KR20200078662A - Automated footwear having cable and upper tensioners - Google Patents

Abstract

The shoe assembly can include an upper, a lanyard cable, a plurality of lanyard guides, and a tensioner. The tensioner is provided between an elastic member extending between two string guides of the plurality of string guides, an elastic member extending between first and second parts of the upper, and a string guide between a portion of the upper and one of the plurality of string guides. Elongated elastic member, heel channel connected to the heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to the interior space, elasticity coupled to the shoe assembly functioning to smooth the torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable It may include a member, a tension member secured to the side of the upper proximate the toe box and strap cables, and a floating overlay attached to the side of the upper proximate to the toe box and strap cables.

Description

Automated shoes with cable and upper tensioner {AUTOMATED FOOTWEAR HAVING CABLE AND UPPER TENSIONERS}

Priority claim

This patent application is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/471,850, filed on March 15, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference; And United States Provisional Patent Application 62/475,105, filed on March 22, 2017.

This application generally relates to a tensioning system for footwear. More specifically, the present application relates to an upper and lace drive system for controlling shoe fit.

Current shoe uppers generally have fixed dimensions, and thus do not readily allow to conform to the shape of the foot. Thus, the wearer generally controls the fit and tension of the upper by a string drive system. However, in shoes comprising a motorized string drive engine, the ability of the wearer of the shoe to tighten the upper around the foot by adjusting the string drive system in addition to the feel and tactile feedback that can be obtained from a manual string drive system, Can be reduced. As such, there is a need to improve the ability of the upper and string drive systems to conform to the shape of the foot while accompanying the required amount of tension, particularly when accompanied by an automated string drive engine.

The following specification provides for a string drive system comprising a motorized or non-motorized string drive engine, a shoe component associated with the string drive engine, a shoe assembly comprising an automated string driven shoe platform, and related manufacturing processes. Various aspects will be described. More specifically, most of the following specification describes various aspects of the lace structure (configuration) for use in shoes comprising a motorized or non-motorized lace driven engine for centralized lace tightening. The following specification additionally describes various tensioners that can be incorporated into a shoe assembly, such as in a strapped upper.

A shoe assembly comprising a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion , Upper shoes; A braided cable having a first end secured along the distal outer portion of the inner side and a second end secured along the distal outer portion of the outer side; As a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable is the said upper of the shoe upper. A plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side; Routing the string cable from the pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides to a position allowing the string cable to engage a lacing engine disposed inside the midsole portion, Medial proximal strap guide; An outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in the pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides, from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine; And a first elastic member extending between the first string guide and the second string guide among the plurality of string guides.

A shoe assembly comprising a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion , Upper shoes; A braided cable having a first end secured along the distal outer portion of the inner side and a second end secured along the distal outer portion of the outer side; As a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable is the said upper of the shoe upper. A plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side; Routing the string cable from the pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides to a position allowing the string cable to engage a lacing engine disposed inside the midsole portion, Medial proximal strap guide; An outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in the pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides, from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine; And a first elastic member extending between the first portion and the second portion of the shoe upper.

A shoe assembly comprising a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion , Upper shoes; A braided cable having a first end secured along the distal outer portion of the inner side and a second end secured along the distal outer portion of the outer side; As a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable is the said upper of the shoe upper. A plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side; Routing the string cable from the pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides to a position allowing the string cable to engage a lacing engine disposed inside the midsole portion, Medial proximal strap guide; An outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in the pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides, from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine; And a first elastic member extending between a first portion of the shoe upper and a first strap guide of the plurality of strap guides.

The shoe assembly includes a sole structure; A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper; A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure; A string drive system comprising: a string cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the shoe upper and an intermediate portion passing through the string drive engine; And a plurality of string guides for routing the string cables along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine; And a heel channel connected to the heel portion and configured to facilitate access to the interior space.

The shoe assembly includes a sole structure; A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper; A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure; A string drive system comprising: a string cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the shoe upper and an intermediate portion passing through the string drive engine; And a plurality of string guides for routing the string cables along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine; And an elastic member coupled to the shoe assembly, which functions to smooth the torque versus string displacement curve during tightening of the string cable.

A shoe assembly comprising a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion , Upper shoes; An inner tension member secured to the inner side of the upper close to the toe box; An outer tension member secured to the outer side of the upper close to the toe box; A tether cable having a first end attached to the inner tension member and a second end attached to the outer tension member; And a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, wherein each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable comprises: And a plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side.

The shoe assembly includes a sole structure; A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper; A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure; An inner floating overlay attached to the inner side of the shoe upper close to the toe box portion; An outer floating overlay attached to the outer side of the shoe upper close to the toe box portion; And a string drive system comprising: a string cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the inner floating overlay and an outer floating overlay and an intermediate portion passing through the string driving engine; And a plurality of string guides for routing the string cables along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine.

A shoe assembly comprising a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side each extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion and A shoe upper that forms a throat region of the shoe upper; An inner tension member secured to the inner side of the upper close to the toe box; An outer tension member secured to the outer side of the upper close to the toe box; A tether cable having a first end attached to the inner tension member and a second end attached to the outer tension member; And a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, wherein the string cable, from the first end in the inner tension member, across the neck region, and at least one string guide. Through, along the outer side, extending; And the lanyard cable extends from the second end in the outer tension member across the neck region and along the inner side through one or more lanyard guides.

In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, similar reference numerals may describe similar elements in different drawings. Similar reference signs with different character suffixes may indicate different cases of similar components. The drawings show, in general, by way of illustration, but not as a limitation, of the various embodiments discussed herein.
1 is an exploded view of components of a portion of a shoe assembly with a motorized lace drive system, in accordance with some example embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a lace structure for use with a shoe assembly comprising a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments.
3A-3C are plan views illustrating a flattened shoe upper having a lace structure for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments.
4A is a portion of a shoe upper with a lace structure for use in a shoe assembly comprising a motorized lace driven engine and shoe heel and tongue access control components of a shoe upper, in accordance with some example embodiments. It is an illustrative drawing.
4B is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper with a lace structure for use in a shoe assembly comprising a heel and tongue elastic member coupled to the lace structure.
5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper with a lace structure for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments.
6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper with a lace structure for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments.
7A-7B are diagrams illustrating a portion of a shoe upper with a lace structure for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments.
7C-7D are diagrams illustrating deformable lace guides for use in a shoe assembly, according to some example embodiments.
7E is a graph illustrating various torque versus string displacement curves for deformable string guides, according to some example embodiments.
8A-8G are diagrams illustrating a string guide for use in a particular string structure, according to some example embodiments.
Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a shoe assembly process for assembly of a shoe including a string drive engine, in accordance with some example embodiments.
Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing a shoe assembling process for assembling a shoe including a string drive engine, according to some exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the frontal view of a partially cut shoe upper, showing an elastic strip connecting the inner side panel and the outer side panel of the upper.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the rear view of the shoe upper of FIG. 11, showing the heel strap assembly connecting portions of the braided cable on the inner and outer sides of the upper.
FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the outer appearance of the shoe upper of FIG. 11, partially cut away to show a lace guide connected to the shoe upper with an elastic strip.
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the shoe upper of FIG. 13, bent to show a lace guide connected to the shoe upper separately from the elastic strip.
FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating the shoe upper of FIG. 12, showing that the loose string cable is pulled from the motorized string drive engine by the pre-tension strap of the heel strap assembly.
FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating the shoe upper of FIG. 15A showing that the lanyard cable is tightened into the motorized string drive engine and the heel strap of the heel strap assembly is tightened around the heel portion of the shoe upper.
16 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a shoe upper, showing the inner and outer strapping cable tension straps.
17 is a graph illustrating various force versus strap displacement curves for a shoe upper comprising various elastic members described herein, according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the shoe upper of FIG. 16, disposed flat to show the lace structure including tension straps connected to the lace in a cross-over configuration.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the tension strap of FIG. 18, showing the lockout region and the stretch region.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a shoe upper, including a string structure comprising tension straps connected to the string in a non-transverse configuration.
21 is a top view illustrating a two-zone lace structure for use with a shoe assembly comprising a motorized or non-motorized lace driven engine, according to some example embodiments.
22 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating the upper and two-zone laces structure of FIG. 21, in accordance with some example embodiments.
Any headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms discussed or used under the headings.

The concept of self-tightening shoe laces was first widely popularized by the virtual power lace Nike® sneakers worn by Marty McFly in the movie Back to the Future II, released in 1989. Became. Nike® has since released at least one version of the power thong sneakers with a look similar to the version of the movie prop from Back to the Future II, but the employed internal mechanical system and peripheral shoe platform are not necessarily suitable for mass production or daily use. Did. Additionally, other previous designs for motorized string drive systems have suffered relatively from problems such as high manufacturing cost, complexity, assembly problems, and poor serviceability. The present inventors have developed a modular shoe platform for accommodating motorized and non-motorized string drive engines, which specifically addresses some or all of the problems discussed above. In order to fully utilize the modular string drive engine discussed briefly below and discussed in more detail in the pending application No. 62/308,686, entitled "Thong Drive Device for Automated Shoe Platform," They developed the string structure discussed in this specification. The string structure discussed herein can address a variety of problems experienced in centralized string tightening mechanisms, such as non-uniform tightening, fit, comfort and performance. The string construction provides a variety of advantages, including smoothing string tension over a wider string travel distance and improving comfort while maintaining fit performance. One aspect of improved comfort includes a string structure that reduces pressure across the top of the foot. Exemplary string structures can also improve fit and performance by manipulating the string tension in the front-back direction (front-to-back) direction as well as in-out direction. Various other advantages of the components described below will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The lace structures discussed were specifically developed to interface with a modular lace drive engine located within the midsole portion of the shoe assembly. However, this concept can also be applied to motorized and manual lace drive mechanisms that are placed at various locations around the shoe, such as the heel or even the toe portion of the shoe platform. The string structures discussed include, among other shapes and materials, the use of string guides, which can be formed from tubular plastics, metal clips, fabric loops or channels, plastic clips, and open U-shaped channels. In some examples, various different types of string guides can be mixed to perform a particular string routing function within the string structure.

The motorized string drive engine discussed below has been developed from the ground up to provide a robust, serviceable and interchangeable component of an automated string driven shoe platform from scratch. The lace driven engine includes unique design elements that enable consumer-level final assembly into a modular shoe platform. The string drive engine design allows most shoe assembly processes to utilize known assembly techniques, while a unique adaptation to the standard assembly process can still utilize current assembly resources.

In one example, the modular automated lace driven shoe platform includes a midsole plate secured to the midsole to accommodate a lace driven engine. The design of the midsole plate allows the string driven engine to be mounted directly into the shoe platform at the time of purchase. Another aspect of the midsole plate and modular automated shoe platform allows different types of string driven engines to be used interchangeably. For example, the motorized string drive engine discussed below can be replaced with a human driven string drive engine. Alternatively, a fully automatic motorized string drive engine with foot presence detection or other optional features can be housed inside a standard midsole plate.

The use of motorized or non-motorized centralized string drive engines to tighten sneakers presents several challenges in providing sufficient performance without sacrificing some comfort. The lace structures discussed herein are specifically designed for use with a centralized lace drive engine, and are designed to enable a variety of shoe designs from casual to high performance.

