Roller-based lacing system

Abstract

A roller-based locking device comprising: a case (220); a coil (216) arranged inside the housing, wherein the coil is rotatable in a first direction to wind a cord (206) around the coil, and wherein the coil is rotatable in a second direction to unwind the cord from the coil; and a button (218) which is functionally coupled to the coil, such that actuation of the button causes the coil to rotate in the first direction within the housing; wherein the coil has an upper flange (270), a lower flange (272) and a cylindrical wall (274) between the upper flange and the lower flange; the thread is wound around the cylindrical wall when the coil is turned in the first direction; and the cylindrical wall has three holes (284a, 286a, 288a) through which the plumber's needle is passed to attach the plumber's needle to the spool.

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over the preliminary US patent application No. 61 / 330 129, filed on April 30, 2010, entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background of the invention; Field of the invention

[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to lacing or fastening systems and their related components, which are used alone or in combination in a variety of articles including footwear, closable bags, protective clothing, etc. Description of the related technique

[0003] There are a number of mechanisms and procedures for tightening items, such as footwear.

[0004] EP 0 651 954 A1 discloses a tensioning device for a sports shoe, comprising a base part that can be attached to the sports shoe, in which a pulley is rotationally fixed to a rotating body which has a toothed section that interacts with a blocking mechanism on the base part. The rotating body is further loaded with an axial spring and can assume a starting position, a neutral position and a free-running position by means of axial movement.

[0005] Nevertheless, there remains a need for improved equipment and procedures. Summary of the invention

[0006] In some embodiments, a winder for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The winder may comprise a housing with a plurality of housing teeth. The winder may comprise a spool held by the housing, and the spool may be rotatable with respect to the housing. The spool may include a channel formed therein, and the channel may be configured to collect a lace in it to tighten the lacing system when the spool is rotated in a tightening direction. The channel may release laces from it to loosen the lacing system when the spool is rotated in a loosening direction. The winder may comprise a knob held by the housing, and the knob may be rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob may be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate. The knob may include one or more locking elements.The locking elements comprise claws, and at least one of the one or more locking elements or claws may comprise a locking element or claw carrier or locking element beam and a locking element or claw spring. The locking element carrier may be movable between a first position and a second position, and the locking element spring may be configured to bias the locking element carrier toward the first position. The locking element carrier may comprise one or more locking element or claw teeth configured to engage with the housing teeth when the locking element carrier is in the first position, preventing the knob from rotating in the release direction when a release force is applied to the knob, without transmitting a substantial portion of the release force to the locking element spring. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier and the locking element spring may be integrally formed (e.g., integrally shaped).In some embodiments, one or more locking element teeth can be moved away from the housing teeth into the second position when the knob is turned in the tightening direction to allow the knob and coil to rotate in the tightening direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing teeth may extend radially, and the locking element carrier may be radially movable between the first and second positions, and the knob may be axially movable between an engaged position and a released position. When the knob is in the released position, the coil may be allowed to rotate in the release direction. The one or more locking elements may be configured to engage the housing teeth in such a way that, when the release force is applied to the knob, rotation in the release direction is prevented without applying a substantial axial force to the knob.

[0008] In some embodiments, a claw is disclosed, and the claw may comprise at least two claw teeth configured to engage simultaneously with at least two corresponding housing teeth, such that a loosening force is distributed over several teeth to prevent rotation in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier may be configured to be forced toward the housing teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob. A loosening force may be applied to the knob by a user rotating the knob in the loosening direction or by tension on the cord coupled to the coil.The locking element carrier can be configured to rotate radially about a pivot axis, and one or more of the locking element teeth can engage with the housing teeth at a location radially outside a tangent line extending from the pivot axis. The locking element teeth can have a surface configured to press against a surface of the housing teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob, such that the locking element carrier is forced in the direction of the housing teeth when a loosening force is applied. The locking element carrier can be prevented from moving into the second position unless the knob is rotated in the tightening direction to disengage the surface of the at least one locking element tooth from the surface of the housing tooth.One side of the locking element carrier can be designed to rest against one or more tips of housing teeth that are not engaged with the one or more locking element teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob and the locking element carrier is forced towards the housing teeth to provide additional retention.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a winder for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The method may include providing a housing, and the housing may include several housing teeth. The method may include arranging a spool in the housing such that the spool is rotatable with respect to the housing. The spool may include a channel formed therein, and the channel may be configured to collect a lace in it to tighten the lacing system when the spool is rotated in the tightening direction. The channel may be configured to release laces from it to loosen the lacing system while the spool is rotated in a loosening direction. The method may include attaching a knob to the housing such that the knob is rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob may be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate.The knob may include one or more locking elements, and at least one of the locking elements may include a locking element carrier and a locking element spring. The locking element carrier may be movable between a first position and a second position, and the locking element spring may be configured to bias the locking element carrier toward the first position. The locking element carrier may include one or more locking element teeth configured to engage with the housing teeth when the locking element carrier is in the first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to rotate the knob in the loosening direction without transmitting a substantial portion of the loosening force to the locking element spring.The one or more locking element teeth can be moved away from the housing teeth into the second position when the knob is turned in the tightening direction, allowing the knob and coil to rotate in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier and the locking element spring can be formed integrally.

