Systems and methods for rotational locking devices

Abstract

The rotary locking system includes a turntable having a projection on an underside thereof to engage a pawl assembly connected with the teeth of the housing. A housing accommodates the spool therein, and the housing has teeth around a circumferential edge with which the pawl assembly is engageable. The base member or flange may be coupled to or integral with the housing to connect the rotary locking system to an article of clothing, such as a shoe. The rotary system has a first locked position and a second unlocked position. In the first locked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly engages the spool and the teeth of the housing. And in the second unlocking position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly is separated from the reel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a closure system for use in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, such as in a low friction lacing system for footwear, to provide even tightening pressure on the wearer's foot. Background Art

[0002] The prior art may have inherent deficiencies in the ability of the rotational locking system to tighten the shoelaces and securely lock the shoe, such as the locking system being easily locked into a de-tensioned position or becoming stuck when over-rotated in the wrong rotational direction. Previous rotational locking designs included a housing that completely enclosed the spool, which could cause the tensioning element to become tangled inside the housing, sometimes preventing the spool from rotating. In addition, attempts to realign the components of the rotational locking device may damage the rotational locking device if errors are made during assembly or the components are misaligned.

[0003] In addition, existing designs of rotary locks require the manufacture of mirrored components to form left-hand and right-hand rotary locks. The user and / or customer must select in advance the type of lock they want.

[0004] It is in light of these observations, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure have been conceived and developed. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, the rotary locking system includes a rotating disk having a protrusion on the underside of the rotating disk to engage a pawl assembly. The pawl assembly is connected to the teeth of the housing, and the housing contains the spool therein. The housing has teeth around the circumferential edge, and the pawl assembly can engage with the teeth or with the spaces between the teeth. The flange or base member can be coupled to the housing or formed integrally with the housing.

[0006] The rotary locking system has a first locked position and a second unlocked position. In the first locked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly engages the teeth of the spool and the housing. In the second unlocked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly is disengaged from the spool.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pawl assembly includes a first pawl and a second pawl. In some embodiments, the first pawl and the second pawl are reversible. In other embodiments, the first pawl and the second pawl are directional and non-reversible.

[0008] According to another aspect, the first pawl and the second pawl each include a body having: (i) a first inner arm for engaging the spool; (ii) a second outer arm for engaging the teeth of the housing, the second outer arm gradually tightening the spool when the turntable is rotated in the locking direction to the first locking position; (iii) a third outer arm for engaging the turntable. The second outer arm may include a ramp-shaped protrusion for engaging the teeth of the housing. The protrusion on the underside of the turntable may include a first protrusion for engaging the first pawl of the pawl assembly and a second protrusion for engaging the second pawl of the pawl assembly.

[0009] According to another aspect, the first protrusion of the rotating disk engages the third outer arm of the first pawl, and the second protrusion of the rotating disk engages the third outer arm of the second pawl. In some embodiments, the rotating disk further includes a first protrusion structure on the underside of the rotating disk, and in the second unlocked position, the first protrusion structure is positioned radially inward from the ramp-like protrusion of the second outer arm of the first pawl, thereby preventing the second outer arm of the first pawl from bending radially inward. The first and second protrusions of the rotating disk can be inclined.

[0010] According to another aspect, the third outer arm for engaging the rotary disk includes a radially inwardly extending protrusion that engages with the protrusion of the rotary disk and provides resistance between the first locked position and the second unlocked position.

[0011] According to one aspect, the rotary locking system includes a flange coupled to a housing and a spool receivable within the housing. A first pawl element and a second pawl element engage an inner side of the rotating disk and the housing. The first pawl element and the second pawl element form a pawl assembly.

[0012] According to another aspect, the pawl assembly has a first position that allows the rotation locking device to be formed as a right-hand rotation locking device and a second position that allows the rotation locking device to be formed as a left-hand rotation locking device.

[0013] According to yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a rotation locking system may be provided. The method includes manufacturing a reversible pawl assembly such that the pawl assembly can be rotated or flipped from top to bottom to allow the rotation locking system to be adapted for right-handed or left-handed rotation. In certain configurations, all components of the rotation system are manufactured in the same manner, whether the system is for a right-handed or left-handed rotation system.

[0014] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the ensuing description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The following drawings illustrate specific representative configurations currently considered to implement the disclosed subject matter, and these drawings do not limit the embodiments that can be made according to the present disclosure. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. In several views, the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts.

[0016] Figure 1A is an illustration of a perspective exploded view showing a top view of the various components of a first embodiment of a rotary locking device.

