Adjustable closure system for an article

Abstract

An improved article of footwear of the invention includes an upper, an adjustable closure system affixed to the upper, the closure system having a guide member having a first groove portion and a second groove portion, a fastening member positioned opposite the guide member and having at least two tensioning members, and removable cable assembly connecting the guide member and the fastening member, wherein the cable assembly extends sequentially through the first groove portion of the guide member, a first tensioning member of the fastening member, the second groove portion of the guide member, and a second tensioning member of the fastening member, a bottom secured to the upper, a stabilizing member positioned between the upper and the bottom, wherein the stabilizing member has a base portion and at least one of a lateral support portion and a medial support portion extending upwardly from opposing sides of the base portion.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the upper defines a primary exterior surface and interior surface, the interior surface defining a cavity configured to receive a foot, the primary exterior surface having a first side panel and a second side panel opposite the first side panel along a midline length of the upper, and the upper comprising a first zone and second zone, the first zone comprising a first closure system, the first closure system comprising: a first guide member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about one of the first and second side panels and comprising a flange and first and second cable receiving passages, the first and second cable-receiving passages each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and each of the first and second cable receiving passages extending away from the flange; a first fastening member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about an opposite one of the first and second side panels from the first guide member, the first fastening member comprising a flange and a plurality of tensioning members, the plurality of tensioning members each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and the tensioning members extending away from the flange; a first cable assembly comprising a first cable connecting the first guide member and the first fastening member, wherein the first cable extends sequentially through the first cable receiving passage of the first guide member, a first one of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, the second cable receiving passage of the first guide member, and a second one of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member to effect tightening across the first closure system; the second zone comprising a second closure system, the second closure system comprising: a second guide member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about one of the first and second side panels and comprising a flange and first and second cable receiving passages, the first and second cable-receiving passages each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and each of the first and second cable receiving passages extending away from the flange; a second fastening member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about an opposite one of the first and second side panels from the first guide member, the second fastening member comprising a flange and a plurality of tensioning members, the plurality of tensioning members each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and the tensioning members extending away from the flange; a second cable assembly comprising a second cable connecting the second guide member and the second fastening member, wherein the second cable extends sequentially through the first cable receiving passage of the second guide member, a first one of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member, the second cable receiving passage of the second guide member, and a second one of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member to effect tightening across the second closure system.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first cable assembly comprising a gripping member that is secured to the first cable to facilitate opening of the first closure system, and the second cable assembly comprising a gripping member that is secured to the second cable to facilitate opening of the second closure system.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein each of the first cable assembly and the second cable assembly are configured to be removable and interchangeable with a cable assembly having a different length than a length of the first cable assembly and second cable assembly, respectively.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first cable is snap-fit into the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member and the first and second tensioning members of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, and the second cable is snap-fit into the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member and the first and second tensioning members of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first cable is slidable through the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member and the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, and the second cable is slidable through the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member and the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper further includes a first side panel underlay arranged under the first side panel and a second side panel underlay arranged under the second side panel.

7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the first guide member is arranged entirely about one of the first and second side panels such that the flange of first guide member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and a respective one of the first and second side panel underlays, and the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

8. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the first fastening member is arranged entirely about the opposite one of the first and second side panels from the first guide member such that the flange of the first fastening member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and a respective one of the first and second side panel underlays, and the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

9. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the second guide member is arranged entirely about one of the first and second side panels such that the flange of the second guide member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and a respective one of the first and second side panel underlays, and the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

10. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the second fastening member is arranged entirely about the opposite one of the first and second side panels from the second guide member such that the flange of the second fastening member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and a respective one of the first and second side panel underlays, and the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

11. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the upper defines a primary exterior surface and interior surface, the interior surface defining a cavity configured to receive a foot, the primary exterior surface having a first side panel and a second side panel opposite the first side panel along a midline length of the upper, and the upper comprising a first zone and second zone, the first zone comprising a first closure system, the first closure system comprising: a first guide member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the first side panel and comprising a flange and first and second cable receiving passages, the first and second cable-receiving passages each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and each of the first and second cable receiving passages extending away from the flange; a first fastening member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the second side panel and comprising a flange and a plurality of tensioning members, the plurality of tensioning members each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and the tensioning members extending away from the flange; a first cable assembly comprising a first cable connecting the first guide member and the first fastening member, wherein the first cable extends sequentially through the first cable receiving passage of the first guide member, a first one of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, the second cable receiving passage of the first guide member, and a second one of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member to effect tightening across the first closure system; the second zone comprising a second closure system, the second closure system comprising: a second guide member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the first side panel and comprising a flange and first and second cable receiving passages, the first and second cable-receiving passages each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and each of the first and second cable receiving passages extending away from the flange; a second fastening member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the second side panel and comprising a flange and a plurality of tensioning members, the plurality of tensioning members each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and the tensioning members extending away from the flange; a second cable assembly comprising a second cable connecting the second guide member and the second fastening member, wherein the second cable extends sequentially through the first cable receiving passage of the second guide member, a first one of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member, the second cable receiving passage of the second guide member, and a second one of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member to effect tightening across the second closure system.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first cable assembly comprising a gripping member that is secured to the first cable to facilitate opening of the first closure system, and the second cable assembly comprising a gripping member that is secured to the second cable to facilitate opening of the second closure system.

13. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein each of the first cable assembly and the second cable assembly are configured to be removable and interchangeable with a cable assembly having a different length than a length of the first cable assembly and second cable assembly, respectively.

14. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first cable is snap-fit into the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member and the first and second tensioning members of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, and the second cable is snap-fit into the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member and the first and second tensioning members of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member.

15. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first cable is slidable through the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member and the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, and the second cable is slidable through the first and second cable receiving passages of second first guide member and the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member.

16. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the upper further includes a first side panel underlay arranged under the first side panel and a second side panel underlay arranged under the second side panel.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the first guide member is arranged entirely about the first panel such that the flange of first guide member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the first side panel underlay, and the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member protrude through the primary exterior surface, and wherein the first fastening member is arranged entirely about the second side panel such that the flange of first fastening member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the second side panel underlay, and the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

18. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the second guide member arranged entirely about the first panel such that the flange of the second guide member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the first side panel underlay, and the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member protrude through the primary exterior surface; and wherein the second fastening member is arranged entirely about the second side panel such that the flange of the second fastening member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the second side panel underlay, and the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

19. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the upper defines a primary exterior surface and interior surface, the interior surface defining a cavity configured to receive a foot, the primary exterior surface having a first side panel and a second side panel opposite the first side panel along a midline length of the upper, and the upper comprising a first zone and second zone, the first zone comprising a first closure system, the first closure system comprising: a first guide member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the first side panel and comprising a flange and first and second cable receiving passages, the first and second cable-receiving passages each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and each of the first and second cable receiving passages extending away from the flange; a first fastening member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the second side panel and comprising a flange and a plurality of tensioning members, the plurality of tensioning members each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and the tensioning members extending away from the flange; a first cable assembly comprising a first cable connecting the first guide member and the first fastening member, wherein the first cable extends sequentially through the first cable receiving passage of the first guide member, a first one of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, the second cable receiving passage of the first guide member, and a second one of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member to effect tightening across the first closure system; the second zone comprising a second closure system, the second closure system comprising: a second guide member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about the second side panel and comprising a flange and first and second cable receiving passages, the first and second cable-receiving passages each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and each of the first and second cable receiving passages extending away from the flange; a second fastening member being a discrete molded unit arranged entirely about an opposite the first side panel, the second fastening member comprising a flange and a plurality of tensioning members, the plurality of tensioning members each having a base portion integral with and arranged on the flange and the tensioning members extending away from the flange; a second cable assembly comprising a second cable connecting the second guide member and the second fastening member, wherein the second cable extends sequentially through the first cable receiving passage of the second guide member, a first one of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member, the second cable receiving passage of the second guide member, and a second one of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member to effect tightening across the second closure system.

20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the first cable assembly comprising a gripping member that is secured to the first cable to facilitate opening of the first closure system, and the second cable assembly comprising a gripping member that is secured to the second cable to facilitate opening of the second closure system.

21. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein each of the first cable assembly and the second cable assembly are configured to be removable and interchangeable with a cable assembly having a different length than a length of the first cable assembly and second cable assembly, respectively.

22. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the first cable is snap-fit into the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member and the first and second tensioning members of the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, and the second cable is snap-fit into the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member and the first and second tensioning members of the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member.

23. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the first cable is slidable through the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member and the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member, and the second cable is slidable through the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member and the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member.

24. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the upper further includes a first side panel underlay arranged under the first side panel and a second side panel underlay arranged under the second side panel.

25. The article of footwear of claim 24, wherein the first guide member is arranged entirely about the first panel such that the flange of first guide member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the first side panel underlay, and the first and second cable receiving passages of the first guide member protrude through the primary exterior surface, and wherein the first fastening member is arranged entirely about the second side panel such that the flange of the first fastening member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the second side panel underlay, and the plurality of tensioning members of the first fastening member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

26. The article of footwear of claim 24, wherein the second guide member arranged entirely about the second panel such that the flange of the second guide member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the second side panel underlay, and the first and second cable receiving passages of the second guide member protrude through the primary exterior surface; and wherein the second fastening member is arranged entirely about the first side panel such that the flange of the second fastening member is positioned between the primary exterior surface and the first side panel underlay, and the plurality of tensioning members of the second fastening member protrude through the primary exterior surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the article of footwear in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top view perspective of FIG. 1, depicting closure system guide members on a first side panel and fastening members on a second side panel the article of footwear.

(5) FIG. 4a is a top view perspective of another aspect of FIG. 1, depicting first and second zones of closure system guide members and fastening members on opposing side panels in an asymmetrical configuration along the midline length of the article of footwear.

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(9) FIG. 7a depicts a cross-section along line 7a of the bottom arch portion shown in FIG. 7.

(10) FIG. 8 is a lateral side view of the bottom part of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the bottom part of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(12) FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of midsole and outsole of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(13) FIG. 11 is a top view of the midsole of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, including a stability post for each of the three gait patterns.

(14) FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of the cable closure system of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(15) FIG. 13 is a top view of the cable guide/anchor members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the cable guide/anchor members attached to a base plate.

(16) FIG. 14 is a top view of the cable guide members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the cable guide members attached to a common base plate.

(17) FIG. 15 is a top view of the cable guide members and anchor members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the cable guide members and anchor members attached to a common material.

(18) FIG. 15a is a lateral and medial view of the side panel underlays of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(19) FIG. 16 is a top view of the cable guide members and anchor members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the cable guide members and anchor members stitched to a common material.

(20) FIG. 17 are top, front and isometric views of the cable guide members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown in a multiple configuration.

(21) FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the cable guide members and anchor members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the cable guide members and anchor members as separate units.

(22) FIG. 19 is a top view of the cable guide members of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, showing the cable guide members as separate units.

(23) FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a stability member shank of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown with a crosshatch pattern.

(24) FIG. 21 is a front view of the stability member of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown with lateral control.

(25) FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the stability member of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown with medial control.

(26) FIG. 23 is a bottom isometric view of the stability member of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(27) FIG. 24 is a front view of the stability member of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown with lateral and medial controls.

(28) FIG. 25 is a lateral side view of the stability member of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

(29) FIG. 26 is a top isometric view of the stability member of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown with rib supports.

(30) FIG. 27 is an isometric view of cables of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, shown in multiple lengths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(31) The basic components of one embodiment of an improved article of footwear of the present invention, generally designated by reference number 10, are shown in FIGS. 1-27. As used in the description, the terms top, bottom, above, below, over, under, beneath, on top, underneath, up, down, upper, lower, front, rear, back, forward and backward refer to the objects referenced when in the orientation illustrated in the drawings, which orientation is not necessary for achieving the objects of the invention.