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

Automated shoe platform

The following discusses various components of the automated shoe platform, including the motorized string drive engine, midsole plate, and various other components of the platform. Although much of this disclosure focuses on a string structure for use with a motorized string drive engine, the designs discussed are human driven string drive engines or other motorized string drive engines with additional or less capabilities. It is also applicable. Thus, the term “automated” as used in “automated shoe platform” is not intended to cover only systems that operate without user input. Rather, the term “automated shoe platform” includes various electrically driven and human driven, automatic activation and human activation mechanisms for tightening the shoe laces or restraint system.

1 is an exploded view of components of a motorized lace drive system for shoes, according to some example embodiments. The motorized string driving system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a string driving engine 10, a cover 20, an actuator 30, a midsole plate 40, a midsole 50, and a bottom sole 60. do. 1 shows a basic assembly sequence of components of an automated lace driven shoe platform. The motorized string drive system 1 starts with the midsole plate 40 being fixed inside the midsole. Next, the actuator 30 is inserted into an opening on the outer side of the midsole plate opposite to a connection button that may be embedded in the sole 60. Next, the string drive engine 10 falls into the midsole plate 40. In one example, the string drive system 1 is inserted under a continuous loop of string cables, and the string cables are aligned with a spool of string drive engine 10 (discussed below). Finally, the lid 20 is inserted into the groove of the midsole plate 40, fixed in a closed position, and locked into the recess of the midsole plate 40. The lid 20 can capture the string drive engine 10 and can help maintain alignment of the string cables during operation.

In one example, an article of footwear or a motorized string drive system 1 is configured to include or connect to one or more sensors that can monitor or determine foot presence characteristics. Based on information from one or more foot presence sensors, the shoe comprising the motorized lace drive system 1 can be configured to perform various functions. For example, the foot presence sensor can be configured to provide binary information regarding whether or not the foot is present in the shoe. If the binary signal from the foot presence sensor indicates that the foot is present, the motorized lace drive system 1 can be activated to automatically tighten or loosen (ie, loosen) the shoelace cable. In one example, an article of footwear includes a processor circuit capable of receiving or interpreting a signal from a foot presence sensor. The processor circuit can optionally be embedded in the string drive engine 10 or together with the string drive engine, such as in the sole of an article of footwear.

String structure

2 is a top view of the upper 200 showing an exemplary string configuration, in accordance with some example embodiments. In this example, the upper 205 includes, in addition to the string 210 and the string drive engine 10, the outer string anchor 215, the inner string anchor 216, the outer string guides 222, the inner It includes string guides 220 and a brio cable 225. The example shown in FIG. 2 includes a continuous knit fabric upper 205 having a non-overlapping inner string path and a diagonal string pattern accompanying the outer string path. The string paths, starting at the outer string anchor 215, through the outer string guides 222, through the string drive engine 10, through the inner string guides 220, and again the inner string It is created in a way that extends to the government 216. In this example, the string 210 forms a continuous loop from the outer string anchor 215 to the inner string anchor 216. In this example, the tightening from inside to outside is transmitted through the energizing cables 225. In another example, the lanyard path can be traversed, or incorporate additional features, to transmit the tightening force in an inward-outward direction across upper 205. Additionally, the continuous string loop concept can be incorporated into more traditional uppers, with a central (inner) gap and a string 210 traversing back and forth across the central gap.

3A-3C are plan views showing a flattened shoe upper 305 having a lace structure 300 for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments. . To discuss an exemplary shoe upper, it is assumed that upper 305 is designed to be incorporated into the right foot version of the shoe assembly. 3A is a top view of a flattened shoe upper 305 having a laces structure 300 as shown. In this example, shoe upper 305 is a series of lace guides 320A-320J (collectively lace guide(s) 320) having lace cables 310 extending through lace guides 320 Referenced). In this example, the lanyard cable 310, the outer lanyard anchor 345A and the inner lanyard anchor 345B on each side of the upper 305 (collectively referred to as string anchor points 345) In the middle of forming a loop that terminates in, the middle portion of the loop is routed through a string drive engine inside the midsole of the shoe assembly. The upper 305 also includes stiffeners associated with each of the series of string guides 320. The stiffeners may cover individual string guides, or extend across a plurality of string guides. In this example, the stiffeners include a central stiffener 325, a first outer stiffener 335A, a first inner stiffener 335B, a second outer stiffener 330A, and a second inner stiffener 330B. The middle portion of the string cable 310 is routed to and/or from the string drive engine through the outer rear string guide 315A and the inner rear string guide 315B, and the outer string exit 340A ) And enter the upper 300 through the inner string exit 340B and/or enter the upper 300.

Upper 305 may include different parts, such as forefoot (toe) part 307, midfoot part 308, and heel part 309. The forefoot portion 307 corresponds to a joint connecting the metatarsal bone and the phalanx of the foot. The midfoot portion 308 may correspond to the arch area of the foot. The heel portion 309 may correspond to the back or heel portion of the foot. The medial heel portion and the lateral heel portion 309 may be connected through a heel member 350, which may include an inner strip 352 and an outer strip 354. The inner and outer sides of the midfoot portion of upper 305 may include a central portion 306. In some typical shoe designs, the central portion 306 may have openings extending across by alternating (or similar) patterns of laces that allow the fit around the foot of the shoe upper to be adjusted. The central portion 306 with openings also facilitates entry of the foot into the shoe assembly and removal of the foot from the shoe assembly.

The string guides 320 route the string cable 310 through a pattern along each of the outer and inner sides of the upper 305, while tubular or channel-like structures for constraining the string cable 310 to be. In this example, the string guides 320 are U-shaped plastic tubes arranged in an essentially sine wave pattern, circulating up and down along the inner and outer sides of the upper 305. The number of cycles completed by the lanyard cable 310 may vary depending on the shoe size. The smaller sized shoe assembly can only accommodate 1 and 1/2 cycles, while the exemplary upper 305 is before entering the inner rear strap guide 315B or the outer rear strap guide 315A. To accommodate 2 and 1/2 cycles. The pattern is described as essentially a sine wave, at least as in this example, and the U-shaped guides have a broader outline than the actual sine wave crest or trough. In another example, a pattern closer to the actual sine wave pattern can be utilized (without extensive use of carefully curved string guides, the actual sine wave is not easily obtained with a string extending between the string guides). The shape of the lace guide 320 can be varied to produce different torque versus lace displacement curves, where torque is measured in a lace driven engine within the midsole of the shoe. Using string guides with a tighter radius curve, or having a higher frequency wave pattern (e.g., more string guides, more cycles), changes to torque versus string displacement curves Can cause. For example, using string guides with a tighter radius, the string cable will experience greater friction, which may result in higher initial torque, which may appear to smooth the torque across the torque versus string displacement curve. . However, in certain embodiments, while utilizing a string guide placement pattern or string guide design to help smooth the torque versus string displacement curve, low initial (e.g., by keeping friction inside the string guides low). It may be more desirable to maintain the torque level. One such string guide design is discussed with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, while another alternative string guide design is discussed with reference to Figures 8A-8G. In addition to the string guides discussed with reference to these figures, the string guides can be made of plastic, polymer, metal or fabric. For example, layers of fabric can be used to create a shaped channel for routing a lanyard cable to a desired pattern. As discussed below, a combination of plastic or metal guides and fabric overlays can be used to create guide components for use in the discussed string structure.

3A, the reinforcements 325, 335 and 330 are shown in association with different string guides, such as string guides 320. In one example, the stiffeners 335 may include a fabric impregnated with a heat activated adhesive that can be attached over the top of the string guides 320G, 320H, a process sometimes referred to as a hot melt to be. The stiffeners, like the stiffener 325, can cover multiple strap guides, which in this example cover six upper strap guides located adjacent to the central portion of the shoe, such as the central portion 306. In another example, the stiffener 325 is divided under the middle of the central portion 306, and the string along the inner side of the central portion 306 separately from the string guides along the outer side of the central portion 306 It is possible to form two pieces covering the guides. In another alternative example, the stiffener 325 may be divided into six separate stiffeners covering the individual string guides. The use of stiffeners can be varied to change the dynamics of the interaction between the lace guides and the lower shoe upper, eg upper 305. The stiffeners can also be attached to the upper 305 in a variety of different ways, including sutures, adhesives, or a combination of mechanisms. With regard to the type of fabric or material used for stiffeners, the manner in which the stiffener is adhered can also affect the friction experienced by the string cable extending through the string guides. For example, a stiffer material that is otherwise hot melted over flexible string guides can increase the friction experienced by the string cable. In contrast, a flexible material attached over the string guides can reduce friction by maintaining more string guide flexibility. The reinforcement 325 may also include an elastic mesh covering the neck region of the shoe upper.

As mentioned above, FIG. 3A illustrates the central reinforcement 325, which is a single member extending across the inner and outer upper strap guides 320A, 320B, 320E, 320F, 320I and 320J. Assuming the stiffener 325 is, in this example, a more rigid material that is less flexible than the underlying shoe upper, that is, the upper 305, the resulting central portion 306 of the shoe assembly is less forgiving It will show fit characteristics. In some applications, a more rigid, less tolerant, central portion 306 may be desirable. However, in applications where more flexibility across the central portion 306 is required, the central stiffener 325 can be separated into two or more stiffeners. In certain applications, the separated central reinforcements can be joined across the central portion 306 using a variety of flexible or elastic materials to enable a more conformable central portion 306. In another example, the central reinforcement 325 itself may be elastic. In some examples, upper 305 may have a small gap that extends along the length of central portion 306, in addition one or more elastic members extend over the gap, and strap guide 410 and elastic member As shown at least partially in FIG. 4A with 440, a plurality of central reinforcements are connected.

The heel member 350 can be used to control access to the shoe upper 305 and, additionally or alternatively, to control the effective spring stiffness of the shoe upper 305, the device or component. It may include. In one example, the inner strip 352 and the outer strip 354, individually, may include elastic strips that are sutured or otherwise attached to the inner heel portion and outer heel portion 309 and sutured to each other. have. In other embodiments, only a single elastic strip is connected to the inner heel portion and the outer heel portion 309. Accordingly, the strips 352 and 354 can provide some stretchability to the heel portion of the shoe upper 305. This effect can be used to provide various comfort and performance aspects to the upper 305, as described below. For example, elasticity can help the heel portion 309 remain engaged with the wearer's heel during use of an article of footwear. The strips 352 and 354 may include an elastic body, spandex, rubber, and the like.

In another embodiment, the inner strip 352 and the outer strip 354 can include releasably engaging components to allow the user of the footwear article to selectively open and close the shoe upper 305. . For example, the strips 352 and 354 can include opposing components of a hook and loop fastener material, or opposing components of a zipper structure. In this embodiment, the heel member 350 can provide entry and exit of the foot into the shoe upper 305 regardless of the condition of the laced cable 310. More specifically, the heel member 350, even when the string drive engine pulls the string cable 310 into the sole structure to tightly fasten the string cable 310 down onto the shoe upper 305, the foot is a shoe upper ( 305).

3B is another plan view of a flattened shoe upper 305 having a laces structure 300, as shown. In this example, shoe upper 305 includes a similar lace guide pattern, including lace guides 320 with modifications to the configuration of reinforcements 325, 330, and 335. As discussed above, modifications to the stiffener configuration will result in at least slightly different fit properties, and may also alter the torque versus string displacement curve.