[0010] In some embodiments, a locking element or claw for use with a winder in a lacing system is disclosed. The locking element may comprise a locking element carrier or a locking element beam with one or more locking element teeth configured to engage with housing teeth on a housing of the winder. The locking element carrier may be movable between a first position and a second position. The locking element may include a locking element spring configured to bias the locking element carrier toward the first position. The one or more locking element teeth may engage with the housing teeth when the locking element carrier is in the first position to prevent the locking element from moving in a loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to the locking element, without transmitting a substantial portion of the loosening force to the locking element spring.One or more locking element teeth can disengage from the housing teeth when the locking element carrier is in the second position, allowing the locking elements to move in a tightening direction. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier and the locking element spring can be formed integrally.

[0011] In some embodiments, a winder for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The winder can comprise a housing having several housing teeth and a spool held by the housing such that the spool is rotatable with respect to the housing. The spool can have a channel formed therein, and the channel can be configured to collect a lace in it to tighten the lacing system while the spool is rotated in a tightening direction, and to release the lace while the spool is rotated in a loosening direction. The winder can comprise a knob held by the housing such that the knob is rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob can be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate.The knob can include one or more locking elements configured to engage with the housing teeth, and at least one of the locking elements can include a flexible locking or claw arm attached to the knob at a first end and having one or more locking teeth at a second end. The claw arm can be configured to bend in a first direction as the knob is rotated in the tightening direction, displacing the locking teeth away from the housing teeth to allow the knob to rotate in the tightening direction.The locking element arm can be designed such that, when a loosening force is applied to rotate the knob in the loosening direction, one or more locking element teeth engage with the corresponding housing teeth to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction, and the loosening force causes the flexible locking element arm to bend in a second direction towards the housing teeth, so that the flexible locking element arm rests against the housing teeth to prevent the flexible locking element arm from yielding or buckling under the loosening force.

[0012] In some embodiments, a locking element or claw is disclosed, comprising a substantially rigid locking element carrier and a flexible locking element spring. The locking element spring may be a flexible arm. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier may be movable between a first position and a second position, and the locking element spring may be configured to bias the locking element carrier toward the first position. The flexible arm may assume a less curved position when the locking element carrier is in the first position, and the flexible arm may assume a more curved position when the locking element carrier is in the second position. In some embodiments, the flexible arm may be less curved when in the more curved position than when in the less curved position.In some embodiments, the flexible arm can generally extend in the same direction as the locking element spring. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier and the locking element spring can be formed integrally.

[0013] In some embodiments, a button is disclosed that can be used with a winder in a lacing system. The button can comprise one or more locking elements. At least one of the one or more locking elements can be coupled to the button on a pivot axis. The at least one locking element can comprise a locking element carrier configured to rotate about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position, and a locking element spring can bias the locking element carrier toward the first position, in which the locking element carrier engages with housing teeth on the winder to prevent the button from rotating in a loosening direction. In some embodiments, the locking element spring can extend from near the pivot axis generally in the same direction as the locking element carrier. In some embodiments, the claw spring can be a flexible arm.In some embodiments, the flexible arm can curve away from the locking element carrier. The locking element spring can be integrally formed with the locking element carrier.

