CN116829020A

CN116829020A - Reel-based closure device

Info

Publication number: CN116829020A
Application number: CN202180092405.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托马斯·波拉克; 兰登·克鲁斯; 埃里克·欧文; 丹尼尔·希普伍德; 马克·克莱门蒂; B·霍斯肯斯; E·索米; C·C·科贝特; G·格洛西; R·韦森; 埃里克·惠威尔; J·盖伊; 泰勒·詹姆斯·迪塔洛; 科迪·亨德森; 埃里克·安德斯·斯旺森
Original assignee: Boa Technology Inc
Current assignee: Boa Technology Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-04
Filing date: 2021-12-03
Publication date: 2023-09-29
Also published as: EP4255247A1; KR20230112712A; US20220175089A1; WO2022120205A1; JP2023553009A

Abstract

A boot, such as a ski boot, may include a lower or shell configured to receive a foot and an upper or sleeve portion extending upwardly from the lower portion and configured to receive a calf of a wearer. The boot further includes a tightening system coupled with the lower portion of the boot to close around the foot and tighten the lower portion. The tightening system includes a spool-based closure device and a tightening member operably coupled with the spool-based closure device such that operation of the spool-based closure device effects tightening of the tightening member. The tightening system also includes an end member and a plurality of guide members that route or guide the tensioning member along a path, the end member being fixedly coupled with the tensioning member.

Description

Reel-based closure device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.63/121,732, entitled "Reel Based Closure Device," filed on even 4 months 12 in 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Background

Skiing, including alpine skiing, northern Europe skiing, and trojan skiing, is a popular winter recreational activity or sport around the world. Devices used in skiing include boots, skis, and bindings that attach the boot to the ski. Ski boots, such as alpine ski boots, typically have a shell made of a rigid material, such as various rigid polymers. Because of the rigid polymeric material, the housing is often difficult to close around the user's legs and feet. Due to the use of rigid materials, it is often difficult to make ski boots comfortable. An appropriate balance between comfort and fit of the ski boot is required, but this may be difficult to achieve due to the use of rigid materials and other design constraints. Conventional closure devices for closing a ski boot typically tighten the ski boot in relatively large increments or courses, which may add a degree of complexity in achieving a proper balance between fit and comfort. Components, systems, and devices are described herein that enable quick and easy closure of a ski boot, other boot, or article of footwear. These components, systems, and devices balance comfort and fit when tightening an article of footwear around a wearer's foot. These components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and tighten various other non-footwear related articles.

Disclosure of Invention

Components, systems, and devices are described herein that enable quick and easy closure of a ski boot, other boot, or article of footwear. These components, systems, and devices balance comfort and fit when tightening an article of footwear around a wearer's foot. These components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and tighten various other non-footwear related articles.

According to one aspect, a ski boot includes a rigid shell having a lower shell and an upper sleeve. The lower housing is configured to couple with a snowboard binding and to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper sleeve portion is pivotally coupled with the lower shell and is configured to receive the calf of the wearer. The tightening system is coupled with the lower housing. The tightening system includes a reel-based closure coupled with the lower housing adjacent the upper sleeve. The tightening system may be the only tightening device attached to the lower housing. In other words, the lower shell may not include any other tightening means for closing and tightening the lower shell around the foot of the wearer.

The tensioning member is operatively connected with the spool-based closure such that operation of the spool-based closure effects tightening of the tensioning member to close and tighten the lower shell about the foot of the wearer. The first guide is positioned on a first side of the opening of the lower housing and the second guide is positioned on a second side of the opening of the lower housing. An end member is coupled with the lower housing adjacent the toe box. The first and second guides route or guide the tensioning member across the opening and to the end member along a path around the lower housing. The distal end of the tensioning member is fixedly coupled with an end member that secures the tensioning member to the ski boot.

The first guide may be an elongate guide having a longitudinal length substantially greater than a lateral width of the guide. The proximal end of the long guide may be attached to the lower housing near the sole of the lower housing, while the distal end of the long guide is positioned near the opening. The distal end of the elongate guide may engage the tensioning member. The second guide may be a short guide having a longitudinal length that is significantly shorter than the longitudinal length of the long guide. In such an arrangement, the tightening system may further comprise a third guide positioned on the first side of the opening of the lower housing. The third guide may also be a long guide and have a similar configuration to the first guide. The first guide, the second guide, and the third guide may be disposed about the lower housing such that the second guide is positioned along the path between the first guide and the third guide.

The housing of the spool-based closure device may include a single inlet port or aperture of the tensioning member. In other words, the housing may not include any other inlet port or aperture for the tensioning member other than the single inlet port/aperture. The housing of the reel-based closure device may be detachably coupled to a base member fixed to the ski boot by a spring member. The reel-based closure device may include a gear mechanism that amplifies the input torque or force. The spool-based closure device may also be configured to gradually loosen the tensioning member according to a first operation of the spool-based closure device and to completely loosen the tensioning member according to a second operation of the spool-based closure device. The second operation of the spool-based closure device is generally different from the first operation of the spool-based closure device.

The end member includes a locking component configured to engage and disengage the tensioning member. The locking component fixedly couples the tensioning member to the end member when the locking component is engaged with the tensioning member. The locking component allows the tensioning member to be removed from the end member when the locking component is disengaged from the tensioning member. The end member may be configured such that when the tightening member is coupled with the locking component, the tightening member is positioned within a channel that surrounds a through hole of a coupling bolt securing the end member to the ski boot.

According to another aspect, an elongate guide for routing or guiding a tensioning member around an article includes a body having a lateral width, a longitudinal length substantially greater than the lateral width, and a channel formed at a distal end of the body. The channel is shaped and sized such that the tensioning member may be inserted through the channel. The elongate guide further includes a stiffening member coupled to the body. The stiffening member supports or stiffens a channel formed in the distal end of the body. The stiffening member may extend from the proximal end of the body to a channel formed in the distal end of the body. The channel may be formed in a pilot segment disposed within the annular end of the reinforcing member. The guide section may extend between opposite sides of the body so that the tensioning member is accessible.

According to another aspect, a spool-based closure device for tensioning a tensioning member includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, and a dial or knob operably coupled with the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob effects rotation of the spool in a tightening direction to wind the tensioning member about the spool. The housing may be detachably coupled with a base member that is securable to the article by a spring member. The reel-based closure device may include a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force of the dial or knob, and/or the reel-based closure device may be configured to progressively loosen the tensioning member based on a first operation of the dial/knob and to completely loosen the tensioning member based on a second operation of the dial or knob. The housing may include only one lacing port or opening for the tensioning member.

According to another aspect, a boot includes a lower portion configured to receive a foot and an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion and configured to receive a calf. The boot further includes a tightening system coupled with the lower portion. The tightening system includes a spool-based closure device and a tightening member operatively coupled with the spool-based closure device such that operation of the spool-based closure device effects tightening of the tightening member. The tightening system also includes an end member fixedly coupled with the distal end of the tightening member and a plurality of guide members that route or guide the tightening member along a path.

The plurality of guide members may include first and third guides positioned on a first side of the boot, and a second guide positioned on a second side of the boot opposite the first side. The first guide and the third guide may each have a longitudinal length that is greater than a longitudinal length of the second guide. The first guide, the second guide, and the third guide may be arranged around the boot such that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path. The second guide may include an open channel within which the tensioning member is removably positioned.

Drawings

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

fig. 1 shows an assembled perspective view of a reel-based closure device.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel-based closure of fig. 1.

Fig. 3A-3B illustrate cross-sectional exploded views of the reel-based closure of fig. 1.

Fig. 4A-5B illustrate a cross-sectional assembly view of the spool-based closure device of fig. 1.

Fig. 6A-6B illustrate several components of the reel-based closure device of fig. 1, and more particularly, illustrate relative movement between the several components.

Fig. 6C shows a clutch plate positioned within the housing of the spool-based closure device of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows the gear mechanism of the reel-based closure of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 shows the housing and base member of the reel-based closure of fig. 1.

Fig. 9A-9D illustrate the attachment of the housing and base member of fig. 8.

Fig. 10A-10B illustrate the base member and coupling components of the reel-based closure of fig. 1.

Fig. 10C shows a top cross-sectional view of the housing and spool of the spool-based closure of fig. 1.

11A-11B illustrate the function of the various components of the reel-based closure device of FIG. 1 in controlling rotation of the spool.

Figure 12 shows a ski boot with the reel-based closure of figure 1.

Figure 13 illustrates a lacing path and guide configuration that may be employed on the ski boot of figure 12.

Figures 14A-14C illustrate a long guide that may be used on the ski boot of figure 12.

Figures 15A-15E illustrate end members that may be used on the ski boot of figure 12.

In the drawings, similar components and/or features may have the same reference numerals. In addition, individual components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference is used in the specification, the description applies to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference, regardless of the letter suffix.

Detailed Description

The following description merely provides exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Embodiments herein describe a reel-based closure device that may be used to close or tighten an article. Reel-based closure devices may be particularly useful in closing and tightening items requiring large lacing tension. For example, mountain or ski boots (hereinafter ski boots) are typically made of rigid plastic materials, which require considerable closing force to tighten around the user's foot. Conventional reel-based closure devices and other devices may not be suitable for tightening a ski boot around a user's foot because the reel-based closure device may not be designed to output the required torque. Furthermore, the tensioning members or straps used with the ski boot may not be designed to handle the required tensioning force.

