WO2025212626A1 - Vacuum system for article of footwear or apparel - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustment element for an article of footwear includes a bladder forming an interior void and a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first embedded structure tapering in a direction from a first end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a second end, the compressible component movable from a first configuration having a first shape to a second configuration having a second shape in response to fluid being removed from the interior void.

Description

VACUUM SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR OR APPAREL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT International application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 19/095,575, filed on March 31, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/572,408 filed on April 1, 2024. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vacuum system and more particularly to a vacuum system for an article of footwear and/or apparel

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

[0005] Articles of apparel such as garments and headwear and articles of footwear such as shoes and boots, typically include a receptacle for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that cooperate to form a receptacle for receiving a foot of a wearer. Likewise, garments and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receptacle for receiving a torso or head of a wearer.

[0006] Articles of apparel or footwear are typically adjustable and/or are formed from a relatively flexible material to allow the article of apparel or footwear to accommodate various sizes of wearers, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. While conventional articles of apparel and articles of footwear are adjustable, such articles do not typically allow a wearer to conform the shape of the article to a body part of the wearer. For example, while clasps and elastic bands adequately secure an article of apparel to a wearer by contracting or constricting a portion of a garment around the wearer’s upper body, they do not cause the garment to conform to the user’s upper body. Accordingly, an optimum fit of the article of apparel around the upper body is difficult to achieve.

DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustment element, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state;

[0009] FIG. IB is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, where the adjustment element is in a compressed state;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an example of an article of clothing with adjustment elements in front panels, where the adjustment elements are in a relaxed state;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an example of an infill of an adjustment element;

[0012] FIG. 4A is an example of an adjustment element, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state;

[0013] FIG. 4B is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 4A, where the adjustment element is in a first intermediate state;

[0014] FIG. 4C is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 4A, where the adjustment element is in a second intermediate state;

[0015] FIG. 4D is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 4A, where the adjustment element is in a compressed state;

[0016] FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view of an example adjustment element, the adjustment element connected to a pump and in a relaxed state;

[0017] FIG. 5B is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 5 A in an intermediate state;

[0018] FIG. 5C is a side view of an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 5A in a compressed state, where a second end of the adjustment element is raised relative to a first end;

[0019] FIG. 6A is another example of an adjustment element with a plurality of structural zones, the adjustment element in a relaxed state; [0020] FIG. 6B is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 6A, where the structural zones are in an intermediate state;

[0021] FIG. 6C is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 6A, where the structural zones form an embedded structure in a three-dimensional configuration;

[0022] FIG. 7A is another example of an adjustment element with a plurality of structural zones, where the adjustment element is in a relaxed state;

[0023] FIG. 7B is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 7A, where the adjustment element is in an intermediate state;

[0024] FIG. 7C is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 7A, where the structural zones transition into an embedded structure in a three-dimensional configuration;

[0025] FIG. 7D is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 7A, where the adjustment element is formed as the embedded structure in the three-dimensional configuration;

[0026] FIG. 8A is a further example of an adjustment element with a plurality of structural zones, where the adjustment element is positioned proximate a body portion;

[0027] FIG. 8B is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 8A, where the adjustment element is in an intermediate state;

[0028] FIG. 8C is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 8A, where the structural zones transition into an embedded structure in a three-dimensional configuration about the body portion; [0029] FIG. 8D is an example of the adjustment element of FIG. 8A, where the adjustment element is formed as the embedded structure in the three-dimensional configuration about the body portion; and

[0030] FIG. 9 is another example of an adjustment element with a plurality of structural zones, where the adjustment element is formed as an embedded structure in a three-dimensional form. [0031] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. [0036] In one configuration, an adjustment element for an article of footwear includes a bladder forming an interior void and a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first embedded structure tapering in a direction from a first end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a second end, the compressible component movable from a first configuration having a first shape to a second configuration having a second shape in response to fluid being removed from the interior void.

[0037] The adjustment element may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first embedded structure may include a series of peaks and valleys. Peaks and valleys of the series of peaks and valleys may be positioned into individual V-shaped segments. The V-shaped segments may be aligned with one another along a central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure, the central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure extending through the first end of the first embedded structure and the second end of the first embedded structure. Additionally or alternatively, the V-shaped segments may be nested with one another.

[0038] In one configuration, the second end of the first embedded structure may be disposed at an interior location of the compressible component.

[0039] The compressible component may include a second embedded structure, the second embedded structure tapering in a direction from a third end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a fourth end. In this configuration, the second end of the first embedded structure and the fourth end of the second embedded structure may be in contact with one another at a junction. Further, the first end of the first embedded structure and the third end of the second embedded structure may move toward one another when the compressible component is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0040] An article of footwear may incorporate the adjustment element.

[0041] In another configuration, an adjustment element for an article of footwear includes a bladder forming an interior void and a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first embedded structure having a series of peaks and valleys, the compressible component movable from a first configuration having a substantially planar profile to a second configuration having a curved profile in response to fluid being removed from the interior void. [0042] The adjustment element may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the compressible component may be formed from foam. [0043] In one configuration, peaks and valleys of the series of peaks and valleys may be positioned into individual V-shaped segments. The V-shaped segments may be aligned with one another along a central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure, the central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure extending through a first end of the first embedded structure and a second end of the first embedded structure. Additionally or alternatively, the V-shaped segments may be nested with one another.