3C is a series of lace structure examples illustrated on a flattened shoe upper according to an exemplary embodiment. The string structure 300A shows a string guide pattern, similar to the sine wave pattern discussed with reference to FIG. 3A, with individual stiffeners covering each individual string guide. The string structure 300B once again shows a wavy string pattern, also referred to as a parachute string, with elongated stiffeners covering individual lower string guides and a pair of upper string guides extending over the central portion. The string structure 300C is another wave-like string pattern having a single central reinforcement. The string structure 300D introduces a triangular shaped string pattern, with individual stiffeners cut to fit on the individual string guides. String structure 300E shows a variation of the reinforcing configuration in a triangular string pattern. Finally, the string structure 300F shows another variant of the reinforcement configuration, including a central reinforcement and reinforced bottom reinforcements.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper 405 having a lace structure 400 for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments. In this example, the inner portion of upper 405 is shown along with string guides 410, which route string cable 430 through string guide component 415. The string guides 410 are enclosed in stiffeners 420 to form the string guide components 415, and at least some of the string guide components are repositionable on the upper 405. In one example, string guide components 415 are supported with hook and loop material, and upper 405 provides a surface for receiving hook and loop material. In this example, the string guide components 415 can be supported with a hook portion, and the upper 405 also provides a knit loop surface for receiving the string guide components 415. In another example, strap guide components 415 may have a track interface that is integrated to engage a track, such as track 445. Track-based integration can provide robust, limited movement, and exercise options for strap guide components 415. For example, the track 445 extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central portion 450, and allows positioning the strap guide components 415 along the length of the track. In some examples, the track 445 can extend across from the outer side to the inner side to retain the strap guide component on either side of the central portion 450. Similar tracks can be placed in appropriate positions to hold all strap guide components 415 to enable adjustment in limited directions for all strap guides on shoe upper 405.

Shoe upper 405 shows another exemplary lace structure that includes a central elastic member, such as elastic member 440. In these examples, at least the upper strap guide components along the inner and outer sides traverse the central portion 450 by elastic members that allow different shoe designs to achieve different levels of fit and performance. Can be connected. For example, high-performance basketball shoes that need to protect their feet over a wide range of lateral motion can utilize elastic members with high modulus of elasticity to ensure a snug fit. In another example, running shoes can utilize elastic members with a low modulus of elasticity because they can be designed to focus on comfort for long-distance road running compared to running shoes providing a high level of lateral motion suppression. In certain examples, elastic members 440 may be interchangeable with or include a mechanism for allowing adjustment of the elastic level. As discussed above, in some examples, a shoe upper, such as upper 405, may have a gap along the central portion 450, which at least partially separates the inner side from the outer side. Even with a small gap along the central portion 450, elastic members, such as the elastic member 440, can be used to extend across the gap.

4A only shows a single track 445 or a single elastic member 440, but these elements can be duplicated for any or all of the string guides in a particular string structure. For example, each strap guide component 415 can be mounted on its own track 445, which generally extends inward-outward across the central portion 450. The position of each strap guide component 415 can be correlated with the presence of the foot inside the shoe upper 405. For example, when a presence sensor, such as a contact switch inside the sole structure, detects the weight of the foot in the shoe upper 405, the lace guide components 415 move the shoe upper 405 downward on the foot. To tighten the slack of the lanyard cable 430 to tighten, it can be pulled closer from the central portion 450. However, if the presence sensor does not detect the weight of the foot inside the shoe upper 405, the lace guide components 415 allow the loose portion of the lace cable 430 to be introduced, thereby allowing the foot into the shoe upper 405. To facilitate entry, it can be retracted from the central portion 450. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism of the string cable can additionally be used to move the string guide components 415 on the track 445. In other embodiments, one or more additional drive mechanisms may be incorporated into the article of footwear, eg, motors. In addition, in this embodiment, the central stiffener 325 may provide an elastic zone or, additionally or alternatively, an opening, such as a zipper (eg, zipper 465), for shoe upper 405 ), it can be added to the central portion.

4B additionally shows heel strap 480, which extends over a plurality of elastic members 440 at heel ridge 650 and strap guide components 415. Heel strap 480 and elastic members 440 can be used to control the effective spring stiffness of shoe upper 405. As described above, the elasticity provided by various strips, such as the heel strap 480 and the elastic members 440, can provide a certain degree of stretch capability to the shoe upper 405, and thus the upper 405 ) Allows various comfort and performance aspects to be controlled. In examples, heel strap 480 may be directly connected to heel strap guide component 615 on the medial and lateral sides of heel ridge 650. Alternatively, heel strap 480 may be connected to strap guide component 615 at one end and sutured to shoe upper 605 at heel ridge 650. In this embodiment, a single heel strap 480 may be used on the inner side or outer side of the shoe upper 605, or the heel strap 480 may be on the inner side and outer side of the shoe upper 605. Each can be used. The heel strap guide components 615 can be separated from the shoe upper 405 to be hung from the shoe upper 405 by a string cable 430 and a heel strap 480. The resilient member 440 pre-heels the strap guide component 615 relative to the rear or heel portion of the shoe upper 405 to cause the lace cable 430 to be pulled from the lace driven engine in a loosened state. It can be tensioned. However, when the string drive engine winds the string cable 430 in a tightened state, the heel strap 480 allows the string cable 430 to be securely tightened downward on the shoe upper 405, and the shoe upper ( 405) can be stretched to allow the heel portion of the wearer to be pulled downward on the wearer's heel.

The elastic members 440 can provide an additional degree of stretch ability to the shoe upper 405. The elastic members 440 can be attached to the strap guide components 415 at one end and at the other end, as in the central portion 450, the other facing strap guide component 415 or shoe It may be connected to the upper (405). As with the heel strap 480, the elastic members 440 can be used to pull the string cable 430 from the string drive engine, but the string cable 430 is downward on the shoe upper 405. It can be stretched to allow tightness.

The heel strap 480, the elastic members 440 and the elastic central reinforcement 325, respectively, are specific for shoe uppers, which can introduce different comfort and performance zones within the string drive action provided by the string drive mechanism. Each can provide a degree of elongation. FIG. 17 shows various comfort and performance for different exemplary shoe uppers, incorporating different combinations of lace cable 480, elastic members 440, elastic heel member 350, and elastic central reinforcement 325. Curves are shown.

5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper 405 having a lace structure 400 for use in a shoe assembly comprising a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. In this example, the central portion 450 shown in FIG. 4A is replaced by a central closing mechanism 460, which in this example is illustrated with a central zipper 465. The central closing mechanism is designed to allow a wider opening in the shoe upper 405 for easy entry and exit. The central zipper 465 can be easily opened to the zipper to enable foot entry and exit. In another example, the central closing mechanism 460 can be a hook and loop, snap, clasps, toggle, secondary strap, or any similar closing mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper 405 having a lace structure 600 for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments. In this example, strap structure 600 includes heel strap guide 610 and heel stiffener 620 as well as heel redirection guide 610 and heel advance guide 615, heel strap component 615 Add The heel redirection guide 610 moves the strap cable 430 exiting the last strap guide 410 towards the heel strap component 615. Heel strap component 615 is formed of heel strap guide 610 with heel reinforcement 620. Heel strap guide 610 is shown in a shape similar to strap guides, used in other locations on upper 405. However, in other examples, heel strap guide 610 may be of different shapes or may include a plurality of strap guides. In this example, heel strap component 615 is shown mounted on heel track 645, allowing for the possibility of adjustment of the position of heel strap component 615. Similar to the adjustable strap guides described above, other mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners or similar fastening mechanisms, can be utilized to enable adjustments regarding the positioning of the heel strap component 615.

In some examples, upper 405 includes heel ridge 650, which may include a closing mechanism similar to central portion 450 discussed above. In examples with a heel closure mechanism, the heel closure mechanism is designed to provide easy entry and exit from the shoe by expanding the traditional shoe assembly foot opening. Additionally, in some examples, heel strap component 615 may be connected to a mating heel strap component on the opposite side across heel ridge 650 (with or without a heel closure mechanism). have. The connecting portion may include an elastic member, similar to the elastic member 440.

7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a portion of a shoe upper 405 having a lace structure 700 for use in a shoe assembly including a motorized lace driven engine, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. In this example, string structure 700 includes string guides 710 for routing string 730. String guides 710 may include associated stiffeners 720. In this example, the string guides 710 are configured to allow bending of portions of the string guide 710 from the open initial position shown in FIG. 7A to the flexed closed position shown in FIG. 7B (see For the imaginary lines representing positions opposite to each figure). In this example, the string guides 710 have elongated portions, showing a flexion of approximately 14° between the open initial position and the closed position. Other examples may show more or less warpage between the initial and final position (or shape) of the string guide 710. The bending of the string guides 710 occurs when the string 730 is tightened. The bending of the string guide 710 acts to smooth the torque to string displacement curve by applying some initial tension to the string 730 and by providing an additional mechanism to dissipate the string tension during the tightening process. . Thus, in the initial shape or bending position, the string guide 710 creates some initial tension in the string cable, which also functions to tighten the loose portions in the string cable. When the tightening of the string cable starts, the string guide 710 is bent or deformed.

In this example, the string guides 710 are plastic or polymer tubes, and may have different modulus of elasticity depending on the specific composition of the tubes. The modulus of elasticity of the string guides 710 together with the configuration of the stiffeners 720 will control the amount of additional tension induced in the string 730 by the bending of the string guides 710. The elastic deformation of the ends (legs or extensions) of the string guides 710 induces a persistent tension on the string 730 as the string guides 710 attempt to return to their original shape. In some examples, the entire string guide is bent uniformly over the length of the string guide. In another example, bending occurs primarily within the U-shaped portion of the string guide, with the extensions being kept substantially straight. In another example, the extensions accommodate most of the warpage while the U-shaped portion remains relatively stationary.

The stiffeners 720 are attached over the string guides 710 in a manner that allows movement of the ends of the string guides 710. In some examples, the stiffeners 720 are glued through the hot melt process discussed above, as well as the placement of the heat activated adhesive, allowing the opening to allow bending in the lace guides 710. In other embodiments, stiffeners 720 may be sealed in place, or a combination of adhesive and suture may be used. How the stiffeners 720 are attached or structured can affect which part of the string guide is bent under load from the string cable. In some examples, the hot melt is concentrated around the U-shaped portion of the string guide so that the extensions (legs) remain more free to bend.

7C and 7D are diagrams showing a deformable strap guide 710 for use in a shoe assembly according to some example embodiments. In this example, with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the string guides 710 introduced above are discussed in additional detail. 7C shows the string guide 710 in a first (open) state, which can be regarded as a non-deformed state. 7D shows the string guide 710 in a second (closed/bent) state, which can be considered as a deformed state. String guide 710 may include three different sections, such as middle section 712, first extension 714 and second extension 716. The string guide 710 may also include a string receiving opening 740 and a string opening opening 742. As described above, the string guide 710 can have a different modulus of elasticity, which controls the level of deformation by a particular applied tension. In some examples, the string guide 710 has different elasticity, such as a middle section 712 with a first modulus of elasticity, a first extension with a second modulus of elasticity, and a second extension with a third modulus of elasticity. It can be composed of different sections with coefficients. In certain examples, the second modulus of elasticity and the third modulus of elasticity are substantially similar, causing the first extension and the second extension to bend or deform in a similar manner. In this example, what is substantially similar can be interpreted as the modulus of elasticity lies within a small percentage of each other. In some examples, strap guide 710 may have a variable modulus of elasticity that transitions from a high modulus of elasticity at vertex 746 to a low modulus of elasticity toward the outer ends of the first and second extensions. . In these examples, the modulus of elasticity can vary based on the wall thickness of the string guide 710.