[0017] Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A Illustration of a perspective exploded view of the bottom view of the various components of the rotary locking device.

[0018] Figure 2A is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotary locking system showing a pawl assembly in a locked position allowing the rotary locking system to be tightened.

[0019] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A top cross-sectional view of a rotary locking system of FIG. 1 , wherein the pawl assembly is in an unlocked position allowing the rotary locking system to be released.

[0020] Figure 2C is in locked position Figure 2A A close-up view of a portion of the rotary locking system is shown.

[0021] Figure 2D is in unlocked position Figure 2B A close-up view of a portion of the rotation locking system shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 3A is an illustration of a perspective exploded view showing a top view of the various components of a second embodiment of a rotary locking device.

[0023] Figure 3B It is shown Figure 3A Illustration of a perspective exploded view of the bottom view of the various components of the rotary locking device.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A-3B Assembly drawing of the rotary locking device.

[0025] Figure 5A is shown along Figure 4 The line 5A-5A is intercepted Figure 3A-3B Illustration of a cross-sectional view of a rotary locking device.

[0026] Figure 5B is shown along Figure 4 The line 5B-5B is intercepted Figure 3A-3B Illustration of a cross-sectional view of a rotary locking device.

[0027] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B It is shown Figure 3A-3B A series of perspective illustrations of a subassembly of a rotary locking device from a bottom perspective before and after engagement of a reel with the subassembly.

[0028] Figure 7A-7C The solid flange bottom plate is shown Figure 3A-3B A series of illustrations of top view perspectives, bottom view perspectives and top views of a flange or base member of a rotary locking device.

[0029] Figure 8A-8C The solid flange bottom plate is shown Figure 3A-3B A series of illustrations of top perspective views, bottom perspective views and top views of the flange of the rotary locking device.

[0030] Figure 9A-9D It is shown Figure 3A-3B A series of illustrations of a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a top view and a side view of a reel of a rotary locking device.

[0031] Figures 10A-10D is a series of illustrations showing first top perspective views and top views of a pawl assembly and first top perspective views and top views of individual pawl elements of the pawl assembly.

[0032] Fig.11A It is shown Figure 3A-3B Bottom view perspective of the turntable.

[0033] Fig. 11B is an exploded perspective view showing a bottom view of the dial and pawl assembly.

[0034] Fig. 11C is a bottom perspective view showing the turntable connected to the pawl assembly.

[0035] Fig. 12A is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotary locking device in a locked position.

[0036] Fig. 12B is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotary locking device in an unlocked position.

[0037] Fig.13 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a rotary locking system, wherein the pawl assembly is relative to Figure 3A-3B Flip to allow counter-clockwise rotation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure generally relates to a rotary locking device. Various embodiments of the rotary locking device are suitable for right-handed wearers or for use when it is most convenient to tighten by rotating the dial in a clockwise direction, and the reversible pawl assembly can be rotated 180 degrees to be used in a direction suitable for left-handed wearers or for use when it is most convenient to tighten by rotating the dial in a counterclockwise direction. The same reel, housing, turntable and base member can be used simply by rotating the reversible pawl assembly 180 degrees. There is no need to manufacture different parts. In other configurations, the rotary locking system is different for the clockwise tightening direction and the counterclockwise tightening direction, that is, the same pawl does not allow for the application of both the left-hand tightening pawl system and the right-hand tightening pawl system.

[0039] Additionally, the housing provides increased spool capacity and reduces jamming of the tensioning element that is repeatedly tensioned and untensioned about the spool. Referring to the Figures, an embodiment of a rotational locking device for a shoe is shown and generally designated 100 .

[0040] exist Figure 1A-Figure 2D One embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described in the rotary locking device of FIG. Figure 1A A perspective exploded view showing a top view of the rotary locking device 100, Figure 1B A perspective exploded view from the bottom perspective of the rotation locking device of Figure 1 is shown. As shown in the figure, the rotation locking device 100 includes a rotating disk 105, a pawl assembly 104, a housing 102 and a base member 106.

[0041] The turntable 105 includes a protrusion or ramp 182 on the underside or inner surface 178 of the turntable 105 to engage the pawl assembly 104. The pawl assembly 104 is connected to the teeth of the housing 102. The pawl assembly 104 has a locked position for engaging the reel 103 and an unlocked position for disengaging from the reel 103. The pawl assembly 104 may include one or more pawls. The housing 102 includes a void or space for accommodating the reel 103, and teeth for engaging the pawl assembly 104. A base member 106 is provided at the bottom of the housing 102 to accommodate the housing and connect the rotary locking system to footwear or other desired applications. Figure 1A-1B In the illustrated construction, the flange is integrally formed with the housing, in other words, the housing includes a flange at the bottom of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the flange may be a separate component connected to the housing 102.