[0044] The first embedded structure may taper in a direction from a first end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a second end. In this configuration, the compressible component may include a second embedded structure, the second embedded structure tapering in a direction from a third end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a fourth end. Further, the second end of the first embedded structure and the fourth end of the second embedded structure may be in contact with one another at a junction. Additionally or alternatively, the first end of the first embedded structure and the third end of the second embedded structure may move toward one another when the compressible component is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration to form the curved profile.

[0045] An article of footwear may incorporate the adjustment element.

[0046] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1A and IB, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 150. The footwear 10 is depicted as an enclosed athletic shoe, such as a tennis, basketball, and/or running shoe. However, it is also contemplated that the article of footwear 10 may include a sandal, such as a slide having a strap that extends across a foot of the wearer. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. [0048] The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

[0049] The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that have an interior space 102 and an ankle opening 104 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 150. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of quarter panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and includes an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior space 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 110 may optionally be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108.

[0050] The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 may be further described as including heel side panels 112 extending through the heel region 24 along the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 114 may be included and wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 112. Uppermost edges of the throat 110, the heel side panels 112, and the heel counter 114 cooperate to form a collar 116, which includes the ankle opening 104 of the interior space 102.

[0051] The upper 100 may include an inner bootie 120 that forms the interior space 102. The inner bootie 120 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior space 102. Suitable materials of the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, mesh textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. The example bootie 120 may be formed as an inner liner including a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and/or one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the bootie 120 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between a tightened state and a loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, an upper-torso article of apparel 50 is illustrated and includes any garment configured to cover an upper-torso of a wearer. The illustrated upper-torso garment 50 includes a bra 50, however the upper-torso article of apparel 50 may include other types of garments for a male or female, including a strapless bra, a camisole, a base-layer shirt, a singlet, swimwear, and/or other garments with built-in support.

[0053] The bra 50 may include an anterior side 52 associated with the front of the body of a wearer when the bra 50 is in use, and a posterior side 54 associated with the back of the body of a wearer when the bra 50 is in use. The bra 50 may further include an upper end 56 associated with the shoulders of the wearer, and a lower end 58 associated with the ribcage of a wearer. A longitudinal axis Aio of the bra 50 extends along a height of the bra 50 from the upper end 56 to the lower end 58 perpendicular to a ground surface, and generally divides the bra 50 into a right side 60 and a left side 62. Accordingly, the right side 60 and the left side 62 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the bra 50 and extend from the upper end 56 to the lower end 58. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the upper end 56 to the lower end 58, a sagittal direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the anterior side 52 to the posterior side 54, and a frontal direction refers to the direction extending from the right side 60 to the left side 62.

[0054] The article of apparel 50 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a shoulder region 64, a chest region 66, and a ribcage region 68 that collectively form a body region of the article of apparel 50. The shoulder region 64 is associated with the clavicle and scapula bones of a shoulder. The chest region 66 may correspond with the true ribs and breast tissue area of an upper-torso, and the ribcage region 68 may correspond with the false and floating ribs of an upper-torso.

[0055] The bra 50 further includes an interior space 70, a neck-receiving opening 72, a torsoreceiving opening 74, a right arm-receiving opening 76, and a left arm-receiving opening 78. As shown in FIG. 2, the neck-receiving opening 72 is disposed on the upper end 56 of the bra 50 and the torso-receiving opening 74 is disposed on the lower end 58 of the bra 50. The neck-receiving opening 72 is further formed by a neckline 80 extending along a perimeter of the neck-receiving opening 72. Similarly, the torso-receiving opening 74 is further formed by a band 82 extending along a perimeter of the torso-receiving opening 74. While the band 82 is illustrated as being a continuous elastic band (FIG. 2), it may alternatively include two or more band segments connected by a clasp.

[0056] The bra 50, and components thereof, may further be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the bra 50 includes a front panel 84 having a right panel 86 disposed at the anterior side 52 and extending from the chest region 66 to the ribcage region 68 and from the right side 60 toward a center bridge 88 disposed between the right side 60 and the left side 62. The front panel 84 further includes a left panel 90 disposed at the anterior side 52 and extending from the chest region 66 to the ribcage region 68 and from the left side 62 toward the center bridge 88. The right panel 86 and the left panel 90 each include a generally convex or cup shape to accommodate and provide support for the chest of the wearer while in-use.

[0057] The bra 50 may further include a back panel 92 and a pair of straps 94 extending between the anterior side 52 and the posterior side 54 of the bra 50. The back panel 92 wraps across the posterior side 54 from the right side 60 to the left side 62, and includes a height that tapers in a direction from the a central region attached to the straps 94 to each of the respective right side 60 and left side 62. The straps 94 extend from the back panel 92 and generally form a “T” or “Y” shape and, further, extend over the shoulders of the wearer and connect to the anterior side 52 of the bra 50.

