具体实施方式：
[0022]The embodiments include articles of footwear with tubular structures for using in applying tension through one or more regions of the article of footwear, as well as methods for printing the tubular structures onto the articles of footwear. The tubular structure may extend along an upper of the article of footwear.
[0023]The embodiments provide an article of footwear with an upper. The article also includes a tubular structure with a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The tubular structure forms a tunnel extending through the tubular structure from the first end to the second end. The article further includes a first tensile strand extending through at least a portion of the tunnel of the tubular structure. The intermediate portion of the tubular structure includes a tab portion that extends away from the intermediate portion. The tab portion is attached to the article of footwear and anchors the tubular structure to the article of footwear.
[0024]Embodiments also provide an article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure joined at least at a bite line of the article of footwear. The article further includes a tubular structure with a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The tubular structure forms a tunnel extending through the tubular structure from the first end to the second end, where the intermediate portion of the tubular structure includes a surface with an opening that extends to the tunnel. The article also includes a first tensile strand extending through the tunnel of the tubular structure. A second tensile strand has a first portion attached to an attachment region of the article of footwear. The second tensile strand also has a second portion engaged with the first tensile strand proximate the opening. The intermediate portion is disposed adjacent the bite line of the article of footwear.
[0025]Embodiments also provide a method of making an article of footwear with an upper. The method includes a step of receiving a customized design for a tubular structure. The method also includes printing a print material onto a surface of the upper to form the tubular structure with a tunnel, where the tubular structure is printed with an opening that extends from a surface of the tubular structure to the tunnel. The method also includes printing the print material to form a tab portion that is integral with the tubular structure. The method also includes inserting a tensile strand through the tunnel of the tubular structure.
[0026]Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
[0027]Certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein in the context of various embodiments; however, the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof. For example, the embodiments may make use of any of the structures, components, and/or methods as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/263,898, filed Dec. 7, 2015, titled “Article of Footwear with Tubular Structures,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference (hereafter referred to as the “Articles with Tubular Structures application”). The embodiments may also make use of any of the structures, components, and/or methods as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/263,891, filed Dec. 7, 2015, titled “Segmented Tunnels on Articles,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. The embodiments may also make use of any of the structures, components, and/or methods as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/263,923, filed Dec. 7, 2015, titled “Tunnel Spring Structures,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0028]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear 100. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100 has the form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 could be incorporated into various other kinds of footwear including, but not limited to, basketball shoes, hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 could be incorporated into various other kinds of non-sports-related footwear, including, but not limited to, slippers, sandals, high-heeled footwear, and loafers.
[0029]For purposes of clarity, the following detailed description discusses the features of article of footwear 100, also referred to simply as article 100. However, it will be understood that other embodiments may incorporate a corresponding article of footwear (e.g., a left article of footwear when article 100 is a right article of footwear) that may share some, and possibly all, of the features of article 100 described herein and shown in the figures.
[0030]The embodiments may be characterized by various directional adjectives and reference portions. These directions and reference portions may facilitate in describing the portions of an article of footwear. Moreover, these directions and reference portions may also be used in describing subcomponents of an article of footwear (e.g., directions and/or portions of a midsole structure, an outer sole structure, an upper, or any other components).
[0031]For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of a component (e.g., an upper or sole component). A longitudinal direction may extend along a longitudinal axis, which itself extends between a forefoot portion and heel portion of the component. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. A lateral direction may extend along a lateral axis, which itself extends between a medial side and lateral side of a component. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a vertical axis, which itself is generally perpendicular to a lateral axis and longitudinal axis. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, a vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. Additionally, the term “inner” refers to a portion of an article disposed closer to an interior of an article, or closer to a foot when the article is worn. Likewise, the term “outer” refers to a portion of an article disposed further from the interior of the article or from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a component is disposed closer to an interior of the article than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description makes use of these directional adjectives in describing an article and various components of the article, including an upper, a midsole structure, and/or an outer sole structure.
[0032]Article 100 may be characterized by a number of different regions or portions. For example, article 100 could include a forefoot portion, midfoot portion, heel portion, and an ankle portion. Moreover, components of article 100 could likewise comprise corresponding portions. Referring to FIG. 1, article 100 may be divided into forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, and heel portion 14. Forefoot portion 10 may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion 12 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion 14 may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article 100 may also include ankle portion 15 (which may also be referred to as a cuff portion). In addition, article 100 may include lateral side 16 and medial side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may be opposing sides of article 100. Furthermore, both lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may extend through forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, heel portion 14, and ankle portion 15.