[0042] The rotary locking device 100 includes a housing 102 that engages a pawl assembly 104 and a rotating disk 105 and further defines a spool passage 124 in which a spool 103 may be partially enclosed. To assemble the rotary locking device 100, the pawl assembly 104 is coupled to the rotating disk 105, which in turn are coupled to the housing 102 to form a subassembly. The spool 103 may then be disposed within the spool passage 124 of the housing 102.

[0043] When assembled, the rotary locking system 100 has a locked position for engaging the spool 103 and an unlocked position for disengaging from the spool 103. In one embodiment, the locked position provides that each of the two components of the pawl assembly has (i) an inner arm 161 (ii) an inner arm 162 (iii) an inner arm 163 (iv) an inner arm 164 (v) an inner arm 165 (vi) an inner arm 166 (vii) an inner arm 167 (vii) an inner arm 168 (vii) an inner arm 169 (vii) an inner arm 161 (vii) an inner arm 164 (vii) an inner arm 166 (vii) an inner arm 167 (vii) an inner arm 168 (vii) an inner arm 169 (vii) an inner arm 168 (vii) an inner arm 169 (vii) an inner arm 161 (vii) an inner arm 166 (vii) an inner arm 168 (vii) an inner arm 169 (vii) an inner arm 169 (vii) an inner arm 169 (vii) an inner arm 161 (vii) an inner arm 161 (vii) an inner arm 166 (vii) an inner arm 168 (vii) an inner arm 169 ... Figure 2A ), so that rotation of the rotating disk 105 rotates the spool 103, and (ii) an outer arm 162 having a ramp-like protrusion 163 that engages with the teeth of the housing, so that when the pawl assembly is in the locked position, the spool 103 can only rotate in one way. The second outer arm can engage the rotating disk 105. In this embodiment, in the unlocked position ( Figure 2B ), the inner arm 161 is released from the reel 103. That is, the unlocked position causes each of the two components of the pawl assembly to have (i) the inner arm 161 disengaged from the teeth of the reel 103 (ii) the inner arm 161 disengaged from the teeth of the reel 103 Figure 2B ), so that the rotation of the turntable 105 is decoupled from the rotation of the reel 103, and (ii) an outer arm 162 having a ramp-like protrusion 163 that is engaged with the teeth of the housing. In other embodiments, the outer arm 162 can also be optionally disengaged from the teeth of the housing.

[0044] In use, the rotation locking system is installed in the desired orientation for tightening (e.g. Figure 2A-2B 16, the tightening direction is shown as counterclockwise. To tighten the shoelaces, the turntable is rotated in the tightening (or locking) direction, and the turntable 105 rotates the reel 103 through its connection with the reel 103 via the inner arm 161 of the pawl assembly 104. The inner arm 161 of the pawl assembly 104 is coupled to the turntable 105 via the protrusion 182 on the inner surface of the turntable 105. As the ramp-shaped protrusion 163 of the outer arm 162 moves along each tooth of the housing 102, the ramp-shaped protrusion 163 of the outer arm 162 gradually tightens the reel 103. To loosen the shoelaces, the turntable is rotated in the unlocking direction (here counterclockwise, see Figure 2B ) rotates, and the protrusion or ramp on the underside of the turntable no longer presses the pawl assembly into the teeth of the reel, allowing the reel 103 to rotate freely in the unlocked position.

[0045] In some embodiments, the protrusion 164 is disposed on one or more outer arms 162 of the pawl assembly. The radially inwardly extending protrusion 164 engages with the radially outward side of the protrusion 182 of the rotary disk 105, thereby providing a designed resistance between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0046] Although Figure 2A-2B A directional turntable 105 with a pawl assembly 104 is shown, but a directional or non-directional turntable 105 can be used as desired. A turntable with a specific directionality can increase the strength of the system. Similarly, other aspects of the system can be directional or non-directional, such as the teeth of the reel, the teeth of the housing, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, the turntable further includes one or more raised structures 181 on the inner side or underside of the turntable 105, which can improve the reliability of positioning the system in the locked position. Figure 2B ,in particular Figure 2D ), these protrusions 181 on the turntable are positioned directly radially inward from the ramp-like protrusions 163 of the outer arm 162 of the pawl assembly 104, so that the ramp-like protrusions 163 cannot bend radially inward to catch on the teeth of the housing and advance forward. Until the protrusions 182 of the turntable engage the inner arm 161 of the pawl assembly 104 and push the inner arm into the teeth of the spool, the protrusions will prevent the pawl assembly 104 from advancing forward relative to the housing. Once the inner arm is engaged, the protrusions 181 disengage from the ramp-like protrusions 163 of the pawl (see Figure 2C ), allowing them to be pushed forward against the housing.