(32) An improved article of footwear of the invention provides a stability system for superior fit, durability, support, and strength, and is adapted to apply balanced pressure around the arch, instep and ankle. A modular cable closure system provides a mechanical advantage for adjustment to varied foot shapes. Cable fasteners are located at respective areas along the upper to provide multiple tensioning strengths for a bespoke fit. The article of footwear is designed with medial and lateral portions to assist in increasing rearfoot stability while maintaining forefoot flexibility. The rearfoot stability elements in combination with an adjustable closure system provide superior support and balance control. Each intended stability control element is designed to provide flexibility or stability where a specific function is needed. The medial and lateral stability portions of the article of footwear may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and have features specific to differences affected by the closure system, materials, and supporting elements.

(33) As will be evident from the description below, the shoe 10 is intended to enhance performance associated with a variety of athletic activities. To accomplish this, the shoe 10 includes two halves, a lateral half 12 and a medial half 14 as shown in FIGS. 4, and 4a, separated by midline length 130, both of which may perform very different actions. This medial-lateral division exists throughout the shoe 10. The shoe 10 includes an upper 20, shown in FIGS. 1-6, and a bottom portion 60, shown in FIGS. 7-9. It is understood that the shoe construction of the present invention may be utilized not only for an athletic type shoe, but any other shoe type.

(34) In some embodiments, the upper is a conventional tongue and throat structure with a closure system of the present invention located on either lateral or medial side of the shoe in specific combination with a bottom stabilizing member, as described in more detail below. In additional embodiments, the upper is a sock construction with a gusseted tongue that stretches across the throat of the shoe. The gusset material may include any suitable material, such as, for example, mesh, stretch EVA and Lycra, to provide a varied fit structure to the wide array of foot shapes across the arch and instep.

(35) The upper 20 is secured to the bottom portion 60 by any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, stitching, bonding, gluing, etc. The upper 20 includes a lateral side 22 and a medial side 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, each designed for a specific function. The medial side 24 and the lateral side 22 are designed to allow the wearer a high degree of fit and stability options, and to provide as much support to the wearer's foot as desired.

(36) The stability provided by the lateral side 22 is important because it helps to hold and support the lateral side of the wearer's foot during the high amount of lateral movement associated with supination. Accordingly, during supination when the foot rolls to the outside of the shoe, it is more desirable that the lateral side 22 is less flexible than the medial side 24.

(37) The stability provided by the medial side 24 is important because it helps to hold and support the medial side of the wearer's foot during the high amount of lateral movement associated with pronation. During pronation when the foot rolls to the inside of the shoe, it is more desirable that the medial side 24 is less flexible than the lateral side 22. When the wearer requires both lateral and medial support, it is more desirable to have both medial side 24 and lateral side 22 less flexible to help hold and support the foot during heavy footstrikes.

(38) The upper 20 includes a lateral side panel 28 and medial side panel 30 that cover respective sides of the upper between the midsole 64 and the throat region 34 of the upper 20, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The lateral side panel 28 and the medial side panel 30 are preferably made from a lightweight breathable synthetic material having minimal stretch capability, and may be air mesh, sandwich mesh, polyester, nylon, polyurethane, embossed or injected or any other suitable material. In some advantageous embodiments, the throat region 34 and collar region 38 are made from a lightweight breathable synthetic material having a higher stretch capability to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes. Materials located in the throat region 34 and collar region 38 may include Lycra, stretch mesh, stretch EVA, a combination thereof, or any other suitable synthetic or natural material.

(39) FIGS. 7-11 illustrate the bottom portion 60 of the footwear article that includes an outsole 62, a midsole 64, and a stabilizing member 100. The bottom 60 further includes an arch section 66 located between a heel portion and a forepart portion of the bottom 60. The stabilizing member 100 is secured between the bottom portion 60 and the upper 20. FIG. 7a shows a cross-section along line 7a of the bottom arch. As seen in FIG. 7a, each upright support member 108 outwardly extends from an outermost lateral surface of the midsole 64 that is perpendicular to a plane representing a bottom surface of the outsole 62 and includes a bottom portion that curves beneath a bottom surface of the stabilizing member 100 that is adjacent to the arch portion 66.