[0033]As shown in FIG. 1, article 100 may comprise upper 102 and sole structure 110. In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 110 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 110 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 110 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood flooring, as well as other surfaces.
[0034]Sole structure 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 110 may include different components. For example, sole structure 110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional.
[0035]Upper 102 may include a variety of provisions for receiving and covering a foot, as well as securing article 100 to the foot. In some embodiments, upper 102 includes opening 114 that provides entry for the foot into an interior cavity of upper 102. In some embodiments, upper 102 may include tongue 122 that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening provisions, including, but not limited to, laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers as well as any other provisions known in the art for fastening articles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a particular tensioning system for tensioning one or more regions of upper 102 is shown, which is described in further detail below. However, other embodiments could incorporate additional and possibly separate tensioning or fastening systems, including more traditional lacing systems that may be used to close opening 114 around a foot. Moreover, for purposes of clarity, the exemplary embodiment does not include a lace, strap, or other fastening feature that might be used to fasten opening 114. Instead, the exemplary embodiment makes use of a set of tensile strands to apply tension over the instep, which may affect the size of opening 114, as discussed in further detail below.
[0036]In different embodiments, upper 102 may have a variety of different configurations. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size, and/or color. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, article 100 is a basketball shoe and so, therefore, upper 102 may have a high-top configuration that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In other embodiments, however, upper 102 could be configured as a low-top upper for running or other activities.
[0037]Upper 102 and sole structure 110 may be attached in any manner. Embodiments can utilize any known methods for securing a sole structure to an upper, including various lasting techniques such as board-lasting, slip-lasting, combination-lasting, or strobel-lasting techniques. In FIG. 1, bite line 125 is the location along the periphery of article 100 where upper 102 meets and/or joins to sole structure 110.
[0038]FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of article of footwear 100, including various components. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, article 100 may be provided with tensioning system 130. Tensioning system 130 may further include tubular structure 140, first tensile strand 160, and a plurality of secondary tensile strands 180.
[0039]As used herein, the term “tubular structure” refers to any elongated structure with length greater than width and thickness (or diameter for rounded geometries), which further includes an internal tunnel or cavity through its length. In this detailed description and in the claims, the term tubular structure is not intended to be limited to structures with rounded inner and outer cross-sectional geometries. In other words, tubular structures could have outer cross-sectional geometries that are approximately rectangular or polygonal, ovoid or other geometries that need not be circular or approximately circular. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, tubular structure 140 may generally comprise an elongated structure, which further includes tunnel 141. Tubular structure 140 may further have a cross-sectional geometry that includes rounded section 161, which faces outwardly from article 100, and flattened section 163, which is generally disposed against upper 102.
[0040]Tubular structure 140 may further include first end 142, second end 144, and intermediate portion 146 that is disposed between first end 142 and second end 144. Intermediate portion 146 need not extend the full length between first end 142 and second end 144, and may generally characterize a region or segment of tubular structure 140 between first end 142 and second end 144. Tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140 may extend continuously through the entire length of tubular structure 140, from first end 142 to second end 144. Of course, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, tunnel 141 need not extend all the way to first end 142 or second end 144 of tubular structure 140.
[0041]Tubular structure 140 may be configured with one or more openings in a surface or sidewall of tubular structure 140. In FIGS. 1-2, tubular structure 140 includes plurality of openings 150. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, first opening 152, which may be representative of plurality of openings 150, is disposed in outer surface 143 of tubular structure 140. First opening 152 may further extend to tunnel 141. In other words, first opening 152 extends from outer surface 151 to inner surface 153 (shown in FIG. 1) of tubular structure 140. It will be understood that each of the remaining openings in plurality of openings 150 may likewise extend from outer surface 143 to tunnel 141. Thus, plurality of openings 150 may provide an access point for components (such as tensile strands) to enter or exit tunnel 141. Although not shown in the Figures, first end 142 and second end 144 of tubular structure 140 may likewise include openings that allow for access to tunnel 141.
[0042]The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 has a common orientation for plurality of openings 150 along tubular structure 140. Specifically, each of the plurality of openings 150 is generally oriented toward an instep of article 100. However, other opening orientations are possible, and in some embodiments different holes could be configured with different orientations.
