) | Article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear | |
EP3302122B1 (en) | An article of footwear and a method of assembly of the article of footwear | |
US11751635B2 (en) | Automated tensioning system for an article of footwear | |
JP7361160B2 (en) | Control device for articles of footwear | |
US11000090B2 (en) | Lighting assembly for articles of footwear | |
US20200221813A1 (en) | Standoff unit for a control device in an article of footwear | |
EP3429394B1 (en) | Sole plate for an article of footwear |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20171220 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20190313 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: A43B 23/07 20060101ALI20191217BHEP Ipc: A43B 19/00 20060101ALI20191217BHEP Ipc: A43B 17/18 20060101ALI20191217BHEP Ipc: A43B 11/00 20060101ALI20191217BHEP Ipc: A43B 3/00 20060101AFI20191217BHEP Ipc: A43C 11/16 20060101ALI20191217BHEP Ipc: A43C 11/00 20060101ALI20191217BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20201221 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602016059646 Country of ref document: DE Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1403491 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20210715 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210923 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1403491 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20210623 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210923 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210924 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20210623 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20211025 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602016059646 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20220324 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20220531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220513 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220531 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220513 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220531 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230515 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230321 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20160513 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240321 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240308 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210623 |