String guide 710 defines a number of axes, useful for explaining how the deformable string guide functions. For example, the first extension 714 can define a first entry string axis 750 that is aligned with at least an outer portion of an inner channel defined within the first extension 714. The second extension 716 defines a first exit string axis 760 that is aligned with at least an outer portion of the inner channel defined within the second extension 716. When deformed, the string guide 710 defines a second entry string axis 752 and a second exit string axis 762, which are respectively aligned with the respective portions of the first extension and the second extension. The string guide 710 also has an inner shaft 744 that intersects the string guide 710 at apex 746 and lies equidistant from the first extension and the second extension (shown in FIG. 7C ). Assuming a symmetric string guide in a non-deformed state).

7E is a graph 770 showing various torque versus string displacement curves for a deformable string guide, according to some example embodiments. As discussed above, one of the benefits achieved using string guides 710 involves modifying the torque (or string tension) versus string displacement (or shortening) curve. Curve 776 shows a torque versus displacement curve for a non-deformable string guide used in an exemplary string structure. Curve 776 shows how the strings experience a sharp increase in tension over a short displacement near the end point of the tightening process. In contrast, curve 778 shows a torque versus displacement curve for the first deformable string guide used in the exemplary string structure. Curve 778 begins in a similar way to curve 776, but as the string guides deform with additional string tension, the curve flattens, causing increased tension over a larger string displacement. Flattening the curves allows better control of the fit and performance of the shoe for the end user.

The final example can be divided into three segments, an initial tightening segment 780, an adaptive segment 782, and a responsive segment 784. Segments 780, 782, 784 can be utilized in any environment where torque and resulting displacement are required. However, the responsive segment 784 is particularly responsive to unexpected external factors, such as a motorized string drive engine stopping the movement suddenly, for example, such that the wearer causes a relatively high load on the string. However, it can be used in situations where rapid changes or corrections to the displacement of the string are made. In contrast, the adaptive segment 782, for example, because the change in load on the strap can be predicted, for example, the change in load is less abrupt, or a change in activity is entered into the motorized string drive engine by the wearer. Or, because the motorized string drive engine can predict the change in activity through machine learning, it can be utilized when a more gradual displacement of the string can be utilized. The deformable string guide design resulting in this final example is designed to create an adaptive segment 782 and responsive segment 784 through the structural design of the string guide (such as channel shape, material selection or combination parameters). do. The string structure and string guides that create the final example also create pre-tension in the string cable to cause the initial tightening segment 780 shown.

8A-8F are diagrams illustrating an exemplary string guide 800 for use in a particular string structure in accordance with some example embodiments. In this example, an alternative string guide with open string channels is illustrated. The string guide 800 includes a guide tab 805, a sealing opening 810, a guide upper surface 815, a string retainer 820, a string channel 825, a channel radius 830, and a string access opening 840 , A guide lower surface 845, and a guide radius 850. Advantages of the open channel lace guide, such as lace guide 800, include the ability to easily route the lace cable after installing the lace guides on the shoe upper. In addition to tubular lace guides as illustrated in many lace construction examples discussed above, routing the lace cable through the lace guides is most easily achieved (later achieved before attaching lace guides to the shoe upper) I can't say it can't be). Open channel lace guides enable simple lace routing by allowing the lace cable to be simply pushed through the lace retainer 820 after the lace guides 800 are placed on the shoe upper. String guide 800 may be made of a variety of materials, including metal or plastic.

In this example, the lace guide 800 may initially be attached to the shoe upper, either through suture or adhesive. The illustrated design has a suture opening 810 that is configured to enable easy manual or automated suture of the lace guide 800 onto the shoe upper (or similar material). Once the lace guide 800 is attached to the shoe upper, the lace cable can be routed by simply pulling the loop of the lace cable into the lace channel 825. The string access opening 840 extends through the lower surface 845 to provide a relaxation recess for the string cable to pass around the string retainer 820. In this example, the channel radius 830 is designed to correspond to, or slightly larger than, the diameter of the braided cable. The channel radius 830 is one of the parameters of the string guide 800, which can control the amount of friction experienced by the string cable extending through the string guide 800. Another parameter of the string guide 800, which affects the friction experienced by the string cable, includes the guide radius 850. The guide radius 850 can also affect the frequency or spacing of the lace guides disposed on the shoe upper.

FIG. 8G is a diagram illustrating a portion of a shoe upper 405 having a lace structure 890 using lace guide 800, according to some example embodiments. In this example, a plurality of lace guides 800 are arranged on the outer side of the shoe upper 405 to form half of the lace structure 890. Similar to the string structure discussed above, the string structure 890 uses string guides 800 to form a wave pattern or parachute string pattern for routing a string cable. One of the advantages of this type of string structure is that the string tightening can produce not only front-rear tightening of the shoe upper 405, but also outer-inward tightening.

In this example, string guides 800 are attached to upper 405 through suture 860, at least initially. The suture 860 is illustrated as being over the suture opening 810 or engaged with the suture opening. One of the string guides 800 is also shown with a stiffener 870 covering the string guide. Such stiffeners can be individually placed on each string guide 800. Alternatively, larger stiffeners can be used to cover multiple string guides. Similar to the stiffeners described above, the stiffener 870 can be attached via adhesive, a heat activated adhesive, and/or suture. In some examples, stiffener 870 may be attached using an adhesive (not thermally activated or otherwise) and a vacuum bagging process that uniformly compresses the stiffener over a string guide. A similar vacuum packaging process can also be used with the stiffeners and string guides described above. In another example, a mechanical press or similar machine can be used to help attach stiffeners over string guides.

Once all the lace guides 800 are initially placed and attached to the shoe upper 405, the laces cable can be routed through the lace guides. The lanyard cable routing can begin with fixing the first end of the lanyard cable to the outer anchor point 470. The string cable can then be pulled into each string channel 825, starting with the foremost string guide and acting rearward toward the heel of upper 405. Once the lanyard cable is routed through all lanyard guides 800, stiffeners 870 can be optionally attached over each lanyard guide 800 to secure both lanyard guides and lanyard cables. .

Assembly process

9 is a flow diagram illustrating a shoe assembly process 900 for assembly of a shoe that includes a string driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments. In this example, the assembly process 900 includes, at 910, obtaining shoe uppers, lace guides, and lace cables; At 920, routing the lanyard cable through the tubular lanyard guides; At 930, securing the first end of the braided cable; At 940, securing the second end of the braided cable; At 950, placing the strap guides; At 960, securing the strap guides; And at 970, operations such as integrating the upper with the shoe assembly. The process 900 described in more detail below can include some or all of the process tasks described, and at least some of the process tasks can occur at various locations and/or using different automated tools. have.

In this example, process 900 begins at 910 by obtaining a shoe upper, a plurality of lace guides, and lace cables. A shoe upper, such as upper 405, may be a flattened shoe upper separated from the rest of the shoe assembly (eg, sole, midsole, outer cover, etc.). In this example, the string guides include tubular plastic string guides as discussed above, but can also include other types of string guides. At 920, process 900 continues, with the lanyard cable routed (or threaded) through the plurality of lanyard guides. Although the lanyard cable can be routed through the lanyard guides at different points in the assembly process 900, when using tubular lanyard guides, it is desirable to route the lanyard through the lanyard guides prior to assembly onto the shoe upper You will be able to. In some examples, the string guides may be pre-wound on a string cable, and in addition, the process 900 begins with accompanying a plurality of string guides pre-wound on the string obtained during operation at 910. .

At 930, process 900 continues with the first end of the laced cable secured to the shoe upper. For example, the lanyard cable 430 can be secured along the outer edge of the upper 405. In some examples, the lanyard cable may be temporarily secured to upper 405 by a more permanent fixation achieved during integration of the shoe upper with the rest of the shoe assembly. At 940, the process 900 may continue with the second end of the laced cable secured to the shoe upper. Like the first end of the braided cable, the second end can be temporarily secured to the upper. Additionally, the process 900 can optionally delay fixation of the second end until the second half of the process or during integration with the shoe assembly.

At 950, process 900 continues with multiple string guides being placed on the upper. For example, the string guides 410 can be disposed on the upper 405 to create the desired string pattern. Once the lace guides have been placed, the process 900 can continue at 960 by securing the lace guides on the shoe upper. For example, the stiffeners 420 can be secured over the string guides 410 to hold them in place. Finally, the process 900 may be completed, at 970, with the shoe upper incorporated into the rest of the shoe assembly including the sole. In one example, the integration may include arranging a loop of the laces cable to connect the outer and inner sides of the shoe upper in place to engage the lace driven engine in the midsole of the shoe assembly.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing a shoe assembly process 1000 for assembly of shoes including a plurality of lace guides, according to some example embodiments. In this example, the assembly process 1000 includes, at 1010, obtaining shoe uppers, lace guides, and lace cables; At 1020, securing the lace guides on the shoe upper; At 1030, securing the first end of the lanyard cable; At 1040, routing the lanyard cable through the lanyard guides; At 1050, securing the second end of the braided cable; Optionally, at 1060, securing the stiffeners over the string guides; And at 1070, operations such as integrating the upper with the shoe assembly. The process 1000 described in more detail below may include some or all of the process tasks described, and at least some of the process tasks may be performed at various locations and/or using different automated tools. Can be performed.

In this example, the process 1000 begins, at 1010, by acquiring a shoe upper, a plurality of lace guides, and lace cables. A shoe upper, such as upper 405, may be a flattened shoe upper separated from the rest of the shoe assembly (eg, sole, midsole, outer cover, etc.). In this example, the string guides include open channel plastic string guides as discussed above, but can also include other types of string guides. At 1020, process 1000 continues with the strap guides secured to the upper. For example, the strap guides 800 may be closed individually at locations on the upper 405.

At 1030, process 1000 continues with the first end of the laced cable secured to the shoe upper. For example, the lanyard cable 430 can be secured along the outer edge of the upper 405. In some examples, the lanyard cable may be temporarily secured to the upper 405 by a more permanent fixation achieved during the combined highs of the shoe upper and the rest of the shoe assembly. At 1040, the process 1000 continues as the lanyard cable is routed through the open channel lanyard guide, and the route is lanyard loop for engagement with the lanyard drive engine between the outer and inner sides of the shoe upper. (Leave loop). The lace loop can be of a predetermined length to ensure that the lace driven engine can properly tighten the assembled shoe.

At 1050, process 1000 may continue with the second end of the laced cable secured to the shoe upper. Like the first end of the braided cable, the second end can be temporarily secured to the upper. In addition, the process 1000 can optionally delay fixation of the second end, until the second half of the process or during integration with the shoe assembly. In certain instances, delaying the fixation of the first and/or second ends of the string cable may allow adjustment of the entire string length, which may be useful during integration of the string drive engine.