The spool-based closure devices described herein are better able to achieve high torque output and may be paired with tightening members or ties designed to withstand higher tightening loads. Thus, a reel-based closure device may be well suited for closing and tightening items requiring substantial closing forces. In addition to tightening ski boots, reel-based closure devices may also be used to close and tighten various other items, such as ski boots, military boots, shoes, bags, pouches, and the like. Furthermore, the reel-based closure device can also be used to close and tighten various items that do not require high levels of closure force. In this case, the spool-based closure may be used unmodified, or one or more components of the spool-based closure may be modified or altered to enable use for another application. For ease of description of the embodiments herein, a reel-based closure device will be generally described as being used to close and/or tighten a ski boot, however it will be appreciated that the description applies equally to a variety of other articles.

Reel-based closure devices are typically attached to the exterior of a ski boot, such as a shell, and are used to tighten the exterior of the ski boot around the user's legs and/or feet. The reel-based closure device is configured to tighten a lace or tightening member that is guided around the ski boot via one or more guide members, which may be rigid components made of plastic or other materials (e.g., plastic or other materials as described herein). In other embodiments, the one or more guide members may be made of a flexible or soft component, such as a fabric material.

Reel-based closure devices typically include a knob or dial that can be grasped and rotated by a user. The knob or dial is typically coupled to a spool about which the tightening member or lace is wrapped in response to rotation of the knob or dial in a tightening direction. Rotation of the tightening member or strap spool tightens the tightening member or strap, which tightens the ski boot around the user's foot by constricting the shell and any internal components (i.e., liner, etc.) around the user's foot.

Reel-based closure devices may replace conventional buckles and/or other tightening systems currently used on ski boots to tighten the ski boot around the user's foot. In some embodiments, the reel-based closure device may be used in conjunction with a conventional buckle or other tightening system. Likewise, the ski boot may comprise a plurality of reel-based closure devices arranged to close and tighten different areas or portions of the ski boot.

Reel-based closure devices are significantly easier to operate than conventional buckles and/or other tightening systems. Thus, users may prefer to tighten the ski boot using a reel-based closure device. Furthermore, the reel-based closure device may provide an incremental degree of tightening and loosening of the ski boot (incremental degree) as compared to conventional buckles and/or other tightening systems. For example, conventional buckles and/or other tightening systems typically include a limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth, steps, racks, etc.) for tightening the ski boot. For example, conventional buckles typically employ 5 to 10 teeth on a rack, with engagement pins positioned within the rack to tighten the ski boot. The engagement pin moves proximally or distally about the rack and is positioned within the proximal or distal teeth to increase or decrease the tightness of the ski boot about the foot. The limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth) results in the ski boot being tightened or loosened by a greater amount or degree, and thus may be difficult to achieve the desired fit.

Instead, the reel-based closure device is capable of tightening and/or loosening the ski boot in significantly smaller increments or degrees. For example, if it is desired to increase tightness slightly, the knob of the spool-based closure device may be rotated a quarter turn, an eighth turn, or less to increase the tension in the tension member slightly. A slight increase in the tightening force of the tightening member will typically result in a slight increase in the tightness or contractility of the ski boot about the user's foot. Such incremental adjustment of the tightness of the ski boot may allow for easy achievement of a desired fit of the ski boot.

Referring to fig. 1, an assembled perspective view of a reel-based closure device 100 is shown. Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel-based closure device 100. Fig. 3A-11B illustrate various views of the components of the reel-based closure device 100. Throughout the present disclosure, reference will be made to the various figures showing the reel-based closure 100.

Fig. 1 shows a base member or bayonet 102 designed to be attached to a housing 202 of a spool-based closure device 100. The base member 102 is designed to be attached to a ski boot shell (not shown) by mechanical fastening, adhesive, molding, or using any other fastening technique. In one particular embodiment, the base member 102 may include one or more holes 103 (see fig. 8) that allow bolts, rivets, screws, or other mechanical fasteners to attach the base member 102 to the ski boot shell. The base member 102 is shown as including three apertures 103, but more or fewer apertures 103 may be employed.

The base member 102 is typically a rigid material designed to withstand impact from an external object without breaking. In one particular embodiment, the base member 102 may be made of glass-filled nylon, although various other rigid materials may alternatively be used. The base member 102 is designed to couple with the housing 202 in a manner that allows the housing 202 to be separated or removed from the base member 102. Various methods of attaching the housing 202 to the base member 102 may be employed, but in the illustrated embodiment, a spring member is used to secure and couple the housing 202 to the base member 102. The spring member is designed to flex upon impact of an object with the housing 202 to allow the housing to separate from the base member 102, thereby preventing the base member 102 and/or the housing 202 from cracking.

In some embodiments, the spring member may be a split ring or c-shaped spring 210. The base member 102 includes one or more arcuate or curved axially extending members 104 (see fig. 9A-9D) that define a recess or groove within which the c-shaped spring 210 is positioned when the housing 202 is attached to the base member. The housing 202 similarly includes a recess 260 (see fig. 3B and 8), the recess 260 receiving the c-shaped spring 210. The recess 260 of the housing 202 is shaped and dimensioned such that the c-shaped spring 210 fits securely within the recess 260. The groove 260 is defined by an upper annular lip or ring 262 and one or more radially protruding members 264. As shown in fig. 8, the one or more radially protruding members 264 of the housing 202 are shaped and dimensioned such that they can be inserted into the openings 105 between the opposing pairs of axially extending members 104. The base member 102 includes a recess 108 on a circumferential edge, the recess 108 corresponding to the shape and size of the radially protruding member 264. When the housing 202 is coupled with the base member 102, the radially protruding member 264 is positioned within the recess 108, which enables the groove of the base member 102 to align with the groove 260 of the housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 includes three radially protruding members 264 and the base member includes three axially extending members 104, although more or fewer such features may be employed as desired.

The radially protruding member 264 and/or the annular lip 262 extend radially outward from the housing 202 such that a distal edge of the radially protruding member 264 and/or the annular lip 262 is generally aligned with a distal end of the base member when the housing 202 is connected with the base member 102. In this way, the housing 202 and the base member 102 may visually appear to be seamlessly integrated with one another. To further secure the c-spring 210 to the housing, the lacing ports 266 of the housing 202 may include a pair of circumferentially extending holes (not shown) positioned on opposite ends of the groove 260. The pair of circumferentially extending holes are shaped and sized so that opposite ends of the c-shaped spring can be positioned within the holes.

The c-shaped spring 210 is designed to flex radially to enable the housing 202 to be attached and detached from the base member 102. For example, as shown in fig. 9A-9B, to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, the c-spring 210 flexes such that the diameter of the c-spring widens and can fit over the axially extending member 104 and within the groove of the base member 102. The widening of the diameter of the c-spring also enables the c-spring 210 to fit within the recess 260 of the housing 202.

To allow the housing 202 to be removed from the base member 102, the axially extending member 104 is designed such that the c-shaped spring 210 can deflect out of the groove. Specifically, the axially extending member 104 is bent near the tip 106 such that the diameter of the tip 106 of the axially extending member 104 is greater than the diameter of the groove of the axially extending member. The larger diameter of the tip 106 of the axially extending member 104 helps secure the c-shaped spring 210 within the groove, while the curved or arcuate design allows the c-shaped spring 210 to easily flex out of the groove. When an upward force is applied to the housing 202, such as when the housing 202 impacts an object or a housing removal tool is applied, the c-spring 210 is urged upward within the groove of the base member. As shown in fig. 9C-9D, the curved inner surface of the axially extending member 104 acts as a ramp and deflects the C-spring 210 radially outward as the C-spring 210 and housing 202 move axially upward relative to the base member 102. If the force is strong enough, the c-spring 210 will flex sufficiently and will move out of the groove, as shown in FIG. 9D, which removes the housing 202 from the base member 102 and enables the housing 202 to move upward and out of contact with the base member 102. By varying the angle of the inner surface of the axially extending member 104 and/or the stiffness of the c-shaped spring, the force required to release or detach the housing 202 from the base member 102 may be varied.

To detach the housing 202 from the base member 102, the base member is designed to work with a housing removal tool. Specifically, the housing includes a support 109 for the lace outlet member 160. The support 109 is shaped and sized according to the lace outlet member 160 to strengthen the lace outlet member 160. A radially extending groove 107 is formed in the support 109, which enables a housing removal tool (not shown), such as a small flat head screwdriver, to be inserted along the groove 107 and underneath the housing 202. With the housing removal tool positioned within the recess 107 and below the housing 202, the housing removal tool may exert an upward force on the housing 202 to detach the housing 202 from the base member 102.