(40) When the foot of a typical runner wearing the shoe of the present invention contacts the ground along the lateral heel area, the heel and forefoot portions of the bottom portion 60 pivot with respect to each other such that they axially move with the foot along the foot's axis of pronation. During the rapid actuation of the midsole 64 associated with running, the midsole arch portion 66 of the shoe freely moves axially, allowing the stabilizing member 100 to constrict around the arch 66 as pressure is exerted on the shoe in a downward direction as the shoe contacts the ground surface. Then, as the pressure is released when the foot relaxes in its recovery phase, the stabilizing member 100 returns to its resting state. However, the foot remains fully supported along the longitudinal length of the stabilizing member 100 in a neutral configuration, as described in more detail below. Moreover, because the stabilizing member 100 longitudinally supports the arch of the foot, the need for heavy and durable sole material and a cost prohibitive custom insert orthotic in the arch area is obviated, thereby resulting in a light weight and more economical shoe.

(41) The arch 66 is designed to allow the outsole 62 and the midsole 64 to work in union with the stabilizing member 100 and cable closure system described in more detail below. The arch 66 performs similarly to a pre-tensioned tendon between the heel and forepart portions of the bottom 60. As the shoe 10 strikes the ground at the outsole 62, the foot places a downward load on the stabilizing member 100, which distributes the load across the arch 66. As the arch 66 compresses downward, it dissipates energy as it absorbs the impact, and then stores its inherent elastic energy in a stretched state and releases it back to the foot during the recovery phase of the stride. The arch 66 expands and contracts in a tendon-like movement as the downward load is applied and removed with each footstrike the wearer makes.

(42) FIG. 8 illustrates the arch 66 in its resting state. As the bottom 60 loads up with potential energy, the arch 66 moves downward and absorbs energy in the midsole 64 and outsole 62 and a compressed arch 68 now loaded with potential energy releases stored energy in the elastic properties of the midsole, shank member and outsole material into an upward direction thereby assisting the wearer with a more efficient power stride. The region of the arch 66 may include any suitable materials that have high elastic properties.

(43) FIG. 9 shows how the downward force applied by the wearer effects the stabilizing member 100. As the stabilizing member 100 loads, the upright lateral stability member 102 and the upright medial stability member 104 actuate inward and provide the wearer with added arch and instep support thereby obviating the need for a costly insert orthotic.

(44) FIG. 11 illustrates three embodiments of the midsole 64 that provide stable adjustment for the three most common footstrike patterns. As shown on left, the midsole 64 includes a lateral posting 70, which provides a lateral stability support. The middle figure shows the midsole 64 with a medial posting 72, which provides a medial stability support. The figure on the right illustrates the midsole with a neutral posting 74 which provides the wearer with a neutral stability support. The posts 70, 72 and 74 are preferably of greater hardness than other areas of the midsole 64. It is understood that a midsole without the posts 70, 72, 74 may also be used in accordance with the present invention.

(45) The stabilizing member 100 is seated within a recessed area 86 of the midsole 64, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The midsole 64 includes a heel plug 80 to dampen heelstrike impact and a high rebound forepart plug 82 to assist in faster toe off transition. The stabilizing member 100 matches the contour of the upper 20 along its medial side of the arch 66 and its lateral side of the arch 66, which extend from a portion of the heel to a portion of the ball of the foot. In certain advantageous embodiments, the fore portion of the stabilizing member 100 is positioned such that it occupies a space behind the ball of a foot. The stabilizing member 100 sweeps upwardly and adjacent to the medial and lateral sides of the foot so that it provides stability and support for a footstrike. As downward pressure is placed on the stabilizing member 100, the support structure constricts inwardly towards its center line to provide stable control along the axial pronation direction.

(46) The stabilizing member 100 may be designed in a variety of configurations, as further illustrated and discussed below in connection with FIGS. 20-26.

(47) FIG. 20 shows a stabilizing member 100 with a lateral support portion 102 and a medial support portion 104. This configuration, together with the midsole 64 and the lateral and medial posts 74 shown in FIG. 11, provide for optimum neutral stability.