[0058] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-4A, the footwear 10 and the bra 50 may be collectively referred to herein as an article and/or the article and, unless otherwise specified, discussion regarding the article applies equally to both the footwear 10 and the bra 50. The article includes an adjustment element 200. For example, the adjustment element 200 may form a portion of the upper 100 of the article of footwear 10. Alternatively, the adjustment element 200 may form a portion of the straps 94, the center bridge 88, the band 82, and/or any one of the panels 84, 86, 90, 92 of the bra 50. While described herein with respect to the article of footwear 10 and article of apparel 50, it is generally contemplated that the adjustment element 200 may be utilized with alternative articles including, but not limited to, sweatbands, knee braces, elbow braces, shoulder braces, headbands, and other articles that may be advantageously contoured or otherwise form- fitted to a wearer. The adjustment element 200 includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 and having a compressible component or infill 206 disposed therein. The compressible component 206 may include an infill structure 208 that may have a geometry that forms a plurality of recesses 210 (FIG. 3) and may be formed from a resilient material such as foam. For example, the infill structure 208 may have a wave configuration and/or an egg-crate configuration each forming the plurality of recesses 210. As described in more detail below, the infill structure 208 may include different geometrical configurations to impart different constriction profiles in different areas of the article.

[0059] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the compressible component 206 with the infill structure 208 configured with the wave configuration, such that the compressible component 206 is corrugated along a width W206 of the compressible component 206. Stated differently, the infill structure 208 may be formed with the recesses 210 interspaced by ridges 212. The recesses 210 may expand and contract as the ridges 212 are manipulated during evacuation of the adjustment element 200, as described in more detail below. FIG. 3 also illustrates the infill structure 208 as having apertures 214 formed along a length L206. The apertures 214 may provide additional flexibility for the compressible component 206, such that the infill structure may have an increased degree of pliability during manipulation of the adjustment element 200.

[0060] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 3 and 4A, the adjustment element 200 includes an inner barrier layer 216a and an outer barrier layer 216b forming at least a portion of the article. Interior surfaces of the barrier layers 216a, 216b face each other and are joined to each other to form a chamber 218 sealed by a peripheral seam 220 that surrounds the interior void 204 of the bladder 202.

[0061] As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers 216a, 216b) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer fdms. In some embodiments, one or both of barrier layers the 216a, 216b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 216a, 216b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from approximately 0.2 micrometers to approximately 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from approximately 0.5 micrometers to approximately 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 100 micrometers.

[0062] One or both of the barrier layers 216a, 216b can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

[0063] The barrier layers 216a, 216b can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethyl ene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

[0064] As used herein, "polyurethane" refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (-N(C=O)O-). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (-N(C=O)O-) linkages.

[0065] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3' - dimethyldiphenyl -4, 4' -diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4 '-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chl oro-1, 3 -phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups. [0066] In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, Hl 2 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone- based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0067] In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), poly vinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-m ethyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

[0068] The barrier layers 216a, 216b may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 216a, 216b include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, barrier layers 216a, 216b may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 216a, 216b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

[0069] The chamber 218 can be produced from the barrier layers 216a, 216b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers 216a, 216b can be produced by coextrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 218.

[0070] The chamber 218 desirably has a low gas transmission rate. In some embodiments, the chamber 218 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least approximately ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, chamber 218 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic- centimeter/square-meter»atmosphere*day (cm³/m²»atm*day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers 216a, 216b). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm³/m²»atm*day or less, 5 cm³/m²*atm»day or less, or 1 cm³/m²*atm»day or less.

[0071] In some implementations, the inner barrier layer 216a and the outer barrier layer 216b cooperate to form a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber 218. The peripheral seam 220 may extend around the chamber 218 to seal the chamber 218 and allow a vacuum (i.e., a negative pressure) to be applied to the chamber 218. Thus, the chamber 218 is associated with an area of the bladder 202 where interior surfaces of the inner and outer barrier layers 216a, 216b are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another. The compressible component 206 is received within the chamber 218 in areas where the barrier layers 216a, 216b are not joined together.

[0072] In some examples, the barrier layers 216a, 216b may include the same materials to provide the chamber 218 with a homogenous barrier construction, such that both sides of the adjustment element 200 will contract and relax at the same rate when pressure within the chamber 218 is adjusted. Alternatively, a first one of the barrier layers 216a, 216b may be at least partially constructed of a different barrier material and/or configuration than the other one of the barrier layers 216a, 216b to selectively impart a contour as the adjustment element 200 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state. For example, one of the barrier layers 216a, 216b may be at least partially formed with a different modulus of elasticity and/or stiffness than the other barrier layer 216a, 216b, such that when the adjustment element 200 transitions from the relaxed state to the constricted state, the first one of the barrier layers 216a, 216b contracts at a different rate than the other barrier layer 216a, 216b to cause the adjustment element 200 to curl.

[0073] The compressible component 206 is disposed within the interior void 204 of the adjustment element 200 and forms a transformable structure operable to transition the article between the relaxed state and the constricted state. A first surface 222a of the compressible component 206 faces the inner barrier layer 216a and the second surface 222b faces the outer barrier layer 216b. In this example, the compressible component 206 includes the infill structure 208 having the plurality of recesses 210 formed through the thickness T206 (i .e., direction from first surface 222a to the second surface 222b) of the compressible component 206. Generally, when a pressure within the chamber 218 is reduced, the infill structure 208 is configured to collapse within the chamber 218 to transition the adjustment element 200 and the article from a relaxed or expanded state to a constricted state.