As shown in fig. 2, the coupling component or member 120 may be positioned between the base member 102 and the housing 202. The coupling component 120 is designed to be attached to the bottom end of the housing 202 and is shaped and sized such that the bottom end of the coupling component 120 is positionable within the interior region of the base member 102. As shown in fig. 10A-10B, the shape and size of the coupling member 120 corresponds to the shape and size of the bottom end of the housing 202. Specifically, the bottom end of the coupling member 120 is generally circular in shape and sized such that the coupling member 120 can be inserted into the circular opening in the bottom end of the housing 202. To attach the coupling member 120 to the housing 202, the coupling member 120 includes upwardly extending tabs 128 that snap into corresponding slots 205, the slots 205 being forward at the bottom end of the housing 202. The upwardly extending projections 128 include radially outwardly extending tabs that snap or clip into recesses within the corresponding slots 205, which secure the coupling member 120 to the housing 202. The coupling member 120 is shown as including two protrusions 128, but more or fewer protrusions may be employed as desired. The front portion of the coupling member includes radially extending tabs that fit within corresponding features on the housing 202. The bumps facilitate alignment and securement of the coupling member 120 about the housing 202. The bottom end of the coupling component also includes one or more holes (not labeled) that correspond in size and orientation to the holes 103 in the base member 102. The holes in the coupling component 120 allow the coupling component to fit over mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts) inserted into the holes 103 of the base member 102, which reduces the overall height of the spool-based closure device 100. The coupling component 120 further includes one or more lacing holes 126, which lacing holes 126 can be aligned with lacing ports 136 in the spool 130 to enable the tensioning member to be easily coupled with the spool 130, as described herein.

A boss 125 extends axially upward from the bottom end of the coupling member 120. When the coupling component is attached to the housing 202, the boss 125 protrudes axially upward into the interior region of the housing 202. Boss 125 includes a pair of fingers separated by a gap. The boss 125, and more specifically the pair of fingers, is used to enable the turret core 230 to move axially upward and downward relative to the housing 202. A reinforcing spring 122 is positioned in the gap between the pair of fingers and serves to strengthen and stiffen the pair of fingers. The reinforcing spring 122 helps to resiliently deflect the pair of fingers as the turret core 230 moves axially upward and downward about the boss 125. The stiffening springs 122 may stiffen the pair of fingers and prevent plastic deformation of the pair of fingers due to long-term use of the closure device 100. The reinforcing spring 122 includes a hole that engages a small protrusion on the inner surfaces of the pair of fingers. Engagement of the aperture with the projection locks or holds the reinforcing spring 122 in place relative to the pair of fingers.

The spool 130 may be positioned within the bottom end of the housing 202, typically by inserting the spool 130 into the open bottom end of the housing. The spool 130 includes a central bore 132 through which the boss 125 of the coupling member 120 passes. Spool 130 is configured to rotate about boss 125 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with minimal frictional engagement between the two components. The gear mechanism (140, 142), the drive member 150, and the turret core 230 are also generally configured to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions about the boss 125. The spool 130 includes a channel 133, and when the spool 130 rotates in a tightening direction (e.g., clockwise), a tension member (not shown) is wound within the channel 133. When the spool 130 is rotated in a loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the tensioning member similarly unwinds about the central channel 133. The width of the central channel 133 is slightly larger than the width of the tightening member, which ensures that the tightening member is wound around the central channel 133 as a "single stack", which means that the wound tightening member forms a single layer within the channel 133. The single stacked winding of the tensioning member limits the vertical forces that the tensioning member may generate if it were wound on the spool in an uncontrolled manner and protects the tensioning member from damaging itself during the winding process. Given the considerable tightening force that the closure device 100 is capable of producing, winding the tightening member around the spool 130 in an uncontrolled manner may result in excessive kinking and/or damage to the tightening member.

As briefly described above, the turret core 230 may be axially movable relative to the housing 202. The movement of the turret core 230 relative to the housing 202 enables the take-up member to be fully released, which means that the spool 130 can be rotated in a release direction in a relatively unrestricted manner. The "fully released" feature is an optional feature that may be omitted in some embodiments of the closure device 100. To enable the tensioning member to be fully released, the closure device 100 is designed to move or transition between an engaged state or position in which the turret core 230 is operatively coupled with the spool 130 and a disengaged state or position in which the turret core 230 is operatively decoupled from the spool 120. The transition between these two states is accomplished by axial movement of the turret core 230 relative to the housing 202. Axial movement of the turret core 230 relative to the housing 202 is typically accomplished by pulling axially upward on the knob 302. However, in other embodiments, the turret core 230 may be moved axially upward by reverse rotation of the knob 302 or by operation of a button (not shown), a lever mechanism (not shown), a clamp (not shown), or the like. In such embodiments, to move the dial core 230 axially upward, the knob 302 and dial core 230 may include cams, ramps, or sloped surfaces, or another mechanism that moves the dial core 230 axially upward when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction or when a button, lever mechanism, or the like is operated.

As shown in fig. 4A-4B, the boss 125 is designed to mate with the turret core 230 to support and retain the turret core 230 in either the engaged or disengaged position. Specifically, the top end of boss 125 supports and retains dial core 230 and/or knob 302 in the engaged and disengaged positions by way of annular protrusion or member 124. In one embodiment, the engaged position is shown in fig. 4A, and the disengaged position is shown in fig. 4B. In the engaged position, the turret core 230 engages the clutch plate 220, which enables force transfer between the two components, as described herein. In the disengaged position, the turret core 230 is disengaged from the clutch plate 220, which allows the spool 130 to "freewheel" or freely rotate in the unwinding direction within the housing 202. Similarly, in the disengaged position, one or more pawls 240 may disengage from teeth 204, the teeth 204 being formed on the housing 202 or otherwise coupled with the housing 202. In other embodiments, one or more pawls 240 may remain engaged with teeth 204 in the disengaged position.

The diameter of the annular protrusion 124 is greater than the diameter of the central opening 234 of the turret core 230, which causes the annular protrusion 124 to interfere with and impede upward and downward movement of the turret core 230 about the top end of the boss 125. While the annular protrusion 124 resists axial movement of the turret core 230, the annular protrusion 24 does not resist axial movement of the turret core 230 due to the ability of the fingers of the boss to displace or flex radially inward. As the turret core 230 moves axially about the annular protrusion 124, the pair of fingers flex inwardly toward each other, which allows the central opening 234 of the turret core 230 to move axially up or down about the annular protrusion 124 and over the annular protrusion 124. After the turret core 230 moves axially upward or downward about the annular projection 124, the pair of fingers resiliently flex outwardly to resume the undeflected configuration. In operation, the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 is positioned above or below the annular protrusion 124, and the annular protrusion 124 supports and retains the dial core 230 and/or knob 302 in an engaged or disengaged position. The reinforcing springs 122 increase the stiffness of the boss 125 and reduce fatigue on the boss 125 due to repeated movement of the turret core 230 about the annular protrusion 124.

The knob 302 is coupled to the housing 202 by axially aligning the knob 302 and the housing 202 and snapping the knob 302 over the annular flange or rib 209 of the housing 202. Specifically, the inner wall or surface of the knob 302 includes one or more protrusions 304 or radial lips that snap over the annular rib 209 of the housing 202 when the knob 302 is pressed and moved axially downward relative to the housing. The protrusion 304 of the knob 302 defines an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular rib 209. Thus, when coupling the knob 302 with the housing 202, the inner wall of the knob 302 must flex outwardly to some extent and/or the housing 202 must flex inwardly to some extent to allow the knob 302 to move axially downwardly around the housing 202 and snap onto the housing 202. After the knob 302 is moved axially downward, the projection 304 is positioned axially below the annular rib 209 of the housing 202. Separation of the knob 302 from the housing 202 by axial upward movement of the knob 302 is prevented or substantially impeded due to interference between the projection 304 and the annular rib 209. Separation of the knob 302 from the housing 202 may be further hindered by designing the annular ribs 209 and/or the protrusions 304 such that they do not naturally deflect outwardly when the knob 302 is pushed upward relative to the housing 202. Additional details of the coupling of the dial core 230, knob 302, and housing 202 are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/991,788 entitled "Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods," filed on even date 1/8 of 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The housing 202 includes an annular ring or lip 206 disposed on the inner wall. The annular ring 206 acts as a baffle and divides the housing 202 into an upper half and a lower half. The annular ring 206 is configured such that some of the components positioned in the lower half of the housing 202 contact and engage the bottom surface of the annular ring 206, and such that some of the components positioned in the upper half contact and engage the upper surface of the annular ring 206. The components positioned in the lower half of the housing 202 include the coupling component 120, the spool 130, the gear mechanism (140, 142), and the drive component 150. The components positioned in the upper half of the housing 202 include a clutch plate 220, a turret core 230, one or more pawls 240, and a pawl disc 250. The annular ring 206 blocks or impedes movement of these components into the other half of the housing 202.

A gear mechanism (140, 142) is operatively connected to the spool 130. The gear mechanism (140, 142) increases the mechanical advantage of the closure device 100, which increases the torque output of the closure apparatus 100 and increases the tightening force that the closure device 100 can produce. The gear mechanism includes a sun gear 140, a plurality of planet gears 142, and a ring gear 208. The ring gear 208 may include teeth formed on an inner wall of the housing 202 below the annular ring 206, or the ring gear 208 may be a separate component coupled (e.g., press fit, keyed, etc.) with a lower half of the housing 202. As shown in fig. 3A and 7, the sun gear 140 is coaxially aligned with the spool 130 and rests on the spool 130, while each of the planet gears 142 is rotatably positioned on a boss 134 extending axially upward from the upper surface of the spool 130. The sun gear 140 is axially higher than the planet gears 142 such that an upper portion of the sun gear 140 matingly engages spline teeth 154 formed on a lower cylindrical inner wall of the drive member 150. Spline teeth 154 extend axially downwardly from an annular ring formed or positioned within drive member 150.