[0014] In some embodiments, a winder for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The winder may comprise a housing with multiple housing teeth. The winder may include a spool held by the housing, and the spool may be rotatable with respect to the housing. The winder may include a knob held by the housing, and the knob may be rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob may be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate. The knob may comprise one or more locking elements or claws, and at least one of the one or more locking elements may comprise a substantially rigid locking element carrier or locking element beam and a locking element spring.The locking element carrier may be movable between a first position and a second position, and the locking element spring may be configured to bias the locking element carrier toward the first position. The locking element carrier may include one or more locking element teeth configured to engage with housing teeth when the locking element carrier is in the first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the one or more locking element teeth may be movable away from the housing teeth into the second position to allow the knob and coil to rotate in the tightening direction. The essentially rigid locking element carrier may be configured to resist the loosening force. The locking element carrier and locking element spring may be integral in some embodiments. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be discussed in detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the inventions are not limited to the subject matter depicted in the figures. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system used in a sports shoe. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system. Fig. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the winder from the lacing system. Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is another perspective exploded view of the reel from Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side view of the roller from Fig. 3, wherein the button element is shown in a released position, which is drawn in normal lines, and wherein the button element is shown in an engaged position, which is drawn in dashed lines. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the base element of the roller. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of the base element of Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a view of the base element from Fig. 4 from the bottom. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the base element of Fig. 4. Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the coil element of the winder of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 10B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a coil element. Fig. Figure 11 is another perspective view of the coil element of Fig. 10A. Fig. 12 is a side view of the coil element of Fig. 10A. Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the coil element of Fig. 10A, which is shown in a first arrangement with a plumb line attached to it. Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the coil element of Fig. 10A, which is shown in a second arrangement with a plumb line attached to it. Fig. 13C is a perspective view of the coil element of Fig. 10A, which shows a sling attached to the coil element in a third arrangement. Fig. 13D is a perspective view of the coil element of Fig. 10A, which shows the pendulum. Fig. Figure 14 is a top view of the coil element of Fig. 10A, which is located in the housing of the base element of Fig. 4 is shown arranged. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective exploded view of the button element from the roll. Fig. 3. Fig. 16 is another perspective exploded view of the button element of Fig. 15. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a locking element from the button element. Fig. 15. Fig. Figure 18 is another perspective view of the locking element from Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a top view of the locking elements of Fig. 15, which are in the button core of Fig. 15 are arranged, with the claws designed to engage with the housing teeth of the housing. Fig. 20 is a top view of the locking elements made of Fig. 15, which are connected to the housing teeth on the base element of Fig. 4 are shown in intervention. Fig. 21 is a top view of the locking elements of Fig. 15, which are shown radially shifted inwards while the knob element is rotated in the tightening direction. Fig. Figure 22 is a top view of the spring bushing, the fastening device, and a button spring made of Fig. 15, which have the button core made of Fig. 15 are shown assembled. Fig. 23A is an exploded view of the reel from Fig. 4 shown in an intervention state. Fig. 23B is a cross-sectional view of the winder of Fig. 4 shown in an intervention state. Fig. 24A is an exploded view of the reel from Fig. 4 shown in a solved state. Fig. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the winder of Fig. 4 shown in a solved state. Fig. Figure 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base element, which replaces the base element of Fig. 4 can be used. Fig. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a button core. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lacing system 100 used to tighten a sports shoe 102. The sports shoe can be a running shoe, a basketball shoe, an ice skating boot, a snowboard boot, or any suitable footwear that can be tightened around the wearer's foot. The lacing system 100 can be used to close or tighten various other items, such as a belt, a hat, a glove, snowboard bindings, a medical support band, or a bag. The lacing system can include a winder 104, a lace 106, and one or more lace guides 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the winder 104 can be attached to the tongue 110 of the shoe. Various other arrangements are possible.For example, the winder 104 can be attached to one side of the sports shoe 102, which can be advantageous for shoes where the shoe sides 112a-b are designed to be pulled tightly together when tightened, leaving only a small portion of the tongue 110 exposed. The winder 104 can also be attached to the back of the shoe 102, and a portion of the lace 106 can pass through the shoe 102 on both sides of the wearer's ankle, so that the lace 106 can engage with the winder 104 when it is mounted at the back.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lacing system 200, which may be similar to lacing system 100 or any other lacing system described herein. The lacing system may include a winder 204, which may be similar to winder 104, or any other winder described herein. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of roll 204. Fig. Figure 4 is another perspective exploded view of roll 204.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 2 to 4, the winder 204 can comprise a base element 214, a spool element 216, and a button element 218. The base element can comprise a housing 220 and a mounting flange 222. The housing 220 can comprise several housing teeth 224 that extend radially inward. The housing 220 can include threaded holes 226a-b that allow the cord 206 to enter the housing 220.