[0074] One or both surfaces 222a, 222b of the compressible component 206 may be attached to the corresponding barrier layer 216a, 216b when the adjustment element 200 is assembled. In one configuration, one or both of the first surface 222a and the second surface 222b may be fully attached to the corresponding one of the barrier layers 216a, 216b. Thus, as the compressible component 206 moves between the relaxed state and the contracted or constricted state, the surfaces 222a, 222b of the compressible component 206 directly pull the barrier layers 216a, 216b to transition the barrier layers 216a, 216b between the relaxed state and the constricted state.

[0075] In other examples, one or both of the surfaces 222a, 222b of the compressible component 206 may be fully detached from the barrier layers 216a, 216b. In this configuration, the barrier layers 216a, 216b are free to slide with respect to the surfaces 222a, 222b of the compressible component 206 as the compressible component 206 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state. Here, the barrier layers 216a, 216b may be indirectly influenced into the relaxed and constricted states by the compressible component 206.

[0076] In other implementations, at least one of the surfaces 222a, 222b of the compressible component 206 may be partially attached to the barrier layers 216a, 216b. For example, the compressible component 206 may be attached to the barrier layers 216a, 216b along a periphery of the surfaces 222a, 222b such that the interior region of the respective surface 222a, 222b is detached or independent from the barrier layers 216a, 216b. Thus, as the compressible component 206 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state, the barrier layers 216a, 216b are influenced into the relaxed state and the contracted state by the outer periphery of the compressible component 206. Alternatively, at least one of the surfaces 222a, 222b of the compressible component 206 may be zonally attached to a respective one of the barrier layers 216a, 216b.

[0077] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-3, the adjustment element 200 is operable between a relaxed state and a constricted state, such that the configuration of the compressible component 206 may be manipulated when translated from the relaxed state to the constricted state. For example, a port 130 may be attached to the article to assist in drawing a vacuum within the chamber 218 of the adjustment element 200. The infill structure 208 may be divided into a plurality of structural zones 224, such that the infill structure 208 may include an embedded structure 226. For example, the structural zones 224 may cooperate to form a three-dimensional structure when the embedded structure 226 is in a structured state. The embedded structure 226 may be formed from at least one preformed fold 228 and is operable between an unstructured state and the structured state. It is generally contemplated that the structured state corresponds to the constricted state of the compressible component 206 and the unstructured state corresponds to the relaxed state of the compressible component 206. In one configuration, the preformed fold 228 may include a plurality of preformed folds 228, such that the folds 228 of the embedded structure 226 generally form the structural zones 224 each having a respective orientation to form the three- dimensional structure of the embedded structure 226 in the structured state. In one configuration, the structural zones 224 may be rotated relative to an adjacent structural zone 224 to form the embedded structure 226, as described in further detail below. The embedded structure 226 generally has a two-dimensional configuration in the unstructured state, such that the structural zones 224 are generally flat or otherwise free from a defined shape. Stated differently, the embedded structure 226 is generally planar and uniform within the bladder 202 of the adjustment element 200 when the embedded structure 226 is in the unstructured state.

[0078] The embedded structure 226 may be configured to form a particular three-dimensional shape in the structured state, such that each of the plurality of structural zones 224 may be altered from the unstructured state to the structured state to form the three-dimensional configuration. By way of example, not limitation, the embedded structure 226 may form a cone or otherwise conical formation, as illustrated in FIG. 7D, which is formed by each of the structural zones 224 having variable orientations relative to one another. As mentioned above, the infill structure 208 may have a wave configuration and/or an egg-crate configuration, which may be used in combination to form various configurations of the embedded structure 226. For example, it is contemplated that the wave configuration may provide a first orientation of the structural zones 224 and the eggcrate configuration may provide a second orientation of the structural zones 224.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, each of the structural zones 224 may be formed from a singular infill structure 208 and the general orientation of each of the zones 224 may be altered and/or alternated to create a pattern of the embedded structure 226. The embedded structure 226 may be utilized to conform to a body part of a wearer regardless of the configuration and orientation of the structural zones 224. The compressible component 206 may be generally loose or otherwise unfitted relative to the wearer in the unstructured state, and the embedded structure 226 is translated to the three-dimensional configuration and is generally fitted or otherwise constricted about the wearer in the structured state. As described further below, the adjustment element 200 may also be configured with a dead zone 252 that resists constriction as the compressible component 206 translates from the unstructured state to the structured state.

[0080] FIGS. 4A-9 illustrate various configurations of the embedded structure 226. In each configuration, the barrier layers 216a, 216b may be drawn into the recesses 210 of the compressible component 206, such that the infill structure 208 may be generally visible through the barrier layers 216a, 216b. For example, the barrier layers 216a, 216b may be formed from a film that may be selectively disposed within the plurality of recesses 210 in the constricted state of the compressible component. Stated differently, the adjustment element 200 may shrink or otherwise be compressed into the embedded structure 226 by the preformed folds 228 of the compressible component 206. The preformed folds 228 of the compressible component 206 generally form an origami structure, such that the embedded structure 226 is translated into a three-dimensional configuration as an at least partial vacuum is drawn within the interior void 204 of the bladder 202 to translate the embedded structure 226 from the unstructured state to the structured state.

