Abstract:
A lacing system for an article may include a tensioning mechanism, a plurality of guide members, and a lace that is operationally coupled with the tensioning mechanism and that is routed along a lace path of the article via the plurality of guide members. The lace is routed along the lace path so that a first portion of the lace is routed directly from the tensioning mechanism to a top end of the lace path and so that a second portion of the lace is routed directly from the tensioning mechanism to a position that is adjacent a bottom end of the lace path. Tensioning of the lace, via the tensioning mechanism, causes the top end of the lace path and the position adjacent the bottom end of the lace path to be initially tensioned.
Abstract:
A closure system including a body for receiving an object. An activation device is connected to a base structure, and is activated by placement of the object within the closure system. The activation device operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the object within the closure system. A tightening mechanism is responsive to the operation of the activation device. When the activation device is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism is loose. When the user depresses the activation device, the tightening mechanism tightens around the object. A movable displacer in a locking device for locking the configuration of the closure system and removably insertable into a recess helps better control tension within the tightening mechanism and improves comfort by disengaging the activation device from the tightening mechanism. A lace lock for locking a lace is disclosed. A lace tension distributor is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A retention system for footwear can include opposed closure elements and a tensioner configured to urge the opposed closure elements toward each other in response to a tensile force applied to the tensioner. Opposed first and second anchors can be spaced from the tensioner. A retainer can have opposed first and second retainer couplers. The first retainer coupler can operatively engage the first anchor and the second retainer coupler can operatively engage the second anchor such that a tensile load applied to one or both of the first and second retainer couplers urges the retainer toward one or both of the first and second anchors. Each of the retainer couplers can be operatively engaged with the tensioner such that a tensile load applied to the tensioner urges the first retainer coupler and the second retainer coupler into tension and thereby urges the retainer toward one or both of the anchors.
Abstract:
An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the exterior surface of the knitted component. The knitted component may an asymmetric interior layer secured to the interior surface of the knitted component. The asymmetric interior layer has varying medial and lateral portions that provide for different amounts of feel and cushioning along the varying sides of the upper. The asymmetric interior layer includes a lining layer and a connecting layer that join to form the asymmetric interior layer. Other interior layer features are provided, including collar portions and a heel pad that extends along the heel region of the knitted component from a sockliner to an opening on an ankle cuff of the knitted component.
Abstract:
An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the exterior surface of the knitted component. The knitted component may an asymmetric interior layer secured to the interior surface of the knitted component. The asymmetric interior layer has varying medial and lateral portions that provide for different amounts of feel and cushioning along the varying sides of the upper. The asymmetric interior layer includes a lining layer and a connecting layer that join to form the asymmetric interior layer. Other interior layer features are provided, including collar portions and a heel pad that extends along the heel region of the knitted component from a sockliner to an opening on an ankle cuff of the knitted component.
Abstract:
An adjusting device for tightening or loosening a lace is provided. The adjusting device includes a base, a knob and a releasing unit. The releasing unit is disposed in the base and the knob, and the knob is used for winding the lace. The releasing unit and the knob are pivotally disposed in an accommodating space. The releasing unit includes at least one elastic arm corresponding to an annular tooth in the knob. The releasing unit can be raised or lowered on the base. When the releasing unit is raised, the knob can be freely rotated; and when the releasing unit is lowered, the rotation of the knob is limited in a releasing direction.
Abstract:
The present invention provides footwear that is very easy to tighten. One end of a shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an instep opening (3A) to constitute tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A), and the other end of the shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an upper opening (3B) to constitute tightening means (4) for the upper opening (3B). A medial portion of the shoelace (6) between the tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A) and the upper opening (3B) forms a pull part (11), and tightened-state-holding means (12) is provided for holding the pull part (11) in a pulled state.