[0048] exist Figure 3A-3B Another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described in the rotation locking device of FIG. Figure 3A A perspective exploded view showing a top view of the rotary locking device 100, Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A 1. A perspective exploded view of a rotation locking device 100 from a bottom perspective. As shown, the rotation locking device 100 includes a turntable 105 for rotating a spool 103 and an improved reversible pawl assembly 104. The reversible pawl assembly 104 is attached to the inner surface 178 of the turntable 105 by two opposing ramps 182 located on the underside of the turntable 105, which will be described in more detail below.

[0049] The rotary locking device 100 includes a housing 102 that engages a pawl assembly 104 and a rotating disk 105 and further defines a spool passage 124 in which the spool 103 may be partially enclosed. To assemble the rotary locking device 100, the pawl assembly 104 is coupled to the rotating disk 105, which in turn are coupled to the housing 102 to form a reel passage 124. Fig. 6AThe subassembly 101 is shown. Then, Figure 6B As shown, the spool 103 may be disposed within a spool passage 124 of the housing 102 .

[0050] When assembled, the turntable 105 operably engages the pawl assembly 104 and the reel 103 to rotate the reel 103 in a first rotational direction within the housing 102, thereby tensioning a tensioning element around the reel, and rotating in a second rotational direction can release the tension of the tensioning element. When assembled, the components of the subassembly 101 and the reel 103 are aligned along a common central axis. The assembled reel 103 and the subassembly 101 including the turntable 105, the pawl assembly 104 and the housing 102 can then be coupled to the base member 106, which is secured along an exterior portion of a shoe (not shown) to complete the assembly. In some embodiments, the turntable 105 can include a logo or other indicia. In some embodiments, the base member 106 is not a separate element; instead, a flange or other suitable mechanism can be integral with the housing 102 to allow the rotation locking device 100 to be sewn to a shoe or otherwise attached to a shoe.

[0051] Reference Figure 7A-7C In some embodiments, the base member 106 is coupled to the housing 102 ( Figure 3A-3B ) to couple the assembled components of the rotation locking device 100 to a shoe or another item. In some embodiments, the base member 106 defines a closed body 108 having a circular shape that forms a flanged floor 116 for engaging the housing 102 during assembly. The flanged closed body 108 surrounds the underside of the reel 103 and is coupled to the housing 102, such that the reel 103 is collectively enclosed between the turntable 105, the housing 102, and the base member 106.

[0052] The closure body defines a first flange wall 111 and an opposite second flange wall 112 enclosing the housing 102, and defines an edge 113 extending beyond the first flange wall 111 and the opposite second flange wall 112. The first flange wall 111 and the opposite second flange wall 112 together define a first flange window 119A and an opposite second flange window 119B for passage of a tensioning element during assembly. The flange bottom plate 116 of the base member 106 forms a plurality of seats 115A-115B, which receive a plurality of corresponding shoulders 129A-129B ( Figure 8B ).

[0053] The base member 106 also includes a first slot 109 formed opposite to the second slot 110 for coupling the opposite side of the housing 102 to the base member 106. The housing 102 may include a first retaining member 127A and a second retaining member 127B (see below for details on the Figure 8A-8C), so as to engage with the first groove 109 and the second groove 110 respectively.

[0054] Figure 8A-8C The housing 102 of the rotation locking device 100 is shown. In some embodiments, the housing 102 forms a generally circular body that defines a spool passage 124 for receiving and rotating the spool 103. The circular body defines a circular inner wall that is coaxially formed within a circular outer wall. As shown, the circular outer wall defines a circumferential flange 128 around the outside of the circular outer wall that is configured to engage with the turntable 105; such engagement is as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A The circular outer wall also defines a plurality of teeth 123 along the interior of the circular outer wall for engaging the pawl assembly 104. A reel passage 124 is defined through the center of the housing 102; and the diameter of the reel passage 124 enables the reel 103 to be placed in the reel passage 124 and rotate freely.