[0081] The compressible component 206 generally resists z-height compression and contraction as the adjustment element 200 translates from the relaxed state to the constricted state. The resistance of the z-height compression assists in translating the compressible component 206 from the unstructured state to the structured state by articulating the embedded structure 226 along the preformed fold(s) 228. The translation of the barrier layers 216a, 216b of the bladder 202 into the plurality of recesses 210 of the infill structure 208 of the compressible component 206 further advantageously assists in optionally utilizing a thicker material for one or both of the barrier layers 216a, 216b, such that a variety of materials may be utilized in forming the bladder 202. The varying of the material thicknesses may assist in providing additional structural differences along the adjustment element 200 to form various three-dimensional configurations of the embedded structure 226. Additionally or alternatively, the embedded structure 226 may translate from a three-dimensional configuration to a two-dimensional or planar configuration where the compressible component 206 is generally free from preformed folds 228.

[0082] It is generally contemplated that the preformed folds 228 may be utilized in executing a soft robotics function of the adjustment element 200, such that the compressible component 206 may be manipulated in such a way as to mimic robotic movement as the adjustment element 200 translates from the relaxed state to the constricted state. Stated differently, the adjustment element 200 may have functional transitive movements between the unstructured state and the structured state of the embedded structure 226. The preformed folds 228 may cooperate with the thickness of the barrier layers 216a, 216b to execute the soft robotic movement of the adjustment element 200 as a vacuum is drawn within the chamber 218. For example, the embedded structure 226 may be articulated from a two-dimensional or planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration with a clearly defined shape in fluid motion.

[0083] The preformed folds 228 may be utilized to form fit to the wearer, as mentioned above, such that the adjustment element 200 may be contoured to the wearer to provide a customized fit of the article about the wearer. The infill structure 208 may include a plurality of pressure points 230 (FIG. 1A) defined along the compressible component 206 depending on the orientation of the structural zones 224 within the bladder 202 relative to the article. For example, in the unstructured state of the compressible component 206 of the footwear 10, the pressure points 230 of the compressible component 206 may be proximate to the throat 110 of the footwear 10 and the toe cap 106. As the adjustment element 200 translates from the relaxed state to the constricted state, the pressure points 230 may be generally redistributed along the compressible component 206, such that the structural zones 224 of the infill structure 208 proximate to the quarter panels 108 may constrict and generally redistribute the pressure evenly along the upper 100. The control of the three-dimensional configuration of the embedded structure 226 advantageously assists the wearer in customizing the fit of the article and to evenly distribute pressure along the article. Stated differently, the distribution of pressure points 230 along the infill structure 208 results in a three- dimensional contour of the adjustment element 200 as the vacuum is drawn.

[0084] With specific reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, one implementation of an adjustment element 200a is illustrated as translating from the relaxed state to the constricted state. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0085] The adjustment element 200a includes a bladder 202 in which a compressible component 206a is disposed. The compressible component 206a includes an infill structure 208a and is operable between a relaxed stated and a constricted state. In the relaxed state, the compressible component 206a is expanded and generally spread apart to form a generally curved structure of the adjustment element 200a. Stated differently, the infill structure 208a of the compressible component 206a forms a defined wave configuration within the bladder 202. As the vacuum is drawn within the bladder 202 of the adjustable element 200a, the compressible component 206a generally constricts and draws together. As illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, recesses 210 of the compressible component 206a are minimized as a vacuum is drawn within an interior void 204 to generally compress or constrict the compressible component 206a and flatten the adjustment element 200a. For example, the adjustment element 200a may be compressed into a generally planar structure, such that the infill structure 208a is generally flat or planar compared to the configuration of the infill structure 208a in the relaxed state of the adjustment element 200a. It is also contemplated that the adjustment element 200a may be partially constricted, such that the infill structure 208a may at least partially define the recesses 210 while being generally constricted compared to the fully relaxed state of the adjustment element 200a.

[0086] The configuration of the adjustment element 200a illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D includes a single structural zone 224a of the infill structure 208a, such that the compressible component 206a has a single orientation and uniformly constricts within a uniform plane. For example, a first end 240 of the adjustment element 200a constricts and expands at a rate equal to a second end 242 of the adjustment element 200a. Stated differently, the adjustment element 200a translates from the relaxed state to the constricted state uniformly in both a longitudinal and lateral direction. The single structural zone 224a is generally free from preformed folds 228 to form a uniform embedded structure 226a, such that the embedded structure 226a is revealed as a planar configuration as a vacuum is drawn within the interior void 204 of the adjustment element 200a.