At 1060, process 1000 may optionally include securing fabric reinforcements (covers) to further secure them to shoe uppers, over lace guides. For example, the string guides 800 may have reinforcements 870 that are hot melted over the string guides to further secure the string guides and the string cable. Finally, process 1000 may be completed, at 1070, with the shoe upper incorporated into the rest of the shoe assembly including the sole. In one example, the integration may include arranging a loop of laces cables to connect the outer and inner sides of the shoe upper in place to engage the lace drive engine in the midsole of the shoe assembly.

Tension straps

11 is a view showing a front view of a partially cut shoe upper 1100 showing an elastic strip 1102 connecting the inner side 1104 and the outer side 1106 of the shoe upper 1100. The shoe upper 1100 may be connected to the sole structure 1108, on which a motorized string drive engine may be disposed. Shoe upper 1100 may include inner layers, such as inner panel 1110 and outer panel 1112 that are configured to surround a foot. The inner panel 1110 and the outer panel 1112 may include additional layers, such as a lining or filling layer (not shown). The elastic strip 1102 may be connected to both the inner panel 1110 and the outer panel 1112.

The shoe upper 1110 may also include lace guides 1114, lace 1116 and an outer layer 1118. Upper 1100 may include an outer layer 1118, configured to cover string 1116, elastic strip 1102 and string guides 1114. The outer layer 1118 is cut in FIG. 11 to show the inner panel 1110, outer panel 1112, elastic strip 1102, string guides 1114 and string 1116.

String guides 1114 may be connected to the inner panel 1110 and the outer panel 1112. The string guides 1114 may each include a guide tab 1115 and a string channel body 1117. The guide tabs 1115 may be mounted directly to the panels 1110 and 1112, for example, through adhesive, suture, riveting, and the like. String guides 1114 may be configured similarly to other string guides described herein. String 1116 may be woven through a channel disposed within string channel body 1117 of string guides 1114. The strap 1116 may have a proximal portion, distal portions secured to the upper towards the toe zone, and to connect the distal portions and to be located inside the lace driven engine.

As discussed herein, the operation of the string drive engine may act to tighten the string 1116 to compress the inner panel 1110 and the outer panel 1112. In particular, the proximal portion of the string 1116 is pulled into the sole structure 1108 when the string drive engine is operated, which can cause the string guides 1114 to be pulled toward the sole structure 1108. . As the strap guides 1114 on the inner panel 1110 and the outer panel 1112 are pulled closer to the sole structure 1108, the elastic strip 1102 is located within the shoe upper 1100. It can be stretched around. The elastic strip 1102 may be made of any type of elastic material, in addition to an elastic body such as rubber or spandex. The elastic strip 1102 may be configured to rest in an unstretched or pre-tensioned resting state when the foot is placed within the shoe upper 1100. In other embodiments, the elastic strip 1102 may be replaced with an elastic mesh material.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the rear view of the shoe upper 1100 of FIG. 11, showing the heel strap assembly 1120 connecting the strap 1116 on the inner and outer sides of the upper 1110. The heel strap assembly 1120 can include a pre-tension strap 1122, a heel strap 1124 and a fixation point 1126. The pre-tension strap 1122 can extend from the strap 1116 on the outer side of the shoe upper 1100 shown in FIG. 11, and extend beyond the heel portion 1128 of the shoe upper 1100. And may extend to the inner side (not shown in FIG. 12) of the shoe upper 1100 to connect to the opposite end of the lace 1116. The pre-tension strap 1122 can be connected to the strap 1116 in any suitable manner at the junction 1130, for example, by using a strap guide 1114. In one example, the string 1116 is allowed to slide inside the abutment 1130 by the pre-tension strap 1122. In one example, the pre-tension strap 1122 can be connected to the guide tab 1115 of the string guide 1114, and the string 1116 can be connected to the string channel body 1117 of the string guide 1114. have. The pre-tension strap 1122 can include an elastic elongate member that can be stretched and can restore its original length after stretching. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 15A-15B, the pre-tension strap 1122 is a string 1116 from the string drive engine when the string drive engine spool is released to release the string 1116. ).

The heel strap 1124 can extend from the abutment 1130 of the pre-tension strap 1122 with the strap 1116 to a fixation point 1126. In the state shown in FIG. 12, heel strap 1124 is folded between fixation point 1126 and abutment 1130. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 15A-15B, the heel strap 1124 will unfold when the abutment 1130 is pulled toward the toe portion of the shoe upper 1100, and ultimately the fixation point 1126 ) Will cause the heel portion 1128 to be pulled towards the toe portion, helping to keep the shoe upper 1100 on the heel of the foot inserted into the upper 1100. The fixation point 1126 can be provided with any suitable means or devices that can provide a fixation point on the shoe upper 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixation point 1126 may have a threaded fastener that extends through the shoe upper 1100.

13 is a view showing an outer side view of the shoe upper 1100 of FIG. 11, partially cut away to show the lace guide 1114 connected to the shoe upper 1100 with the elastic strip 1102. . FIG. 14 is a view showing the shoe upper 1100 of FIG. 13, bent to show the lace guide 1114 connected to the shoe upper 1100 separately from the elastic strip 1102. 13 and 14 are discussed simultaneously.

The outer layer 1118 is partially cut away to show the outer panel 1112 independently connected to the elastic strip 1102 and the string guide 1114. The guide tab 1115 of the string guide 1114 can be connected to the outer panel 1112 by any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide tab 1115 is connected to the outer panel 1112 via a suture 1132. The guide tab 1115 is spaced from the upper edge of the outer panel 1112, with the elastic strip 1102 disposed thereon to form a gap between the guide tab 1115 and the elastic strip 1102.

The elastic strip 1102 may include a single strip or, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, may include a plurality of strips with end to end alignments. The elastic strip 1102 can be connected to the outer panel 1112 via any suitable means, such as adhesive or suture. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic strip 1102 is connected to the outer panel 1112 via a suture 1134. Separating the strap guide 1114 from the elastic strip 1102 can allow the elastic strip 1102 to be stretched evenly along the length of the outer panel 1112, and the elastic strip 1102 is strapped It may allow to provide a more uniform action for the operation of the string guide 1114 on the 1116.

15A is a view showing the shoe upper 1100 of FIG. 12, showing that the loosened string 1116 is pulled from the motorized string driven engine by the pre-tensioned strap 1122. As shown, the distance D1 between the string guide 1114A and the string guide 1114B may lie in the first open length. Likewise, the distance D2 between the abutment 1130 and the fixation point 1126 may lie in the first folded length. The distance D1 is greater than the distance D3 in FIG. 15B to allow the foot to enter the shoe upper 1100 when the string 1116 is loosened. The tension strap 1122 is activated to pull the string 1116 from the abutment 1130 toward the heel portion 1128, thereby pulling the proximal end portion 1131 of the string 1116 from the string drive engine. . As the excess loose portion from the proximal end portion 1131 allows the tension strap to pull the abutment 1130 towards the fixation point 1126, the heel strap 1124 is abutment 1130 and the fixation point 1126 ) Between buckled or folded.

15B is a view showing the shoe upper 1100 of FIG. 15A, showing that the lace 1116 is tightened into a motorized lace driven engine and the heel strap is tightened around the heel of the shoe upper 1100. As shown, the distance D3 between the string guide 1114A and the string guide 1114B may be at a second folded length. Likewise, the distance D4 between the abutment 1130 and the fixation point 1126 may lie in the second open length. The distance D3 is smaller than the distance D1 because the string drive engine was activated to pull the proximal end portion 1131 of the string 1116 into the string drive engine. This additionally causes stretched tension strap 1122 to be stretched before distance D4 is greater than distance D2, and causes heel strap 1124 to be flattened and then stretched. The height of the heel strap 11124 is that the heel portion 1128 of the shoe upper 1100 is the shoe upper 1100 as the laces 1116 are tightly tightened downward on the shoe upper 1100 and the feet therein. ) To be pulled toward the heel side of the foot being positioned within.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of shoe upper 1200, showing the inner and outer strap cable tension straps 1202 and 1204 individually. The shoe upper 1200 may be connected to the sole structure 1206, on which a motorized string drive engine may be disposed. The shoe upper 1200 may include an inner panel 1208, an outer panel 1210 and a toe panel 1212, which are configured to at least partially surround the foot. The inner panel 1208 and the outer panel 1210 may have additional layers, such as a lining or filling layer (not shown). The cable tension straps 1202 and 1204 can be individually connected to the inner panel 1208 and the outer panel 1210 at the bottom edges, and the string 1214 at the distal end portions 1216A and 1216B individually. ). The shoe upper 1110 may also include lace guides 1218 and elastic panels 1220.

The elastic panel 1220 can function similarly to the elastic strip 1102 of FIGS. 11-15B to provide a shoe upper 1200 having a certain degree of stretch capability. The string guides 1218 can function similarly to the other string guides described herein, and further description is not provided herein for brevity. The string 1214 may have distal ends connected to tension straps 1202 and 1204, while the middle portion of the string 1214 may be located within a string drive mechanism disposed within the sole structure 1206. have. Thus, when the string drive mechanism winds the string 1214, the string 1214 is pulled through the string guides 1218 to tightly tighten the string 1214 down against the shoe upper 1200. The tension straps 1202 and 1204 provide fixation to the end portions 1216A and 1216B of the string 1214 to facilitate the tightening action.

The tension straps 1202 and 1204 allow the strap 1214 to be secured to the sole structure 1206 while at least partially also wrapping around the panels 1208 and 1210 of the shoe upper 1200. As can be seen, the lace 1214 traverses over the shoe upper 1200, once in the inner panel 1208 and once in the outer panel 1210. This allows a portion of the force used to tension the laces 1214 to be used to exert inward pressure on the shoe upper 1200 directly adjacent to the toe panel 1212. The tension straps 1202 and 1204 provide a larger surface area, where the tension at the string 1214 is distributed to the panels 1208 and 1210 thereon. That is, the surface area of the straps 1202 and 1204 in contact with the panels 1208 and 1210 is the same as the panels 12 in the same position when the strap 1214 is secured to the shoe upper 1200 in the sole structure 1206. 1208 and 1210), which is larger than the surface area of the string 1214. In one embodiment, straps 1202 and 1204 are trapezoidal in shape. In other embodiments, straps 1202 and 1204 may be triangular or rectangular in shape. For example, the strap 1202 can have a bottom edge region 1222 that is wider than the top edge region 1224. The bottom edge region 1222 can be attached to the bottom portion of the inner panel 1208, for example, by adhesive or suture, or by integration into the sole structure 1206. The top edge region 1224 can be attached to the string 1214 by any suitable method, such as by being attached to the length of the strap 1202 by sutures 1226. The straps 1202 and 1204 can be attached to the shoe upper 1200 only in the sole structure 1206, so the straps form flaps. In other embodiments, straps 1202 and 1204 may be attached to shoe upper 1200 along their entire length, or only along a portion of their length. The straps 1202 and 1204 may be made of a rigid or inelastic material, or a stretchable (elastic) or elastic material. The trapezoidal or triangular shaped straps 1202 and 1204 can more evenly distribute stress and force in the toe box of the shoe upper 11200, and can provide a comfortable and secure fit. Likewise, straps 1202 and 1204 can have other geometries, with various advantages, such as uniformly distributing stress and force along shoe upper 1200.