[0019] The spool element 216 can be arranged in the housing 220 such that the spool element 216 is rotatable about an axis 228 with respect to the housing 220. The cord 206 can be attached to the spool element 216 such that, when the spool element 216 rotates in a tightening direction (indicated by arrow A), the cord 206 is drawn into the housing 220 and wound around the channel 230 formed in the spool element 216. When the spool element 216 rotates in a loosening direction (indicated by arrow B), the cord 206 unwinds from the channel 230 of the spool element 216 and exits the housing 220 through the cord holes 226a-b. The spool element 216 can also include spool teeth 232 formed on it.It is understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified such that rotation in the direction shown by arrow B tightens the lacing system and rotation in the direction shown by arrow A loosens the lacing system.

[0020] The button element 218 can be attached to the housing 220 such that it can rotate about the axis 228 relative to the housing 220. The button element 218 can include button teeth 234, which can be configured to engage with the coil teeth 232 to couple the button element 218 to the coil element 216 such that rotation of the button element 218 in the tightening direction causes the coil element 216 to also rotate in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, rotation of the button element 218 in the loosening direction can also cause the coil element 216 to rotate in the loosening direction. The button element 218 can also include one or more locking elements or claws 236, which can be biased radially outward to engage with the housing teeth 224.The locking elements 236 and the housing teeth 224 can be configured such that the housing teeth 224 can displace the locking elements 236 radially inward when the knob element 218 is rotated in the tightening direction, thereby allowing the knob element 218 to rotate in the tightening direction. The locking elements 236 and the housing teeth 224 can also be configured to engage with each other when force is applied to rotate the knob element 218 in the loosening direction, thereby preventing the knob element 218 from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0021] Consequently, the winder 204 can provide a one-way tightening system designed to allow the user to turn the knob element 218 in the tightening direction, which causes the spool element 216 to rotate in the tightening direction, which in turn causes the lace 206 to be drawn through the lace holes 226a-c into the housing 220. When the lace 206 is drawn into the housing 220, the lacing system 200 can tighten, causing the lace guide 208 to move towards the winder 204 (in Fig. 2 (shown by arrow C). Although the lacing system 200 is shown with a single lace guide 208, any other suitable number of lace guides can be used.

[0022] In some embodiments, the button element 218 can be movable axially along the axis 228 between a first or engagement position and a second or released position. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the winder 204, showing the button element 218 in the released position, depicted in normal lines, and the button element 218 in the engaged position, sketched in dashed lines. In the engaged position, the coil teeth 232 can engage with the button teeth 234 to couple the button element 218 to the coil element 216, as described above. In the engaged position, the locking elements 236 can also engage with the housing teeth 224 to allow the button element 218 to rotate in the tightening direction, while preventing it from rotating in the loosening direction, as discussed above.

[0023] When in the released position, the button element 218 can be positioned axially further away from the base element 214 by a distance 238, which is sufficient to cause the button teeth 234 to lift away from the coil teeth 232 and release the coil teeth 232, so that the coil element 216 is decoupled from the button element 218 and the coil element 216 is free to rotate independently of the button element 218. Consequently, the lace 206 can be pulled out of the housing 220 when the coil element 216 rotates in the loosening direction, causing the lacing system 200 to loosen. When in the released position, the locking elements 236 of the knob element 218 can be lifted away from the housing teeth 224, so that they release and the knob element 218 is free to rotate without restriction in both the tightening and loosening directions.In some embodiments, when the button element 218 is moved into the released position, the button teeth 234 disengage from the coil teeth 232, and the locking elements 236 also disengage from the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, when the button element 218 is moved into the released position, the button teeth 234 disengage from the coil teeth 232, while the locking elements 236 continue to engage with the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, when the button element 218 is moved into the released position, the button teeth 234 continue to engage with the coil teeth 232, but the locking elements 236 disengage from the housing teeth 224.

[0024] The distance 238 between the engaged and released positions of the button element 318 can be at least approximately 1 mm and / or not more than 3 mm, and in some embodiments can be approximately 2.25 mm, although distances outside these ranges can also be used. In some embodiments, the distance 238 can be approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height of the coil teeth 232, the height of the button teeth, the height of the housing teeth 224, and / or the height of the locking elements 236.