[0055] like Figure 6B As further shown, the spool channel 124 partially encloses the spool 103 and allows access to the underside of the spool 103 when the spool 103 is disposed within the housing 102. During the gradual rotation of the turntable 105, the pawl assembly 104 and the spool 103 in the first rotational direction while the tensioning element is tightened around the spool 103, the plurality of teeth 123 of the housing 102 operably engage the first reversible pawl assembly arm 161 of the first pawl element of the pawl assembly 104 and the second reversible pawl assembly arm ( Figures 10A-10D ). In some configurations, the plurality of teeth 123 of the housing 102 are substantially symmetrical to allow the reversible pawl assembly 104 to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as will be described in more detail below.

[0056] In some embodiments, Figure 8B As shown, the housing 102 defines a pair of opposing retaining members 127A and 127B, which are configured to engage with the first slot 109 and the second slot 110 of the base member 106 during assembly. In some configurations, the first retaining member 127A and the second retaining member 128B form a first cutout portion 117 and a second cutout portion 118 at their free ends, respectively. The first cutout portion 117 and the second cutout portion 118 can be coupled to the slots of the housing 102 in a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0057] The housing further defines a first arched portion 126A and a second arched portion 126B configured for passage of one or more lacing (tensioning) elements (not shown) between the interior of the spool passage 124 and the exterior of the housing 102. Brief Review Figure 6BWhen assembled, with the spool 103 coupled within the housing 102, the first arched portion 126A and the second arched portion 126B allow access to a tensioning element (not shown) and the spool 103. The first arched portion 126A and the second arched portion 126B reduce the possibility of the tensioning element getting stuck, especially when the rotation locking device 100 is required to have both tensioning and de-tensioning functions.

[0058] Reference Figure 9A-9D The reel 103 controls the operation of a tensioning element (not shown) such as a cable or wire for tightening a shoelace (not shown) by operating the rotation locking device 100, wherein the reel 103 is located in a reel channel 124 of the housing 102 (e.g. Figure 6B In some embodiments, the reel 103 includes a body 130 that forms a reel bottom 132 and a reel flange 131, which together define a neck 134 and an extension 133 that extends axially from the reel flange 131. The neck 134 receives a tensioning element to be wound around the neck 134. The extension 133 forms a plurality of teeth 136 that together form a plurality of recesses 140, and the plurality of recesses 140 are juxtaposed between corresponding ridges 141, and the ridges 141 are formed circumferentially around a circumferential edge 137 of the extension 133, so that the plurality of teeth 136 engage with the pawl assembly 104 ( Figures 10A-10D ).

[0059] The teeth 136 are operably engaged with the pawl member 152 of the pawl assembly 104 for rotating the spool 103 in the first rotational direction, i.e., substantially "clicking" the spool 103 and forcing the spool 103 to rotate in the first rotational direction together with the rotating disk 105 and the pawl assembly 104. As further shown, in some embodiments, the body 130 of the spool 103 defines a first window 144 and a second window 145. Structurally, the first window 144 and the second window 145 allow the tensioning element to pass through, thereby fixing the tensioning element to the body 130 of the spool 103 when the tensioning element is wound around the spool 103 during operation of the rotation locking device 100.

[0060] Reference Figures 10A-10D, the pawl assembly 104 includes a first pawl 150a and a second pawl 150b. In some embodiments, the pawls 150a and 150b are identical and reversible. Each pawl includes a body 155 having (i) a first inner arm 161, the first inner arm 161 including a pawl member 152 for engaging the extension 133 of the reel 103, (ii) a second outer arm 162a for engaging the housing 102, and (iii) a third outer arm 162b for engaging the turntable 105. In some embodiments, the pawl member 152 defines a distal portion 166 located away from the body 155, wherein the distal portion 166 forms an inwardly extending protrusion 167, which defines a pawl recess 169.

[0061] In operation, the pawl assembly 104 engages with the extension 133 ( Fig. 8A ) is operably engaged to control the rotation of the spool 103, i.e., essentially "clicks" the spool 103. For example, in the locked configuration, the pawl recess 169 of the pawl member 152 engages the corresponding ridge 141 of the extension 133, so that the spool 103 is stuck and cannot rotate.

[0062] Each pawl also includes a second outer arm 162a to rotate the pawl in a first rotation direction (clockwise, such as Figure 3A - As shown in FIG. 10 ) the turntable 105 is rotated, the plurality of teeth 123 ( Fig. 8A and Figure 8C ). The second outer arm 162a includes a ramp-shaped protrusion 163. The ramp-shaped protrusion allows the pawl assembly 104 to rotate in a clockwise direction within the housing 102, but the ramp prevents the pawl assembly 104 from rotating in the opposite direction in a counterclockwise direction within the housing 102. The entire pawl assembly can be flipped (i.e., from top to bottom) to change the rotation direction of the pawl assembly 104 within the housing 102.