FIG. 17 illustrates various force versus strap displacement curves 1300A, 1300B, 1300C, 1300D, 1300E and 1300F for a shoe upper comprising various elastic or tensile members described herein, according to some example embodiments. It is a graph to show. The bottom X-axis represents the displacement in millimeters (mm), and the Y-axis on the side represents the load in Newtons (N). Curves 1300A-1300F are each associated with a different load on the string. As shown, by adjusting the parameters of the various components described herein (string cable 480, elastic member 440, elastic heel member 350, elastic central reinforcement 325, etc.), different levels The comfort slope of can be provided before the elastic zones are locked out and the performance zones are initiated. Accordingly, the comfort slope and performance slope of each curve can be adjusted to provide different effects for different types of shoes or footwear articles, or for different types of wearers.

FIG. 18 is a view showing the shoe upper 1200 of FIG. 16, disposed flat to show a string structure including tension straps 1202 and 1204 connected to the string 1214 in a transverse configuration. .

The shoe upper 1200 may include an inner panel 1208, an outer panel 1210, heel panels 1211A and 1211B, and a toe panel 1212, which have an outer heel panel 1211B. It is attached to the side panel 1210 and is configured to at least partially surround the foot when the shoe upper 1200 is attached to the sole structure. Inner panel 1208 and outer panel 1210 may include lining (not shown), outer layer 1230 (sole portions 1230A and 1230B), and neck portions 1230C and 1230D )), and additional layers, such as overlay 1232 (which may include sole portions 1232A and 1232B and neck portions 1232C and 1232D).

The outer layer 1230 can include a layer of material to strengthen the inner panel 1208 and outer panel 1210. In one example, the outer layer 1230 can include a synthetic material, such as nylon. The overlay 1232 can have a layer that supports the string guides 1218. The overlay 1232 can include a semi-rigid but flexible material that can distribute the load of the lace guides 1218 to the shoe upper 1200. In one example, the overlay 1232 can include a synthetic material, such as Poron® microcellular urethane.

The tension straps 1202 and 1204 can be individually connected to the inner panel 1208 and outer panel 1210 at the bottom edges 1222A and 1222B, and individually at the top edges 1224A and 1224B. Can be connected to the distal end portions 1216A and 1216B of the string 1214. The shoe upper 1110 may also include lace guides 1218 and elastic panels 1220.

The proximal ends 1234A and 1234B of the string 1214 may be connected to a string driving engine (not shown). The proximal ends 1234A, 1234B can be connected to each other to form a string 1214. That is, the string 1214 may have a single piece structure. String 1214 is threaded through string guides 1218 such that distal end portions 1216A and 1216B extend into tension straps 1202 and 1204. The distal end portion 1216A is connected to the tension strap 1202 at the suture 1226. Likewise, the distal end portion 1216B can be connected to the tension strap 1204. As shown, distal end portions 1216A and 1216B traverse the neck region of shoe upper 1200, for example formed between neck portions 1230C and 1230D of outer layer 1230. In this configuration, the string guides 1218 on the neck portions 1230C and 1230D can be omitted near the toe panel 1212 to prevent interference with the string 1214.

Tensile straps 1202 and 1204 have various layers of shoe upper 1200 (e.g., outer layer 1230 and overlay 1232) when the string 1214 is tightly pulled. To allow for contraction independent of tension, it can be configured to float at the top of the shoe upper 1200. For example, as the proximal ends 1234A and 1234B are pulled tightly by the string drive engine, the neck portions 1230C and 1230D are individually pulled closer to the sole portions 1230A and 1230B, the neck Portions 1230C and 1230D may slide under tension straps 1202 and 1204. Thus, in one embodiment, only a portion of each tension strap 1202 and 1204 may be attached to the shoe upper 1200.

The tension straps 1202 and 1204 can have various shapes to distribute the force of the string 1214 over the inner panel 1208 and the outer panel 1210. The straps 1202 and 1204 can be triangular, quadrilateral, trapezoidal, straight, or any other shape. In one example, the straps 1202 and 1204 are wider at the bottom near the sole structure and the lace 1214 to distribute force from the lace 1214 along the wide width of the shoe upper 1200 and sole structure. ) Narrower from the top near. The straps 1202 and 1204 may have the same shape, or may have a different shape, as shown in FIG. 20.

19 is a diagram showing the tension strap 1202 of FIG. 18, showing the lockout zone 1240 and the stretch zone 1242. The distal end portion 1216A of the string 1214 may be connected to the lockout zone 1240 along the length L, for example by suture 1226.

The bottom edge region 1222 of the strap 1202 may be wider than the top edge region 1224. The bottom edge region 1222 may be connected to a shoe upper 1200 or sole structure. In certain embodiments, only a portion of the stretch zone 1242, such as the bottom edge zone 1222, is connected to the shoe upper 1200 or sole structure to allow the stretch zone 1242 to stretch. In one embodiment, the stretch zone 1242 is composed of an elastic material, a synthetic material, a polymer, a proprietary material having one or more of these properties, such as Lunar Fly Strap material, or the like. In another example, most or all of the kidney region 1242 is connected to the shoe upper 1200.

Lockout zone 1240 may extend from stretch zone 1242 to top edge zone 1224. The lockout zone 1240 can extend laterally across the entire top portion of the stretch zone 1242. The lockout zone 1240 can include a portion of the tension strap 1202 that is less elastic or less stretchable than the stretch zone 1242. In one example, the lockout zone 1240 can include a separate piece of material attached to the material of the stretch zone 1242. In another embodiment, the lockout zone 1240 is an extension of the material of the stretch zone 1402, which is treated to strengthen the material within the lockout zone 1240. For example, the suture 1226 along the length L of the string 1214 can provide a strengthening treatment. In one example, the length L may be approximately 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the lockout zone 1240 can be treated with a hot melt material to secure the distal end portion 1216A and to strengthen the lockout zone 1240. In other embodiments, the lockout zone 1240 can be treated with a stretch inhibiting coating, such as Terranina, to increase the lockout capability of the tension strap 1202. The lockout capability may indicate unwillingness to the kidneys to allow the string 1214 to tighten. That is, a fully locked out string will increase the tightening of the foot in proportion to the amount the string is tightly tightened. In other words, the string can no longer be stretched. The lockout capability of the lockout zone 1240 and the stretchability of the stretch zone 1242 can be varied in different combinations for different embodiments of the tension strap 1202.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a shoe upper 1200 that includes a string structure including tension straps 1250 and 1252 connected to the string 1214 in a non-transverse configuration. The shoe upper 1200 of FIG. 20 is shown in FIG. 18, except that the tension straps 1202 and 1204 are replaced by the tension straps 1250 and 1252, and lace guides 1218A and 1218B are added. It includes the same components as the shoe upper 1200 of. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the distal end portions 1216A and 1216B of the string 1214 are such that they remain on the same side of the shoe upper 1200 that is connected to the string drive engine and their respective tension straps, Can be configured. That is, the distal end portion 1216B can be connected to the inner tension strap 1250, and the string guide 1218A and other string guides 1218 across the inner panel 1208 for connection to a string drive engine. The distal end portion 1216A, which can extend through, can be connected to the outer tension strap 1252, and the string guide 1218B across the outer panel 1210 for connection to a string drive engine. And other string guides 1218. String guides 1218A and 1218B can be added to facilitate tight tightening of upper 1200 and stretching of elastic panel 1220, along the length of the neck region of upper 1200. As shown, the relative sizes of the tension straps 1250 and 1252 can be altered to provide different performance characteristics to the inner and outer sides of the upper 1200. For example, the tension straps 1250 and 1252, in the non-transverse embodiment of FIG. 20, for example, to bring the distal end portions 1216A and 1216B closer to the sole structure, the tension straps ( 1202 and 1204). Further, the inner tension strap 1250 may be shorter than the outer tension strap 1252, or vice versa, to change the force applied to the ball region, metatarsal region, and phalanx region of the foot.

21 is a plan view showing a flattened shoe upper 1400 having a lace structure for use with a lace driven engine, in accordance with some example embodiments. 22 is a diagram of an exemplary shoe assembly utilizing the two-zone lace structure discussed with reference to FIG. 21. In this example, shoe upper 1400 has a distal (toe) end and a proximal (heel) end, as well as an inner side 1403 and an outer side 1404. The distal end includes a toe box section 1407, and the proximal end includes a heel portion 1406. Shoe upper 1400 may also include a floating fabric layer (optional, not shown), an outer layer 1402, and a floating tongue 1405. Floating tongue 1405 is a foot opening 1409 of outer layer 1402, at least proximate neck portion 1411 (also referred to as a neck section) formed by a U-shaped incision in outer layer 1402. Is extended out. In some examples, neck portion 1411 changes to a configuration, including various incised shapes or alternative material sections. All neck portions allow portions of the outer and inner sides of the shoe assembly to move relative to each other. In another example, the neck portion 1411 can be incorporated into a covered layer of the outer layer 1402, so the neck portion 1411 and the string structure, when viewed from the outside, are hidden. In some examples, the neck portion 1411 is also an incision in the floating fabric layer. Shoe upper 1400 may include some or all of the structures discussed with respect to shoe upper 300, but is illustrated in a simpler way to highlight a two-zone laces structure.

In this example, the string structure is divided into two different zones. The first zone interacts with the toe or forefoot region of the shoe upper 1400. The second zone interacts with the midfoot region of the shoe upper 1400. The first lanyard zonal cable is shown with a solid dark gray line, and the second lanyard zonal cable is shown with a black dotted line. These differences are for illustrative purposes only to help differentiate between different tether cable paths, and the tether cable in these details is a single cable extending from termination 1420 to termination 1421 (the termination is Also referred to as fixed positions or fixed points). Alternatively, even in designs where the first and second strap zones utilize different string cables, the material used will generally be common between the different zones. The first strap zone may include strap guides that guide the strap cable 1410 from the first strap end 1420. In this example, the first string end 1420 is located on the distal-outer portion of the eyestay 1408. String cable 1410 is routed from first string end 1420 across the distal end of neck portion 1411 and through first inner string guide 1440. From the first inner string guide 1440, the string cable 1410 is routed back over the neck portion 1411 and through the first outer string guide 1430. From the first outer string guide 1430, the string cable 1410 is routed through the second outer string guide 1431 and the third outer string guide 1432. The lace guides are labeled first, second, third, etc., to indicate the order of proximal extension from the distal end of the neck portion 1411 toward the foot opening 1409. Optionally, the lanyard cable 1410 can be routed through the material guide 1422 on the way from the first outer lanyard guide 1430 to the third outer lanyard guide 1432. From the third outer string guide 1432, the string cable 1410 is under the outer heel string guide 1451 through the outer oriented tongue string guide 1417 and through the optional material guide 1423. , The path is set. The outer heel strap guide 1451 routes the string cable 1410 into the midsole plate through the outer string outlet 1419.