[0043]In different embodiments, one or more dimensions of a tubular structure, as well as the tunnel and openings formed in the tubular structure, could vary. For example, in different embodiments, the outer diameter of a tubular structure could have any value in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 cm. Likewise, the tube thickness, characterized by the distance between the outer surface and inner surface (e.g., outer surface 151 and inner surface 153) could have any value in the range between 0.5 mm and 1.8 cm. It may be appreciated that the tunnel diameter may vary in accordance with the tube thickness (i.e., the tunnel diameter is the diameter of the tubular structure minus twice the tube thickness). Moreover, the diameter and tube thickness for a tubular structure may be selected according to various factors including desired tensile strand diameter, desired flexibility of the tubular structure, desired height of the tubular structure relative to the upper as well as possibly other factors.
[0044]Additionally, the number and arrangement of openings could vary. For example, some embodiments may include only a single opening, while others could include between two and 50 openings. Still other embodiments could include more than 50 openings. The number of openings could be selected according to the number of access points to a tunnel required, as well as the desired flexibility of a tubular structure, as additional openings may increase the flexibility of the tubular structure proximate the openings. It may also be appreciated that the openings could be disposed uniformly through the tubular structure, or in any discrete groups or patterns.
[0045]The sizes of openings could vary. For example, a circumferential dimension of an opening may characterize how much of the circumference of a tubular structure that the opening covers. Some embodiments can include openings with a circumferential dimension of only a few percent of the total circumference of the tubular structure. Still other embodiments could include openings with a circumferential dimension having a value between 20 and 80 percent of the circumference of the tubular structure. For example, in other embodiments, openings could be large enough so that only a narrow section of the tubular structure connects adjacent portions of the tubular structure at the opening.
[0046]A tubular structure can be configured with various physical properties. Exemplary physical properties of the tubular structure that could be varied include rigidity, strength, and flexibility or elasticity. In some embodiments, for example, a tubular structure could be configured as relatively rigid with little flexibility. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, tubular structure 140 may be configured with some flexibility such that one or more portions of tubular structure 140 can undergo elastic deformation during tensioning.
[0047]Different embodiments could utilize different materials for a tubular structure. Exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to, various kinds of polymers. In embodiments where a tubular structure may be formed by a 3D printing process, the tubular structure could be made of materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastics (e.g., PLA and ABS) and thermoplastic powders, high-density polyurethylene, eutectic metals, rubber, modeling clay, plasticine, RTV silicone, porcelain, metal clay, ceramic materials, plaster and photopolymers, as well as possibly other materials known for use in 3D printing. Such materials may be herein referred to as “printable materials.”
[0048]Tensioning system 130 includes first tensile strand 160 and plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. As used herein, the term “tensile strand” refers to any elongated (e.g., approximately two dimensional) element capable of transferring tension across its length. Examples of various kinds of tensile strands that could be used with the embodiments include, but are not limited to, cords, laces, wires, cables, threads, ropes, filaments, yarns as well as possibly other kinds of strands. Tensile strands may be configured with different strengths as well as different degrees of stretch or elasticity.
[0049]First tensile strand 160 may comprise a cord-like element having an approximately rounded cross section. First tensile strand 160 includes first end portion 162, second end portion 164, and intermediate portion 166. Although the length of first tensile strand 160 could vary from one embodiment to another, in an exemplary embodiment, first tensile strand 160 may be longer than tubular structure 140 so that first end portion 162 and second end portion 164 extend outwardly from first end 142 and second end 144, respectively, of tubular structure 140.
[0050]In some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 may include provisions to prevent either first end portion 162 or second end portion 164 from being pulled into tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140. Such an element may be herein referred to as a “catching element,” though the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 is not depicted with any catching elements. Catching elements could include knots formed in a tensile strand or other elements that clamp or tie onto the tensile strand. A catching element may generally have a cross-sectional size and/or shape that prevents the catching element from being pulled into a tubular structure. Instead, the catching element may press against the end of the tubular structure thereby allowing the other end of the tensile strand to be pulled so as to generate tension across the tensile strand.
[0051]Embodiments can include provisions for facilitating attachment of a tubular structure to one or more structures of an article of footwear (also referred to as “attachment structures”). In some embodiments, a tubular structure may include parts that extend away from a tubular portion of the tubular structure, which may be a portion forming a tunnel of the tubular structure. In some embodiments, a tubular structure may comprise one or more tab portions that extend away from a tubular portion, or tunnel portion, of the tubular structure.