(48) In the embodiment of the stabilizing member 100 shown in FIG. 21, the lateral support portion 102 is present, but the medial support portion 104 is removed or minimized. This configuration of the stabilizing member 100, together with the midsole 64 and the lateral post 70 shown in FIG. 11 provide for optimum underpronation (supination) stability, where the foot tends to roll outward.

(49) In the embodiment of the stabilizing member 100 illustrated in FIG. 22, the medial support portion 104 is included, but the lateral support portion 102 is removed or minimized. This configuration of the stabilizing member 100, together with the midsole 64 and the medial post 72 shown in FIG. 11, provide for optimum overpronation stability, where the foot tends to roll inward.

(50) The stabilizing member 100 shown in FIGS. 20-22 also includes a base portion 160 an upright heel portion 106 to allow for a stable heel position. The upright heel portion 106 is positioned on a rearmost upper edge of the stabilizing member 100, the rearmost upper edge shaped to form a curved apex that outwardly extends upward further than a remainder of the upright heel portion 106. The advantage of three different configurations of stabilizing members 100 shown in FIGS. 20-22 is that they allow for precise tailoring of the stabilizing member to a corresponding footstrike pattern determined by professional gait analysis.

(51) It should be noted that, while FIG. 20 illustrates the stabilizing member 100 with a cross hatch design on the base portion 160 to provide for lesser flexibility, other designs may be utilized in accordance with the present invention, depending on a user's preference. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the stabilizing member 100 may have a rib design 180 to allow for greater flexibility. A lighter wearer may prefer a more flexible shank, and a heavier wearer may prefer a less flexible shank. The stabilizing member 100 may be utilized in a variety of flexibility configurations whether in cross hatch 160, rib 180, or any other suitable design depending upon performance requirements.

(52) FIG. 23 illustrates the bottom surface of the stabilizing member 100, which is designed to transfer forces between the bottom portion 60 and the upper 20. The bottom surface of stabilizing member 100 matches mating surfaces with the bottom 60 and the upper 20. As shown in FIGS. 23-25, the stabilizing member 100 may also include perimeter reinforced lateral and medial upright support members 108. In the arch portion 66 of the midsole 64, each upright support member 108 outwardly extends from and past an outermost lateral surface of the midsole 64 perpendicular to a plane representing a bottom surface of the outsole 62. Further, each upright support member 108 includes a bottom portion that extends downwardly past a central portion of a bottom surface of the stabilizing member 100 that is adjacent to the arch portion 66 of the midsole 64 of the bottom member 60. This design removes excess weight from the stabilizing member and promotes an even inward motion towards the member's centerline for maximum contraction as the wearer actuates the bottom 60.

(53) The footwear article 10 of the present invention further includes a closure system 50, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The closure system 50 includes a guide member 40, a fastening member 46 positioned opposite the guide member, equidistant from the first and second cable receiving passages of the guide member on the first side panel opposite the second side panel, and a cable assembly 90 connecting the guide member 40 and the fastening member 46. The guide member 40 has a first groove portion 200 and a second groove portion 210. The first and second groove portions 200, 210 each has a body extending in a direction away from the first side of the article of footwear, a head adjacent to the body, and a first curved extension adjacent to the body along a side of the guide member, wherein the body, the head, and the curved extension form a groove cavity. The fastening member 46 has a first tensioning member 220, a second tensioning member 230, and a third tensioning member 240. Each of the tensioning members 220, 230, 240 has a base, a curved extension attached to the base extending in a direction away from the second side of the article of footwear. The base and curved extensions form tensioning cavities. It is understood that other configurations of the fastening member 46 may be used, as described further below. Any suitable materials may be used for the guide member and the fastening member, including molded TPU, Nylon, ABS, Nylon PA6, Arkema BZM 1, BZM 10, BZM 30, BASF TPU 85A, Pebax, EMS LX9012, or a combination thereof, or other reinforced injection molded materials, or other suitable thermoplastic materials.