When the drive member 150 rotates in the tightening direction due to rotation of the knob 302, the drive member 150 transmits a rotational force to the sun gear 140 due to the mating engagement of the sun gear 140 and the spline teeth 154, thereby causing the sun gear 140 to rotate in the tightening direction. Rotation of the sun gear 140 also causes the planet gears 142 to rotate about the boss 134 of the spool, which causes the planet gears 142 to move in the tightening direction within the housing 202 due to the engagement of the planet gears 142 and the ring gear 208. Movement of the planet gears 142 in the tightening direction causes the spool 130 to rotate in the tightening direction due to the engagement of the planet gears 142 with the boss 134 of the spool.

In some embodiments, the gear mechanism (140, 142) may be omitted. In such embodiments, the driving part 150 may be directly connected with the bobbin 130 so as to transmit the rotational force to the bobbin 130. It may be desirable to omit the gear mechanism when the end application of the closure device 100 does not require significant tensioning force and torque output. Removal of the gear mechanism may make the closure device 100 axially smaller, which may be preferred in some embodiments. The drive member 150 may be directly connected to the spool 130 by axially oriented teeth, spline teeth, or the like.

The drive member 150 is used to transfer force from a member positioned above the annular ring 206 (i.e., clutch plate 220, knob 302, etc.) to a member positioned below the annular ring 206 (e.g., spool 130, gear mechanism, etc.). To enable transfer of force, the drive member 150 is operatively coupled with a clutch plate 220. The drive member 150 includes outwardly facing splines 152 positioned on an upper surface of the drive member 150. Spline 152 is coupled with corresponding teeth 224 on clutch plate 220. Engagement of the spline 152 and teeth 224 allows torque to be transmitted through the clutch plate 220 and drive member 150 to the gear mechanism (140, 142) and spool 130.

In one embodiment, the drive member 150 and the clutch plate 220 are assembled together by a snap fit coupling. Specifically, one or more radially outwardly extending projections (not numbered) are positioned between a pair of teeth of the spline 152 of the drive component. The one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions are positioned above the corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220 when the clutch plate 220 is coupled with the drive member 150. The clutch plate 220 is snap-fittingly coupled with the drive member 150 by coaxially aligning the clutch plate 220 with the drive member 150 and by pressing the clutch plate 220 axially downward on the drive member 150. The clutch plate 220 deflects to some extent with the drive member 150 as the clutch plate 220 is pressed axially downwardly against the drive member 150, and as one or more teeth 224 of the clutch member move past corresponding outwardly extending projections. Once assembled, the one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions contact the respective teeth 224 when the clutch plate 220 is moved axially upward relative to the drive member 150, which prevents separation of the two components.

As shown in fig. 3B, the drive member 150 is positioned below the annular ring 206, while the clutch plate 220 is positioned above the annular ring 206. When the two components are coupled together, the annular ring 206 is sandwiched between the two components, which substantially locks the housing 202, clutch plate 220, and drive member 150 together. The clutch plate 220 is designed to engage the top surface of the annular ring 206 to prevent rotation of the spool 130 in the unwinding direction once the tension in the tension member drops to or below the tension threshold. The tension threshold is typically at or near the point in the tension member where there is minimal or no tension. This point generally corresponds to the point at which the tensioning member has been fully unwound about the spool 130. Once the tensioning member is at or near the zero tensioning force threshold, preventing rotation of the spool 130 in the unwinding direction prevents reverse winding of the tensioning member around the spool 130, which prevents kinking or tangling of the tensioning member around the spool 130.

As shown in fig. 3B and 6C, the annular ring 206 of the housing includes a plurality of recesses or teeth 207 (hereinafter referred to as recesses 207) circumferentially arranged and uniformly spaced about the annular ring 206. The depressions 207 are configured to engage corresponding lugs or teeth 226 (hereinafter lugs 226) that are positioned circumferentially around the outer edge or ring of the clutch plate 220 and are evenly spaced. When the tab 226 engages the recess 207 on the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 202 and the annular ring 206. Engagement of the tab 226 with the recess 207 locks the clutch plate 220 in place relative to the annular ring 206. As described herein, the spool 130 is also prevented from rotating within the housing 202 due to the coupling of the drive member 150 to the spool 130 and the coupling of the clutch plate 220 to the drive member 150.

To engage the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward inside the housing 202. The clutch plate 220 is designed to move downward within the housing 202 only when the tightening force in the tightening member reaches or decreases beyond a tightening force threshold. When the clutch plate 220 is in the axially raised position (which is shown in fig. 4A, 5A and 6B), the tab 226 and the recess 207 are disengaged. As shown, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 is positioned above the annular ring 206, and thus, the tab 226 and the recess 207 disengage, which allows the spool 130 to rotate in the tightening and loosening directions. After the engagement of the tab 226 and the recess 207, further rotation of the spool 130 in the loosening and tightening directions is prevented.

As shown in fig. 5A and 6B, the clutch plate 220 remains in an axially raised position due to the engagement of the clutch plate 220 and the turret core 230. Specifically, the clutch plate 220 includes upper teeth 222 that engage with axial teeth 232 of a turret core 230. The upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate extend axially upward from the upper surface of the clutch plate 220, while the axial teeth 232 of the turret core 230 extend downward from the lower surface of the turret core 230. The upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the turret core may include a slightly tapered or sloped configuration that biases the clutch plate 220 axially upward when the teeth are engaged. The tightening force in the tightening member facilitates engagement of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the turret core by biasing the clutch plate 220 to rotate in the loosening direction via the spool 130 and the drive component 150. The upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the turret core remain engaged until the tightening force in the tightening member reaches or exceeds the tightening force threshold, after which point the tightening member no longer biases the clutch plate 220 to rotate in the loosening direction. When the tightening force in the tightening member decreases to about the tightening force threshold, engagement of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the turret core begins to decrease, which allows the clutch plate 220 to begin to slide axially downward relative to the turret core 230, as shown in fig. 6A.

At some point near the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 will slide downward and engage the annular ring 206, preventing further rotation of the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130, as described herein. The annular ring 206 is omitted from fig. 6A for simplicity of illustration of the various components. However, it should be appreciated that the positions of the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the turret core 230 in FIG. 6A correspond to the positions at which the clutch plate 220 will engage the annular ring 206. As shown in fig. 4B and 5B, when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward, the clutch plate 220 can also be moved axially downward. The axially upward movement of the turret core 230 forces the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plates and the axial teeth 232 of the turret core out of engagement. The clutch plate 220 is prevented from moving upward with the turret core 230 due to the engagement of the one or more radially outwardly extending projections of the drive member with the corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220. As shown in fig. 4B and 5B, disengagement of the clutch plate 220 and the turret core 230 allows the spool 130 to "freewheel" or freely rotate in the unwinding direction within the housing 202 because the clutch plate 220 and the turret core 230 are not rotationally locked or coupled together.

In some embodiments, the tab 226 and the recess 207 may be designed such that the tab 226 and the recess 207 do not immediately engage when the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward and contacts the annular ring 206. This configuration may allow the spool 130 to freely rotate in the unwinding direction as the turret core 230 moves axially upward. For example, when the turret core 230 moves axially upward as described herein, the clutch plates 220 are no longer engaged with the turret core 230, and thus the clutch plates 220 can move axially downward into contact with the annular ring 206. In this case, the clutch plate 220 may contact the annular ring 206 even though the tightening force is maintained in the tightening member. To allow the spool 130 to freely rotate in the loosening direction when the clutch plate 220 contacts the annular ring 206, the tab 226 and recess 207 may not be engaged in the locking manner described above. Rather, the tab 226 and the recess 207 may be designed such that the tab 226 tilts or moves out of the recess 207 as the spool 130 rotates in the loosening direction, which prevents the spool 130 from being rotationally locked to the housing 202. More specifically, the tab 226 and the recess 207 may have rounded or angled shapes that allow the tab 226 to tilt or move out of engagement with the recess 207. In this case, the projection 226 and the recess 207 can still be engaged when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction and the tightening member is near the tightening force threshold. In this case, the turret core 230 pushes or presses the clutch plate 220 downward, which forces the tab 226 and the recess 207 to remain locked or engaged together, thereby preventing the clutch plate 220 and spool 130 from rotating in the unwinding direction.

To enable axial movement of the clutch plate 220 about the drive member 150, the drive member splines 152 and clutch plate teeth 224 are configured to allow such axial movement as shown in fig. 6A and 6B. In particular, the spline teeth of the drive component are axially elongated as compared to the teeth 224 of the clutch plate, which allows the shorter clutch plate teeth 224 to slide axially within the channels or grooves formed between the spline teeth.

