A closure system for an article of footwear includes a closure mechanism, a securing element, and a cord that is configured to be operably engaged with an upper of the footwear. The closure mechanism is configured to be actuated to adjust the footwear from a loosened configuration to a tightened configuration, and the securing element is configured to be engaged with the closure mechanism to secure the footwear in the tightened configuration.

A pump includes a conduit defining an inner volume and formed from a flexible material, the conduit movable between an expanded state and a relaxed state. A coil is disposed within the conduit and includes an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the conduit, the coil substantially maintaining its outer diameter when the conduit is moved between the relaxed state and the expanded state. A manifold is in fluid communication with the inner volume and is operable to permit fluid to enter the inner volume in a first mode and expel fluid from the inner volume in a second mode.

A fastener having two strap ends connected by an elastomeric member is described. The elastomeric member has sufficient elasticity to allow a user to increase the distance of separation between the two strap ends by applying a separation force, while providing enough tension to return the two strap ends to close proximity when the user releases the separation force. The elastomeric member may also have an adjustable elasticity to accommodate different applications with different load forces. The two strap ends may each be attached to two connectors.

The present invention relates to a lacing system for tightening a shoe upper, comprising: at least one strap, and a first and a second guiding element for coupling the strap to the shoe upper, wherein a first end of the strap is attached to a tongue portion of the shoe upper and a second end of the strap is configured to receive a portion of a shoelace, and wherein the first guiding element is arranged in a throat area of the shoe upper and the second guiding element is arranged in a sole area of the shoe upper opposite to the throat area.

The present invention relates to a lacing system for tightening a shoe upper, comprising: at least one strap, and a first and a second guiding element for coupling the strap to the shoe upper, wherein a first end of the strap is attached to a tongue portion of the shoe upper and a second end of the strap is configured to receive a portion of a shoelace, and wherein the first guiding element is arranged in a throat area of the shoe upper and the second guiding element is arranged in a sole area of the shoe upper opposite to the throat area.

An article of footwear, the article including a sole structure and an upper coupled to a top of the sole structure. The upper including an opening and a closure system, wherein the closure system includes at least one first sheet and a plurality of second sheets. The at least one first sheet and the plurality of second sheets being interleaved.

An article of footwear includes an upper and a tensioning mechanism operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state and including a tensioning cable having a first end disposed on one of a lateral side and a medial side of the upper. The tensioning cable is movable in a tightening direction to move the tightening mechanism into a tightened state and movable in a loosening direction to move the tightening mechanism into a loosened state. The article of footwear also includes a locking device disposed on the one of the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. The locking device is operable between a locked state restricting movement of the tensioning cable in the loosening direction and an unlocked state permitting movement of the tensioning cable in both the loosening direction and the tightening direction.

An article of footwear includes an upper and a tensioning mechanism operable to move the upper between a tightened state and a loosened state and including a tensioning cable having a first end disposed on one of a lateral side and a medial side of the upper. The tensioning cable is movable in a tightening direction to move the tightening mechanism into a tightened state and movable in a loosening direction to move the tightening mechanism into a loosened state. The article of footwear also includes a locking device disposed on the one of the lateral side and the medial side of the upper. The locking device is operable between a locked state restricting movement of the tensioning cable in the loosening direction and an unlocked state permitting movement of the tensioning cable in both the loosening direction and the tightening direction.

A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise an elastic member extending between two lace guides of the plurality of lace guides, an elastic member extending between first and second portions of the upper, an elastic member extending between a portion of the upper and a lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, a heel channel connected to a heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to an interior space, an elastic member coupled to the footwear assembly that functions to smooth out a torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable.

A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise an elastic member extending between two lace guides of the plurality of lace guides, an elastic member extending between first and second portions of the upper, an elastic member extending between a portion of the upper and a lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, a heel channel connected to a heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to an interior space, an elastic member coupled to the footwear assembly that functions to smooth out a torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable.