Closing device based on winding piece

Abstract

A wrap-based closure device for tensioning a tensioning member is described herein. The winding-based closing device comprises: a housing defining a vertical axis; a plurality of teeth operably coupled with the housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and an engagement member including one or more teeth, the one or more teeth engaging with the plurality of teeth during rotation of the spool. A dial or knob is operably coupled with the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool to wind the tensioning member about the spool. A length of each tooth portion operably coupled with the housing is substantially longer than a length of each tooth portion of the engagement member.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 438,720, filed on January 12, 2023, entitled “Roll-Based Closure Device,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 510,550, filed on June 27, 2023, entitled “Roll-Based Closure Device,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Background Art

[0003] Skiing, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and telemark skiing, is a popular winter leisure activity or sport around the world. The equipment used in skiing includes boots, skis, and the binding that attaches the boots to the skis. 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 polymer materials used, the shell is generally difficult to close around the user's legs and feet. Because of the rigid materials used, it is also generally difficult to make ski boots comfortable. A proper balance between comfort and fit is required in ski boots, but this can be difficult to achieve due to the use of rigid materials and other design limitations. Conventional closure devices used to close ski boots typically tighten the ski boot in relatively large increments or steps, which can increase the complexity of achieving the proper balance between fit and comfort. This article describes components, systems, and devices that enable ski boots, other boots, or articles of footwear to be quickly and easily closed. These components, systems, and devices balance comfort and fit when tightening the footwear to the wearer's foot. These components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and tighten various other non-footwear related articles, particularly footwear articles that may include rigid materials or be difficult to close. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Described herein are components, systems, and devices that enable quick and easy closure of ski boots, snowboard boots, or other boots or articles of footwear. The components, systems, and devices balance comfort and fit when tightening the article of footwear around the wearer's foot. The components, systems, and devices can also be used to close and tighten a variety of other non-footwear-related articles.

[0005] According to one aspect, a winding-based closure device for tensioning a tensioning member includes: a housing defining a vertical axis; a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and an engaging member including one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. The winding-based closure device also includes a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate within the housing, thereby winding the tensioning member around the spool. Each of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing has a length that is significantly longer than a length of each of the one or more teeth of the engaging member.

[0006] In some cases, the length of each of the plurality of teeth is 30% to 60% longer than the length of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member. The engagement member can be a planetary gear of a gear mechanism and / or can be a pawl member including one or more pawl teeth, such as the dial core 230 described herein. The plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing can be a ring gear of a gear mechanism and / or can be housing teeth that engage with the pawls of the dial core. The upper flange of the spool can include an annular recess or lip that is shaped and sized to accommodate the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. The bottom end or distal end of each of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing can extend below the bottom end or distal end of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

[0007] According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a winding-based closure includes providing a winding-based closure, the winding-based closure including: a housing defining a vertical axis; a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool within the housing. The method also includes positioning an engagement member to operably engage with the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. The engagement member includes one or more teeth, the one or more teeth engaging with the plurality of teeth, and the length of each of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing being significantly longer than the length of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

[0008] According to another aspect, a winding-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 to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in a tensioning direction. The spool includes an annular recess around which the tensioning member is wound when the spool is rotated in the tensioning direction within the housing. The annular recess of the spool includes a ridge or raised portion that separates two grooves or channels around which the tensioning member is wound.

[0009] Each slot or channel has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the tensioning member, such that a single layer of tensioning members is wound around each slot or channel. One of the slots or channels has a smaller diameter than another of the slots or channels. The slots or channels are arranged such that, when the tensioning member is wound around each slot or channel, the tensioning member in each slot or channel remains aligned with the tensioning member in the other slot or channel. The slots or channels are arranged such that the tensioning member is wound around one of the slots or channels for 170 to 200 degrees before the tensioning member is wound around the other slot or channel. The slots or channels include a first slot or channel and a second slot or channel, and neither the first slot or channel nor the second slot or channel has a circular cross-section.

[0010] According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a winding-based closure includes providing a winding-based closure having a housing and a dial or knob. The method further includes positioning a spool within the housing such that the spool is rotatable within the housing, and operatively coupling the spool to the dial or knob such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in a tensioning direction. The spool includes an annular recess around which a tensioning member is wound when the spool is rotated in the tensioning direction; and the annular recess of the spool includes a ridge or protuberance that separates two grooves or channels around which the tensioning member is wound.

[0011] According to another aspect, a winding-based closure device includes: a housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; a twisting member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool, such that operation of the twisting member causes the spool to rotate within the housing in a first direction to wind the tensioning member around the spool; and a central boss protruding axially into an interior region of the housing. The spool and / or the central boss can be coupled to the winding-based closure device via a one-way snap member or mechanism.

[0012] In some cases, the housing includes one or more snap members that enable the spool to be inserted axially into the housing while preventing the spool from being removed or retracted from the housing, and / or the spool includes one or more snap members that enable the central projection to be inserted axially into the spool while preventing the central projection from being removed or retracted from the spool. In the latter case, the one or more snap members are positioned adjacent to the central opening of the spool so that the central projection can be inserted through the central opening of the spool and lock the bottom end of the central projection in the central opening. The one or more snap members can be configured to be bent radially outwards so that the central projection can be inserted axially into the spool. The distal end of the central projection has an axially extending gap that separates at least two axially extending members. Each axially extending member includes a feature that extends radially outwards.

[0013] According to another aspect, a method for manufacturing a winding-based closure includes providing a winding-based closure having: a housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; a twisting member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool, such that operation of the twisting member causes the spool to rotate within the housing in a first direction, thereby winding a tensioning member around the spool; and a central projection protruding axially into an interior region of the housing. The method also includes coupling the spool and / or the central projection to the winding-based closure via a one-way snap member or mechanism.

[0014] According to another aspect, a winding-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 to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in a tensioning direction, thereby winding a first end portion of the tensioning member and a second end portion of the tensioning member around the spool. The housing includes a single lacing aperture through which the first end portion and the second end portion of the tensioning member are inserted.

[0015] The single lacing port includes a first opening for a first end portion of the tensioning member and a second opening for a second end portion of the tensioning member, wherein the second opening is separate from the first opening. The second opening is generally positioned horizontally adjacent to the first opening and is larger than the first opening. The second opening can have an oval shape aligned with a vertical axis of the winding-based closure device. The single lacing port can be made of a material different from the material of the housing.

[0016] According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a winding-based closure includes providing a winding-based closure having a housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in a tensioning direction, thereby winding a first end portion of a tensioning member and a second end portion of the tensioning member around the spool. The method also includes coupling a single lacing aperture to the housing. The first end portion and the second end portion of the tensioning member are insertable through the single lacing aperture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 Shown is an assembled perspective view of a wrap-around based closure.

[0019] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of a wrap-based closure.

[0020] Figures 3A to 3B Shown Figure 1 Exploded cross-sectional view of a wrap-based closure device.

[0021] Figures 4A to 4B Shown Figure 1 Assembly cross-sectional view of a wrap-based closure device.

[0022] Figures 4C to 4D Shown Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a roll-based closure comprising an alternative central protrusion.

[0023] Figure 4E Shown Figures 4C to 4D An embodiment of a perspective view of an alternative central protrusion in FIG.

[0024] Figure 4F Shown Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of a snap member that may be used in a roll-based closure device.

[0025] Figures 5A to 5B Shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional assembly cross-sectional view of a winding-based closure device.

[0026] Figures 6A to 6B Shown Figure 1 The various components of a roll-based closure device and, more particularly, the relative movement between the various components are shown.

[0027] Figure 6C Shows the positioning Figure 1 A clutch plate within the housing of a winding-based closure device.

[0028] Figures 6D to 6H Shown Figure 1 An alternative structure to a winding-based closure device that enhances the engagement of the ring gear with the planet gears.

[0029] Figure 7A Shown Figure 1 Gear mechanism of a winding-based closure device.

[0030] Figures 7B to 7F Shown Figure 1 An alternative gear mechanism that may be used in a winding-based closure device.

[0031] Figure 8 Shown Figure 1 A housing and base member for a wrap-based closure device.

[0032] 9A to 9D Shown Figure 8 Attachment of the housing and base member.

[0033] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Shown Figure 1 A base member and coupling components of a wrap-based closure device.

[0034] Figure 10C Shown Figure 1 A top cross-sectional view of the housing and spool of a winding-based closure device.

[0035] Figures 10D to 10F Shown Figure 1 An alternative spool that can be used in a winding-based closure device.

[0036] Figure 10G Shown Figure 1 An alternative lace outlet component that can be used in a wrap-based closure device.

[0037] Figures 11A to 11B Shown Figure 1 The functions of the various components of the winding-based closure device in controlling the rotation of the spool.

[0038] Figure 12 Shown with Figure 1 A wrap-around closure for ski boots.

[0039] Figure 13 Shown Figure 12The lacing paths and guide configurations that can be used on ski boots.

[0040] 14A to 14C Shown Figure 12 Long boots that can be used on ski boots.

[0041] Figures 15A to 15E Shown Figure 12 An end member that can be used on a ski boot.

[0042] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may be assigned the same numerical reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by suffixing the reference numeral with a letter that distinguishes the different components and / or features. If only the first numerical reference numeral is used in an application, the description applies to any of the similar components and / or features having the same first numerical reference numeral, without regard to the letter suffix. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Instead, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide a feasibility description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0044] Embodiments herein describe a roll-up based closure device that can be used to close and tension an article. The roll-up based closure device can be particularly useful for closing and tensioning articles that require greater lacing tension. For example, alpine boots or ski boots (hereinafter referred to as ski boots) are typically made of a rigid plastic material, thereby requiring a greater closing force to tension the lacing around the user's foot. Conventional roll-up based closure devices and other devices may not be suitable for tensioning ski boots around the user's foot because the roll-up based closure device may not be designed to output the required torque. In addition, the tensioning member or lacing used with the ski boot may not be designed to withstand the required tension.

[0045] The coil-based closure device described herein is better able to achieve high torque output and can be used in conjunction with tensioning members or lacings designed to withstand higher tension loads. Therefore, the coil-based closure device is well suited for closing and tensioning items that require a large closing force. In addition to tensioning ski boots, the coil-based closure device can also be used to close and tension a variety of other items such as snowboard boots, military boots, shoes, backpacks, straps, etc. In addition, the coil-based closure device can also be used to close and tension a variety of items that do not require a high level of closing force. In this case, the coil-based closure device can be used without modification, or one or more components of the coil-based closure device can be modified or changed to enable it to be used in other applications. For ease of description of the embodiments herein, the coil-based closure device will generally be described as being used to close and / or tension ski boots, but it should be understood that this description is equally applicable to a variety of other items.

[0046] Roll-up based closures 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 leg and / or foot. Roll-up based closures are configured to tighten a lace or tensioning 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, such as those described herein. In other embodiments, one or more guide members may be made of a flexible or soft component, such as a fabric material.

[0047] Winder-based closures typically include a knob or dial that a user grasps and rotates. The knob or dial is typically coupled to a spool, around which a tensioning member or lace is wound in response to rotation of the knob or dial in a tensioning direction. Rotation of the tensioning member or lace about the spool tightens the tensioning member or lace, thereby tightening 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.

[0048] A roll-up-based closure can replace conventional buckles and / or other tensioning systems currently used on ski boots to tighten the boot around the user's foot. In some embodiments, the roll-up-based closure can be used in conjunction with conventional buckles or other tensioning systems. Similarly, a ski boot can include multiple roll-up-based closures arranged to close and tighten different areas or portions of the ski boot.

[0049] Coil-based closures are significantly easier to operate than conventional buckles and / or other tensioning systems. Therefore, users may prefer using coil-based closures to tighten their ski boots. Furthermore, compared to conventional buckles and / or other tensioning systems, coil-based closures can provide a more gradual tightening and loosening of the ski boot. For example, conventional buckles and / or other tensioning systems typically include a limited number of tensioning sections (e.g., teeth, steps, racks, etc.) for tightening the ski boot. For example, conventional buckles typically use five to ten teeth on a rack with an engaging pin positioned within the rack to tighten the ski boot. The engaging pin moves proximally or distally around the rack and is positioned within the proximal or distal teeth to increase or decrease the tension of the ski boot around the foot. The limited number of tensioning sections (e.g., teeth) results in the ski boot being tightened or loosened by a relatively large amount or degree, making it difficult to achieve the desired fit.

[0050] In comparison, a roll-up closure system can tighten and / or loosen a ski boot in significantly smaller increments or degrees. For example, if a slight increase in tension is desired, the knob of the roll-up closure system can be turned a quarter, an eighth, or less turn to slightly increase the tension in the tensioning member. This slight increase in tension in the tensioning member typically results in a slightly increased tightening or contraction of the ski boot around the user's foot. This gradual adjustment of the ski boot's tension can easily achieve the desired fit of the ski boot.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 A perspective assembled view of a roll-based closure 100 is shown. Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a roll-up based closure 100 is shown. Figures 3A to 11B Various views of the various components of the roll-based closure 100 are shown.

[0026] Throughout this disclosure, reference will be made to the various figures that illustrate the roll-based closure 100.

[0052] Figure 1 A base member or bayonet 102 is shown that is designed to be attached to a shell 202 of a roll-up based closure 100. The base member 102 is designed to be attached to a ski boot shell (not shown) via mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, molding, or using any other fastening technique. In certain embodiments, the base member 102 may include one or more openings 103 (see FIG. Figure 8 ), the openings 103 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 openings 103, but more or fewer openings 103 may be used.

[0053] The base member 102 is typically of a rigid material designed to withstand impacts from external objects without breaking. In a particular embodiment, the base member 102 may be made of glass-filled nylon, but various other rigid materials may alternatively be used. The base member 102 is designed to couple with the housing 202 so as to allow the housing 202 to be separated or removed from the base member 102. Various methods may be used to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, but in the illustrated embodiment, a spring member is used to secure and attach the housing 202 to the base member 102. The spring member is designed to bend when an object strikes the housing 202, thereby allowing the housing to be separated from the base member 102 and thereby preventing the base member 102 and / or the housing 202 from breaking.

[0054] 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 to 9D ), the axially extending member 104 defines a recess or groove within which the C-shaped spring 210 is positioned when the housing 202 is attached to the base member 102. The housing 202 similarly includes a groove 260 (see FIG. Figure 3B and Figure 8 ). The groove 260 of the housing 202 is shaped and sized so that the C-spring 210 fits securely within the groove 260. The groove 260 is defined by an upper annular lip or ring 262 and one or more radially projecting members 264. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, one or more radially protruding members 264 of the housing 202 are shaped and sized so that the radially protruding members 264 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 the circumferential edge that corresponds to the shape and size of the radially protruding members 264. When the housing 202 is coupled to the base member 102, the radially protruding members 264 are positioned within the recess 108, thereby enabling the recess of the base member 102 to align with the recess 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, but more or fewer such features may be employed as desired.

[0055] The radially protruding members 264 and / or the annular lip 262 extend radially outward from the housing 202 such that when the housing 202 is coupled to the base member 102, the distal edges of the radially protruding members 264 and / or the annular lip 262 are generally aligned with the distal end of the base member 102. In this way, the housing 202 and the base member 102 can visually appear to be seamlessly integrated with each other. To further secure the C-spring 210 to the housing, the lacing port 266 of the housing 202 can include a pair of circumferentially extending apertures (not shown) positioned on opposite ends of the groove 260. The pair of circumferentially extending apertures are shaped and sized such that opposite ends of the C-spring can be positioned within these apertures.

[0056] The C-shaped spring 210 is designed to bend in the radial direction so as to enable the housing 202 to be attached to and detached from the base member 102. Figures 9A to 9B As shown in FIG, in order to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, the C-spring 210 is bent so that the diameter of the C-spring becomes wider and the C-spring can be fitted on the axially extending member 104 and into the groove of the base member 102. Likewise, the widening of the diameter of the C-spring enables the C-spring 210 to be installed into the groove 260 of the housing 202.

[0057] In order to allow the housing 202 to be separated from the base member 102, the axial extension member 104 is designed so that the C-spring 210 can be deflected out of the groove. Specifically, the axial extension member 104 is curved near the top end 106 so that the diameter of the top end 106 of the axial extension member 104 is larger than the diameter of the groove of the axial extension member. The larger diameter top end 106 of the axial extension member 104 helps to secure the C-spring 210 within the groove, while the curved or bowed design allows the C-spring 210 to be easily bent out of the groove. When an upward force is applied to the housing 202, such as when the housing 202 strikes an object or when a housing removal tool is applied, the C-spring 210 is forced upward within the groove of the base member. As Figures 9C to 9D As shown in FIG, the curved inner surface of the axially extending member 104 acts as a ramp and causes the C-shaped spring 210 to bend radially outward as the C-shaped spring 210 and the housing 202 move axially upward relative to the base member 102. If the force is large enough, the C-shaped spring 210 will bend sufficiently and will move out of the groove, as shown in FIG. Figure 9D , thereby separating the housing 202 from the base member 102 and causing the housing 202 to move upward and out of contact with the base member 102. The force required to release or separate the housing 202 from the base member 102 can be varied by changing the angle of the inner surface of the axially extending member 104 and / or the stiffness of the C-spring.

[0058] In order to separate the shell 202 from the base member 102, the base member is designed to work with a shell removal tool. Specifically, the shell includes a support member 109 for the lace outlet component 160. The support member 109 is shaped and sized according to the lace outlet component 160 to reinforce the lace outlet component 160. A radially extending groove 107 is formed in the support member 109, which enables a shell removal tool (not shown), such as a small flat-head screwdriver, to be inserted along the groove 107 and below the shell 202. With the shell removal tool positioned in the groove 107 and positioned below the shell 202, the shell removal tool can apply an upward force to the shell 202 to separate the shell 202 from the base member 102.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, a coupling component or member 120 can 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 so that the bottom end of the coupling component 120 can be positioned within the interior area of ​​the base member 102. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10BAs shown in , the shape and size of the coupling component 120 correspond to the shape and size of the bottom end of the housing 202. Specifically, the bottom end of the coupling component 120 is roughly circular in shape and is sized so that the coupling component 120 can be inserted into the circular opening of the bottom end of the housing 202. In order to attach the coupling component 120 to the housing 202, the coupling component 120 includes an upwardly extending protrusion 128 that snaps into a corresponding groove 205 located in front of the bottom end of the housing 202. The upwardly extending protrusion 128 includes a radially outwardly extending nub that snaps or clamps into a recess in the corresponding groove 205, thereby securing the coupling component 120 to the housing 202. The coupling component 120 is shown as including two protrusions 128, but more or fewer protrusions can be used as needed. The front portion of the coupling component includes a radially extending protrusion that fits into a corresponding feature located on the housing 202. 130 , to enable easy coupling of the tensioning member to the spool 130. The projections help align and secure the coupling member 120 about the housing 202. The bottom end of the coupling member also includes one or more openings (not labeled) that correspond in size and orientation to the openings 103 in the base member 102. The openings in the coupling member 120 allow the coupling member to be fitted over mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts) inserted into the openings 103 in the base member 102, thereby reducing the overall height of the roll-up-based closure device 100. The coupling member 120 also includes one or more lacing openings 126 that can be aligned with the lacing ports 136 in the spool 130 to enable easy coupling of the tensioning member to the spool 130, as described herein.

[0060] A protrusion 125 extends axially upward from the bottom end of the coupling member 120. When the coupling member is attached to the housing 202, the protrusion 125 protrudes axially upward into the interior of the housing 202. The protrusion 125 comprises a pair of fingers separated by a gap. The protrusion 125, more specifically the pair of fingers, is used to enable the dial 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 reinforce and strengthen the pair of fingers. As the dial core 230 moves axially upward and downward about the protrusion 125, the reinforcing spring 122 helps elastically deflect the pair of fingers. The reinforcing spring 122 stiffens the pair of fingers and prevents them from plastically deforming due to prolonged use of the closure device 100. The reinforcing spring 122 includes an opening that engages with a small protrusion on the inner surface of the pair of fingers. The engagement of the aperture and the protrusion locks or holds the booster spring 122 in place relative to the pair of fingers.

[0061] The spool 130 can 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 opening 132 through which the projection 125 of the coupling member 120 is inserted. The spool 130 is configured to rotate about the projection 125 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with minimal frictional engagement between the two components. The gear mechanism (140, 142), the drive member 150, and the dial core 230 are also typically configured to rotate about the projection 125 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The spool 130 includes a channel 133 within which a tensioning member (not shown) is wound when the spool 130 is rotated in a tensioning direction (e.g., clockwise). The tensioning member is similarly unwound about the central channel 133 when the spool 130 is rotated in a release direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The central channel 133 has a width slightly greater than the width of the tensioning member, thereby ensuring that the tensioning member is wound in a "single-fold" around the central channel 133, meaning that the wound tensioning member forms a single layer within the channel 133. The single-fold winding of the tensioning member limits the vertical forces that may be generated when the tensioning member is wound onto the spool in an uncontrolled manner and protects the tensioning member from damaging itself during the winding process. Given that the closure device 100 is capable of generating considerable tension, winding the tensioning member around the spool 130 in an uncontrolled manner may result in excessive kinking and / or damage to the tensioning member.

[0062] As briefly mentioned above, the dial core 230 is axially movable relative to the housing 202. Movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202 enables full release of the tensioning member, meaning that the spool 130 can be rotated relatively unconstrained in a release direction. The "full release" feature is optional and may be omitted in some embodiments of the closure device 100. To enable full release of the tensioning member, the closure device 100 is designed to move or transition between an engaged state or position, in which the dial core 230 is operatively coupled to the spool 130, and a disengaged state or position, in which the dial core 230 is operatively disconnected from the spool 130. Transitioning between these two states is accomplished via axial movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202. Axial movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202 is typically accomplished by pulling the knob 302 axially upward. However, in other embodiments, the dial core 230 may be moved axially upward via reverse rotation of the knob 302 or by operation of a button (not shown), a lever mechanism (not shown), a clamp (not shown), etc. In such embodiments, to move the dial core 230 axially upward, the knob 302 and the dial core 230 may include a cam-like, ramp-like, or inclined surface or other mechanism, thereby causing the dial core 230 to move axially upward when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction or the button, lever mechanism, etc. is operated.

[0063] like Figures 4A to 4B As shown in , the protrusion 125 is designed to cooperate with the dial core 230 to support and maintain the dial core 230 in the engaged position or the disengaged position. Specifically, the top end of the protrusion 125 supports and maintains the dial core 230 and / or the knob 302 in the engaged position and the disengaged position via the annular protrusion or member 124. In one embodiment, Figure 4A The engagement position is shown in Figure 4B 20. The disengaged position is shown in FIG. In the engaged position, the dial core 230 engages the clutch plate 220, thereby enabling force transfer between the two components, as described herein. In the disengaged position, the dial core 230 disengages from the clutch plate 220, thereby allowing the spool 130 to "freewheel," or rotate freely, within the housing 202 in a loosening direction. Similarly, in the disengaged position, one or more pawls 240 can disengage from the teeth 204 formed on or otherwise coupled to the housing 202. In other embodiments, one or more pawls 240 can remain engaged with the teeth 204 in the disengaged position.

[0064] The annular protrusion 124 has a larger diameter than the central opening 234 of the dial core 230, thereby interfering with and hindering the upward and downward movement of the dial core 230 around the top end of the protrusion 125. Although the annular protrusion 124 hinders the axial movement of the dial core 230, it does not prevent the axial movement of the dial core 230 because the protrusion's fingers can shift or flex radially inward. When the dial core 230 moves axially around the annular protrusion 124, the paired fingers flex inward toward each other, allowing the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 to move axially upward and downward around the annular protrusion 124. After the dial core 230 moves axially upward and downward around the annular protrusion 124, the paired fingers resiliently flex outward to return to an undeflected configuration. In operation, the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 is positioned above or below the annular protrusion 124, which supports and holds the dial core 230 and / or the knob 302 in an engaged or disengaged position. The booster spring 122 increases the stiffness of the protrusion 125 and reduces fatigue of the protrusion 125 caused by the repeated movement of the dial core 230 around the annular protrusion 124.

[0065] Figures 4C to 4E A central protrusion 125a (hereinafter referred to as protrusion 125a) is shown that can be used as an alternative to the coupling component 120. Protrusion 125a can have a configuration similar to that of protrusion 125 of the coupling component, i.e., protrusion 125a can protrude axially upward into the interior area of ​​the housing 202 and include two or more fingers separated by a gap. A reinforcement spring 122 can be positioned in the gap between the two or more fingers to strengthen and reinforce the fingers, as described herein. Protrusion 125a can also include an annular protrusion 124 that is configured to support and retain the dial core 230 and / or knob 302 in an engaged or disengaged position. However, unlike protrusion 125, protrusion 125a is a separate component and is not attached or permanently fixed to the coupling component 120. Instead, the projection 125a is designed to couple directly to a roll-based closure 100, such as the housing 202 or the spool 130, as shown. Figures 4C to 4D As shown in . Figure 4E An embodiment of the protrusion 125 a as a component independent of the coupling component 120 is shown.

[0066] exist Figure 4E, the projection 125a includes a cylindrical base 127 that is shaped and sized to be positioned within the spool 130. Specifically, the projection 125a can be inserted through the central opening 132 of the spool 130 and can be coupled or attached to the spool 130. Since the projection 125a is directly coupled to the spool 130, the bottom end of the coupling member 120 can be eliminated. The bottom end of the coupling member 120 can form or define a recess 211, as shown in FIG. Figures 4C to 4D In some cases, an automatic winding mechanism, such as a coil spring, can be positioned within recess 211 of housing 202 to automatically wind the tensioning member around spool 130. U.S. Patent No. 7,992,261, entitled "Winding-Based Closure System," provides additional details on automatic winding mechanisms, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] In other embodiments, the recess 211 may be omitted to reduce the overall height of the housing 202 and the roll-based closure 100. Figure 4D , the direct coupling of the projection 125a to the spool 130 also allows for easier access to the bottom end of the spool 130 for attaching the tensioning member to the spool 130 because the coupling member 120 is not employed. Specifically, the lacing port 136 of the spool can be more easily accessed without the need for a spool 130. Figure 10B The lace opening 126 is shown in FIG. The protrusion 125a can also reduce the material used in the roll-based closure device 100, thereby making the device more environmentally friendly.

[0068] In order to couple the protrusion 125a to the bobbin 130, the protrusion 125a can be positioned below the bottom end of the bobbin 130 and aligned coaxially with the central opening 132 of the bobbin. The protrusion 125a can then be inserted axially through the central opening 132 of the bobbin until the protrusion 125a moves past a one-way snap member or mechanism 139 (hereinafter referred to as the snap member 139) formed on or coupled to the bobbin 130. The snap member 139 is designed to allow the protrusion 125a to be inserted into the central opening 132 of the bobbin 130 and prevent the protrusion 125a from being removed or retracted from the bobbin 130, thereby locking the protrusion 125a in place within the bobbin 130. Figures 4C to 4DAs shown in , the snap member 139 can be formed or defined by one or more protrusions or projections including a lip or hook-shaped end. In the embodiment shown, the spool 130 includes two protrusions or projections. The one or more protrusions are designed to bend radially outward when the cylindrical base 127 is inserted into the central opening 132 of the spool. The one or more protrusions are then bent back into place in the radial direction, and the upper surface of the lip or hook-shaped end rests against the flat surface on the bottom end of the projection 125a, thereby locking or fixing the projection 125a in the central opening of the spool. In the coupled state, the spool 130 and the projection 125a can be used as a single or combined component.

[0069] The spool 130 may also include a bushing 135 that limits axial upward movement of the projection 125a relative to the spool 130. Specifically, the projection 125a may engage or register against the lower surface of the bushing 135 to prevent the projection 125a from moving further axially upward through the spool's central opening 132. The bushing 135 may be a lip or annular flange formed on the inner surface of the spool's central opening 132, or it may be a separate bushing component or annular member attached to the inner surface of the spool's central opening 132. The projection 125a may include a corresponding annular lip or edge shaped and sized to accommodate the bushing 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the cylindrical base 127 includes a ramp that engages the bushing 135. In other embodiments, the bushing 135 and / or the annular lip of the projection 125a can be formed as a single continuous piece or member, or can be formed from multiple disconnected pieces or segments. In the latter embodiment, the disconnected pieces or segments can define the annular bushing and / or lip. The snap member 139 can also be formed from a single continuous piece or member, or can be formed from multiple disconnected pieces or segments. The base 127 of the projection 125a has a length that can correspond to the distance between the snap member 139 and the bushing 135.

[0070] Although Figures 4C to 4D The bushing 135 is shown as being located on the upper end of the spool 130 and the snap member 139 is shown as being located on the lower end, but in some cases the positions of these components may be reversed such that the bushing 135 is positioned near the lower end of the spool 130 and the snap member 139 is positioned near the upper end of the spool 130. In this case, the projection 125a would be inserted through the central opening 132 of the spool from the top end of the spool 130 rather than the bottom end. Additionally, although Figures 4C to 4DThe projection 125a is shown coupled directly to the spool 130, but in other embodiments, the projection 125a can be coupled or attached to other components of the winding-based closure 100. For example, the projection 125a can snap onto the bottom side of the knob 302 and extend axially downward into the housing 202. Alternatively, the projection 125a can snap into the top surface of the base member 102 or the top surface of the spool 130 and extend axially upward into the housing 202. Similarly, the projection 125a can be coupled to the dial core 230, the pawl plate 250, the drive component 150, or the sun gear 140 as desired. The attachment of the projection 125a to these components can be substantially similar to the attachment of the projection 125a to the spool 130 described herein. When coupling the projection 125a with any of these various components, the corresponding component coupled with the projection 125a may include a snap member 139 and / or a bushing 135 as described herein to facilitate coupling of the two components.

[0071] By eliminating the coupling component 120, the spool 130 can be designed to be connected directly to the housing 202. For example, the spool 130 can be inserted axially through the bottom end of the housing 202 and can be attached via one or more one-way snap members or mechanisms 213 (hereinafter referred to as snap members 213). The snap members 213 can be formed on or coupled to the housing 202 and are designed to allow the spool 130 to be inserted into the housing 202 while preventing the removal or retraction of the spool 130. Figure 4D As shown in , the snap member 213 of the housing 202 can be formed or defined by one or more protrusions or projections including a lip or hook-shaped end. In the embodiment shown, the housing 202 includes two protrusions or projections. One or more of the protrusions are designed to bend radially outward when the spool 130 is inserted into the housing 202. The one or more protrusions then bend radially back into place and the upper surface of the lip or hook-shaped end rests against the bottom end of the spool 130, thereby locking or securing the spool 130 within the housing 202. In this way, the spool 130 can be locked in place within the interior area of ​​the housing. The snap member 213 of the housing can be formed by a single continuous piece or member or by a plurality of unconnected pieces or sections, such as Figure 4D The snap member 213 may also be formed or coupled near the bottom of the housing 202 and engage with the bottom end of the spool 130, or the snap member 213 may also be formed or coupled above the bottom end to engage with the upper flange of the spool 130. Figures 4C to 4D Positioning the catch member 213 near the bottom end of the housing 202 is shown, which may be preferred to minimize contact of the tensioning member with the catch member 213 .

[0072] Figure 4F Shown is an alternative embodiment of a snap member or mechanism 272 (hereinafter referred to as snap member 272).Snap member 272 can represent the snap member 139 of the spool 130 and / or the snap member 213 of the housing 202.Snap member 272 is limited by an annular ring or protrusion, and this annular ring or protrusion can be formed by a single continuous material or unconnected sections.Snap member 272 can be positioned in recess 270, and this recess 270 is formed or limited on relative parts, and this relative parts can be the lower flange of protrusion 125a and / or spool 130.Recess 270 can be formed or limited by lower surface 273 and upper surface 274, and this lower surface 273 and this upper surface 274 can be continuous annular members or unconnected sections.Lower surface 273 or upper surface 274 adopt unconnected sections to help snap member 272 be positioned in recess 270. The recess 270 can be shaped and sized to allow relative rotation of the components, which is necessary when using the snap member 272 to couple the spool 130 and the housing 202. In some cases, the positions of the snap member 272 and the recess 270 can be interchanged so that the snap member 272 protrudes radially outward and into the recess 270. In this case, the snap member 213 of the housing 202 and / or the snap member 139 of the spool 130 can be as shown. Figure 4C Other ways of coupling components may also be used, such as an O-ring and lip, opposing flange arrangements, cooperating protrusions and openings, and the like.

[0073] The knob 302 can be coupled to the housing 202 by axially aligning the knob 302 with the housing 202 and snapping the knob 302 onto the top of 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 onto the annular rib 209 of the housing 202 when the knob 302 is pressed and moved axially downward relative to the housing. The protrusions 304 of the knob 302 define an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular rib 209. Therefore, when coupling the knob 302 to the housing 202, the inner wall of the knob 302 must flex outward to a certain extent, and / or the housing 202 must flex inward to a certain extent, to allow the knob 302 to move axially downward around the housing 202 and snap onto the housing 202. After the knob 302 is moved axially downward, the protrusion 304 is positioned axially below the annular rib 209 of the housing 202. Due to the interference between the protrusion 304 and the annular rib 209, decoupling the knob 302 from the housing 202 by moving the knob 302 axially upward is prevented or significantly hindered. Decoupling the knob 302 from the housing 202 can be further hindered by designing the annular rib strip 209 and / or the protrusion 304 so that the annular rib strip 209 and the protrusion 304 do not naturally deflect outward when the knob 302 is forced upward relative to the housing 202. Additional details of coupling the dial core 230, the knob 302, and the housing 202 are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 991,788, filed on January 8, 2016, entitled "Combined Closure Device Components and Methods," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] The housing 202 includes an annular ring or lip 206 disposed on an inner wall. The annular ring 206 serves as a divider 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 located in the lower half of the housing 202 contact and engage with the bottom surface of the annular ring 206, and some of the components located in the upper half contact and engage with the upper surface of the annular ring 206. Components located 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. Components located in the upper half of the housing 202 include the clutch plate 220, the dial core 230, one or more pawls 240, and the pawl plate 250. The annular ring 206 prevents or blocks these components from moving into the other half of the housing 202.

[0075] The gear mechanism (140, 142) is operably coupled to the spool 130. The gear mechanism (140, 142) increases the mechanical advantage of the closure device 100, thereby increasing the torque output of the closure device 100 and increasing the tension that the closure device 100 can generate. The gear mechanism includes a sun gear 140, a plurality of planetary gears 142, and a ring gear 208. In some cases, such as in the claims, the planetary gears 142 may be referred to as an engagement member that engages with a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. In such an embodiment, the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing may be the ring gear 208. In other cases, the term "engagement member" may refer to a pawl beam comprising one or more teeth as described herein. In such a case, the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing may be housing teeth, or other teeth that engage with the pawl. For ease of describing this embodiment, the term planetary gears 142 will be used herein.

[0076] The ring gear 208 may include teeth formed on the inner wall of the housing 202 below the annular ring portion 206, or the ring gear 208 may be a separate component coupled to the lower half of the housing 202 (e.g., press fit, keyed, etc.). Figure 3A 7 , the sun gear 140 is coaxially aligned with the spool 130 and rests on top of the spool 130, while each of the planet gears 142 is rotatably positioned on a protrusion 134 extending axially upward from the upper surface of the spool 130. The sun gear 140 is axially higher than the planet gears 142, so that the upper portion of the sun gear 140 is matingly engaged with a spline tooth portion 154 formed on the lower inner cylindrical wall of the drive member 150. The spline tooth portion 154 extends axially downward from an annular ring portion formed or positioned within the drive member 150.

[0077] When the drive member 150 rotates in the tensioning direction due to rotation of the knob 302, the drive member 150 transmits a rotational force to the sun gear 140 due to the engagement of the sun gear 140 with the spline teeth 154, thereby rotating the sun gear 140 in the tensioning direction. The rotation of the sun gear 140 also causes the planetary gears 142 to rotate about the protrusion 134 of the spool. As a result, the planetary gears 142 engage with the ring gear 208, causing the planetary gears 142 to move in the tensioning direction within the housing 202. Due to the engagement of the planetary gears 142 with the protrusion 134 of the spool, the movement of the planetary gears 142 in the tensioning direction causes the spool 130 to rotate in the tensioning direction.

[0078] like Figure 6DAs shown in , in some cases, the support ring 203 is positioned axially below the teeth of the ring gear 208. The support ring 203 is positioned and designed to support the teeth of the ring gear 208. Specifically, due to the large forces generated during tensioning of the tensioning member, the planetary gears 142 apply stress or load to the ring gear teeth. The stress is typically greatest on the axial bottom end of the ring gear teeth, which in other embodiments is not supported. The unsupported bottom end of the ring gear teeth may be subjected to bending torque in addition to the shear force from the ring gear teeth, which may cause the bottom end of the ring gear teeth to break, shear and / or deform. This problem may be magnified when the ring gear teeth are made of a plastic material and the planetary gears 142 are made of metal, which is a typical material combination of the housing 202 and the gear structure.

[0079] The support ring 203 significantly increases the strength of the ring gear teeth by supporting the bottom ends of the teeth, thereby eliminating or reducing the bending torque generated on the teeth by the planetary gears 142. The support ring 203 is typically connected to the bottom ends of the teeth and is typically molded into the inner wall of the housing 202 along with the teeth. In other embodiments, the support ring 203 can be a separate component attached to the housing 202 and the ring gear teeth.

[0080] In some embodiments, the support ring portion 203 may be constructed from a plurality of unconnected ring segments. Figure 6E , the support ring 203 is constructed from four annular segments separated circumferentially by gaps 201. In other embodiments, more or fewer unconnected annular segments may be used to form the support ring 203, or the support ring 203 may be formed from a single connected and continuous segment that surrounds the inner wall of the housing 202 below the teeth of the ring gear 208.

[0081] The use of gaps 201 between discrete ring segments can facilitate assembly of the planetary gears 142 with the housing 202. Specifically, the gaps 201 can be strategically positioned and sized to enable the planetary gears 142 to be inserted axially through the gaps 201 and into engagement with the teeth of the ring gear 208. In certain embodiments, the position of each gap 201 is based on the position of the corresponding ring gear teeth during pre-assembly with the spool 130. In the illustrated embodiment, each gap 201 is spaced approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent gap 201, but this spacing can vary. The number of gaps 201 can also equal the number of planetary gears 142 employed in the gear mechanism. This arrangement of gaps 201 allows the planetary gears 142 and spool 130 to be inserted into the housing 202 and each gear 142 to engage with the teeth of the ring gear 208. After assembly, the planetary gears 142 can rotate axially above the support ring 203. In some cases, the support ring 203 can have a thickness that is approximately equal to the thickness of each ring gear tooth.

[0082] like Figures 6F to 6H As shown in , in some cases, the housing 202 can include an extended ring gear tooth portion 208a. The extended ring gear tooth portion 208a is longer than the teeth of the planet gears 142. Use of the extended ring gear tooth portion 208a can eliminate the need for the support ring portion 203, although in some cases, the housing 202 can include both the extended ring gear tooth portion 208a and the support ring portion 203. The extended ring gear tooth portion 208a strengthens the distal end or bottom end of the tooth portion 208a so that the spool 130 can tilt under load without causing the planet gears 142 to lose contact with the extended ring gear tooth portion 208a. Specifically, as Figure 6H As shown in FIG, the spool 130 is able to tilt or pivot inside the housing 202 while the teeth of the planetary gears 142 remain securely engaged with the extended ring gear teeth 208a. Figure 6H The spool 130 is shown pivoting or tilting about 3 degrees inside the housing 202. In some cases, due to the extended length of the extended ring gear teeth 208a, the spool 130 can pivot or tilt more than 3 degrees while maintaining engagement between the planet gears 142 and the extended ring gear teeth 208a. However, due to the assembly and configuration of the various components, the tilting or pivoting of the spool 130 is generally limited. Including the extended ring gear teeth 208a can minimize or eliminate the bending torques and shear forces described herein that may cause the bottom end of the ring gear teeth to break, shear and / or deform. In other words, the extended ring gear teeth 208a can eliminate or reduce the bending torques caused by the planet gears 142 on the teeth, and thus minimize or prevent problems associated therewith.

[0083] Figure 6G FIG is a cross-sectional view showing the planet gears 142 positioned within the housing 202 and engaged with the extended ring gear teeth 208a. Figure 6G As shown in FIG, the bottom or distal end of the extended ring gear teeth 208a extends significantly below the bottom end of the planet gears 142, thereby ensuring that the planet gears 142 remain engaged with the extended ring gear teeth 208a when the spool is pivoted or tilted within the housing 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 6H . The longer length of the extended ring gear teeth 208a forms or defines a lower section 217 that extends below the bottom ends of the planet gears 142. The planet gears 142 may engage with this lower section 217 only when the spool 130 is pivoted or tilted within the housing 202 or otherwise moved axially to a certain extent within the housing 202. To accommodate the extended ring gear teeth 208a, the upper flange of the spool 130 may include an annular recess or lip 131 within which or around which the lower section 217 of the extended ring gear teeth 208a is positioned when not engaged with the planet gears 142. The annular recess 131 is sized and shaped (i.e., has a depth and width such that) it corresponds to the size and shape of the lower section 217 to avoid or minimize any frictional engagement of the lower section 217 with the annular recess 131. In some cases, the upper flange of the spool 130 may have an annular recess or lip 131 even where the system does not include extended annular gear teeth 208a.

[0084] In some embodiments, the extended ring gear teeth 208a can be 30% to 60% longer than any or all of the teeth on the planet gears 142. In other embodiments, the extended ring gear teeth 208a can be 35% to 55% longer than any or all of the teeth on the planet gears 142, or can be 40% to 50% longer than any or all of the teeth on the planet gears 142. In a particular embodiment, the extended ring gear teeth 208a can be between 4.50 mm and 5.00 mm, while the planet gear teeth are between 3.10 mm and 3.60 mm. It should be noted that these values ​​are merely examples and do not limit the size or ratio of the extended ring gear teeth 208a and the planet gears 142. Furthermore, as described herein, the extended ring gear teeth 208a can be formed on the housing 202 or can be a separate component attached to the housing 202.

[0085] Figures 7B to 7FShown are alternative embodiments of gearing that may be employed in the roll-based closure 100. When a larger gear ratio is desired without significantly increasing the size of the roll-based closure 100, one or more alternative gearing components may be employed. Figures 7B to 7C The following embodiment is shown: In this embodiment, the planetary gears 142 are arranged so that larger planetary gears 142 can be used to increase the output power with a smaller input torque. A problem that may be encountered with large planetary gears is that as the gear ratio of the planetary gears to the sun gear increases, the planetary gears 142 may begin to overlap or intersect. The overlapping or intersecting of the planetary gears 142 will not allow the system to operate due to the interference of the gears. To eliminate this problem, Figure 7B The gear system includes an upper gear set 142a and a lower gear set 142b. Figure 7C As shown in the side view of FIG, upper gear set 142a is positioned on a different plane (i.e., an upper plane) than the plane of lower gear set 142b. Positioning gear sets 142a and 142b on different planes ensures that the planetary gears do not overlap or intersect and engage with each other. As a result, larger planetary gears can be used in the gear system. Sun gear 140 is reduced in size, thereby increasing the gear ratio in the system and increasing output torque. The hub geometry on spool 130 is arranged or designed to maintain upper gear set 142a and lower gear set 142b on their respective planes.

[0086] Figure 7D Stacked planetary gears 142c are shown that can be used as an alternative to the upper gear set 142a and the lower gear set 142b to achieve increased output torque without significantly increasing the size of the winding-based closure device 100. The stacked planetary gears 142c include an upper gear 143 and a lower gear 145 attached to the upper gear 143. The upper gear 142 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the lower gear 145 and also has a different number of teeth than the lower gear 145. More specifically, the upper gear 143 has a smaller number of teeth than the lower gear 145. As shown in FIG. Figure 7E As shown in FIG, upper gear 143 is designed to engage with sun gear 140, while lower gear 145 engages with ring gear 208. Stacked planet gears 142c enable a more efficient gear train within a given diameter of housing 202. Stacked planet gears 142c also do not sacrifice tooth strength to increase output torque, as might occur when reducing or reducing the gear teeth to increase torque. Stacked planet gears 142c allow for a greater differential speed between sun gear 140 and planet gears 142, which translates to a larger gear ratio. This is achieved without reducing or reducing the teeth, thereby alleviating stress issues associated with large gear ratios.

[0087] In some embodiments, a similar stacked gear geometry may be employed on the sun gear 140 to improve engagement between the sun gear 140 and the drive member 150. Specifically, the sun gear 140 may include a plurality of gears that are substantially identical to the sun gear 140. Figure 7D The upper gear and lower gear of the planetary gear 142 in the embodiment of the present invention are similar. In this case, the upper gear will engage with the spline teeth 154 of the driving component 150 in a matching manner, and the lower gear will engage with the planetary gear 142, 142a or 142c.

[0088] Figure 7F An alternative sun gear 140a is shown, which can be used in place of the sun gear 140 described herein. Sun gear 140a includes a polygonal base 149 and a gear 147 extending from the polygonal base 149. Sun gear 140a can be used in situations where a stronger coupling between the sun gear and the drive component 150 is desired. For example, in high-load or high-torque applications, the pinion teeth of sun gear 140 and the spline teeth 154 of drive component 150 may not be sufficient to handle the required loads / torques. In such cases, a larger polygonal base 149 can reduce stress between the sun gear and drive component 150, thereby enhancing the load / torque handling capabilities of sun gear 140a. When using sun gear 140a, drive component 150 will include a correspondingly shaped opening to accommodate polygonal base 149. In the illustrated embodiment, the polygonal shape of base 149 is hexagonal, but other shapes, such as pentagons, octagons, etc., can also be used.

[0089] In some embodiments, the gear mechanism (140, 142) can be omitted. In such embodiments, the drive member 150 can be directly engaged with the spool 130 to transmit the rotational force to the spool 130. When the final application of the closure device 100 does not require a large tension and torque output, it may be necessary to omit the gear mechanism. Removing the gear mechanism can make the closure device 100 smaller in the axial direction, which may be preferred in some embodiments. The drive member 150 can be directly engaged with the spool 130 via axially oriented teeth, spline teeth, etc.

[0090] The drive member 150 is used to transfer force from components positioned above the annular ring 206 (i.e., the clutch plate 220, the knob 302, etc.) to components positioned below the annular ring 206 (i.e., the spool 130, the gear mechanism, etc.). To achieve this force transfer, the drive member 150 is operably coupled to the clutch plate 220. The drive member 150 includes outwardly facing splines 152 positioned on an upper surface of the drive member 150. The splines 152 couple with corresponding teeth 224 located on the clutch plate 220. The engagement of the splines 152 with the teeth 224 allows torque to be transferred through the clutch plate 220 and the drive member 150 to the gear mechanism (140, 142) and the spool 130.

[0091] In one embodiment, the drive component 150 and the clutch plate 220 are assembled together using a snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions (not numbered) are positioned between pairs of teeth on the drive component's splines 152. When the clutch plate 220 is coupled to the drive component 150, the one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions are positioned over corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220. The clutch plate 220 is coupled to the drive component 150 in a snap-fit ​​manner by coaxially aligning the clutch plate 220 and the drive component 150, and pressing the clutch plate 220 axially downward and onto the drive component 150. When the clutch plate 220 is pressed axially downward onto the drive component 150 and one or more of the clutch component's teeth 224 move past the corresponding outwardly extending protrusions, the two components deflect to a certain degree. After assembly, when the clutch plate 220 is moved axially upward relative to the drive component 150, one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions contact corresponding teeth 224, thereby preventing the two components from decoupling.

[0092] like Figure 3BAs shown, the drive component 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, thereby locking the housing 202, the clutch plate 220, and the drive component 150 together. The clutch plate 220 is designed to engage the top surface of the annular ring 206 to prevent the spool 130 from rotating in the unwinding direction when the tension in the tensioning member decreases to or below a tension threshold. The tension threshold is typically at or near a point where minimal or no tension exists in the tensioning member. This point typically corresponds to the point where the tensioning member is completely unwound from around the spool 130. When the tensioning member is at or near the zero tension threshold, preventing the spool 130 from rotating in the unwinding direction prevents the tensioning member from winding back around the spool 130, thereby preventing the tensioning member from kinking or tangling around the spool 130.

[0093] like Figure 3B and Figure 6C As shown, the annular ring portion 206 of the housing includes a plurality of recesses or teeth 207 (hereinafter referred to as recesses 207) that are circumferentially arranged and evenly spaced about the annular ring portion 206. The recesses 207 are configured to engage with corresponding protrusions or teeth 226 (hereinafter referred to as protrusions 226) that are positioned circumferentially around the edge or ring portion of the clutch plate 220 and are evenly spaced about the edge or ring portion of the clutch plate 220. When the protrusions 226 engage the recesses 207 on the annular ring portion 206, the clutch plate 220 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 202 and the annular ring portion 206. The engagement of the protrusions 226 and the recesses 207 locks the clutch plate 220 in place relative to the annular ring portion 206. 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 , as described herein.

[0094] To engage the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 is moved axially downward within the housing 202. The clutch plate 220 is designed to move downward within the housing 202 only when the tension of the tensioning member reaches or decreases beyond a tension threshold. When the clutch plate 220 is in an axially raised position, the projections 226 are disengaged from the recesses 207. Figure 4A 、 Figure 5A and Figure 6B As shown in the image, the bottom surface of clutch plate 220 is positioned above annular ring portion 206, and thus, projection 226 is disengaged from recess 207, thereby allowing spool 130 to rotate in both the tensioning and release directions. When projection 226 is engaged with recess 207, further rotation of spool 130 in both the release and tensioning directions is prevented.

[0095] like Figure 5A and Figure 6B As shown in FIG, the clutch plate 220 is held in an axially raised position due to the engagement of the clutch plate 220 with the dial core 230. Specifically, the clutch plate 220 includes an upper tooth portion 222 that engages with an axial tooth portion 232 of the dial core 230. The upper tooth portion 222 of the clutch plate extends axially upward from the upper surface of the clutch plate 220, while the axial tooth portion 232 of the dial core 230 extends downward from the lower surface of the dial core 230. The upper tooth portion 222 of the clutch plate and the axial tooth portion 232 of the dial core may include a slightly tapered or angled configuration to bias the clutch plate 220 axially upward when the teeth are engaged. The tension in the tensioning member facilitates the engagement of the upper tooth portion 222 of the clutch plate with the axial tooth portion 232 of the dial 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 remain engaged with the axial teeth 232 of the dial core until the tension in the tensioning member reaches or exceeds a tension threshold, after which the tensioning member no longer biases the clutch plate 220 to rotate in the loosening direction. When the tension in the tensioning member decreases to approach the tension threshold, the engagement of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate with the axial teeth 232 of the dial core begins to decrease, thereby allowing the clutch plate 220 to begin to slide axially downward relative to the dial core 230, as shown in FIG. Figure 6A As shown in .

[0096] At some point near the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 will slide downward and into engagement with the annular ring 206, thereby preventing further rotation of the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130, as described herein. Figure 6A The annular ring portion 206 is omitted. However, it should be understood that Figure 6A The position of the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150 and the dial core 230 corresponds to the position where the clutch plate 220 engages the annular ring 206. When the dial core 230 moves axially upward, the clutch plate 220 can also move axially downward, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B and Figure 5B As shown. The axial upward movement of the dial core 230 forces the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate to disengage from the axial teeth 232 of the dial core. Since one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions of the drive member engage with the corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220, the clutch plate 220 is prevented from moving upward with the dial core 230. Figure 4B and Figure 5BAs shown, decoupling the clutch plate 220 from the dial core 230 allows the spool 130 to "freewheel" or rotate freely in the loosening direction within the housing 202 because the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230 are not rotationally locked or coupled together.

[0097] In some embodiments, the projection 226 and recess 207 can be designed so that when the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward and contacts the annular ring 206, the projection 226 and recess 207 do not immediately engage. This configuration allows the spool 130 to rotate freely in the loosening direction when the dial core 230 moves axially upward. For example, when the dial core 230 moves axially upward, as described above, the clutch plate 220 is no longer engaged with the dial core 230 and can therefore move axially downward into contact with the annular ring 206. In this case, the clutch plate 220 can contact the annular ring 206 even when tension is still present in the tensioning member. To allow the spool 130 to rotate freely in the loosening direction when the clutch plate 220 contacts the annular ring 206, the projection 226 and recess 207 may not engage as described above. Conversely, the projection 226 and recess 207 can be designed such that when the spool 130 is rotated in the loosening direction, the projection 226 tilts or moves out of the recess 207, thereby preventing the spool 130 from being rotationally locked to the housing 202. More specifically, the projection 226 and recess 207 can have a rounded or angled shape, allowing the projection 226 to tilt or move out of engagement with the recess 207. In this case, when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction and the tensioning member approaches a tension threshold, the projection 226 and recess 207 can still engage. In this case, the dial core 230 pushes or forces the clutch plate 220 downward, forcing the projection 226 and recess 207 to remain locked or engaged together, thereby preventing the clutch plate 220 and spool 130 from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0098] In order to enable the clutch plate 220 to move axially about the drive member 150, the splines 152 of the drive member and the teeth 224 of the clutch plate are configured to allow such axial movement. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Specifically, the spline teeth of the drive member are axially longer than the teeth 224 of the clutch plates, thereby allowing the shorter teeth 224 of the clutch plates to slide axially within channels or grooves formed between the spline teeth.

[0099] After the projection 226 is engaged with the recess 207, the closing device 100 is configured such that the knob 302 can be rotated in the loosening direction without affecting the rotation of the spool 130. Figure 6AAs shown in , the rear surface of the axial teeth 232 of the dial core and the rear surface of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate are inclined or beveled in a relative manner so that rotation of the dial core in the release direction causes the rear surfaces to engage and causes the dial core 230 to clear the clutch plate 220, thereby pushing or forcing the clutch plate 220 downward, as previously described. Figure 6A As further shown in FIG, when the dial core 230 is in the axially lowered position, the axial teeth 232 of the dial core slightly overlap with the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate, so that rotation of the dial core 230 (via the knob 302) in the tensioning direction re-engages the dial core 230 and the clutch plate 220, thereby pulling or biasing the clutch plate 220 to the tensioning position. Figure 6B , and allows the spool 130 to rotate in both the tensioning and release directions. Since the clutch plate 220 blocks rotation in the tensioning direction due to tension in the tensioning member and / or engagement of the clutch plate projections 226 with the recesses 207 of the annular ring, the dial core 230 and the clutch plate 220 are reengaged.

[0100] In some embodiments, the protrusion 226 of the clutch plate and the recess 207 of the annular ring may be replaced by other friction components, such as rubber type washers or materials, abrasive materials, adhesive materials, etc. Figure 6C As shown in , the clutch plate projection 226 can be axially recessed from the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220, thereby allowing the clutch plate 220 to be positioned below the annular ring portion 206. For example, the projection 226 can be formed or positioned on a circumferential ring portion or circumferential edge that is axially recessed from the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220. In some embodiments, when the clutch plate projection 226 engages the recess 207 of the annular ring portion, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 can be substantially aligned with the bottom surface of the annular ring portion 206, and / or the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 can contact the upper surface of the drive component 150.

[0101] The dial core 230 is configured to couple with the knob 302, typically via a snap fit. In some embodiments, the knob 302 includes an axially extending protrusion 310 that is configured to couple with a corresponding edge or lip 238 of the dial core 230. The protrusions 310 each include a radially inward lip 312 that is shaped and sized to fit under the corresponding edge 238 of the dial core 230 (see FIG. Figure 4A). The protrusion 310 is resilient, allowing it to snap into engagement with the edge 238 of the dial core. The protrusion 310 is also sufficiently strong so that an axially upward force applied to 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 along with the knob 302. Thus, the knob 302 and the dial core 230 move essentially as a single component.

[0102] The inward lip of the protrusion couples with the edge 238 of the dial core, allowing the knob 302 to rotate around the dial core 230 by a certain angle, thereby allowing the knob 302 to rotate in the loosening direction to gradually loosen the tension, as described below. To achieve the relative movement of the knob 302, the edge 238 of the dial core is sized to be slightly larger than the inward lip of the protrusion. Figure 5A As shown in FIG, the dial core edge 238 is formed by recessing the perimeter of the dial core 230, thereby forming a groove in which the recessed portion 310 is positioned. The protrusion 310 has a circumferential width that is smaller than the circumferential width of the corresponding groove, thereby allowing the protrusion 310 to rotate within the groove to a certain angle. The protrusion 310 can have a radial width corresponding to the width of the recessed portion, so that when the protrusion 310 is coupled to the dial core edge 238, the outer surface of the protrusion 310 is generally aligned with the outer surface of the dial core 230. In one embodiment, the knob 302 includes four protrusions 310 and the dial core 230 includes four edges 238, but more or fewer protrusions 310 and edges 238 may be used as desired. The protrusions 310 and the dial core edge 238 are typically positioned proximate to the corresponding detents 240, enabling engagement of the protrusions 310 with the detents 240, but the positions of the protrusions 310 and edges 238 can vary as desired. When the dial core 230 is attached to the knob 302 , one or more pawls 240 and the pawl plate 250 are sandwiched between the knob 302 and the dial core 230 .

[0103] The closure device 100 includes a lace outlet component 160 that is separate from and assembled to the housing 202. The separation of the lace outlet component 160 from the housing 202 allows the lace outlet component 160 to be formed from a low friction and wear resistant material, while a high strength and impact resistant material is used for the housing 202. For example, the housing 202 can be made of a high impact material with poor wear resistance, while the lace outlet component 160 is made of a high wear resistant material with poor impact resistance. The wear resistant material allows the lace outlet component 160 to be used with tensioning members designed to withstand higher tension loads. The lace outlet component 160 allows such tensioning members to slide repeatedly over the surface of the component without experiencing excessive wear. As Figure 10A, the lace outlet component 160 includes a keyed portion 164 that is designed to fit within a corresponding slot 166 in the housing 202. The keyed portion 164 may be a protrusion extending outwardly from the body of the lace outlet component 160. The lace outlet component 160 may be attached to the housing 202 by positioning the lace outlet component 160 below the housing and sliding the keyed portion 164 axially upward into the corresponding slot 166 in the housing 202. The lace outlet component 160 includes a lace channel 162 within which the tensioning member is positioned so that the tensioning member can contact 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.

[0104] like FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B As shown, the coupling member 120 includes one or more lacing apertures 126 that can be aligned with a lacing port 136 in the spool 130. Aligning the lacing apertures 126 with the lacing port 136 of the spool allows for easy coupling of the tensioning member to the spool 130. For example, Figure 10C , the spool 130 can be aligned within the housing 202 such that the channel 137 of the spool 130 is aligned with the lacing channel 162 of the lacing outlet component 160. When the channel 137 of the spool is aligned with the lacing channel 162 of the lacing outlet component, a tensioning member can be inserted into the lacing channel 162 of the lacing outlet component and through the channel 137 of the spool. The distal end of the channel 137 of the spool forms an opening 138 that is designed to guide the tensioning member downwardly through the lacing port 136. Inserting the tensioning member through the channel 137 of the spool and through the lacing port 136 causes the tensioning member to extend outwardly from the bottom end of the spool 130. Where 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 so that retraction of the tensioning member causes the distal end of the tensioning member to engage the spool's opening 138 and prevent the tensioning member from being retracted through the opening 138. In this manner, the tensioning member may be easily coupled to the spool 130.

[0105] The alignment of the coupling component's lacing aperture 126 with the spool's lacing port 136 allows the tensioning member to extend through the spool 130 and coupling component 120, making it possible to tie a knot in the tensioning member or attach a separate component to the tensioning member without having to separate the coupling component 120 from the spool 130. In some embodiments, the spool 130 can include a single lacing port 136 while the coupling component 120 includes a pair of lacing apertures 126. This design enables a single coupling component 120 to be used with the spool 130, regardless of whether the lacing port 136 is located on the left or right side of the spool 130, depending on whether the spool 130 is designed to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise tensioning direction. Figure 10C A top cross-sectional view of spool 130 is shown, and thus, channel 137 is shown on the side of spool 130 opposite lacing port 136. Lacing port 136 can be formed in channel 133 of the spool by forming a semicircular groove in the top or bottom flange of spool 130, or in both flanges of spool 130. The semicircular groove can guide or direct the tensioning member toward opening 138 when the tensioning member is inserted through lacing channel 162 of the lacing outlet component.

[0106] Figures 10D to 10F Shown is an alternative embodiment of a spool 130 that can be used together with a closure device 100 based on a winding member. The spool 130 is designed to accommodate a thick and hard tensioning member that is used in a closure device 100 based on a winding member so that a high tension load can be applied. What is usually required to use a thick and hard tensioning member is that the passage 600 of the spool is arranged so that the tensioning member is "stacked" or wound around the spool in an orderly manner to avoid inconsistency in spool capacity and / or spool upper flange or lower flange fracture. For example, randomly winding a thick and hard tensioning member around the spool may apply pressure to the upper flange and lower flange, thereby potentially causing the spool flange to be pressed open and fractured. In order to avoid these problems, the passage 600 of the spool is usually very narrow so that the thick and hard tensioning member can be wound around the spool in a single stack or wound around a single groove. However, employing a single-stack winding greatly minimizes the amount of tensioning member that is wound or wrapped around the spool.

[0107] Figures 10D to 10F The bobbin 130 enables the winding of a thick and stiff tension member in a double stack, in other words, Figures 10D to 10FThis enables the winding or coiling of a thick, stiff tensioning member around two slots in the spool's channel 600. To achieve the double stack arrangement, the spool's channel 600 includes two slots separated by a central ridge or ridge 602. Specifically, the spool's channel 600 includes a first slot 604 and a second slot 606. The first slot 604 can be positioned axially below the second slot 606, as shown in FIG. Figure 10D As shown in , or the positions of the two grooves can be interchanged. Grooves 604 and 606 are arranged so that a portion of the second groove 606 overhangs the first groove 604. The overhang is formed or defined by a portion of the first groove 604 being positioned radially inward of the second groove 606, as shown in FIG. Figure 10D The second slot 606 may overhang the first slot 604 by approximately the diameter of the tension member.

[0108] like Figure 10E , the overhang of second slot 606 can extend approximately halfway around spool 130. The overhang is designed such that: it extends from first lace connector 610 to second lace connector 612, with second lace connector 612 positioned approximately halfway around spool 130 from first lace connector 619. First lace connector 610 is designed to attach to first lace 605, while second lace connector 612 is designed to attach to second lace 607. The connection of first lace 605 and second lace 607 to the respective lace connectors can be the same as that described for the connection of opening 138 to lace port 136. Figure 10E 6 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the spool 130, wherein the first slot 604 and the second slot 606 are visible. The shaded area shows the area of ​​the overhang between the two slots 604 and 606, and the distance that the overhang extends around the spool 130. As shown, the overhang has a substantially equal width around the spool except near the first lace connector 610, where the overhang is larger to allow the first lace 605 to gradually transition from the connector to the first slot 604. In some cases, the cross-section of the first slot 604 and the second slot 606 do not have the same width as shown. Figure 10E Circular cross section shown in .

[0109] First lace connector 610 is positioned such that first lace 605 extends from first lace connector 610 and wraps around first slot 604. Second lace connector 612 is similarly positioned such that second lace 607 extends from second lace connector 612 and wraps around second slot 606. Spool 130 is designed such that: first lace 605 is connected to first lace connector 601, and then spool 130 is rotated to connect second lace 607 to second lace connector 612. When spool 130 is rotated to connect second lace 607, first lace 605 is wrapped or coiled halfway around spool 130, and more specifically, first lace 605 is wrapped or coiled along the overhanging portion of first lace slot 604. In other words, spool 130 is designed such that first lace 605 has an extra half wrap or half coil compared to second lace 607. In some embodiments, the first tether 605 may be wrapped or coiled 170 to 200 degrees around the first slot 604 before the second tether 607 is wrapped or coiled around the second slot 606 .

[0110] Because the first tether 605 is wrapped or coiled along the overhanging portion before the second tether 607 is connected, when the spool 130 is further rotated to wrap or coil the second tether 607 around the channel 600 of the spool, the two tethers 605 and 607 will be wrapped or coiled around the channel of the spool in an orderly manner, wherein the tethers 605 and 607 are "overlapped" or aligned with each other when wrapped around the spool 130. Figure 10F The laces 605 and 607 are shown in an overlapping or aligned configuration when they are wound around respective slots 604 and 606 or spool 130. Because the overhang between slots 604 and 606 is approximately equal to the diameter of first lace 605, first lace 605 and second lace 607 maintain the overlapping or aligned arrangement when they are wound around the overhang multiple times.

[0111] The stacked arrangement of laces 605 and 607 eliminates or minimizes the tendency of one of laces 605 and 607 to move into another slot (or into the middle of spool channel 600) as laces 605 and 607 are wound around spool 130. Furthermore, using the stacked arrangement increases the lace capacity of spool 130 because twice as much lace can be wound around spool 130 compared to a single-stack spool design. The stacked arrangement also enables laces 605 and 607 to be wound simultaneously around spool 130 at a consistent radius. Furthermore, the stacked configuration of laces 605 and 607 provides at least four additional advantages: preventing clogging due to tangling of the laces, preventing excessive loading on the spool flanges, preventing excessive wear and pressure points on the laces, and maintaining the tightest possible winding of the laces, thereby increasing power output.

[0112] Figure 10G An alternative lace outlet component 160 is shown that is designed to Figures 10D to 10F 130 is used in conjunction with an alternative spool 130. The alternative lace outlet component 160 is substantially similar to the aforementioned lace outlet component, except that the lace channel 162 includes a plurality of separate openings. Specifically, the lace channel 162 includes a first opening 167 and a second opening 168 separated by a wall or divider. The first opening 167 is shaped, sized, and positioned so that the first lace 605 can be inserted through the first opening 167 and enter the first slot 604, so that rotation of the spool 130 causes the first lace 605 to be wound or wrapped around the first slot 604. Similarly, the second opening 168 is shaped, sized, and positioned so that the second lace 607 can be inserted through the second opening 168 and enter the second slot 606, so that rotation of the spool 130 causes the second lace 607 to be wound or wrapped around the second slot 606.

[0113] Because laces 605 and 607 enter housing 202 through separate apertures, it is easier to control the stacking or alignment of laces 605 and 607. In some cases, first aperture 167 and second aperture 168 may have different sizes and / or shapes. For example, first aperture 167 may be smaller in size and positioned toward the bottom of lace outlet member 160 to guide or direct the first lace toward first slot 604, which is generally axially positioned below second slot 606. Second aperture 168 may have an elongated opening compared to first aperture 167 and may extend toward the top of lace outlet member 160 to allow second lace 607 to enter and be easily wound or wrapped around second slot 606. In some cases, first aperture 167 and second aperture 168 may have similar dimensions but may be positioned so that the respective laces are directed or routed into spool channel 600 in a desired manner.

[0114] Now refer to Figures 11A to 11B , illustrates the coupling of one or more pawls 240, a pawl plate 250, and the dial core 230. Also illustrated are the functions of the one or more pawls 240, the pawl plate 250, and the knob 302 in controlling the rotation of the spool 130. To facilitate coupling of the one or more pawls 240 to the dial core 230, the dial core 230 includes one or more drive protrusions 236 extending axially upward from the top surface of the dial core 230. Each drive protrusion 236 includes a recess 237 shaped and sized to accommodate a proximal end 244 of the one or more pawls 240. The recess 237 is designed to enable each pawl 240 to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions on the top of the dial core 230. In certain embodiments, the recess 237 and the proximal end 244 of the pawl 240 are both semicircular in shape. The proximal end 244 of the pawl 240 can engage or contact the wall of the recess 237 so that the force or load applied to the pawl 240 is transferred to the drive projection 236. In this way, each drive projection 236 supports and strengthens the corresponding pawl 240.

[0115] The dial core 230 also includes one or more pivot projections 231 extending axially upward from the top surface of the dial core 230. Each pivot projection 231 couples with a corresponding pawl 240 by inserting the pivot projection 231 into an aperture located on the proximal end of the corresponding pawl 240. The coupling of the pawl 240 with the pivot projection 231 enables the pawl 240 to pivot or rotate about the pivot projection 231. In some embodiments, the one or more pawls 240 may be integrated with the dial core 230. In such embodiments, the one or more pawls 240 are generally configured such that the one or more pawls 240 can move or rotate about the dial core 230. For example, the one or more pawls 240 may be compliant mechanisms and / or may be coupled with one or more compliant members or mechanisms.

[0116] The pawl plate 250 is coupled to the dial core 230 by aligning the recesses 254 of the pawl plate 250 with corresponding keyed protrusions 233 of the dial core 230. The pawl plate 250 can then be pressed down onto the top of the dial core 230, causing the keyed protrusions 233 to snap into the corresponding recesses 254. In some embodiments, the pawl plate 250 can be integrated with the dial core 230 and / or one or more pawls 240. In such embodiments, the pawl plate 250 should be configured to bias the one or more pawls 240 outward, as described herein. The separation of the one or more pawls 240, the pawl plate 250, and / or the dial core 230 allows each component to be made of different materials, thereby enabling the components to be optimized for a specific application. For example, one or more pawls 240 may be made of a high-rigidity material capable of withstanding large forces, while a soft spring-like material may be used for the pawl plate 250 to actuate or bias the one or more pawls 240. The dial core 230 may be made of a material suitable for supporting and reinforcing the pawl plate 250 and the one or more pawls 240.

[0117] The pawl plate 250 includes one or more arms 252 extending outward from the body of the pawl plate 250. The one or more arms 252 are flexible and are positioned at the top of the dial core 230 so that the distal end of each arm 252 is positioned against the rear surface of the corresponding pawl 240. The arms 252 are configured to provide a biasing force that presses or biases the pawl 240 into engagement with the teeth 204 formed on or otherwise coupled to the housing 202. More specifically, the arms 252 bias the pawl 240 so that the pawl rotates about the pivot protrusion 231 into engagement with the teeth 204. In this manner, the pawl plate 250 acts as a spring, pressing or biasing the pawl 240 into engagement with the teeth 204.

[0118] Each pawl 240 includes one or more teeth 242 positioned on the distal end of the pawl 240. The one or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized such that the one or more teeth 242 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 the one or more teeth 242 can fit within the one or more teeth of the closure device 100. The engagement of the teeth 242 of the one or more pawls with the teeth 204 of the closure device prevents the dial core 230 from rotating in the loosening direction (e.g., Figure 11A Specifically, when the pawls 240 are engaged with the teeth 204 and a force is applied to the dial core 230 in the loosening direction (via the tensioning member and the spool 130), the one or more pawls 240 are oriented to couple with the dial core 230 so as not to allow the one or more pawls 240 to rotate. Thus, the one or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204, thereby preventing the dial core 230 from rotating in the tensioning direction.

[0119] Because the dial core 230 is engaged with the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130, the spool 130 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction, as described herein. Due to the biasing force of the pawl plate 250, the pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204 until the pawls 240 are disengaged from the teeth 204 due to upward movement of the dial core 230 or rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction. Furthermore, when the dial core 230 moves axially downward or rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction stops, the biasing force of the pawl plate 250 automatically causes one or more pawls 240 to reengage with the teeth 204.

[0120] In order to rotate the spool 130 in the tensioning direction, the protrusions 310 are configured to engage with the drive protrusions 236 of the dial core. Specifically, the protrusions 310 extend axially downward from the knob 302 and are positioned such that: when the knob 302 is coupled to the housing 202 in the engaged position, each protrusion 310 is adjacent to the drive protrusion 236 and is located between the pawl 240 and the tooth 204. Figure 11A As shown in FIG, when the knob 302 is rotated in the tensioning direction (eg, Figure 11AWhen the knob 302 is rotated in the tensioning direction (clockwise in FIG), the proximal end of each protrusion 310 contacts the distal surface of the drive protrusion 236. The engagement of the protrusion 310 with the drive protrusion 236 causes the rotational force from the knob 302 to be transmitted to the dial core 230 when the knob 302 is rotated in the tensioning direction, thereby rotating the dial core 230 in the tensioning direction. As described herein, due to the engagement of the dial core 230, the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130, the rotation of the dial core 230 in the tensioning direction causes the spool 130 to also rotate in the tensioning direction. When the dial core 230 rotates in the tensioning direction, the orientation of the one or more pawls 240 at the top of the dial core 230 causes the one or more pawls 240 to deflect inward and clear the teeth 204. When the one or more pawls 240 clear the teeth 204, the pawl plate 250 causes the one or more pawls 240 to spring outward.

[0121] The protrusion 310 is also configured to allow the dial core 230 to rotate gradually in the loosening direction. Specifically, when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction (e.g., Figure 11B When the knob 302 is rotated counterclockwise (in the direction of rotation), each protrusion 310 rotates within the housing 202, causing the distal surface of each protrusion 310 to contact and engage the distal end of the corresponding pawl 240. Further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the protrusion 310 to push, pivot, or rotate the corresponding pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204. The disengagement of one or more pawls 240 from the teeth 204 temporarily unlocks the dial core 230 from the housing 202, thereby allowing the dial core 230 to temporarily or gradually rotate in the loosening direction in response to the force in the loosening direction from the spool 130 and the tensioning member. More specifically, the tension load or force in the tensioning member is applied to the spool 130, which is transmitted to the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230 due to their engagement with the spool 130. When the dial core 230 is unlocked from the housing 202 , the tension load rotates the dial core 230 in the unlocking direction.

[0122] When the dial core 230 is rotated in the loosening direction, each protrusion 310 disengages from the corresponding pawl 240 and pivots or rotates back into engagement with the teeth 204 due to the biasing force from the pawl plate 250. One or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204 until further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the protrusion 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 can be progressively rotated in the loosening direction to loosen the tensioning member or reduce the tension in the tensioning member.

[0123] The gradual engagement and disengagement of the pawl 240 and the protrusion 310 to allow the spool 130 and dial core 230 to rotate in the loosening direction can be referred to as "sweeping" the pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204. To facilitate "sweeping" the pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204, each pawl 240 can include a bump or protrusion 246 that extends slightly outward from the surface of the pawl 240. The distal end of each protrusion 310 can also include an angled or ramped surface. The angled or ramped surface of each protrusion 310 engages with the bump or protrusion 246 of each pawl 240 and gradually increases the force on the pawl 240, thereby reducing stress and wear on both components. In some embodiments, the angled or ramped surface may be formed only on the upper portion of each protrusion 310. In such an embodiment, the lower portion of each protrusion 310 may include a radially inward lip 312 that is shaped and dimensioned to fit under the corresponding edge 238 of the dial core 230 .

[0124] The degree or amount of each loosening step can be equal to the distance between each tooth portion 204 or the distance between multiple teeth portions, as desired. As described herein, when the tension in the tensioning member approaches a tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 will slide downward and engage the annular ring portion 206, thereby preventing further rotation of the clutch plate 220, the drive member 150, and the spool 130. When the clutch plate 220 engages the annular ring portion 206, due to the configuration of the dial core 230 and the clutch plate 220, the dial core 230 and the knob 302 can further rotate in the loosening direction.

[0125] In the embodiment shown, the closure device 100 can include four pawls 240, four protrusions 310, and four arms 252. This configuration may be ideal for generating high torque and withstanding high tensile loads. In other embodiments, more or fewer components may be employed depending on the specific application or needs, or depending on the desired torque output.

[0126] Now refer to Figure 12 , a ski boot 400 including the aforementioned closure device 100 is shown. The closure device 100 may be ideal for tightening the ski boot 400 because it is capable of outputting high torque and generating high tensile 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 that is designed to withstand high tensile loads and facilitate closing and tightening the ski boot shell. 14A to 14C The long guide 410 is shown in more detail. Figure 13 Shows that it can be Figure 12The present invention relates to a lacing path and guide configuration employed on a ski boot 400. Specifically, the guide configuration includes a plurality of long guides 410 and one or more shorter guides 460 positioned between pairs of long guides 410. The closure device 100 is positioned at the top of the lacing path, and a tensioning member 450 is routed from the closure device 100 along the lacing path via 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 via an end member or terminating end component 470. The termination of the tensioning member 450 at the distal end enables the closure device 100 to generate greater tension in the tensioning member 450.

[0127] The lacing path can extend through an opening between the two shells of the ski boot 400. In some embodiments, multiple long guides 410 can be positioned on one shell, while one or more shorter guides 460 are positioned on the opposing shell. The one or more shorter guides 460 can be riveted or mechanically fastened to the ski boot 400, while the distal ends of the longer guides 410 are attached to the ski boot. One or more shorter guides 460 can 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 can be removed or withdrawn from the open channel of the one or more shorter guides 460 to allow for easier removal of the ski boot 400 from around the foot.

[0128] Reference 14A to 14C , the longer guide 410 is made of multiple components. Specifically, the longer guide 410 includes an outer shell or body 412 and a reinforcement member 420. The outer shell 412 houses the reinforcement member 420. The longer guide 410 enables it to be attached to the side of the ski boot 400, typically near the sole of the ski boot, with the distal end that engages the tensioning member 450 positioned near the opening of the ski boot 400. This configuration facilitates wrapping the guide 410 around the shell and properly closing the shell around the foot.

[0129] The reinforcement member 420 enables the guide rail 410 to withstand high tensile loads without breaking or cracking. The reinforcement member 420 also enables the outer shell 412 to be made of a low-friction material, which may not be able to withstand the tension applied to the tension member 450. The outer shell 412 and the reinforcement member 420 both extend from the proximal end of the guide 410 to the distal end of the guide 410. The proximal ends of the outer shell 412 and the reinforcement member 420 include openings 416 that allow rivets or other mechanical fasteners to attach the guide 410 to the ski boot 400. The reinforcement 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 can be made of a metal material, such as aluminum, or other material capable of withstanding high tensile loads, such as a fabric material, a carbon fiber material, a rigid polymer material, or the like.

[0130] The strip of material is folded to form an annular end 422. The folded strip of material provides the reinforcement member 420 with an upper section and a lower section, each of which extends from the annular end 422 to the proximal end of the guide member. The upper section and the lower section can each include an opening 416 and can be coupled to a ski boot shell. The upper section and the lower section are typically positioned to contact each other from the proximal end of the reinforcement member 420 to the annular end 422, but in some embodiments, the upper section and the lower section can be separated by an outer shell 412 or other material.

[0131] Outer housing 412 includes a guide section 415 disposed within an annular end 422 of reinforcement component 420. Guide section 415 extends between two sides of outer housing 412. The distal end of the outer housing and guide section 415 include a channel 414 through which tensioning member 450 is positioned. Guide section 415 is made of a friction material having a lower coefficient of friction than reinforcement component 420, thereby minimizing frictional engagement between guide section 410 and the tensioning member. When guide 410 is tensioned by tensioning member 450, guide section 415 presses against annular end 422 of reinforcement component 420. In this way, some or all of the tensile load in guide section 415 is transferred from outer housing 412 to reinforcement component 420, thereby better handling the high tensile loads generated by closure device 100. The tension in the looped end 422 is transferred via the upper and lower sections of the reinforcing member's material strip to the proximal end of the guide 410, and ultimately to the shell of the ski boot 400 due to the mechanical fasteners that anchor the long guide 410 to the shell. The tension pulls the opposing shells together and closes the ski boot around the user's foot. The long guide 410 is also pressed downward on the top of the shell, further closing the shell and tightening it around the user's foot.

[0132] The outer housing 412 generally surrounds the reinforcement member 420. For example, the outer housing 412 may cover both sides of the reinforcement member 420, although in other embodiments, one or both sides of the reinforcement member 420 may be exposed. The outer housing 412 may also include a distal-most portion positioned distal to the annular end 422. The distal-most portion of the outer housing 412 may allow the tensioning member 450 to enter and exit the channel 414 with minimal friction. For example, the sides of the distal-most portion of the outer housing may be arched or curved to provide a smooth transition radius, thereby eliminating sharp corners that could damage the tensioning member 450 or cause excessive stress on the guide segment 415 and / or the annular end 422. In some embodiments, the sides of the distal-most portion of the outer housing may have a radius between 40 mm and 50 mm to provide a smooth transition for the tensioning member 450. The distal-most portion may also cover the annular end 422 and prevent it from contacting surrounding objects.

[0133] In some embodiments, the outer shell 412 may include one or more openings 418 through which the reinforcement component 420 is visible. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 412 includes two open portions through which the ring-shaped end portion 422 and the upper section are visible. The distal-most open portion can facilitate coupling the reinforcement component 420 to the outer shell 412 by allowing the upper and lower sections to separate and be positioned around the guide section 415. The upper and lower sections can then be moved proximally until the ring-shaped end portion 422 is positioned around the guide section 415. In other embodiments, the ring-shaped end portion 422 and / or the upper and lower sections can be covered by the outer shell 412, rendering the reinforcement component 420 invisible. The upper and lower sections can also be positioned on a bottom end or surface of the outer shell 412, such that the lower section contacts the shell of the ski boot 400. In other embodiments, the upper and lower sections may be arranged or enclosed within the outer housing 412 as desired.

[0134] The outer housing 412 may include a pair of openings 418 separated by a bridge of material, such as FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B Alternatively, the outer housing 412 may include a single opening 418, as shown in Figure 14C. A material bridge separating the paired openings can be used to maintain contact between the upper and lower sections of the reinforcement member 420. In some embodiments, the long guide member 410 can have a length between 40 mm and 80 mm, and more typically between 50 mm and 70 mm. Similarly, the long guide member can have a width between 15 mm and 35 mm, and more typically between 20 mm and 30 mm. In a particular embodiment, the long guide member can have a length of approximately 60 mm and a width of approximately 25 mm. The long guide member 410 can be curved about its longitudinal length to facilitate engagement and contact between the long guide member and the upper surface of the ski boot shell. The shorter guide member 460 can have a width corresponding to the width of the long guide member and a length shorter than the width of the shorter guide member 460. The shorter guide member 460 may not require a reinforcement member because the mechanical tensioner is positioned at the distal end of the tensioning member 450.

[0135] Reference Figures 15A to 15E , shows an embodiment of an end member or terminating end component 470 (hereinafter referred to as end member 470) that is designed to be attached to the distal end of tensioning member 450 and to ski boot 400 or any other article, thereby coupling or attaching tensioning member 450 to ski boot 400 or article in a fixed manner. For ease of description of end member 470, reference will be made to end member 470 being attached to ski boot 400, but it should be appreciated that end member 470 may be coupled to any desired article.

[0136] The end member 470 is capable of being attached to and detached from the ski boot 400, thereby enabling quick and easy replacement of the end member 470 if the tensioning member 450 fails or for any other reason. The end member 470 includes a body 502 having an interior cavity 510 and a through-hole 508. The through-hole 508 is located on the proximal end of the body 502 and is shaped and sized so that a bolt 480 or other mechanical fastening device can be inserted through the through-hole 508 and attached to the ski boot 400. An upper portion of the through-hole 508 can be recessed from the upper surface of the body 502. The recessed portion of the through-hole 508 can 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 and thereby reduce the profile of the end member 470 when attached to the ski boot 400.

[0137] The body 502 also includes a lacing port or aperture 504 through which the tensioning member 450 is inserted, as described below. The lacing aperture 504 is located at the distal end of the body 502, opposite the through-hole 508. When the end member 470 is attached to the ski boot 400, the lacing aperture 504 is positioned so that the opening of the lacing aperture 504 faces the lacing path of the tensioning member 450. The body 502 also includes an aperture 506 that allows a tool (not shown) to access the locking member 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the body 502. The tool, such as a screwdriver or other device, can be inserted into the aperture 506 to engage the locking member 550 and generate or release a locking force on the tensioning member 450. The locking force applied or acting on the tensioning member 450 via the locking component 550 is sufficient to lock or securely attach the tensioning member 450 to the end member 470. The aperture 506 is typically located on a side of the body 502 that is generally perpendicular to the lacing aperture 504; however, the aperture 506 may be located elsewhere on the body 502 as desired. Positioning the aperture 506 on a side of the body 502 that is generally perpendicular to the lacing aperture 504 may be preferred because it allows the user to easily access the aperture 506 when the end member 470 is securely secured to the ski boot 400 via the bolt 480 without interference from the tensioning member 450 or other components of the ski boot 400.

[0138] Figure 15C A bottom view of the end member 470 is shown. A cavity 510 is formed in the body 502. Figure 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 the wrong orientation. Specifically, the body 502 includes an elbow 514 that protrudes into a corner or a portion of the cavity 510, so that the cavity 510 has an L-shaped profile when viewed from the bottom end, as shown in FIG. Figure 15C . Body 502 further defines a secondary cavity 512 at its bottom end near lace opening 504. Secondary cavity 512 extends from cavity 510 and forms a small pocket or recess in the distal end of body 502. As described below, when tensioning member 450 is coupled with end member 470 and locking component 550, the distal end of tensioning member 450 is positioned within secondary cavity 512.

[0139] A channel 520 is formed in the proximal end of the body 502. The 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 channel 520 has a width and depth that is greater than the diameter of the tensioning member 450, thereby allowing the tensioning member 450 to be completely positioned within the channel 520 and to be wrapped 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 to the vicinity of the through-hole 508, to divide the distal portion of the channel 520 located between the cavity 510 and the through-hole 508 into a first portion and a second portion (at Figure 15E 508 are shown as separate channels positioned laterally adjacent to each other. Wall 522 can be used to route or guide tensioning member 450 as it is inserted through channel 520 and locking member 550. In some embodiments, arrows or other symbols can be formed on a surface of channel 520. In the embodiment shown, arrows are formed in channel 520 around through-hole 508. The arrows can clearly indicate the direction in which tensioning member 450 is routed through locking member 550 and channel 520.

[0140] Figure 15C The locking member 550 is shown positioned within the cavity 510 of the end member 470. The locking member 550 can include an L-shaped profile that mirrors the L-shaped profile of the cavity 510. Specifically, an elbow 559 can be formed in the locking member 550 that mates with the elbow 514 of the cavity 510 to enable the locking member 550 to be inserted into the L-shaped cavity 510. By preventing the locking member 550 from being inserted into the cavity 510 if the locking member 550 is not properly oriented and aligned with the cavity 510, the L-shaped cavity 510 and the locking member 550 ensure that the locking member 550 is always properly or correctly inserted into the cavity 510. Proper and correct insertion of the locking member 550 can be very important to ensure that the tensioning member 450 can be inserted through the locking member 550 in a manner that does not kink or damage the tensioning member 450. For example, the locking member 550 includes a lace entry aperture 552 that is coaxially aligned with the lace opening 504 of the body 502 when the locking member 550 is inserted into the cavity 510. If the locking member 550 is not properly inserted into the cavity 510, the lace entry aperture 552 may be misaligned with the lace opening 504 of the body 502, potentially causing the tensioning member 450 to become kinked or damaged when tensioning the tensioning member 450 or assembling the end member 470 about the ski boot 400.

[0141] A lace inlet opening 552 is formed on a distal side of the locking member 550. A lace outlet opening 554 is formed on a proximal side of the locking member 550 opposite the lace inlet opening 552. A passage or cavity extends between the lace inlet opening 552 and the lace outlet opening 554, which enables a tensioning member to be inserted completely through the locking member 550 between the lace inlet opening 552 and the lace outlet opening 554. When the locking member 550 is positioned within the cavity 510, the lace outlet opening 554 is aligned with the first portion of the passage 520.