[0087] With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5C, an adjustment element 200b is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0088] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5A, the adjustment element 200b includes a bladder 202 in which a compressible component 206b is disposed. The compressible component 206b includes an infill structure 208b and is operable between a relaxed stated and a constricted state. The adjustment element 200b also includes a plurality of structural zones 224b integrally formed with the compressible component 206b of the adjustment element 200b. The plurality of structural zones 224b generally include a first structural zone 224b i, a second structural zone 224b?, and a third structural zone 224bs. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of structural zones 224b may include less than three structural zones 224bi-224bs or greater than three structural zones 224bi-224b3. It is contemplated that the structural zones 224b may be integrally formed as part of the compressible component 206b, such that during the formation of the compressible component 206b, each of the structural zones 224b is generally constricted in an alternating configuration. Alternatively, the compressible component 206b may be formed from a plurality of subcomponents each forming a respective structural zone 224b and configured to form a specific orientation of the infill structure 208b. In either construction, the orientation of the respective infill structure 208b of each of the structural zones 224b of the compressible component 206b alternate in orientation. The alternating orientation of the structural zones 224b assists in translating the adjustment element 200b from a generally two-dimensional configuration into a three-dimensional configuration as the adjustment element 200b translates from the relaxed state into the constricted state.

[0089] The adjustment element 200b is illustrated in FIG. 5A in the relaxed state having a generally planar or two-dimensional configuration. As a vacuum is drawn within an interior void 204 of the adjustment element 200b, the compressible component 206b is articulated. The compressible component 206b is generally constricted, such that the infill structure 208b is compressed and the structural zones 224b are activated to articulate the adjustment element 200b. For example, the structural zones 224b are articulated along each of an x-, y-, and z-axis. The first and third structural zones 224bi, 224bs are oriented at an angle relative to the second structural zone 224b?, such that the orientation of the first and third structural zones 224b i, 224ba inform the three-dimensional structure of the adjustment element 200b to a greater degree as compared to the second structural zone 224b . The angled articulation of the first and third structural zones 224bi, 224bs compress along preformed folds 228b bordering the second structural zone 224b?. The pressure applied along the preformed folds 228b as the vacuum is drawn articulates an embedded structure 226b of the adjustment element 200b to form a three-dimensional configuration.

[0090] Each of the structural zones 224b of the compressible component 206b have a first end 240 with a greater width W240 as compared to a width W242 of a second end 242 of the compressible component 206b. Stated differently, the compressible component 206b generally tapers from the first end 240 to the second end 242 of the adjustment element 200b, such that the structural zones 224bi-224bs converge at each second end 242. The tapered configuration of the adjustment element 200b may assist in forming the three-dimensional configuration of the adjustment element 200b under the vacuum. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the second end 242 of the adjustment element 200b is generally raised relative to the first end 240, such that the embedded structure 226b has a generally sloped configuration between the second ends 242 and the first ends 240. The varied orientations of the structural zones 224bi-224bs cooperate to form a three-dimensional contour of the adjustment element 200b and, thus, the article, about the wearer.

[0091] As mentioned above, each of the structural zones 224bi-224b3 are formed by the preformed folds 228b disposed between each zone 224bi-224bs to ultimately form the embedded structure 226b. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5C, the embedded structure 226b is raised along the converged second ends 242 of the structural zones 224bi-224bs relative to the first ends 240. Stated differently, the embedded structure 226b is translated from a planar or two- dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional configuration in response to the orientation of the structural zones 224bi-224bs formed by the preformed folds 228b.

[0092] With reference now to FIGS. 6A-6D, an adjustment element 200c is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0093] The adjustment element 200c includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 in which a compressible component 206c is disposed. The compressible component 206c of the adjustment element 200c includes a plurality of structural zones 224c distributed across an infill structure 208c of the compressible component 206c. It is contemplated that the adjustment element 200c may have a generally circular configuration in the relaxed state. By way of example, not limitation, the adjustment element 200c depicted in FIG. 6A is illustrated as a dodecagon having twelve structural zones 224c. It is also contemplated that the adjustment element 200c may have more than twelve structural zones 224c or less than twelve structural zones 224c. Each of the structural zones 224c has a generally triangular configuration, such that a first end 240 of the structural zones 224c has a width W240 that is greater than a width W242 of a second end 242 of the structural zones 224c. The second ends 242 of the structural zones 224c may be joined at a central region 250c of the adjustment element 200c to form a dead zone 252c of the adjustment element 200c. The infill structure 208c has a shrink vector Vs formed along a perimeter of the adjustment element 200c toward the central region 250c. The shrink vector Vs cooperates with preformed folds 228c formed between each of the structural zones 224c to apply a force along the infill structure 208c. The applied force ultimately translates the infill structure 208c to form or reveal the embedded structure 226c. For example, the vacuum applied to the adjustment element 200c assists in increasing the degree of force defined by the shrink vector Vs and along the preformed folds 228c to articulate the structural zones 224c and form a three-dimensional configuration of the embedded structure 226c.