[0063] The pawl assembly 104 also includes a third outer arm 162b to engage one of two opposing ramps 182 (or protrusions 182 of the turntable) on the inner surface 178 of the turntable 105. The ramp 182 (best seen in FIG. 11 ) may include an outwardly extending protrusion 182a and one or more inwardly inclined portions 182b. The inner surface 178 of the turntable 105 may also include one or more islands or protrusions 181. The space 179 formed between the first inner arm 161 and the second outer arm 162a may accommodate the islands or protrusions 181 of the inner surface 178 of the turntable 105.

[0064] The dial 105 provides a means for actuating the rotation locking device 100 by manually rotating the dial 105 infinitely in a first rotational direction, and the dial 105 also prevents or limits rotation in an opposite second rotational direction. In some embodiments, the dial 105 includes a body 176 defining an outer surface 177 and an inner surface 178. In some embodiments, the outer surface 177 forms a gripping surface 183 that is configured to be gripped by a user's hand when the dial 105 is rotated. Fig.11A As shown in detail, the rotary disk 105 includes one or more engagement elements 185 that engage with the circumferential flange 128 of the housing 102 to enclose the pawl assembly 104 and form a Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Subcomponent 101 of .

[0065] In some embodiments, the inner surface 178 of the turntable 105 forms opposing ramps 182 that are protrusions from the inner surface 178. Fig. 12A As shown, in the locked position, the second outer arm 162a engages the housing 102, wherein the ramp-shaped protrusion 163 engages the plurality of teeth 123 ( Fig. 8A and Figure 8C ) A space in the space between the plurality of teeth. A plurality of teeth are positioned along the periphery of the housing 102. The ramp-like protrusion allows the pawl assembly 104 to rotate in a clockwise direction within the housing 102, but the ramp prevents reverse rotation in a counterclockwise direction within the housing 102. Fig. 12B The unlocked position is shown.

[0066] Reference Figure 3A-Figure 6B In one method of assembling the rotation locking device 100, the housing 102 allows the manufacturer to assemble the turntable 105, the pawl assembly 104, and the housing 102 together in a snap-fit ​​engagement to form a subassembly 101. The subassembly 101 enables the manufacturer to ensure that the turntable 105, the pawl assembly 104, and the housing 102 are functioning properly before the rotation locking device 100 is fully assembled. Thereafter, the reel 103 and the associated tensioning element (not shown) can be coupled to the subassembly 101 by the manufacturer or by the consumer. The formation of the subassembly 101 also enables the consumer to remove and / or replace the reel 103 or replace the tensioning element in the event of a jam without completely disassembling the housing 102 from the turntable 105 and the pawl assembly 104, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the rotation locking device 100.

[0067] Subassembly 101 may be assembled by coupling pawl assembly 104 with turntable 105. Next, as described above and as Fig. 6AAs shown, the housing 102 is coupled to the turntable 105 by snapping the circumferential flange 128 of the housing 102 to the inner surface 178 of the turntable 105 using one or more engagement elements 185 of the turntable 105. After forming the subassembly 101, the reel 103 can be coupled to the subassembly 101 by inserting the reel 103 into the housing 102. Then, the subassembly 101 and the reel 103 can be coupled to the base member 106 by snapping the first retaining member 127A and the second retaining member 127B of the housing 102 into the opposing first groove 109 and the second groove 110 of the base member 106, respectively. In some embodiments, the base member 106 can be sewn into the shoe (not shown) or can be present on another device (such as a container) that requires tensioning the tensioning element. The base member 106 can include any desired method of attaching the locking system to clothing or shoes, such as rivet holes, Velcro, integrated fabric materials, etc.

[0068] In prior art arrangements, it is necessary to provide a right-handed rotary locking device and a separate left-handed rotary locking device, wherein the left-handed rotary locking device includes the same components, but is completely mirrored on a vertical axis, including a mirrored flange, a mirrored turntable, a mirrored pawl assembly, a mirrored spool, and a mirrored housing. However, according to the present disclosure, a single rotary locking device can be manufactured that allows for right-hand or left-hand locking by simply flipping (i.e., rotating from top to bottom) a reversible pawl assembly. This makes manufacturing easier, and the manufacturer or user can have multiple installation options without having to purchase a rotary locking device for a specific orientation.