[0052]In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, intermediate portion 146 of tubular structure 140 may include plurality of tab portions 200. Plurality of tab portions 200 may be integral with, and extend away from, tubular portion 147 of intermediate portion 146. For example, tab portion 201 of plurality of tab portions 200 includes first end 202 that is integral with tubular portion 147 and second end 204 that is distal to (and spaced away from) tubular portion 147.
[0053]Tab portions may be configured in a variety of different shapes and/or sizes. The embodiment of FIG. 2 depicts tab portions having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape; however, other embodiments could be configured with any cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, semi-circular shapes, triangular shapes, regular shapes, and/or irregular shapes. In addition, one or more dimensions of a tab portion could vary. For example, a tab portion could be configured with a length (i.e., a dimension extending perpendicular to a tubular portion) in a range approximately between 1 percent and 25 percent of a length of the tubular structure. In still other embodiments, a tab portion could have a length in a range approximately between 0.1 percent and 1 percent of a length of the tubular structure. It may be appreciated that the shape and/or size of a tab portion may be selected to achieve a predetermined surface area for attaching the tab portion to an attachment structure of the article of footwear. Moreover, the shape and/or size could be selected according to the type and/or location of an attachment structure.
[0054]As discussed in further detail below, tab portions may be attached to various kinds of attachment structures on an article of footwear. Exemplary attachment structures include, but are not limited to, portions of an upper, portions of a sole structure, heel counters, toe guards, heel cups, ankle guards, support pads, mesh panels, tongues, eyestays (or lace stays), eyelets, straps, laces, as well as other kinds of structures. In some embodiments, a bite line may be an attachment structure, as it comprises adjacent portions of an upper and a sole structure.
[0055]Referring to FIGS. 1-2, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 includes four secondary tensile strands (or just “tensile strands”). Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 1-2, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 includes second tensile strand 182, third tensile strand 183, fourth tensile strand 184, and fifth tensile strand 185. In other embodiments, tensioning system 130 could include fewer than four secondary tensile strands. In still other embodiments, tensioning system 130 could include more than four secondary tensile strands.
[0056]In different embodiments, two or more tensile strands could vary in one more properties. In some embodiments, a first tensile strand and a second tensile strand could be substantially similar in materials and/or dimensions. In other embodiments, however, a first tensile strand and a second tensile strand could differ in material and/or dimensions. For example, the exemplary embodiment depicts first tensile strand 160 that is much longer than any of the plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. Further, first tensile strand 160 may have a larger diameter than second tensile strand 182, which is a representative tensile strand of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. In particular, in some embodiments, each of the tensile strands of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may have a similar diameter.
[0057]In some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 may also be made of a different material than second tensile strand 182. For example, in some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 could be made of nylon, while second tensile strand 182 could be made of a high-strength material such as Vectran. Using this combination of materials could allow for slightly more give and durability in first tensile strand 160, which may be subjected to stresses in many different directions. In other embodiments, however, first tensile strand 160 and second tensile strand 182 could be made of similar materials that impart similar physical properties including similar strength, stretch, and durability.
[0058]Optionally, in some embodiments, a tensile strand may be encased in a coating, such as a PTFE coating, that allows the tensile strand to be pulled or pushed smoothly through a tunnel and/or against a surface such as an upper with minimal resistance. It is also contemplated that in some other embodiments, some portions of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 could be laminated, covered, or embedded within a layer of TPU or other polymer material that may help bond plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 to an upper along their lengths.
[0059]Referring to FIG. 1, in the assembled article 100, tubular structure 140 extends along bite line 125 on outer surface 105 of upper 102. Specifically, first end 142 of tubular structure 140 (see FIG. 2) begins in heel portion 14 on medial side 18, extends through midfoot portion 12 and forefoot portion 10 on medial side 18 and then crosses to lateral side 16 at the front of article 100. From the front on lateral side 16, tubular structure 140 extends through forefoot portion 10 and midfoot portion 12, and into heel portion 14 on lateral side 16. Second end 144 is disposed in heel portion 14.
[0060]In some embodiments, each secondary tensile strand may comprise a loop-like strand or element that wraps over the top, or instep, of upper 102. Moreover, each secondary tensile strand includes a portion engaged with first tensile strand 160 and provide a means of transferring tension between first tensile strand 160 and one or more other regions of article 100 (e.g., transferring tension across the instep of upper 102).