[0094] The structural zones 224c cooperate to form a three-dimensional configuration of the adjustment element 200c when the adjustment element 200c is under a vacuum. As the vacuum is drawn, the recesses 210c formed along the infill structure 208c are minimized, such that the infill structure 208c is compressed. The angled orientations of each respective structural zone 224c create opposing forces that draw the first ends 240 of the structural zones 224c toward one another. The dead zone 252c disperses the forces defined between each of the second ends 242 of the structural zones 224c to generally form a saddle-shape in the constricted state of the adjustment element 200c. For example, the forces acting between each of the structural zones 224c are neutralized at the dead zone 252c, such that the adjustment element 200c is free from articulation at the dead zone 252c. First and second portions 254c, 256c of the adjustment element 200c articulate in a first direction under the applied vacuum, while third and fourth portions 258c, 260c of the adjustment element 200c articulate in a second direction. The opposing directions of articulation may be in part responsive to the neutralization of the forces by the dead zone 252c and the opposing angled forces along the preformed folds 228c between each structural zone 224c.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 6D, the first portion 254c is disposed proximate to the second portion 256c in the constricted state of the adjustment element 200c, such that the first ends 240 of the structural zones 224c in the first portion 254c are drawn toward the first ends 240 of the structural zones 224c in the second portion 256c. Similarly, the third portion 258c is drawn toward the fourth portion 260c of the adjustment element 200c, such that each of the third and fourth portions 258c, 260c are respectively drawn away from the first and second portions 254c, 256c in the constricted state of the adjustment element 200c. [0096] With reference now to FIGS. 7A-7D, an adjustment element 200d is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0097] The adjustment element 200d includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 in which a compressible component 206d is disposed. The compressible component 206d includes a plurality of structural zones 224d distributed across an infill structure 208d of the compressible component 206d. It is contemplated that the adjustment element 200d may have a generally circular configuration in the relaxed state. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment element 200d may have a polygonal configuration depending on the number of structural zones 224d formed as part of the adjustment element 200d. In this configuration, each of the structural zones 224d of the compressible component 206d is segmented by an adjustment line 270d. For example, the structural zones 224d illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C have a stacked, inverted V-shaped configuration, and the adjustment lines 270d are disposed between each structural zone 224d. The adjustment lines 270d may converge at a dead zone 252d of the adjustment element 200d, such that as a vacuum is drawn within the interior void 204, the compressible component 206d is drawn upward to form a cone-shape as the adjustment lines 270d converge at the dead zone 252d. Each of the structural zones 224d illustrated in FIG. 7C share a tiered configuration of articulation elements 278d that are separated by the adjustment lines 270d. Each structural zone 224d also has a first end 240 that has a width W240 that may be greater than a width W242 of a second end 242, and each of the articulation elements 278d may vary in size from the first end 240 of the structural zones 224d to the second end 242.

[0098] The adjustment lines 270d may provide structural definition of an embedded structure 226d that may be formed along the infill structure 208d and revealed in response to the articulation of each structural zone 224d. Stated differently, the structural zones 224d cooperate with the adjustment lines 270d to form a three-dimensional configuration of the embedded structure 226d of the adjustment element 200d under vacuum. In one configuration, the adjustment lines 270d provide a rigid linear frame while each articulation element 278d translates the respective structural zone 224d into the embedded structure 226d. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the embedded structure 226d is a cone shape, which has each of the adjustment lines 270d converging at the dead zone 252d. It is contemplated that the articulation elements 278d may partially articulate to provide a varied configuration of the embedded structure 226d depending on the desired fit and configuration of the adjustment element 200d relative the wearer.

[0099] The structural zones 224d may also be formed by preformed folds 228d that generally divide each of the articulation elements 278d, such that the adjustment lines 270d may be generally centrally disposed within each structural zone 224d. The preformed folds 228d and the adjustment lines 270d cooperate to assist in articulating the adjustment element 200d into the embedded structure 226d. The articulation elements 278d and the preformed folds 228d further cooperate with the adjustment lines 270d to form the embedded structure 226d of the adjustment element 200d. For example, FIGS. 7B-7D illustrate the articulation elements 278d transitioning along the preformed folds 228d as a vacuum is drawn within the bladder 202 to form a cone shape of the embedded structure 226d. As illustrated, each of the articulation elements 278d are nested or stacked to form the structural zones 224d. The variable sized articulation elements 278d assist in the compression of the adjustment element 200d as the compressible component 206d is translated under the applied vacuum. Further, the articulation elements 278d assist in forming the coneshape of the adjustment element 200d.

[0100] With reference now to FIGS. 8A-8D, an adjustment element 200e is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0101] The adjustment element 200e includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 in which a compressible component 206e is disposed. The compressible component 206d includes a plurality of structural zones 224e distributed across an infill structure 208e of the compressible component 206e. It is contemplated that the adjustment element 200e may have a generally circular configuration in the relaxed state. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment element 200e may have a polygonal configuration depending on the number of structural zones 224e formed as part of the adjustment element 200e. In this configuration, each of the structural zones 224e of the compressible component 206e are segmented by an adjustment line 270e. For example, the structural zones 224e may have a stacked, inverted V-shaped configuration forming a plurality of articulation elements 278e, and the adjustment lines 270e are disposed between each structural zone 224e. As compared to the adjustment element 200d illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, the adjustment element 200e is free from a dead zone, such that as a vacuum is drawn within the interior void 204 the compressible component 206e, the adjustment lines 270e converge together to form a more pointed cone-shaped configuration. Stated differently, the adjustment lines 270e converge at a peak to form an embedded structure 226e of the adjustment element 200e. As described above, the adjustment lines 270e cooperate with the structural zones 224e to form the embedded structure 226e when a vacuum is applied to the adjustment element 200e.