(54) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the cable assembly 90 is a closed-loop cable that is routed through the first and second groove portions 200, 210 of the guide member 40 and the first and second tensioning members 220, 230 of the fastening member 46 to tension the upper around the wearer's foot. The cable 90 may be formed of a variety of suitable material with a low friction coefficient that may be of differing length, strength, elasticity, and diameter, and may be freely substituted in order to meet the specific demands of the wearer's unique physiology. For example, the cable 90 may be formed of a low friction polymer having a relatively low elasticity and high tensile strength, or an elastic polymeric cable, or a multi-strand metallic cable, preferably with a low friction polymer casing. In some advantageous embodiments, the cable may be comprised of a material from the group consisting of nylon, braided metallic cord, natural cord, lace, polyurethane, polyester, co-extruded thermoplastics, elastic material, spun material, braided material, NBR, neoprene, silicone, FKM, TFE/P, HNBR, PTFE, a combination thereof or similar material.

(55) In some embodiments, the cable 90 may be freely substituted with a different cable having a desired length or desired flexibility. In one advantageous embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the shoe 10 is sold with a plurality of cables 90 having different lengths and/or flexibilities. The guide member and the fastening member allow the cable assembly to snap fit 96 into place for positive retention against accidental release, as illustrated in FIGS. 17-18. Once the desired length and flexibility of the cable 90 is determined, a repeatable fit and function far outweighs the guessing that is involved when a conventional lace shoe is used to determine the proper amount of tension about the upper 20.

(56) As shown in FIG. 27, the cable assembly 90 may include a gripping member 190, such as a pull tab, to assist the wearer in opening the closure system 50 to doff the shoe. The gripping member 190 may be made with any suitable material, such as nylon or PE.

(57) In additional advantageous embodiments, the cable assembly 90 has a first end, a second end and a cable portion. The first and second ends are secured to the fastening member 46, and the cable portion extends through the first groove portion 200 of the guide member 40, at least one of the tensioning members of the fastening member 46, and the second groove portion 210 of the guide member 40.

(58) The guide member 40 and fastening member 46 are sewn or otherwise attached to either the lateral side panel 28 or the medial side panel 30 of the upper 20, or both, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to provide independent adjustable support in the forefoot region. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, shoe 10, has two closure systems and the fastening member 46 of the first closure system and the second closure system may be located on the same lateral side panel 28, or on the same medial side panel 30. For example, FIG. 4, illustrates the tensioning members of the fastening member 46a in a first zone of the article and the tensioning members of the fastening member 46b in a second zone of the article may be located on lateral side panel 28 with guide members 40a and 40b in respective first and second zones on opposing side panel 30. In additional embodiments, the fastening member 46 of the first closure system may be located on the medial side panel 30 and the fastening member 46 of the second closure system may be located on the lateral side panel 28, such that both systems run in opposing directions. For example, in FIG. 4a, fastening member 46a of a first closure system 50a in a first zone, may be located on lateral side panel 28 and fastening member 46b of a second closure system 50b may be located on medial side panel 30 in a second zone.

(59) In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, the guide members 40 and the fastening members 46 are attached directly to the upper panels 28 and 30. The guide members and the fastening members may be attached to the upper panels by stitching, chemical fastening, or any other suitable method. In additional embodiments, the guide members and the fastening members are directly injected to the upper.

(60) In other embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-14 and 17-19, the guide members 40 and the fastening members 46 are positioned on a flange portion 48. For example in FIG. 17, the flange portion 48 is integral with the base portion 41 of the cable receiving passages of the guide member. Flange portion 48 in FIG. 18, is integral with the base portion 51 of the tensioning members of the fastening member. The flange portions 48 provide a larger surface area across the foot and assist in more evenly distributing the load carried by the closure system 50 about the arch and instep area of the upper 20. The guide members and the fastening members may be attached to the flange portions 48 by any suitable method, such as stitching or chemical bonding, or may be formed integrally with the flange portions by, for example, injection from any suitable material, such as a thermoplastic material. In additional embodiments, the flange portions 48 are directly injected to the upper, and the guide members and the fastening members are mechanically fastened to the flange portions.