After the engagement of the tab 226 and the recess 207, the closure device 100 is configured such that the knob 302 can be rotated in the loosening direction without affecting the rotation of the spool 130. Specifically, as shown in fig. 6A, the rear surfaces of the axial teeth 232 of the turret core and the rear surfaces of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plates are relatively sloped or beveled such that rotation of the turret core in the loosening direction causes these rear surfaces to engage and cause the turret core 230 to jump over the clutch plates 220, which pushes or forces the clutch plates 220 downward as previously described. As further shown in fig. 6A, when the turret core 230 is in the axially lowered position, the axial teeth 232 of the turret core and the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate overlap slightly such that rotation of the turret core in the tightening direction (via the knob 302) causes the turret core and the clutch plate 220 to reengage, which pulls or biases the clutch plate 220 into the axially raised position shown in fig. 6B and allows the spool 130 to rotate in the tightening and loosening directions. The turret core 230 and the clutch plate 220 re-engage as the clutch plate 220 resists rotation in the tightening direction due to the tightening force in the tightening member and/or engagement of the clutch plate tab 226 with the annular ring recess 207.

In some embodiments, the tabs 226 of the clutch plate and the recesses 207 of the annular ring may be replaced by other friction components, such as rubber-type washers or materials, abrasive materials, adhesive materials, and the like. As shown in fig. 6C, the clutch plate tab 226 may be recessed axially from the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220, which allows the clutch plate 220 to sit lower around the annular ring 206. For example, the nubs 226 may be formed or positioned on a circumferential ring or edge that is recessed axially from the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 may be generally aligned with the bottom surface of the annular ring 206 and/or the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 may contact the upper surface of the drive member 150 when the tabs 226 of the clutch plate engage the recesses 207 of the annular ring.

The dial core 230 is configured to couple with the knob 302, typically by a snap-fit coupling. In some embodiments, the knob 302 includes an axially extending protrusion 310, the protrusion 310 being configured to couple with a corresponding edge or lip 238 of the turret core 230. Each tab 310 includes a radially inward lip 312, which lip 312 is shaped and dimensioned to fit under a corresponding edge 238 of the turret core 230 (see fig. 4A). The tab 310 is resilient, which enables the tab to snap engage with the rim 238 of the turret core. The protrusion 310 is also strong enough that an axially upward force exerted on the knob 302 (e.g., a user pulling the knob axially upward) is transferred to the dial core 230 and causes the dial core 230 to move axially upward with the knob 302. Thus, the knob 302 and turret core 230 move substantially as a single component.

The inwardly directed lip 312 of the tab is coupled with the rim 238 of the dial core in a manner that allows the knob 302 to rotate about the dial core 230 to some degree, which enables the knob 302 to rotate in a loosening direction to gradually loosen the tightening force, as described below. To enable relative movement of the knob 302, the rim 238 of the turret core is sized to be slightly larger than the inward lip 312 of the tab. As shown in fig. 5A, the rim 238 of the turret core is formed by recessing the peripheral edge of the turret core 230, which creates a slot in which the tab 310 is positioned. The protrusions 310 have a circumferential width that is less than the circumferential width of the corresponding slot, which allows the protrusions 310 to rotate within the slot to some extent. The protrusion 310 may have a radial width corresponding to the width of the recess such that when the protrusion 310 is coupled with the rim 238 of the turret core, the outer surface of the protrusion 310 is generally aligned with the outer surface of the turret core 230. In one embodiment, the knob 302 includes four protrusions 310 and the turret core 230 includes four edges 238, although more or fewer protrusions 310 and edges 238 may be employed as desired. The tab 310 and the rim 238 of the turret core are typically positioned immediately adjacent to the corresponding pawl 240, which enables the tab 310 to engage the pawl 240, but the position of the tab 310 and rim 238 may vary as desired. With the dial core 230 attached to the knob 302, the one or more detents 240, and the detent disk 250 are sandwiched between the knob 302 and the dial core 230.

Closure device 100 includes a lace outlet member 160, lace outlet member 160 being separate from housing 202 and assembled to housing 202. The separation of lace outlet member 160 from housing 202 allows lace outlet member 160 to be formed from a low friction and wear resistant material while a high strength and collision resistant material is used for housing 202. For example, the housing 202 may be made of a highly impact resistant material that is less resistant to impact, while the lace outlet member 160 is made of a highly abrasion resistant material that is less resistant to impact. The wear resistant material allows the lace outlet component 160 to work with tightening members that are designed to withstand higher tightening loads. The lace outlet component 160 allows such tensioning members to repeatedly slide over the surface of the component without experiencing excessive wear. As shown in fig. 10A, lace outlet member 160 includes a pin 164 that pin 164 is designed to fit within a corresponding slot 166 in housing 202. The pin 164 may be a protrusion extending outwardly from the body of the lace outlet member 160. Lace outlet member 160 can be attached to housing 202 by positioning lace outlet member 160 under the housing and sliding pin 164 axially upward into a corresponding slot 166 in housing 202. The lace outlet component 160 includes a lace channel 162 with a tightening member positioned within the lace channel 162 such that the tightening member can access the spool 130 within the housing 202. The lace outlet component 160 is shaped and sized to correspond with the support 109 of the base member 102.

As shown in fig. 10A-10B, coupling member 120 includes one or more lacing holes 126, which lacing holes 126 may be aligned with lacing ports 136 in spool 130. The alignment of lace aperture 126 with lace port 136 of spool enables the tightening member to be easily coupled with spool 130. For example, as shown in fig. 10C, spool 130 may be aligned within housing 202 such that channel 137 of spool 130 is aligned with lace channel 162 of lace outlet component 160. When the passage 137 of the spool is aligned with the lace passage 162 of the lace outlet fitting, the tensioning member can be inserted into the lace passage 162 of the lace outlet fitting and through the passage 137 of the spool. The distal end of the channel 137 of the spool forms an opening 138, the opening 138 being designed to guide the tensioning member downward and through the lacing port 136. Insertion of the tensioning member through passage 137 of spool and through lacing port 136 causes the tensioning member to extend outwardly from the bottom end of spool 130. In the event that the tensioning member extends beyond the bottom end of the spool 130, a knot may be tied in the tensioning member or a separate component may be attached to the tensioning member such that retraction of the tensioning member causes the distal end of the tensioning member to engage the opening 138 of the spool and prevent retraction of the tensioning member through the opening 138. In this way, the tension member may be easily coupled with the spool 130.

Aligning lacing holes 126 of the connecting component with lacing ports 136 of the spool allows the tightening member to extend through spool 130 and through coupling component 120, thus allowing tying knots in the tightening member, or attaching a separate component to the tightening member, without removing coupling component 120 from spool 130. In some embodiments, spool 130 may include a single lacing port 136, while coupling member 120 includes a pair of lacing holes 126. This design enables a single coupling member 120 to be used with spool 130 regardless of whether the tie-down port 136 is located on the left-hand side or the right-hand side of spool 130, and such a configuration may be employed depending on whether spool 130 is designed to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise tightening direction. Fig. 10C shows a top cross-sectional view of spool 130, and thus channel 137 is shown on the opposite side of spool 130 from lacing port 136. Lacing ports 136 may be formed in channel 133 of spool by forming semi-circular grooves in either the top flange or the bottom flange of spool 130 or in both flanges of spool 130. The semi-circular recess may direct or direct the tightening member toward the opening 138 as the tightening member passes through the lace passage 162 of the lace outlet assembly.

Referring now to fig. 11A-11B, the coupling of one or more pawls 240, pawl disks 250, and turret core 230 is shown. Also shown are the functions of one or more of the pawl 240, pawl disk 250, and knob 302 in controlling the rotation of the spool 130. To facilitate coupling of the one or more pawls 240 with the turret core 230, the turret core 230 includes one or more drive bosses 236 extending axially upward from a top surface of the turret core 230. Each drive boss 236 includes a recess 237, the recess 237 being shaped and sized to receive the proximal end 244 of one or more pawls 240. The recess 237 is designed such that each pawl 240 can rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions on top of the turret core 230. In a particular embodiment, both the recess 237 and the proximal end 244 of the pawl 240 are semi-circular in shape. The proximal end 244 of the pawl 240 may engage or contact the wall of the recess 237 such that a force or load applied to the pawl 240 is transferred to the drive boss 236. In this manner, each drive boss 236 supports and reinforces a corresponding pawl 240.

The turret core 230 also includes one or more pivot bosses 231, the pivot bosses 231 extending axially upward from the top surface of the turret core 230. Each pivot boss 231 is coupled to a respective pawl 240 by inserting the pivot boss 231 into a hole positioned on the proximal end of the respective pawl 240. The coupling of the pawl 240 with the pivot boss 231 enables the pawl 240 to pivot or rotate about the pivot boss 231. In some embodiments, one or more detents 240 may be integrated with the turret core 230. In such embodiments, the one or more pawls 240 are generally configured such that they are movable or rotatable about the turret core 230. For example, one or more pawls 240 can be compliant mechanisms and/or can be coupled with one or more compliant members or mechanisms.

The pawl disc 250 is coupled with the turret core 230 by aligning the recesses 254 of the pawl disc 250 with the corresponding keyed protrusions 233 of the turret core 230. The detent disc 250 may then be pressed down on top of the turret core 230 such that the keying projections 233 snap into the corresponding recesses 254. In some embodiments, the detent disc 250 may be integrated with the turret core 230 and/or the one or more detents 240. In such embodiments, the pawl disk 250 should be configured to bias one or more pawls 240 outwardly, as described herein. The separation of one or more pawls 240, pawl disks 250, and/or turret core 230 allows each component to be made of different materials, which may enable the components to be optimized for a particular purpose. For example, one or more pawls 240 may be made of a high stiffness material capable of withstanding higher forces, while a soft spring-like material is used for pawl disc 250 to actuate or bias one or more pawls 240. The turret core 230 may be made of a material suitable for supporting and reinforcing the pawl disc 250 and the one or more pawls 240.