[0069] Example

[0070] The following embodiments are provided merely as examples of specific configurations, materials, arrangements, etc. contemplated by the authors of the present disclosure:

[0071] Embodiment 1: A rotary locking system, comprising: a flange connected to a housing, a reel that can be accommodated in the housing; a first pawl element and a second pawl element, wherein the first pawl element and the second pawl element engage the inner side of a turntable and the housing; wherein the first pawl element and the second pawl element form a pawl assembly, and wherein the pawl assembly has a first position that allows the rotary locking device to be formed as a right-hand rotary locking device and a second position that allows the rotary locking device to be formed as a left-hand rotary locking device.

[0072] Embodiment 2: The rotary locking system of embodiment 1, wherein the first detent element comprises a first inwardly directed arm comprising a detent member for engaging an extension of the spool.

[0073] Embodiment 3: The rotary locking system of embodiment 1, wherein the first pawl element comprises a second outer arm for engaging the housing.

[0074] Embodiment 4: The rotary locking system of embodiment 1, wherein the first pawl element comprises a third outer arm for engaging the rotary disk.

[0075] Embodiment 5: According to the rotation locking system described in Embodiment 1, the inner side of the rotating disk further includes two opposing ramp portions to lock the pawl assembly in place.

[0076] Embodiment 6: A rotary locking system, comprising: a housing, a reel that can be accommodated in the housing; a first pawl and a second pawl, wherein the first pawl element and the second pawl element engage the inner side of the turntable and the housing; and wherein the first pawl and the second pawl form a pawl assembly, and wherein the pawl assembly has a first position that allows the rotary locking system to form a right-hand rotary locking device and a second position that allows the rotary locking system to form a left-hand rotary locking device.

[0077] Embodiment 7: The rotational locking system of Embodiment 6, wherein the housing further comprises a flange for attaching the rotational locking system to a shoe.

[0078] Embodiment 8: A rotary locking system comprising: a turntable having a protrusion on the underside of the turntable to engage a pawl assembly; a pawl assembly connected to teeth of a housing; a housing accommodating a reel therein and having teeth around a circumferential edge with which the pawl assembly can engage; and a flange connected to the housing; wherein the rotary locking system has a first locked position and a second unlocked position; wherein, in the first locked position, an inner arm of the pawl assembly engages the teeth of the reel and the housing; and wherein, in the second unlocked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly is disengaged from the reel.

[0079] Embodiment 9: The rotation locking system according to embodiment 8, wherein the pawl assembly includes a first pawl and a second pawl.

[0080] Embodiment 10: The rotation locking system according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the first pawl and the second pawl are reversible.

[0081] Example 11: A rotary locking system according to any one of Examples 8-10, wherein the first pawl and the second pawl each include a main body, wherein the main body has: a first inner arm for engaging the reel; a second outer arm for engaging the teeth of the shell, the second outer arm gradually tightens the reel when the turntable rotates along the locking direction of the first outer arm; and a third outer arm for engaging the turntable.

[0082] Embodiment 12: The rotation locking system of any of Embodiments 8-11, wherein the second outer arm includes a ramp-like protrusion for engaging a tooth of the housing.

[0083] Embodiment 13: The rotary locking system of any one of Embodiments 8-12, wherein the protrusion on the underside of the rotary disk includes a first protrusion that engages a first pawl of the pawl assembly and a second protrusion that engages a second pawl of the pawl assembly.

[0084] Embodiment 14: The rotary locking system of any of Embodiments 8-13, wherein the first protrusion of the rotary disk engages the third outer arm of the first pawl, and wherein the second protrusion of the rotary disk engages the third outer arm of the second pawl.

[0085] Example 15: A rotary locking system according to any one of Examples 8-14, wherein the turntable also includes a first protrusion structure located on the lower side of the turntable, and wherein, in the second unlocked position, the first protrusion structure is positioned radially inward from the ramp-like protrusion of the second outer arm of the first pawl, thereby preventing the second outer arm of the first pawl from bending radially inward.

[0086] Embodiment 16: The rotation locking system according to any one of embodiments 8-15, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the rotating disk are inclined.

[0087] Embodiment 17: The rotary locking system of any one of embodiments 8-16, wherein the third outer arm engaging the rotary disk includes a protrusion extending radially inward to engage with the protrusion of the rotary disk and provide resistance between the first locked position and the second unlocked position.

[0088] Embodiment 18: A rotation locking system according to any one of embodiments 8-17, wherein the flange is formed integrally with the housing.