(61) In additional embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15-16, an underlay lateral side panel 42 and an underlay medial side panel 44 may be located under the primary lateral side panel 28 and the primary medial side panel 30 respectively in the regions immediately above the midsole 64, as illustrated in FIG. 15a. The guide members 40 and/or the fastening members 46 are attached to underlay panels 42 and/or 44 by any suitable method described above such that they protrude through the upper panels. The primary lateral side panel 28 and the primary medial side panel 30 may be air mesh, sandwich mesh, polyester, nylon, polyurethane, embossed or injected or any other similar or suitable material. The secondary underlay side panels 42 and 44 provide additional support to the guide members 40 and the fastening members 46, and further assist the upper 20 in providing greater adjustability options from the bottom 60 to provide proper tension across the throat 34. The underlay side panels 42 and 44 may be made with non-woven or similar suitable reinforcement material. Additional foam, padding material or the like may be located behind the guide and anchor flanges to further distribute load forces and alleviate any high pressure points of contact.

(62) It is also contemplated that anyone of the above or a combination of the above attachment methods may be incorporated into the footwear upper in accordance with the present invention.

(63) The closure systems 50 may be independently adjustable across the arch and instep in more than one portion that communicates with the bottom and stabilizing member according to the amount of tension a wearer desires in order to achieve the best possible fit, comfort level and performance characteristics in relation to a specific gait assessment. The closure systems 50 may include differing cable materials depending on control desirability. For example, a wearer may prefer an elastic polyurethane cable in the one system and a less flexible cable in the other of two cable systems. The cable closure system 50 located on the upper 20 works in concert with the stabilizing member 100 and the bottom 60 to make for a more customized fit and to allow specific areas of the shoe 10 to perform with a greater or lesser degree of flexibility. Each closure system 50 adjusts independently from another and may provide a pronator, for example, the ability to add more or less tension in the arch area allowing the stabilizing member 100 to adjust to a better performing shape. The outsole 62 and midsole 64 will then adjust their compression response depending upon the amount of tension placed on the closure system 50. A more tensioned upper will provide a faster less flexible response and a less tensioned upper will provide a slower more flexible response.

(64) Various configurations of the guide members 40 and the fastening members 46 may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fastening members 46 may include two, three or four tensioning members that receive the cable assembly 90. In the configurations wherein the fastening member 46 includes more than two tensioning members, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the tension of the closure system 50 may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the cable assembly 90 through the tensioning members. As shown in FIG. 12, a first loop 250 of the cable assembly 90 may be positioned in the first tensioning member 220 or the second tensioning member 230, and a second loop 260 of the cable assembly 90 may be positioned in the second tensioning member 230 or the third tensioning member 240.

(65) It is noted that more than one groove portions may also be included on the guide members if desirable to allow for enhanced flexibility and adjustability. It is also contemplated that any possible combination of the guide members and the fastening members may be formed as separate parts or in a contiguous structural configuration in accordance with the present invention.

(66) In some embodiments, the cable 90 is slideably positioned around the guide members 40 and/or fastening members 46 to provide a dynamic fit in response to movement of the foot within the footwear. The cable may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic material, that allows for a degree of stretching as the foot expands and contracts with exercise.

(67) The three advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described above. The first incorporates the aforementioned advantages to provide the wearer with a neutral stability shoe. The second incorporates the aforementioned advantages to provide the wearer with a lateral stability shoe. And the third embodiment incorporates the aforementioned advantages to provide the wearer with a medial stability shoe. Each configuration is designed to meet the specific demands of a wearer's unique physiology as determined by a professional gait assessment. In operation, the previously described features improve lateral stability, medial stability, and neutral stability, which are important to each gait characteristic. Further, the shoe 10 may reduce injury if properly adjusted. These advantages are achieved by the differentiation of design in the medial, lateral, and neutral portions of the shoe, and the synergistic effects between the cable closure system, the stabilizing member, and the bottom arch and posting features.

(68) While the various features of shoe 10 work together to achieve the advantages previously described, it is recognized that individual features and sub-combinations of these features can also be used to obtain some of the aforementioned advantages without the necessity to adopt all of these features.

(69) It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that obvious modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to embodiments herein, those embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.