[0025] Since, in some embodiments, the locking elements 236 engage in a radial direction with the housing teeth 224, while the button element 218 is movable in the axial direction between the engagement and the released positions, the winder 204 can be resistant to unintentional release. When the button element is in the engagement position and a force is applied to attempt to rotate the button element 218 in the release direction, or when the cord is tightened, causing the coil element 218 to attempt to rotate in the release direction, the force is applied to the locking elements 236 while they are engaged with the housing teeth 224. Because the locking elements 236 are designed to be displaced radially, not axially, essentially none of the force applied to the locking elements 236 is transmitted in the axial direction.Therefore, the 204 winder can withstand a higher tightening pressure than some winders where button locking elements engage in the housing teeth in the axial direction.

[0026] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the base element 214. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of the base element 214. Fig. Figure 8 is a view of the base element 214 from below. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base element 214. The base element 214 is a mounting flange 222, which can be mounted onto the outer structure of a footwear or other article, or the mounting flange 222 can be mounted below an outer structure of the article so that at least a portion of the mounting flange 222 is concealed. The mounting flange 222 can be attached to the article by sewing or by any other suitable means, such as the use of adhesives or rivets, etc. The mounting flange 222 can be profiled to fit a particular section of the article (e.g., the back of a shoe), or the mounting flange can be flexible to fit a variety of shapes. The mounting flange 222 can extend completely or partially around the circumference of the housing 220.The mounting flange 222 may be slightly elastic to accommodate the bending of the article during use. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 222 may be omitted, and the base element 214 or housing 220 may be attached to the article by a screw, rivet, or other fastener. For example, a threaded section of the base element 214 or housing 220 may be screwed into a corresponding threaded connector on the article. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 222 is connected to the article, and the reel 204 is subsequently attached to the flange 222.

[0027] The housing 220 can be attached to or integrally formed with the mounting flange 222 and extend upwards from it, as shown. The housing 220 can include an outer wall 240 surrounding a recess 242, which may be substantially circular. A shaft 244 can extend axially upwards from the base of the recess 242, and the shaft 244 can be substantially coaxial with the recess 242. The shaft 244 can include a step 245 or a chamfered section where the shaft 244 meets the base of the recess 242. The shaft 244 can include a bore 246 in its center, which can facilitate the fastening of the knob element 218 to the housing 220. The bore 246 can be threaded or otherwise designed to secure a fastener inserted into it. The shaft 244 can form a holding surface around which the coil element 216 can rotate.

[0028] The outer wall 240 of the casing 220 can be substantially cylindrical and can be substantially coaxial with the shaft 244. The inner surface of the outer wall 240 can comprise a lower section 248 and an upper section 250. The lower section 248 can generally be smooth and can include a step 251 or a chamfered section where the outer wall 240 meets the bottom of the recess 242. The lower section 248 can include one or more tap openings 252a-b, which can be connected to the tap holes 226a-b by tap channels 254a-b, so that the tap 206 can pass through the casing 220 and enter the recess 242. As best as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, a lower section of the taper channels 254a-b closest to the taper holes 226a-b may be closed, while an upper section of the taper channels 254a-b closest to the taper openings 252a-b may be open at the top. The taper channels 254a-b and / or the taper openings 252a-b may also be connected to openings 256a-b formed in the base of the housing 220. The openings 256a-b and the open tops of the taper channels 254a-b provide access to the taper 206 during use and setup and can also provide an outlet for water or other materials that may enter the recess 242 during use. Furthermore, they can simplify the forming of the taper channels 254a-b if the base element 214 is manufactured from a few components (e.g., a single integrated piece).

[0029] The housing 220 can include housing teeth 224 extending radially inward from the upper section 250 of the outer wall 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes 36 housing teeth 224, but any other suitable number of housing teeth 224 can be used. As best as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, each of the housing teeth 224 can comprise a first side 258 and a second side 260. The first side 258 can be shorter than the second side 260, and in some embodiments, the first side 258 can be about half the length of the second side 260. In some embodiments, the first side 258 of the housing teeth 224 can be at least about 0.5 mm long and / or not more than 1.0 mm long, and can be about 0.85 mm long, and the second side can be at least about 1.0 mm long and / or not more than 2.0 mm long, and can be about 1.75 mm long. Other dimensions outside these specific ranges are also possible. The first side 258 of the housing teeth 224 can be angled away from a line pointing directly radially inwards by an angle 262, which can be at least about 5° and / or at most about 15° and which in some embodiments can be about 10°.The second face 260 of the housing teeth 224 can be angled away from a line pointing directly radially inward at an angle 264, which can be at least approximately 45° and / or not more than approximately 65°, and in some embodiments approximately 55°. Other angles outside these specifically defined ranges are also possible. In some embodiments, the transition between housing teeth 224 and between the first and second faces 258, 260 of the housing teeth 224 can be curved, but hard-edged transitions can also be used. The housing teeth 224 can be designed to engage with the locking elements 236, as discussed in more detail below. The housing teeth 224 can include angled upper surfaces 266 to facilitate the transition of the locking elements 236 from the released to the engaged positions, as described in more detail below.

