Guides for lacing systems

摘要

Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace.

主权项

1. A lacing system for tightening footwear, the footwear having a sole and an upper that includes a tightening edge, the lacing system comprising:
a tightening mechanism; a lace that is tensionable via the tightening mechanism; and a lace guide that guides the lace about a lace path of the footwear, the lace guide having:
a first end that is coupled to the footwear at a first attachment location adjacent a junction between the upper and the sole; anda second end that is coupled to the footwear at a second attachment location adjacent the tightening edge;wherein the lace guide is positioned on one side of the upper and the second end of the lace guide is folded toward an opposite side of the upper to form a loop within which the lace is disposed, and wherein a length of the lace guide is longer than a distance between the first and second attachment locations such that when tension is applied to the lace via the tightening mechanism, a portion of the loop is pulled toward an opposite side of the footwear and the portion of the loop is closer to the opposite side of the footwear than the tightening edge.