[0102] With reference now to FIG. 9, an adjustment element 200f is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment element 200, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0103] The adjustment element 200f includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 in which a compressible component 206f is disposed. The compressible component 206f includes a plurality of structural zones 224f distributed across an infill structure 208f of the compressible component 206f and formed by a plurality of preformed folds 228f. Each structural zone 224f includes a plurality of articulation elements 278f that converge at a central region 250f. The articulation elements 278f of the structural zones 224f are configured to translate between an unstructured state and a structured state to form an embedded structure 226f of the adjustment element 200f. A vacuum may be applied to the adjustment element 200f to articulate each of the articulation elements 278f within the structural zones 224f into a three-dimensional configuration of the embedded structure 226f. The embedded structure 226f may be configured to conform to a shape of the wearer and may be articulated to a degree desired by the wearer. Stated differently, the adjustment element 200f includes the embedded structure 226f, which is configured to articulate from a generally planar configuration into a three-dimensional configuration to provide a custom form-fit of the article relative to the wearer.

[0104] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-9, the compressible component 206 is configured with at least one structural zone 224 and is configured to generally resist z-height compression, which assists in translating the compressible component 206 from the unstructured state to the structured state. The embedded structure 226 is in turn articulated along the preformed fold(s) 228 to form the three-dimensional structure and custom-fit for the article. In addition, the translation of the barrier layers 216a, 216b of the bladder 202 into the plurality of recesses 210 of the infill structure 208 further advantageously assists in optionally utilizing a thicker material for one or both of the barrier layers 216a, 216b, such that a variety of materials may be utilized in forming the bladder 202. Varying the material thicknesses may assist in providing additional structural differences along the adjustment element 200 to form various three-dimensional configurations of the embedded structure 226. Additionally or alternatively, the embedded structure 226 may translate from a three-dimensional configuration to a two-dimensional or planar configuration where the compressible component 206 is generally free from preformed folds 228. The preformed folds 228 may cooperate with the thickness of the barrier layers 216a, 216b to execute the soft robotic movement of the adjustment element 200 as a vacuum is drawn within the chamber 218.

[0105] It is generally contemplated that the adjustment element 200 is configured to operate with a soft robotics function, such that the compressible component 206 may be manipulated in such a way as to mimic robotic movement as the adjustment element 200 translates from the relaxed state to the constricted state. The embedded structure may be utilized to form fit to the wearer, as mentioned above, such that the adjustment element 200 may be contoured to the wearer to provide a customized fit of the article about the wearer.

[0106] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An adjustment element for an article of footwear, the adjustment element comprising: a bladder forming an interior void; and a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first embedded structure tapering in a direction from a first end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a second end, the compressible component movable from a first configuration having a first shape to a second configuration having a second shape in response to fluid being removed from the interior void.

2. The adjustment element of Claim 1, wherein the first embedded structure includes a series of peaks and valleys.

3. The adjustment element of Claim 2, wherein peaks and valleys of the series of peaks and valleys are positioned into individual V-shaped segments.

4. The adjustment element of Claim 3, wherein the V-shaped segments are aligned with one another along a central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure, the central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure extending through the first end of the first embedded structure and the second end of the first embedded structure.

5. The adjustment element of Claim 3, wherein the V-shaped segments are nested with one another.

6. The adjustment element of Claim 1, wherein the second end of the first embedded structure is disposed at an interior location of the compressible component.

7. The adjustment element of Claim 1, wherein the compressible component includes a second embedded structure, the second embedded structure tapering in a direction from a third end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a fourth end.

8. The adjustment element of Claim 7, wherein the second end of the first embedded structure and the fourth end of the second embedded structure are in contact with one another at a junction.

9. The adjustment element of Claim 7, wherein the first end of the first embedded structure and the third end of the second embedded structure move toward one another when the compressible component is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration.

10. An article of footwear incorporating the adjustment element of Claim 1.

11. An adjustment element for an article of footwear, the adjustment element comprising: a bladder forming an interior void; and a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first embedded structure having a series of peaks and valleys, the compressible component movable from a first configuration having a substantially planar profile to a second configuration having a curved profile in response to fluid being removed from the interior void.

12. The adjustment element of Claim 11, wherein the compressible component is formed from foam.

13. The adjustment element of Claim 11, wherein peaks and valleys of the series of peaks and valleys are positioned into individual V-shaped segments.

14. The adjustment element of Claim 13, wherein the V-shaped segments are aligned with one another along a central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure, the central, longitudinal axis of the first embedded structure extending through a first end of the first embedded structure and a second end of the first embedded structure.

15. The adjustment element of Claim 13, wherein the V-shaped segments are nested with one another.

16. The adjustment element of Claim 11, wherein the first embedded structure tapers in a direction from a first end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a second end.

17. The adjustment element of Claim 16, wherein the compressible component includes a second embedded structure, the second embedded structure tapering in a direction from a third end located at an outer perimeter edge of the compressible component to a fourth end.

18. The adjustment element of Claim 17, wherein the second end of the first embedded structure and the fourth end of the second embedded structure are in contact with one another at a junction.

19. The adjustment element of Claim 17, wherein the first end of the first embedded structure and the third end of the second embedded structure move toward one another when the compressible component is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration to form the curved profile.

20. An article of footwear incorporating the adjustment element of Claim 11.