[0030] The base element 214 can comprise one or more protective parts 268, which can extend axially further upward than the outer wall 240 of the housing 220, so that the protective part 268 can act to cover a section of the button element 218 when the button element 218 is attached to the housing 220. In some embodiments, the protective part 268 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the retractor 204 can be arranged within a recess of the article, so that a section of the article itself extends in such a way as to cover a section of the button element 218. The protective part 268, or the section of the article acting as a protective part, can protect the button element 218 and can reduce the occurrence of unintentional release of the button element 218.

[0031] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of coil element 216. Fig. Figure 11 is another perspective view of coil element 216. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of the coil element 216. Fig. Figures 13A-B are cross-sectional views from below of the coil element 216 with the attached gauge 206. Fig. Figure 14 is a top view of the coil element 216, which is arranged in the housing 220.

[0032] The coil element 216 can comprise an upper flange 270 and a lower flange 272 with an essentially cylindrical wall 274 formed between them. The outer surface of the wall 274, the lower surface of the upper flange 270, and the upper surface of the lower flange 272 can form a channel 230 for collecting the spool 206 as it is wound around the coil element 216. The inner surface of the wall 274 can surround a recess 276 formed in the underside of the coil element 216. A central opening 278 can extend through the top of the recess. As is best done in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the shaft 244 can pass through the central opening 278 of the coil element 216 when the coil element 216 is arranged within the recess 242 of the housing 220. The step 245 or the chamfered edge on the underside of the shaft 244 can be received in the recess 276 formed in the underside of the coil element 216. The lower flange 272 can be slightly smaller than the upper flange 270 (as best seen in Figure 14). Fig. (as shown in Figure 12), so that the lower flange 272 fits inside the step 251 or the chamfered edge at the edge of the recess 242, and to facilitate the removal and / or installation of the coil element 216 from / into the housing 220 with the attached plumb line 206. Consequently, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the lower flange 272 may be flush with the bottom of the recess 242. In some embodiments, a section of the housing 220 may be designed to contact a section of the coil element 216, in order to keep the lower surface of the lower flange 272 at a small distance from the base of the recess, thereby reducing the amount of friction as the coil element rotates.When the coil element 216 is fully inserted into the recess 242 of the housing 220, the upper surface of the upper flange 270 can be substantially aligned with the top of the lower section 248 of the outer wall 240, so that the upper flange 270 does not overlap the housing teeth 224.

[0033] Coil teeth 232 can be formed on the upper surface of the coil element 216. In the illustrated embodiment, 12 coil teeth 232 are shown, but any other suitable number of coil teeth 232 can be used. Each of the coil teeth 232 can comprise a first side 280 and a second side 282. The first side 280 can be substantially vertical in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first side can be angled at least about 5° and / or not more than about 15°, and in some embodiments by about 10°, from the vertical plane. The second side 282 can be angled at least about 35° and / or not more than about 55°, and in some embodiments by about 45°, from the vertical plane. The first side 280 can be at least about 1.5 mm long and / or not more than about 2.5 mm long, and can be about 2.0 mm long.The second side can be at least approximately 2.5 mm long and / or no more than approximately 3.5 mm long, and can be approximately 3.0 mm long. Dimensions and angles outside the specified ranges may also be used. The coil teeth 232 may be configured to engage with the button teeth 234, as discussed in more detail here.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more cutouts 281a-b may be formed in the upper flange 270 of the coil element 216. Also, in some embodiments, the upper flange 270 and / or the lower flange may have a substantially circular shape but may have one or more flattened edges 238a-d. The cutouts 281a-b and / or the flattened edges 283a-d may facilitate the removal of the coil element 216 from the housing 220 (e.g., when the pin 206 is replaced). A screwdriver or other tool may be inserted between the coil element 216 and the wall of the housing 220, and the coil element 216 may be pried out of the housing 220. Many variations are possible. For example, Fig. Figure 10B shows a perspective view of a coil element 216', which is similar in many respects to the coil element 216, except that the upper flange 270' and the lower flange 272' of the coil element 216' do not have flattened edges 283a-d. Consequently, the upper flange 270' and the lower flange 272' can be essentially circular. In some embodiments, the upper flange 270' can include cutouts 281a' and 281b' which can facilitate the removal of the coil element 216' from the housing 220. In some embodiments, the flanges 270' and 272', which do not include flattened edges 283-d, can, in particular when a relatively thin spigot is used, prevent the spigot 206 from being caught or wedged in the gaps formed between the housing 220 and the flattened edges 283a-d.