The pawl disc 250 includes one or more arms 252 extending outwardly from the body of the pawl disc 250. One or more arms 252 are flexible and are positioned on top of the turret core 230 such that the distal end of each arm 252 is positioned against the rear surface of a respective pawl 240. The arm 252 is configured to provide a biasing force that squeezes or biases the pawl 240 into engagement with the teeth 204 formed on the housing 202 or otherwise coupled with the housing 202. More specifically, arm 252 biases pawl 240 such that the pawl rotates about pivot boss 231 into engagement with teeth 204. In this manner, the pawl plate 250 acts as a spring that presses or biases the pawl 240 into engagement with the teeth 204.

Each pawl 240 includes one or more teeth 242 positioned at a distal end of the pawl 240. The one or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized such that they can engage with the teeth 204 of the closure device 100. More specifically, the one or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized such that they fit within the one or more teeth of the closure device 100. Engagement of the teeth 242 of the one or more pawls with the teeth 204 of the closure device prevents rotation of the turret core 230 in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise in fig. 11A). Specifically, when the pawls 240 are engaged with the teeth 204 and a force is applied to the turret core 230 in a loosening direction (via the tension member and spool 130), the one or more pawls 240 are oriented and coupled with the turret core 230 in a manner that does not allow the one or more pawls 240 to rotate. Thus, the one or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204, which prevents rotation of the turret core 230 in the tightening direction.

As described herein, the spool 130 is prevented from rotating in the unwinding direction due to the engagement of the turret core 230 with the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130. Due to the biasing force of the pawl disc 250, the pawl 240 remains engaged with the teeth 204 until the pawl 240 moves out of engagement with the teeth 204 due to upward movement of the dial core 230 or rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction. Further, the biasing force of the pawl disc 250 causes one or more pawls 240 to automatically reengage the teeth 204 when the turret core 230 is moved axially downward or when rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction ceases.

To rotate the spool 130 in the tightening direction, the protrusions 310 are configured to engage the drive boss 236 of the turret core. Specifically, the protrusions 310 extend axially downward from the knob 302 and are positioned such that when the knob 302 is coupled with the housing 202 in the engaged position, each protrusion 310 is adjacent to the drive boss 236 and between the pawl 240 and the teeth 204. As shown in fig. 11A, when the knob 302 is rotated in a tightening direction (e.g., clockwise in fig. 11A), the proximal end of each protrusion 310 contacts the distal end surface of the drive boss 236. Engagement of the protrusions 310 with the drive boss 236 causes a rotational force to be transferred from the knob 302 to the dial core 230 as the knob 302 is rotated in the tightening direction, which causes the dial core 230 to rotate in the tightening direction. As described herein, rotation of the turret core 230 in the tightening direction causes the spool 130 to also rotate in the tightening direction due to the engagement of the turret core 230 with the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130. The orientation of the one or more pawls 240 on the turret core 230 causes the one or more pawls 240 to deflect inward and clear the teeth 204 as the turret core 230 rotates in the tightening direction. When one or more pawls 240 clear teeth 204, pawl disk 250 causes one or more pawls 240 to spring outwardly.

The tab 310 is also configured to allow the turret core 230 to gradually rotate in the loosening direction. Specifically, when the knob 302 is rotated in a loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise in fig. 11B), each tab 310 rotates within the interior of the housing 202 such that the distal surface of each tab 310 contacts and engages the distal end of the corresponding pawl 240. Further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the tab 310 to push, pivot or rotate the corresponding pawl 240 out of engagement with the tooth 204. Disengagement of the one or more pawls 240 from the teeth 204 instantaneously unlocks the turret core 230 from the housing 202, which allows the turret core 230 to instantaneously or progressively rotate in the unwinding direction in response to forces in the unwinding direction from the spool 130 and the tension member. More specifically, a tightening load or force in the tightening member is applied to the spool 130, and the tightening load or force is transmitted to these components due to the engagement of the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230 with the spool 130. When the turret core 230 is unlocked from the housing 202, the tension load causes the turret core 230 to rotate in the loosening direction.

When the dial core 230 is rotated in the loosening direction, each tab 310 disengages from the corresponding pawl 240 due to the biasing force from the pawl disc 250 and pivots or rotates back into engagement with the teeth 204. One or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204 until further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the tab 310 to push, pivot, or rotate the pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204 again. In this way, the dial core 230 and the spool 130 may be progressively rotated in the unwinding direction to unwind or reduce the tension in the tension member.

The progressive engagement and disengagement of the pawl 240 and the tab 310 to enable the spool 130 and the turret core 230 to rotate in the unwinding direction may be referred to as "sweeping" the pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204. To facilitate "sweeping" the pawls 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204, each pawl 240 may include a bump or protrusion 246 extending slightly outwardly from a surface of the pawl 240. The distal end of each projection 310 may also include an angled or sloped surface. The angled or sloped surface of each tab 310 engages the bump or tab 246 of each pawl 240 and applies progressively increasing forces to the pawl 240, which reduces stress and wear on the two components. In some embodiments, an angled or sloped surface may be formed only on an upper portion of each protrusion 310. In such an embodiment, a lower portion of each projection 310 may include a radially inward lip 312, the lip 312 being shaped and sized to fit under the corresponding edge 238 of the turret core 230.

The extent or amount of each loosening step may be equal to the distance between each tooth 204 or the distance between multiple teeth, as desired. As described herein, when the tension in the tension member is near the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 will slide downward and engage the annular ring 206, which prevents further rotation of the clutch plate 220, the drive component 150, and the spool 130. When the clutch plate 220 is engaged with the annular ring 206, further rotation of the dial core 230 and knob 302 in the loosening direction is possible due to the configuration of the dial core 230 and clutch plate 220.

In the illustrated embodiment, the closure device 100 may include four pawls 240, four tabs 310, and four arms 252. This configuration may be desirable for generating high torque and accommodating high tensioning loads. In other embodiments, more or fewer components may be used based on a particular application or need, or based on a desired torque output.

Referring now to fig. 12, a ski boot 400 is shown that includes the closure device 100 described above. The closure device 100 may be ideal for tightening the ski boot 400 because it is capable of outputting high torque and producing high tightening loads, which are typically required to close and tighten the ski boot around the user's foot. The ski boot 400 includes a unique long guide 410, which long guide 410 is designed to accommodate high tensioning loads and facilitate closure and tightening of the ski boot shell. The long guide 410 is shown in more detail in fig. 14A-14C. Figure 13 illustrates a lacing path and guide configuration that may be employed on the ski boot 400 of figure 12. Specifically, the guide configuration includes a plurality of long guides 410 and one or more shorter guides 460 positioned between a pair of long guides 410. The closure device 100 is positioned at the top of the lacing path and the tensioning member 450 is routed from the closure device 100 along the lacing path through the plurality of long guides 410 and the one or more shorter guides 460. The tensioning member 450 terminates at the distal end of the lacing path through an end member or termination component 470. The termination of the distal end of the tensioning member 450 enables the closure device 100 to generate a greater tensioning force in the tensioning member 450.

The lacing path may extend across an opening between the two shells of the ski boot 400. In some embodiments, multiple long guides 410 may be positioned on one housing while one or more shorter guides 460 are positioned on the opposite housing. One or more shorter guides 460 may be riveted or mechanically fastened to the ski boot 400, while the distal end of the longer guide 410 is attached to the ski boot. One or more of the shorter guides 460 may have an open channel or end within which the tensioning member 450 is positioned, while the longer guide 410 includes a closed channel through which the tensioning member 450 is positioned. The tensioning member may be removed or withdrawn from the open channel of one or more shorter guides 460 to allow the ski boot 400 to be more easily removed around the foot.

Referring to fig. 14A-14C, the longer guide 410 is made of multiple pieces. Specifically, the longer guide 410 includes a housing or body 412 and a stiffening member 420. The housing 412 accommodates the reinforcing member 420. The longer guide 410 enables the attachment of the guide on the side of the ski boot 400, typically near the sole of the ski boot, while the distal end of the engagement tightening member 450 is positioned close to the opening of the ski boot 400. This configuration helps the guide 410 wrap around the shell and facilitates proper closing of the shell around the foot.

The reinforcing member 420 enables the guide 410 to withstand high tension loads without breaking or fracturing. The reinforcement component 420 also enables the housing 412 to be made of a low friction material that may not withstand the tensioning forces exerted on the tensioning member 450. The housing 412 and the stiffening member 420 each extend from the proximal end of the guide 410 to the distal end of the guide 410. The proximal ends of the shell 412 and the stiffening member 420 include holes 416, which holes 416 allow rivets or other mechanical fasteners to attach the guide 410 to the ski boot 400. The stiffening member 420 is formed from a strip of material extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the guide 410. The strip of material may be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, or another material capable of withstanding high tensile loads, such as a textile material, a carbon fiber material, a rigid polymeric material, etc.