[0142] A second lace inlet opening 556 is formed on a proximal side of locking member 550, while a second lace outlet opening 558 is formed on a distal side of locking member 550 opposite second lace inlet opening 556. When locking member 550 is positioned within cavity 510, second lace inlet opening 556 is aligned with the second portion of passageway 520, while second lace outlet opening 558 is aligned with secondary cavity 512. A passage or cavity extends between second lace inlet opening 556 and second lace outlet opening 558, which enables a tensioning member to be inserted completely through locking member 550 between the second portion of passageway 520 and secondary cavity 512.

[0143] Figure 15DA side view of the body 502 is shown, and more specifically, a tool entering the aperture 506. The aperture 506 is formed in the body 502 such that the aperture 506 extends from the cavity 510 to the outer surface of the body 502. As briefly described above, a tool can be inserted through the aperture 506 to engage with the locking member 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the body. The tool can be used to lock or unlock the tensioning member 450 from engagement with the locking member 550, thereby securing the tensioning member 450 to or releasing the tensioning member 450 from the end member 470. In particular embodiments, the tool can contact a setscrew (not shown) threaded into the body of the locking member 550. The tool can rotate the setscrew to increase or decrease its frictional engagement with the tensioning member 450. The set screw can apply a clamping or compressive force to tensioning member 450 to lock tensioning member 450 within the body of locking component 550 and, thereby, securely attach tensioning member 450 to end member 470. More specifically, rotation of the set screw can move the set screw toward or away from the passage or cavity between second lace inlet opening 556 and second lace outlet opening 558, thereby compressing tensioning member 450 within the passage or cavity. In some embodiments, a component or piece of material, such as a nylon sheet, can be positioned between tensioning member 450 and the distal end of the set screw to minimize or eliminate unnecessary damage to tensioning member 450 by the set screw.

[0144] To securely couple or secure tensioning member 450 to locking member 550, tensioning member 450 is inserted through lace opening 504 of body 502 and through lace inlet opening 552 of locking member 550. Tensioning member 450 is then inserted through the passageway between lace inlet opening 552 and lace outlet opening 554 until tensioning member 450 extends from lace outlet opening 554. Tensioning member 450 is then bent within passageway 520 around through-hole 508 along an arrow formed or defined on a surface of passageway 520. In some embodiments, wall 522 can be angled to help guide or deflect tensioning member 450 toward passageway 520 as it exits lace outlet opening 554. Tensioning member 450 is then inserted through second lace inlet opening 556 and through the corresponding passageway until tensioning member 450 extends from second lace outlet 558. After tensioning member 450 exits second lace exit opening 558, the distal end of tensioning member 450 is positioned within secondary cavity 512. A tool inserted through tool entry aperture 506 can then be engaged with a set screw to lock tensioning member 450 within locking component 550. Tensioning member 450 can be separated from locking component 550 by contacting the set screw with a tool inserted through tool entry aperture 506 and rotating the set screw to an unlocked position. Tensioning member 450 can then be removed from locking component 550 and end member 470. All of the above processes can be performed while end member 470 is attached to ski boot 400.

[0145] While various embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and / or combinations of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, changed, adjusted, etc. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged, and / or the various components described may be used in any embodiment not currently described or not utilizing such components. Therefore, it should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangements and / or component configurations described herein.

[0146] In addition, it should be understood that any feasible combination of features and elements disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. In addition, whenever a feature is not discussed in the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that some embodiments of the present invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby providing support for negative claim limitations.

[0147] Having described a plurality of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, a plurality of well-known processes and elements have not been described to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0148] When providing a range of values, it will be understood that, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, each intermediate value (accurate to one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit) between the upper and lower limits of the range is also explicitly disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value in the stated range and any other stated value or intermediate value in the stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded within the range, and each range (including any limit, excluding any limit, or including two limits within the smaller range) is also encompassed within the present invention, except for any specifically excluded limit within the stated range. When the stated range includes one or two of the limits, the range after excluding any or both of the included limits is also included.

[0149] 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 device" includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0150] In addition, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," 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 these terms do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, actions or groups.

Claims

1. A roll-based closure device for tensioning a tensioning member, the roll-based closure device comprising: a housing defining a vertical axis; a plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; an engagement member comprising one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing during rotation of the spool within the housing; as well as a dial or knob operatively coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate within the housing, thereby winding the tensioning member around the spool; wherein a length of each of the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing is significantly longer than a length of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

2. The wrap-based closure of claim 1 , wherein: A length of each of the plurality of teeth is 30% to 60% longer than a length of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

3. The wrap-based closure of claim 1 , wherein: The engagement member is a planetary gear of a gear mechanism.

4. The wrap-based closure device of claim 3, wherein: The plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing is a ring gear of the gear mechanism.

5. The wrap-based closure of claim 1 , wherein: The upper flange of the spool includes an annular recess or lip shaped and sized to receive the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing.

6. The wrap-based closure of claim 1 , wherein: The engagement member is a pawl member including one or more pawl teeth.

7. The wrap-based closure of claim 1 , wherein: A bottom end or distal end of each of the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing extends below a bottom end or distal end of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

8. A method for manufacturing a roll-up based closure, the method comprising: A roll-up based closure is provided, the roll-up based closure comprising: a housing defining a vertical axis; a plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and a dial or knob operatively coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate within the housing; positioning an engagement member to operatively engage the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing, the engagement member including one or more teeth engaging the plurality of teeth; wherein a length of each of the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing is significantly longer than a length of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein A length of each of the plurality of teeth is 30% to 60% longer than a length of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein The engagement member is a planetary gear of a gear mechanism.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing is a ring gear of the gear mechanism.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein The upper flange of the spool includes an annular recess or lip shaped and sized to receive the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein The engagement member is a pawl member including one or more pawl teeth.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein A bottom end or distal end of each of the plurality of teeth operatively coupled to the housing extends below a bottom end or distal end of each of the one or more teeth of the engagement member.

15. A roll-based closure device for tensioning a tensioning member, the roll-based closure device comprising: case; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, the spool including an annular recess around which the tensioning member is wound when the spool rotates in a tensioning direction within the housing; as well as a dial or knob operatively coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in the tensioning direction; Wherein the annular recess of the spool comprises a ridge or ridge which separates two grooves or channels around which the tensioning member is wound.

16. The wrap-based closure device of claim 15, wherein: Each slot or channel has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the tension member such that a single layer of the tension member is wrapped around each slot or channel.

17. The roll-based closure device of claim 15, wherein: One of the grooves or channels has a smaller diameter than the other groove or channel.

18. The roll-based closure device of claim 17, wherein: The slots or channels are arranged such that the tensioning member in each slot or channel remains aligned with the tensioning member in another slot or channel as the tensioning member is wrapped around each slot or channel.

19. The wrap-based closure of claim 17, wherein: The slots or channels are arranged such that the tensioning member wraps 170 to 200 degrees around one of the slots or channels before wrapping the tensioning member around the other slot or channel.

20. The wrap-based closure of claim 17, wherein: The slots or channels include a first slot or channel and a second slot or channel, and wherein neither the first slot or channel nor the second slot or channel has a circular cross-section.

21. A method of manufacturing a roll-up based closure, the method comprising: A roll-up based closure is provided, the roll-up based closure comprising: a housing; and Dials or knobs; and positioning a spool within the housing such that the spool is rotatable within the housing and is operatively coupled to the dial or knob such that rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in a tensioning direction; wherein the spool includes an annular recess, and when the spool rotates in the tensioning direction, the tensioning member is wound around the annular recess; and Wherein the annular recess of the spool comprises a ridge or ridge which separates two grooves or channels around which the tensioning member is wound.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein Each slot or channel has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the tension member such that a single layer of the tension member is wrapped around each slot or channel.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein One of the grooves or channels has a smaller diameter than the other groove or channel.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The slots or channels are arranged such that the tensioning member in each slot or channel remains aligned with the tensioning member in another slot or channel as the tensioning member is wrapped around each slot or channel.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein The slots or channels are arranged such that the tensioning member wraps 170 to 200 degrees around one of the slots or channels before wrapping the tensioning member around the other slot or channel.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein The slots or channels include a first slot or channel and a second slot or channel, and wherein neither the first slot or channel nor the second slot or channel has a circular cross-section.

27. A roll-up based closure device, comprising: case; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; a spinning member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool such that operation of the spinning member causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing to wind a tensioning member around the spool; as well as a central projection that protrudes axially into an interior region of the housing; Wherein, the spool and / or the central protrusion are coupleable with the winding-based closure device via a one-way snap member or mechanism.

28. The wrap-based closure of claim 27, wherein: The housing includes one or more snap members that enable axial insertion of the spool into the housing while preventing removal or retraction of the spool from the housing.

29. The wrap-based closure of claim 27, wherein: The spool includes one or more snap members that enable axial insertion of the central projection into the spool while preventing removal or retraction of the central projection from the spool.

30. The wrap-based closure device of claim 29, wherein: The one or more snap members are positioned adjacent to the central opening of the spool to enable insertion of the central projection through the central opening of the spool and to lock a bottom end of the central projection within the central opening.

31. The wrap-based closure of claim 29, wherein: The one or more snap members are configured to flex radially outward to enable the central projection to be inserted axially into the spool.

32. The wrap-based closure of claim 27, wherein: The distal end of the central projection has an axially extending gap.

33. The wrap-based closure device of claim 32, wherein: The axially extending gap separates at least two axially extending components.

34. The wrap-based closure device of claim 33, wherein: Each axially extending member includes a radially outwardly extending feature.

35. A method of manufacturing a roll-based closure, the method comprising: A roll-up based closure is provided, the roll-up based closure comprising: case; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; a spinning member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool such that operation of the spinning member causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing to wind a tensioning member around the spool; and a central projection that protrudes axially into an interior region of the housing; and The spool and / or the central projection are coupled to the reel-based closure via a one-way snap member or mechanism.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein The housing includes one or more snap members that enable the spool to be axially inserted into the housing while preventing the spool from being removed or retracted from the housing, and wherein the method includes axially inserting the spool into the housing.

37. The method according to claim 35, wherein The spool includes one or more snap members that enable the central projection to be axially inserted into the spool while preventing the central projection from being removed or retracted from the spool, and wherein the method includes axially inserting the central projection into the spool.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein: The one or more snap members are positioned adjacent to the central opening of the spool, and wherein the central projection is inserted through the central opening of the spool to lock a bottom end of the central projection within the central opening.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein: The one or more snap members flex radially outwardly when the central projection is axially inserted into the spool.

40. The method of claim 35, wherein: The distal end of the central projection has an axially extending gap.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein The axially extending gap separates at least two axially extending components.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein Each axially extending member includes a radially outwardly extending feature.

43. A roll-based closure device for tensioning a tensioning member, the roll-based closure device comprising: case; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; as well as a dial or knob operatively coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool in a tensioning direction, thereby winding the first end portion of the tensioning member and the second end portion of the tensioning member around the spool; wherein the housing includes a single lacing port through which the first end portion of the tensioning member and the second end portion of the tensioning member are inserted.

44. The wrap-based closure device of claim 43, wherein: The single lace port includes a first opening for the first end portion of the tensioning member and a second opening for the second end portion of the tensioning member, and wherein the second opening is separate from the first opening.

45. The wrap-based closure device of claim 44, wherein: The second opening is positioned horizontally adjacent to the first opening.

46. ​​The wrap-based closure device of claim 44, wherein: The second opening is larger than the first opening.

47. The wrap-based closure device of claim 46, wherein: The second opening has an oval shape parallel to a vertical axis of the roll-based closure.

48. The wrap-based closure device of claim 43, wherein: The single lace port is made of a material that is different from the material of the shell.

49. A method of manufacturing a roll-up based closure, the method comprising: A roll-up based closure is provided, the roll-up based closure comprising: case; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and a dial or knob operatively coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool in a tensioning direction, thereby winding a first end portion of a tensioning member and a second end portion of the tensioning member around the spool; and coupling a single lace port to the housing; wherein the first end portion of the tensioning member and the second end portion of the tensioning member are insertable through the single lacing port.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein The single lace port includes a first opening for the first end portion of the tensioning member and a second opening for the second end portion of the tensioning member, and wherein the second opening is separate from the first opening.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein: The second opening is positioned horizontally adjacent to the first opening.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein: The second opening is larger than the first opening.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein: The second opening has an oval shape parallel to a vertical axis of the roll-based closure.

54. The method of claim 49, wherein The single lace port is made of a material that is different from the material of the shell.

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