[0089] The various embodiments described above (including elements of the various embodiments described above) can be combined to provide additional embodiments. The various parts and components of the device within the scope of the present disclosure (including, for example, structural components) can be formed by one or more different suitable manufacturing processes known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the various parts and components of the device within the scope of the present disclosure can be made of suitable materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0090] It should be understood that various aspects discussed with reference to one figure may be present in and / or used in conjunction with embodiments shown in another figure, and that each element shown in multiple figures may be discussed only once.

[0091] References in this specification to "one configuration," "one embodiment," "a configuration," or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but do not require that such features, structures, or characteristics be present in any particular configuration unless they are explicitly stated to be present in the embodiment.

[0092] In addition, the features, structures, or characteristics described by the configurations of the disclosed subject matter may be combined in one or more configurations in any suitable manner. The configurations of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0093] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the accompanying examples, singular forms such as "a", "an", and "the" may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "base" may include one or more such bases, and reference to a "pawl" may include reference to one or more such pawls.

[0094] As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements, constituent elements and / or materials may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be understood as each component in the list being individually identified as an independent and unique component. Unless otherwise specified, all numbers used in the specification and the examples to represent quantities should be understood as being modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and the accompanying examples are approximate values, which can vary according to the desired characteristics sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. At least, without attempting to limit the application of the principle of equivalents to the scope of the embodiments, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted according to the number of significant digits described and by applying ordinary rounding methods. Although the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the wide range of the present disclosure are approximate values, the numerical values ​​provided in the specific examples are as accurate as possible. However, any numerical value essentially contains certain errors, which are necessarily caused by the standard deviations found in their respective test measurements. In one embodiment, the terms "approximately" and "approximately" refer to numerical parameters within 10% of the indicated range.

[0095] Unless otherwise specified herein or the context clearly contradicts each other, all methods described herein can be performed in any appropriate order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating any unclaimed elements necessary for the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] The above description has set forth various features, functions, methods, and other aspects of the present disclosure. Time and further development may change the implementation of various aspects. The scope of protection defined by the claims is not intended to limit the specific size, shape, features, or other aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The claimed invention may be implemented or embodied in other forms while they remain within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein. For example, although the rotational locking device herein is described with respect to use with shoes, the rotational locking system may also be implemented in other settings without departing from the scope of the claims and / or disclosure. Also included are equivalents to the elements of the claims that may be made subsequently without departing from the scope of the concepts properly protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary locking system, comprising: a housing, wherein the reel can be accommodated therein; one or more pawls that engage the inside of the turntable and the housing; as well as One or more pawls form a pawl assembly, and wherein the pawl assembly has a first position that allows the rotational locking system to be formed as a right-hand rotational locking device and a second position that allows the rotational locking system to be formed as a left-hand rotational locking device.

2. The rotary locking system of claim 1, wherein the one or more detents include a first inwardly directed arm including a detent member for engaging an extension of the spool.

3. A rotary locking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more pawls include a second outer arm for engaging the housing.

4. A rotary locking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more pawls include a third outer arm for engaging the rotating disk.

5. The rotary locking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner side of the rotating disk further comprises two opposite ramp portions to connect the pawl assembly to the rotating disk.

6. The rotational locking system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing further comprises a base member for attaching the rotational locking system to a shoe.

7. A rotary locking system comprising: a rotating disk having a protrusion on an underside thereof to engage the pawl assembly; The pawl assembly engages with a protrusion on the underside of the rotating disk; a housing housing the spool therein and having teeth for engaging the pawl assembly to couple the turntable to the housing via the pawl assembly; as well as a base member connected to the housing; wherein the rotary locking system has a first locked position and a second unlocked position; wherein, in a first locked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly engages teeth of the spool and the housing; and Wherein, in the second unlocked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly is disengaged from the spool.

8. The rotary locking system of claim 7, wherein the pawl assembly comprises a first pawl and a second pawl, and wherein each of the first pawl and the second pawl comprises a body having: a first inner arm for engaging the reel, a second outer arm for engaging the teeth of the housing and progressively tightening the spool when the dial is rotated in the locking direction to the first locking position; and A third outer arm for engaging the turntable.

9. The rotary locking system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the protrusion on the lower side of the rotating disk comprises a first protrusion engaging a first pawl of the pawl assembly and a second protrusion engaging a second pawl of the pawl assembly.

10. The rotation locking system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotating disk further comprises a first protrusion structure on the lower side of the rotating disk, and wherein, In the second unlocked position, the first protrusion structure is positioned radially inward from the ramp-like protrusion of the second outer arm of the first pawl, thereby preventing the second outer arm of the first pawl from bending radially inward.

Images