The strip of material is folded to form the looped end 422. The folded strip of material results in the stiffening member 420 having an upper section and a lower section that each extend from the annular end 422 to the proximal end of the guide. The upper and lower sections may each include an aperture 416 and may each be coupled with a ski boot shell. The upper and lower sections are generally positioned in contact with each other from the proximal end of the stiffening member 420 to the annular end 422, although in some embodiments the upper and lower sections may be separated by the housing 412 or another material.

The housing 412 includes a guide section 415, the guide section 415 being disposed within an annular end 422 of the reinforcing member 420. The guide sections 415 extend between opposite sides of the housing 412. The distal end of the housing and the guide section 415 include a channel 414 through which the tensioning member 450 is positioned. The guide section 415 is made of a lower friction material than the reinforcing members 420, which minimizes frictional engagement of the guide 410 and the tensioning member. When the guide 410 is tensioned by the tensioning member 450, the guide section 415 presses against the annular end 422 of the reinforcing component 420. In this manner, some or all of the tensioning load in the guide section 415 is transferred from the housing 412 to the stiffening member 420, which can better handle the high tensioning loads generated by the closure device 100. The tension in the looped end 422 is transferred to the proximal end of the guide 410 by the upper and lower sections of the material strip of the stiffening member and ultimately to the shell of the ski boot 400 due to the mechanical fasteners anchoring the long guide 410 to the shell of the ski boot 400. The tension pulls the opposing shells together and pulls the ski boot closed on the user's foot. The long guide 410 is also pressed down on top of the housing, which further closes around the user's foot and tightens the housing.

The outer shell 412 generally surrounds the stiffening member 420. For example, the housing 412 may cover opposite sides of the reinforcing member 420, although in other embodiments one or both sides of the reinforcing member 420 may be exposed. The housing 412 may also include a distal-most end positioned distally of the annular end 422. The distal-most end of the housing 412 may allow the tensioning member 450 to transition into the channel 414 and out of the channel 414 with minimal friction. For example, the opposite side of the distal-most end of the housing may be arcuate or curved and provide a smooth transition radius that eliminates sharp corners that may damage the tension members 450 or cause excessive pressure on the guide section 415 and/or the annular end 422. In some embodiments, the opposite side of the distal-most end of the housing may have a radius between 40mm and 50mm to provide a smooth transition of the tensioning member 450. The distal-most end may also cover the annular end 422 and prevent the annular end from contacting surrounding objects.

In some embodiments, the housing 412 may include one or more openings 418, through which the reinforcing members 420 are visible. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 412 includes two open portions through which the annular end 422 and upper section are visible. The distal-most open portion may enable the stiffening member 420 to be easily coupled with the housing 412 by allowing the upper and lower sections to be separated and placed around the guide section 415. The upper and lower sections may then be moved proximally until the annular end 422 is positioned about the guide section 415. In other embodiments, the annular end 422 and/or the upper and lower sections may be covered by the housing 412 such that the reinforcing member 420 is not visible. The upper and lower sections may also be positioned on the bottom end or surface of the housing 412 such that the lower section contacts the housing of the ski boot 400. In other embodiments, the upper and lower sections may be disposed or enclosed within the housing 412 as desired.

The housing 412 may include a pair of openings 418 separated by a bridge of material as shown in fig. 14A-14B, or the housing 412 may include a single opening 418 as shown in fig. 14C. A bridge of material separating the pair of openings may be used to maintain the upper and lower sections of the reinforcing member 420 in contact. In some embodiments, the length of the long guide 410 may be between 40mm and 80mm, more typically between 50mm and 70 mm. The width of the long guide may similarly be between 15mm and 35mm, more typically between 20mm and 30 mm. In particular embodiments, the long guide may have a length of about 60mm and a width of about 25 mm. The long guide 410 may be curved about its longitudinal length to help the long guide engage and contact the upper surface of the ski boot shell. The shorter guide 460 may have a width corresponding to the width of the long guide and a length shorter than the width of the shorter guide 460. The shorter guide 460 may not require a stiffening component because the mechanical fastener is positioned at the distal end of the tensioning member 450.

Referring to fig. 15A-15E, one embodiment of an end member or termination component 470 (hereinafter end member 470) is shown, the end member or termination component 470 being designed to attach to the distal end of the tensioning member 450 and to the ski boot 400 or any other article in order to fixedly couple or attach the tensioning member 45 to the ski boot 400 or article. For ease of description of the end member 470, reference will be made to the end member 470 being attached to the ski boot 400, but it should be appreciated that the end member 470 may be coupled with any desired article.

The ability of the end members 470 to be attached to and detached from the ski boot 400 allows for quick and easy replacement of the end members 470 should the tightening members 450 fail or for any other reason. The end member 470 includes a body 502, the body 502 having an interior cavity 510 and a through bore 508. A through hole 508 is positioned on the proximal end of the body 502 and is shaped and sized such that a bolt 480 or other mechanical fastening device may be inserted through the through hole 508 and attached to the ski boot 400. An upper portion of the through hole 508 may be recessed from an upper surface of the body 502. The recessed portion of the through hole 508 may have a wider diameter than the remainder of the through hole 508 to allow the bolt 480 to be recessed relative to the upper surface of the body 502, thereby reducing the profile of the end member 470 when attached to the ski boot 400.

The body 502 also includes a lacing port or aperture 504 through which the tensioning member 450 passes through the lacing port or aperture 504, as described below. Lace aperture 504 is positioned on a distal end of body 502 opposite throughbore 508. When the end member 470 is attached to the ski boot 400, the lacing holes 504 are positioned such that the openings of the lacing holes 504 face the lacing path of the tensioning member 450. The body 502 also includes an aperture 506, the aperture 506 enabling a tool (not shown) to access the locking member 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the body 502. The tool may be a screwdriver or other device that may be inserted into the hole 506 to engage the locking member 550 and cause a locking force on the tensioning member 450 or release a locking force on the tensioning member 450. The locking force imparted or exerted on the tensioning member 450 by the locking means 550 is sufficient to lock or fixedly attach the tensioning member 450 to the end member 470. The aperture 506 is positioned generally on a side of the body 502 that is generally perpendicular to the lace aperture 504; however, the holes 506 may be positioned elsewhere around the body 502 as desired. Positioning of the hole 506 on a side of the body 502 that is generally perpendicular to the lacing holes 504 may be preferred because this allows a user to easily access the hole 506 without interference from the tension members 450 or other components of the ski boot 400 when the end members 470 are fixedly secured to the ski boot 400 by bolts 480.

Fig. 15C shows a bottom view of end member 470. The cavity 510 formed in the body 502 is evident in fig. 15C. In some embodiments, the cavity 510 has an L-shaped configuration to prevent the locking member 550 from being inserted into the cavity 510 in an incorrect orientation. Specifically, the body 502 includes a bend 514, the bend 514 protruding into a corner or portion of the cavity 510 such that the cavity 510 has an L-shaped profile when viewed from the bottom end, as shown in fig. 15C. A second cavity 512 is also defined in the bottom of the body 502 proximate the lace aperture 504. A second cavity 512 extends from the cavity 510 and forms a small pocket or recess at the distal end of the body 502. As described below, when the tensioning member is coupled with the end member 470 and the locking component 550, the distal end of the tensioning member 450 is positioned within the second cavity 512.

A channel 520 is formed in the proximal end of the body 502. A channel 520 extends from the cavity 510 and extends around the through-hole 508. The channel 520 is shaped and sized to correspond to the diameter of the tensioning member 450. More specifically, the width and depth of the channel 520 is greater than the diameter of the tensioning member 450, which allows the tensioning member 450 to be positioned entirely within the channel 520 and around the bolt 480 positioned through the through hole 508. In some embodiments, a wall 522 extends from the cavity 510 to the through-hole 508, or adjacent to the through-hole 508, so as to divide a distal portion of the channel 520 between the cavity 510 and the through-hole 508 into a first portion and a second portion (shown as separate channels positioned laterally adjacent to each other in fig. 15E). The wall 522 may be used to route or guide the tensioning member 450 as it is inserted into the channel 520 and locking member 550. In some embodiments, arrows or other symbols may be formed on the surface of the channel 520. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrows are formed in the channel 520 around the through-holes 508. The arrow may visually indicate the direction in which the tension member 450 is to be routed through the locking component 550 and the channel 520.

Fig. 15C shows the locking member 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the end member 470. The locking member 550 may include an L-shaped profile that reflects the L-shaped profile of the cavity 510. In particular, a bend 559 may be formed in the locking member 550 that mates with the bend 514 of the cavity 510 to enable the locking member 550 to be inserted into the L-shaped cavity 510. The L-shaped cavity 510 and locking member 550 ensure that the locking member 550 is always properly or correctly inserted into the cavity 510 by preventing the locking member 550 from being inserted into the cavity 510 unless the locking member 550 is properly oriented and aligned with the cavity 510. Proper and correct insertion of the locking member 550 is important to ensure that the tension member 450 can be inserted through the locking member 550 in a manner that does not kink or damage the tension member 550. For example, the locking member 550 includes a lace inlet aperture 552, and the lace inlet aperture 552 is coaxially aligned with the lace aperture 504 of the body 502 when the locking member 550 is inserted into the cavity 510. If the locking component 550 is not properly inserted into the cavity 510, the lacing access holes 552 may be misaligned with the lacing holes 504 of the body 502, which may kink or damage the tensioning member 450 as the tensioning member 450 is tensioned around the ski boot 400 or the end member 470 is assembled around the ski boot 400.