The second string zone includes a set of string guides that route the string cable 1410 from the second end 1421 to the inner string outlet 1418. In this example, the lanyard cable 1410 is routed from the second end 1421 on the outer side of the ice stay 1408 over the neck portion 1411 to the second inner lanyard guide 1441. From the second inner string guide 1421, the string cable 1410 is routed back over the neck portion 1411 to the second outer string guide 1431. The lanyard cable 1410 is then routed through the second outer lanyard guide 1431, again over the neck portion 411 a third time, and through the third inner lanyard guide 1442. The third inner string guide 1442 routes the string cable 1410 to the inner oriented tongue string guide 1416, and the inner oriented string string guide routes the string cable toward the inner heel string guide 1450. Set. On the way to the inner heel strap guide 1450, the strap cable may be routed, optionally through the material strap guide 1424. From the medial heel strap guide 1450, the cord cable 1410 is routed through the medial string outlet 1418 into the midsole plate.

The two-zone string structure allows for non-uniform distribution of string cable tension between the distal and proximal ends of the neck portion 1411. The first string section applies the same string cable tension across a smaller number of string guides, causing the tension to be distributed over a smaller area. The second string section, with more string guides, distributes the string cable tension over a larger area. The user can experience a tighter, higher performance fit in the toe (forefoot) area of the shoe, due to the two-zone laces structure. Other multi-zone lace structures can be utilized to change the distribution of lace cable tension as required for a particular shoe application.

In this example, the string structure includes a tongue string guide assembly 1415 (or simply a tongue string guide 1415). The tongue strap guide 1415 may include an inner oriented string guide 1416 and an outer oriented string guide 1417. The inner directing string guide 1416 and the outer directing string guide 1417 may be molded or formed from a single piece of material, or may be separate structures joined together in some manner. In a particular example, the inner oriented string guide and the outer oriented string guide are elastic members, such as elastic members 440, that allow for slight separation between the string guides when applying tension on the string cables 1418. It can be combined with. In a particular example, the inner directing string guide 1416 and the outer directing string guide 1417 can be attached to a tongue string guide reinforcement. In another example, the inner oriented string guide and the outer oriented string guide are disposed on a webbing material, surrounded within the webbing material, or otherwise connected through the webbing material. The thong guide reinforcement may be a non-stretched or limited-stretch material, a rigid material, or an elastic material. The tongue strap guide stiffener can be glued, sealed, or similarly attached to the floating tongue 1405. In some examples, the tongue strap guide stiffener can be padded or similarly configured to disperse the force applied to the tongue strap guide over a larger area to avoid hot-spots for the user. . In another example, the inner directing string guide 1416 and the outer directing string guide 1417 can be connected by an elastic element or webbing, and can be floating relative to the floating tongue 1405.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to adjusting the effective spring stiffness of a shoe when tightened on a foot. Intentional elastic zones in the lace drive system of the shoe upper can allow different tightening speeds. For example, very rigid string drive systems can become very fast and very tight, potentially causing discomfort to the wearer. The elastic regions that are strategically added to the shoe drive system and/or shoe upper can manipulate the shoe's lockout stiffness, movement, modulus of elasticity, or other parameters to adjust the fit of the shoe upper to the foot. As such, elastic zones can be added to the upper and rear (or heel) areas of the foot to allow the shoe upper to be pulled down on the foot in the desired manner. For example, the elastic zones can facilitate pre-tensioning or placement of the untightened material of the shoe upper, which can be thought of as a parachute material that is tightened down on the foot by a string structure. The user can adjust the strap driving mechanism to adjust the footwear article to have different comfort or performance characteristics, depending on the needs, preferences or uses of the footwear article.

Examples

Example 1 is a shoe assembly, a shoe upper having a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side are proximal to each other from the toe box portion A shoe upper that extends to the heel portion; A braided cable having a first end secured along the distal outer portion of the inner side and a second end secured along the distal outer portion of the outer side; As a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable is the said upper of the shoe upper. A plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side; Routing the string cable from the pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides to a position allowing the string cable to engage a lacing engine disposed inside the midsole portion, Medial proximal strap guide; An outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in the pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides, from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine; And a first elastic member extending between the first strap guide and the second strap guide among the plurality of strap guides.

Example 2 includes the subject of Example 1, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally, a first elastic member capable of connecting the first and second strap guides across the centerline portion of the shoe upper It may include.

Example 3 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 1 or 2, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, the first lace guide and the second lace across the heel portion of the shoe upper It may include a first elastic member that can connect the guide.

Example 4 includes the object of any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 3, or can be selectively combined with it, optionally between a third string guide and a fourth string guide of a plurality of string guides It may include a second elastic member that can be extended.

Example 5 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 1-4, or can be selectively combined with it, optionally providing various modulus of elasticity to change the fit properties of a shoe upper And a first elastic member interchangeable with different elastic members.

Example 6 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 1-5, or can be optionally combined with it, optionally, to smooth the torque to string displacement curve during tightening of the string cable It may include a first elastic member capable of.

Example 7 is a shoe assembly, wherein the shoe upper has a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side are respectively the heel portion from the toe box portion Shoe upper, which extends proximally to; A braided cable having a first end secured along the distal outer portion of the inner side and a second end secured along the distal outer portion of the outer side; As a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable is the said upper of the shoe upper. A plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side; From the pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides, an inner proximal string that routes the string cable to a position allowing the string cable to engage a string drive engine disposed inside the midsole section. guide; An outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in the pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides, from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine; And a first elastic member extending between the first portion and the second portion of the shoe upper, the subject, such as a shoelace adjustment device, which may include a shoe assembly, which may include a housing structure. Can be included or used.

Example 8 is the first elastic member, which may include the subject of Example 7, or may be selectively combined with it, and optionally, may include an elastic centerline portion extending at least proximal to the foot opening from the toe box portion It may include, and the first portion and the second portion of the shoe upper, may include the inner side and the outer side separately.

Example 9 includes an object of any one or any combination of Examples 7 or 8, or can optionally be combined with the agent, optionally comprising an elastic heel portion that extends proximate the foot opening One elastic member, and the first portion and the second portion of the shoe upper may individually include inner and outer sides of the heel portion.

Example 10 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 7-9, or can be optionally combined with it, optionally to smooth the torque versus string displacement curve during tightening of the string cable. It may include a first elastic member that can function.

Example 11 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 7-10, or can be optionally combined with it, optionally being opened to allow access to an interior space inside the shoe upper, or It may include a first elastic member that can be expanded.

Example 12 is a shoe assembly, a shoe upper having a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side are each proximal to the heel portion from the toe box portion A shoe upper that extends; A braided cable having a first end secured along the distal outer portion of the inner side and a second end secured along the distal outer portion of the outer side; As a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable is the said upper of the shoe upper. A plurality of string guides extending through each of the plurality of string guides to form a pattern along each of the inner side and the outer side; From the pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides, an inner proximal string that routes the string cable to a position allowing the string cable to engage a string drive engine disposed inside the midsole section. guide; An outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in the pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides, from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine; And a first elastic member extending between a first portion of the shoe upper and a first lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, the object including a shoe lace adjustment device, which may include a shoe assembly. You can do it or use it.

Example 13 may include the subject of Example 12, or may optionally be combined with it, and optionally, may include a first portion of the shoe upper that may include the heel portion, and the first The strap guide can be positioned close to the heel portion.

Example 14 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 12 or 13, or can be optionally combined with, optionally including one of the inner side or the outer side of the shoe upper It may include a first portion of the upper of the shoe, and the first strap guide may be positioned proximate to the throat of the upper.

Example 15 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 12-14, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally, a second portion of the shoe upper and a second of the plurality of lace guides It may include a second elastic member extending between the strap guide.

Example 16 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 12-15, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally providing various modulus of elasticity to change the fit properties of the shoe upper It may include a first elastic member interchangeable with different elastic members.

Example 17 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 12-16, or can be optionally combined with it, optionally to smooth the torque to string displacement curve during tightening of the string cable. It may include a first elastic member that can function.

Example 18 is a shoe assembly, comprising: a sole structure; A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper; A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure; A string drive system comprising: a string cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the shoe upper and an intermediate portion passing through the string drive engine; And A plurality of string guides for routing the string cable along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine; And a heel channel, which is connected to the heel portion and is configured to facilitate access to the interior space. have.

Example 19 includes the subject of Example 18, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally comprising a heel channel that can include an elastic member that engages the inner and outer portions of the heel portion You can.

Example 20 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 18 or 19, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, coupled to the shoe assembly and during tightening of the lace cable. An elastic member may be included, which serves to smooth the torque-to-string displacement curve.

Example 21 may include a subject of one or any combination of Examples 18-20, or, optionally, may include a heel channel that may include a zipper.

Example 22 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 18-21, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, individually located on the inner and outer portions of the heel portion , Heel channel, which may include strips of hook and loop fastener material.

Example 23 is a shoe assembly, comprising: a sole structure; A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper; A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure; A string drive system comprising: a string cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the shoe upper and an intermediate portion passing through the string drive engine; And a plurality of string guides for routing the string cables along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine; And an elastic member coupled to the shoe assembly that functions to smooth the torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable, such as a shoe lace adjustment device, which may include a shoe assembly. Can be included or used.

Example 24 may include the subject of Example 23, or alternatively be combined with it, and optionally, may include an elastic member, wherein the string drive engine may be configured to extend after tightening the string cable. have.

Example 25 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23 or 24, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally having an elastic modulus lower than the elastic modulus of the shoe upper It may include a member.

Example 26 may include an object of any one or any combination of Examples 23-25, or may optionally be combined with it, and optionally, may include an elastic member, which may be configured to extend the collar. have.

Example 27 includes the object of any one or any combination of Examples 23 to 26, or can be selectively combined with the object, and optionally, the first string guide and the second string guide among the plurality of string guides. And an elastic member that can be connected.

Example 28 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-27, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally, to be individually positioned on the inner and outer portions of the heel portion Can include a first string guide and a second string guide.

Example 29 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-28, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, individually located on the inner and outer sides of the shoe upper Can include a first string guide and a second string guide.

Example 30 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-29, or can be optionally combined with the first lace guide and agent, optionally floating with respect to the shoe upper Can include two string guides.

Example 31 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23 to 30, or can be selectively combined with the subject, optionally, the first lace guide of the plurality of lace guides to remove the shoe upper An elastic member, which can be connected to one part, may be included.

Example 32 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-31, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, located on the inner side or outer side of the shoe upper. It may include a first strap guide and a first portion of the shoe upper that can be located on the heel portion.

Example 33 can include, or be selectively combined with, the subject of any one or any of Examples 23-32, and optionally can be located on the inner side or the outer side of the shoe upper. A first strap guide and a first portion of the shoe upper may be included, and the first portion of the shoe upper may be located on a neck portion.

Example 34 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-33, or can optionally be combined with the first lace guide and agent, optionally floating with respect to the shoe upper Can include two string guides.

Example 35 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-35, or can be selectively combined with the subject, optionally, capable of connecting a first portion and a second portion of the shoe upper, It may include an elastic member.

Example 36 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-35, or can optionally be combined with the first portion of the shoe upper, which may optionally include an outer side, and It may include a second portion of the shoe upper that may include an inner side, and the elastic member may extend over the heel portion.

Example 37 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-36, or can optionally be combined with the first portion of the shoe upper, which may optionally include an outer side, and It may include a second portion of the shoe upper that may include an inner side, and the elastic member may extend over the neck portion of the shoe upper.

Example 38 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 23-37, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally including a plurality of elastic members, which can be incorporated into the string drive system can do.