[0061]A tubular structure may be secured to an article using a variety of different provisions. In embodiments including tubular structures with tubular portions and tab portions that extend from the tubular portions, the tubular portions and/or the tab portions could be attached to one or more structures of an article. For example, in some embodiments, a tubular portion could be attached to an upper. In other embodiments, a tab portion could be attached to an upper and/or to another structure of an article. In still other embodiments, a tubular portion and one or more tab portions could be attached to an upper and/or other structures of an article.
[0062]As used herein, “attachment” between a portion of a tubular structure and a portion of an article can include any of a variety of different means of attachment. Examples of attachment means include, but are not limited to, direct bonding (i.e., bonding between compatible materials such as a textile being bonded with a suitable polymer material using heat and/or pressure), adhesives, as well as other means of attachment known in the art. In some embodiments, a tubular portion and/or a tab portion could be attached to an upper, sole structure, or other component during a three-dimensional printing process, in which the portions are printed as three-dimensional structures onto the article and bond with a portion of the article as the print material cools and/or cures. Some exemplary means of attachment are discussed in further detail below and shown in FIGS. 6-7.
[0063]FIGS. 3-4 illustrate schematic isometric views of article 100, including enlarged cutaway views of article 100. Referring to FIGS. 3-4, plurality of tab portions 200 may be attached to article 100 at bite line 125. For example, a tab portion 210 of plurality of tab portions 200 may be disposed between sole structure 110 and upper 102 on medial side 18. Likewise, tab portion 212 of plurality of tab portions 200 may be disposed between sole structure 110 and upper 102 on lateral side 16. Similarly, the remaining plurality of tab portions 200 may be disposed between sole structure 110 and upper 102, as shown in FIG. 5, which illustrates a top-down schematic view of article 100 with upper 102 shown in phantom.
[0064]In attaching to article 100 at bite line 125, each tab portion may engage with surfaces of upper 102 and/or sole structure 110. As seen in FIG. 3, tab portion 210 includes first surface 231 in contact with outer surface 105 of upper 102 and second surface 232 in contact with interior surface 111 of sole structure 110. Similarly, each tab portion of plurality of tab portions 200 may likewise include opposing surfaces in contact with outer surface 105 of upper 102 and with interior surface 111 of sole structure 110, respectively.
[0065]In some embodiments, each tab portion could be secured both to upper 102 and to sole structure 110 (i.e., to outer surface 105 of upper 102 and to interior surface 111 of sole structure 110). However, in other embodiments a tab portion could be attached to only one of upper 102 and sole structure 110. For example, in another embodiment, a first surface of a tab portion could be attached to upper 102, while a second opposing surface may not be attached to sole structure 110 even though the second opposing surface may be adjacent to and/or in contact with sole structure 110. In another embodiment, a first surface of a tab portion could be attached to sole structure 110, while a second opposing surface may not be attached to upper 102 even though the second opposing surface may be adjacent to and/or in contact with upper 102.
[0066]By attaching plurality of tab portions 200 at bite line 125 of article 100, plurality of tab portions 200 may anchor tubular structure 140 in place along bite line 125. Such an arrangement may help keep tubular structure 140 from moving away from bite line 125. In contrast, for example, in embodiments where tubular structure 140 is secured to a side portion of upper 102, the tubular structure may change its absolute position on article 100 as upper 102 is deformed (e.g., stretched or compressed) under tensions applied through tensioning system 130.
[0067]FIGS. 3-4 also illustrate how tension applied to first tensile strand 160 may transmit tension to plurality of secondary tensile strands 180, and ultimately across portions of upper 102. In a relaxed state, shown in FIG. 3, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may pull some portions of first tensile strand 160 out of plurality of openings 150 in tubular structure 140. In FIG. 4, tensioning force 280 is applied to the ends of first tensile strand 160, resulting in a tensioned or tightened state for tensioning system 130. This results in first tensile strand 160 being pulled taut within tubular structure 140. As first tensile strand 160 is pulled taut, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 are pulled into plurality of openings 150 (e.g., second tensile strand 182 is pulled into opening 159). Thus, tension is created across plurality of secondary tensile strands 180, which results in a tightening of upper 102. Moreover, plurality of tab portions 200 may act to keep tubular structure 140 from moving toward