Lace access aperture 552 is formed on the distal side of locking member 550. A lace outlet aperture 554 is formed on a proximal side of the locking member 550 opposite the lace inlet aperture 552. A channel or lumen extends between lace inlet aperture 552 and lace outlet aperture 554, which allows the tensioning member to be fully inserted into locking element 550 between lace inlet aperture 522 and lace outlet aperture 554. When the locking member 550 is positioned within the cavity 510, the lace outlet aperture 554 is aligned with the first portion of the channel 520.

A second lace inlet aperture 556 is formed on a proximal side of the locking member 550, and a second lace outlet aperture 558 is formed on a distal side of the locking member 550 opposite the second lace inlet aperture 556. When the locking member 550 is positioned within the cavity 510, the second lace inlet aperture 556 is aligned with the second portion of the channel 520, and the second lace outlet aperture 558 is aligned with the second cavity 512. A channel or lumen extends between the second lace inlet aperture 556 and the second lace outlet aperture 558, which enables the tensioning member to be fully inserted into the locking component 550 between the second portion of the channel 520 and the second cavity 512.

Fig. 15D shows a side view of the body 502, and more particularly shows the tool access hole 506. A hole 506 is formed in the body 502 such that it extends from the cavity 510 to an outer surface of the body 502. As briefly described above, a tool may be inserted through the aperture 506 to engage the locking member 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the body. The tool may be used to lock or unlock the tension member 450 from engagement with the locking component 550, which locking component 550 fixedly couples the tension member 450 to the end member 470 or releases the tension member 450 from the end member 470. In one embodiment, the tool may access a set screw (not shown) threaded into the body of the locking member 550. The tool may rotate the set screw into increasing or decreasing frictional engagement with the tensioning member 450. The set screw may exert a clamping or compressive force on the tensioning member 450 to lock the tensioning member 450 within the body of the locking component 550, thereby fixedly attaching the tensioning member 45 to the end member 470. More specifically, rotation of the set screw may move the set screw toward or away from the channel or lumen between the second lace inlet aperture 556 and the second lace outlet aperture 558, which may compress the tensioning member 450 within the channel or lumen. In some embodiments, a component or material, such as a nylon patch, may be positioned between the tensioning member 450 and the distal end of the set screw in order to minimize or eliminate unwanted damage to the tensioning member 450 by the set screw.

To fixedly couple or secure the tensioning member 450 with the locking component 550, the tensioning member 450 is passed through the lacing holes 504 of the body 502 and through the lacing access holes 552 of the locking component 550. The tensioning member 450 is then passed through the passage between the lace inlet aperture 552 and the lace outlet aperture 554 until the tensioning member 450 protrudes from the lace outlet aperture 552. The tensioning member 450 is then bent within the channel 520 around the through hole 508 along the arrow formed or defined on the surface of the channel 520. In some embodiments, the wall 522 can be angled to help guide or deflect the tensioning member 450 toward the channel 520 as the tensioning member 450 exits the lace outlet aperture 554. The tensioning member 450 is then passed through the second lace inlet aperture 556 and through the corresponding channel until the tensioning member 450 protrudes from the second lace outlet aperture 558. Upon exiting the second lace outlet aperture 558, the distal end of the tensioning member 450 is positioned within the second cavity 512. The set screw may then be engaged by a tool passing through the tool access hole 506 to lock the tensioning member 450 within the locking component 550. Removal of the tensioning member 450 from the locking component 550 may be accomplished by accessing the set screw via a tool passing through the tool access hole 506 and rotating the set screw toward the unlocked position. The tensioning member 450 may then be removed from the locking component 550 and the end member 470. All of the above-described processes may be performed while the end member 470 is attached to the ski boot 400.

While various embodiments and arrangements of components are described herein, it should be understood that various components and/or combinations of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, altered, adjusted, etc. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments can be adjusted or rearranged and/or the components can be employed in any of the embodiments that are not currently described or that do not employ the various described components. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangements and/or component constructions described herein.

In addition, it should be understood that any feasible combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. Furthermore, whenever a feature is not discussed in relation to an embodiment of the invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that some embodiments of the invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such features to provide support for negative claim limitations.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other instances, well known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is also encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where a range mentioned includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a process" includes a plurality of such processes, and reference to "the apparatus" includes reference to one or more apparatuses and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Moreover, the terms "comprises" and "comprising," when used in this specification and the appended claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A ski boot, comprising:

a rigid housing, the rigid housing comprising:

a lower housing configured to couple with a snowboard binding, the lower housing configured to receive a foot;

an upper sleeve portion pivotally coupled with the lower shell, the upper sleeve portion configured to receive a calf;

a tightening system coupled with the lower housing, the tightening system comprising:

a single reel-based closure coupled with the lower housing adjacent the upper sleeve;

a tensioning member operatively connected with the spool-based closure such that operation of the spool-based closure effects tightening of the tensioning member;

a first guide positioned on a first side of the opening of the lower housing;

A second guide positioned on a second side of the opening of the lower housing; and

an end member coupled with the lower housing adjacent the toe box;

wherein the first and second guides route or guide the tensioning member across the opening and to the end member along a path around the lower housing; and

wherein the distal end of the tensioning member is fixedly coupled with the end member.

2. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the first guide is a long guide having a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than a lateral width, and having a proximal end attached to the lower housing near the sole of the lower housing and a distal end positioned near the opening and engaging the tensioning member.

3. The ski boot of claim 2, wherein the second guide is a short guide having a longitudinal length that is significantly shorter than the longitudinal length of the long guide.

4. A ski boot as in claim 3, wherein the tightening system further comprises a third guide positioned on a first side of the opening of the lower shell, the third guide being an elongate guide having a similar configuration to the first guide, wherein the first guide, the second guide, and the third guide are arranged around the lower shell such that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path.

5. A ski boot as in claim 1 where the housing of the reel-based closure device includes a single inlet port or aperture of the tension member.

6. A ski boot as in claim 1, where the reel-based closure device comprises a housing detachably coupled to a base member secured to the ski boot by a spring member.

7. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the reel-based closure device comprises a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force, and the reel-based closure device is configured to progressively loosen the tensioning member based on a first operation, and to fully loosen the tensioning member based on a second operation.

8. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the end member comprises a locking component configured to engage and disengage the tightening member, wherein the locking component fixedly couples the tightening member to the end member when engaged with the tightening member, and the locking component allows the tightening member to be removed from the end member when disengaged from the tightening member.

9. The ski boot of claim 8, wherein the end member is configured such that when the tightening member is coupled with the locking component, the tightening member is positioned within a channel that surrounds a through hole of a coupling bolt.

10. An elongate guide for routing or guiding a tensioning member around an article, the elongate guide comprising:

a body having:

a lateral width;

a longitudinal length substantially greater than the transverse width; and

a channel formed at a distal end of the body, the channel being shaped and dimensioned to enable insertion of the tensioning member therethrough.

11. The long guide of claim 10, further comprising a stiffening member coupled with the body, wherein the stiffening member supports or stiffens the channel formed in the distal end of the body.

12. The elongate guide of claim 11, wherein the stiffening member extends from the proximal end of the body to the channel formed in the distal end of the body.

13. A long guide as defined in claim 11, wherein the channel is formed in a guide section disposed within the annular end of the stiffening member, wherein the guide section extends between opposite sides of the body so that the tensioning member is accessible.

14. A spool-based closure for tensioning a tensioning member, the spool-based closure comprising:

a housing;

a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and

a dial or knob operatively coupled with the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob effects rotation of the spool in a tightening direction, thereby wrapping the tensioning member around the spool.

15. The reel-based closure of claim 14 wherein the housing is detachably coupled with a base member securable to an article by a spring member.

16. The reel-based closure of claim 14, wherein the reel-based closure comprises a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force of the dial or knob, and the reel-based closure is configured to progressively loosen the tensioning member based on a first operation of the dial or knob and to completely loosen the tensioning member based on a second operation of the dial or knob.

17. The reel-based closure of claim 14 wherein said housing includes only one lace port for said tensioning member.

18. A boot, comprising:

a lower portion configured to receive a foot;

an upper portion extending upwardly from the lower portion and configured to receive a calf; and

a tightening system coupled with the lower portion, the tightening system comprising:

reel-based closure means;

a tensioning member operatively coupled with the spool-based closure such that operation of the spool-based closure effects tensioning of the tensioning member;

a plurality of guide members that route or guide the tensioning member along a path; and

an end member;

19. The boot of claim 18, wherein the plurality of guide members comprises:

a first guide and a third guide positioned on a first side of the boot, and a second guide positioned on a second side of the boot opposite the first side, wherein the first guide and the third guide each have a longitudinal length that is greater than a longitudinal length of the second guide, and the first guide, the second guide, and the third guide are disposed about the boot such that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path.

20. The boot of claim 19, wherein the second guide comprises an open channel, the tensioning member being removably positioned within the open channel.