Example 39 is a shoe assembly, a shoe upper having a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side each proximal to the heel portion from the toe box portion A shoe upper that extends; An inner tension member secured to the inner side of the upper close to the toe box; An outer tension member secured to the outer side of the upper close to the toe box; A tether cable having a first end attached to the inner tension member and a second end attached to the outer tension member; And a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, wherein each string guide of the plurality of string guides is adapted to accommodate the length of the string cable, and the string cable comprises: Adjustment of shoe laces, which may include a shoe assembly, which includes a plurality of lace guides, extending through each of the plurality of lace guides, to form a pattern along each of the inside and outside sides It may include or use objects such as devices.

Example 40 is the elastic member connecting the inner side and the outer side of the shoe upper along the neck region of the shoe upper, optionally including the subject of Example 39 or optionally being combined with the subject It may further include, it may include a shoe upper.

Example 41 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39 or 40, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, separately for the inner side and the outer side of the shoe upper And an inner tension member and an outer tension member, each of which can be at least partially floating.

Example 42 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-41, or can optionally be combined with, optionally, a lockout zone; And an inner tension member and an outer tension member, each of which may have an elongation zone.

Example 43 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-42, or can be optionally combined with, optionally connected to the shoe upper and a lockout zone connectable to the lace cable. Can include kidney zones.

Example 44 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-43, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally comprising the bottom edge of the stretch zone, which can be connected to the shoe upper. Can.

Example 45 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-44, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally including a lockout zone that is completely immovable relative to the shoe upper can do.

Example 46 can include a subject of one or any combination of Examples 39-45, or can optionally be combined with, and optionally, include a lockout zone, which can have a stretch inhibiting coating. have.

Example 47 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-46, or can optionally be combined with the lockout zone and the stretch zone, optionally consisting of a continuous sheet of material. It may include.

Example 48 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-47, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, in the lockout zone, individually, the inner tension member and the outer It may include a first end and a second end of the string cable, which can be sealed to the tension member.

Example 49 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-48, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, as a lanyard cable, the inner side of the shoe upper and the lanyard cable A first proximal portion connected to the first end; And a second proximal portion connected to an outer side of the shoe upper and a second end of the lace cable, and may include a lace cable; The first end of the string cable may be connected to the inner tension member, and the second end of the string cable may be connected to the outer tension member.

Example 50 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-49, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, of the lace cable, capable of traversing the neck region of the shoe upper. It may include a first end and a second end.

Example 51 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39 to 50, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, as a lanyard cable, comprising the inner side of the shoe upper and the lanyard cable. A first proximal portion connected to one end; And a second proximal portion connected to an outer side of the shoe upper and a second end of the lace cable, and may include a lace cable; The first end of the lanyard cable may be connected to the outer tension member, and the second end of the lanyard cable may be connected to the inner tension member.

Example 52 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 39-51, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally from a pattern formed by the inner portion of the plurality of string guides, the An inner proximal string guide for routing the string cable to a position allowing the string cable to engage a string drive engine disposed within the midsole portion; And from the position allowing the string cable to engage the string drive engine, the outer proximal string guide routing the string cable in a pattern formed by the outer portion of the plurality of string guides. can do.

Example 53 is a shoe assembly, comprising: a sole structure; A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper; A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure; An inner floating overlay attached to the inner side of the shoe upper close to the toe box portion; An outer floating overlay attached to the outer side of the shoe upper close to the toe box portion; And a string drive system comprising: a string cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the inner floating overlay and an outer floating overlay and an intermediate portion passing through the string driving engine; And a plurality of string guides for routing the string cables along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine, comprising a string drive system. It may include or use objects, such as shoelace adjustment devices, which may include.

Example 54 includes the subject of Example 53, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally, wherein the inner end of the braid cable can be connected to the inner floating overlay and the outer floating overlay can be connected to the It may include the outer end of the lanyard cable.

Example 55 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53 or 54, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, the neck region of the shoe upper between the inner side and the outer side It may include an inner end and an outer end of the cable, which can traverse.

Example 56 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-55, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally, the inner end of the braid cable that can be connected to the outer floating overlay and It may include an outer end of the string cable which can be connected to the inner floating overlay.

Example 57 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-56, or can be selectively combined with the subject, optionally, capable of connecting the inner side and the outer side of the shoe upper , It may include an elastic member.

Example 58 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-57, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, a lockout zone; And an inner tension member and an outer tension member, each of which may include an elongation zone.

Example 59 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-58, or can be optionally combined with, optionally connected to the shoe upper and a lockout zone connectable to the laces cable. Can include kidney zones.

Example 60 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-59, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally comprising a bottom edge of the stretch zone, which can be connected to the shoe upper Can.

Example 61 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53 to 60, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally including a lockout zone that is completely immovable relative to the shoe upper can do.

Example 62 may include the subject of one or any combination of Examples 53-61, or may optionally be combined with, and optionally, include a lockout zone, which may have a stretch inhibiting coating. have.

Example 63 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-62, or can optionally be combined with the lockout zone and the stretch zone, optionally consisting of a continuous sheet of material. It may include.

Example 64 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 53-63, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, in a lockout zone, individually, the inner tension member and the outer It may include an inner end and an outer end of the string cable, which can be sealed to a tension member.

Example 65 is a shoe assembly, a shoe upper having a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the inner side and the outer side are respectively proximal to the heel portion from the toe box portion A shoe upper that extends into and forms a neck region of the shoe upper; An inner tension member secured to the inner side of the upper close to the toe box; An outer tension member secured to the outer side of the upper close to the toe box; A tether cable having a first end attached to the inner tension member and a second end attached to the outer tension member; And a plurality of string guides distributed along the inner side and the outer side, wherein the string cable, from the first end in the inner tension member, across the neck region, and at least one string guide. Through, along the outer side, extending; And the lanyard cable may extend from the second end in the outer tension member, across the neck region and along the inner side, through one or more lanyard guides, a shoe assembly. This may include or use objects such as shoelace adjustment devices.

Example 66 includes the subject of Example 65, or can optionally be combined with it, optionally, an elastic member connecting the inner side and the outer side of the shoe upper along the neck region of the shoe upper It may further include, it may include a shoe upper.

Example 67 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 65 or 66, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, separately for the inner side and the outer side of the shoe upper And an inner tension member and an outer tension member, each of which can be at least partially floating.

Example 68 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 65-67, or can be optionally combined with, optionally, a rigid lockout zone; And an elastic tension member, and an inner tension member and an outer tension member, respectively.

Example 69 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 65-68, or can be optionally combined with, optionally connected to the shoe upper and a lockout zone connectable to the laces cable. Can include kidney zones.

Example 70 includes the subject of any one or any combination of Examples 65-68, or can optionally be combined with the lockout zone and the stretch zone, optionally consisting of a continuous sheet of material. It may include.

Additional matters

Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are shown and described as separate operations, one or more individual operations may be performed simultaneously, and the operations need not be performed in the order shown. Structures and functionality presented as individual components in example configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components. Similarly, the structure and functionality presented as a single component can be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter herein.

Although the subject matter of the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broad scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are referred to herein as the term "invention" for the purpose of convenience and even without actually intending to voluntarily limit the scope of the present application to any single disclosure or concept of the invention, even when more than one is disclosed. Can be referred to individually or collectively.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed teachings. Other embodiments may be used and derived from structural and logical substitutions and modifications so that they may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments includes the full range of equivalents to which the disclosed subject has rights.

As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in a generic or exclusive sense. In addition, multiple cases may be provided for a resource, operation, or structure described herein as a single case. Additionally, the boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are rather arbitrary, and certain operations are illustrated with respect to specific example configurations. Other assignments of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate resources in an exemplary configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, the structure and functionality presented as a single resource can be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as expressed by the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Each of these non-limiting examples can exist on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or in combination with one or more other examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples”. These examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the present inventors may also refer to these elements (or those illustrated or described in connection with a specific example (or one or more aspects thereof) or in connection with other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. Examples using any combination or permutation of one or more aspects thereof) are contemplated.

If there is a disagreement between the use of this document and any documents incorporated by reference, the use in this document shall prevail.

In this document, the term “indefinite article” is intended to include more than one or more, regardless of any other instances or uses of “at least one” or “one or more” as commonly used in patent documents. Is used. In this document, the terms “or”, unless indicated otherwise, refer to non-exclusive or “A or B” is “A but not B”, “B but not A” and “A and B It is used to include ". In this document, the terms "comprising" and "in which" are used to be equivalent to the plain English of each of the terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, ie, systems comprising elements other than those listed after such a term in the claims, Devices, articles, compositions, formulations or processes are still considered within the scope of the claims. Also, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used only as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their purposes.

Method (process) examples described herein, such as shoe assembly examples, may include at least partially mechanical or robotic implementations.

The above description is not intended to be limiting, but intended to be illustrative. For example, the examples described above (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used when reviewing the above description, for example by those skilled in the art. To provide the reader with a quick identification of the nature of the disclosure, a summary is included, if provided. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description above, various features can be grouped together to simplify the present disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that the unclaimed disclosure feature is essential to all claims. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, and each claim exists on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. do. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims (12)

As a shoe assembly,
Sole structure;
A shoe upper defining a toe box portion, an inner side, an outer side, and a heel portion, wherein the shoe upper is connected to the sole structure to form an inner space for receiving a foot, and the shoe upper is connected to the inner space Forming a collar to allow access to the shoe upper;
A string drive engine disposed within the sole structure;
An inner floating overlay attached to the inner side of the shoe upper close to the toe box portion;
An outer floating overlay attached to the outer side of the shoe upper close to the toe box portion; And
As a string drive system:
A braid cable having an inner end and an outer end fixed to the inner floating overlay and an outer floating overlay and an intermediate portion passing through the string driving engine; And
A plurality of string guides for routing the string cable along the shoe upper between the inner and outer ends and the string drive engine
Includes, String drive system
It includes, shoe assembly. According to claim 1,
Wherein the inner end of the lanyard cable is connected to the inner floating overlay, and the outer end of the lanyard cable is connected to the outer floating overlay. According to claim 1,
Wherein the inner end and the outer end of the lanyard cable traverse a neck region of the shoe upper between the inner side and the outer side. According to claim 3,
Wherein the inner end of the lanyard cable is connected to the outer floating overlay, and the outer end of the lanyard cable is connected to the inner floating overlay. According to claim 1,
And an elastic member connecting the inner side and the outer side of the shoe upper. According to claim 1,
The inner tension member and the outer tension member are each:
Lockout area; And
Kidney zone
It is provided with, the shoe assembly. The method of claim 6,
Wherein the lockout zone is connected to the lace cable, and the stretch zone is connected to the shoe upper. The method of claim 7,
A shoe assembly, wherein the bottom edge of the stretch zone is connected to the shoe upper. The method of claim 6,
The lockout zone is completely floating relative to the shoe upper, the shoe assembly. The method of claim 6,
The lockout zone is provided with a stretch inhibiting coating, a shoe assembly. The method of claim 6,
The lockout zone and the stretch zone are composed of a continuous sheet of material. The method of claim 6,
The shoe assembly, wherein the inner and outer ends of the braided cable are separately, in the lockout zone, sewn to the inner and outer tension members.

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