[0035] The depth of the channel 230 can be at least about 1.5 mm and / or not more than about 2.5 mm, and in some cases may be about 2.0 mm. The channel 230 can have a width that is at least about 3.0 mm and / or not more than about 4.0 mm, and in some cases may be about 3.5 mm. The outer surface of the wall 274 can have a diameter of at least about 10 mm and / or not more than 20 mm, and in some cases may be about 14 mm. Dimensions outside the given ranges are also possible. The diameter of the tap 206 can generally be small enough that the channel 230 can accommodate at least about 300 mm of tap and / or not more than about 600 mm of tap, and in some embodiments about 450 mm of tap, although the coil element 216 and the tap 206 can be configured to accommodate tap quantities outside these given ranges.

[0036] The lace or rope may have a diameter of at least approximately 0.5 mm and / or not more than approximately 1.5 mm, and in some embodiments the diameter may be approximately 0.75 mm or 1.0 mm, although diameters outside these ranges may also be used. The lace 206 may be an extremely slippery rope or a fiber with a low modulus of elasticity and high tensile strength. In some embodiments, the rope may have multiple strands of material woven together. While any suitable lace may be used, some embodiments may employ a lace formed of high-modulus extended-chain polyethylene fibers. An example of a suitable cord material is marketed under the trade name SPECTRA™, manufactured by Honeywell™ of Morris Township, New Jersey.The extended-chain polyethylene fibers with high modulus advantageously have a high strength-to-weight ratio, are cut-resistant, and have very low elasticity. A preferred lace made from this material is tightly woven. The tight weave imparts additional stiffness to the finished lace. The additional stiffness provided by the weave offers improved sliding properties, making the cord easy to thread (e.g., into the winder 204). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lace can be formed from a molded monofilament polymer. In some embodiments, the lace can be made from weaving steel with or without a polymer or other sliding or lubricating coating.

[0037] One or more ends of the drawstring 206 can be attached to the spool element 216. In some embodiments, the drawstring 206 can be detachably or permanently attached to the spool element 216. In some embodiments, the drawstring 206 can be threaded through a hole formed in the spool element 216, and a knot can be formed at the end of the drawstring 206, or an anchoring element can be attached to it to prevent the end from being pulled back through the hole. In some embodiments, the drawstring 206 can be tied to a section of the spool element 216. The drawstring can also be attached to the spool element 216 by an adhesive or in any other suitable manner.In some embodiments, the lace 206 is attached to the spool element 216 by threading it through a series of openings. These openings cause the lace 206 to wind at angles sufficient to generate enough friction to prevent it from being pulled away from the spool element 216. In some embodiments, the lace 206 winds itself around itself, allowing it to tighten when pulled. In some embodiments, only one end of the lace 206 is attached to the spool element 216, with the other end being attached to the base element 214 or to the article being tightened.

[0038] The coil element 216 can include a first set of taper holes 284a, 286a, 288a, which may be configured to secure a first end of the taper 206. In some embodiments, a second set of taper holes 284b, 286b, 288b can be used to secure the second end of the taper 206. Taper guides 290a-b can also be formed in the recess 276 to facilitate the fastening of the taper 206 to the coil element 216.

[0039] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13A, a first end of the plumb line 206 can pass through the plumb hole 284a into the recess 276. The plumb guide 290a can direct the plumb line 206 towards the plumb hole 286a, and in some embodiments, the plumb guide 290a can be positioned such that the plumb line 206 is wedged between the plumb guide 290a and a section 292a of the wall 274 between the holes 284a and 286a. The plumb line 206 can exit the recess 276 through the plumb hole 286a and then rotate by an angle of approximately 180° to re-enter the recess through the plumb hole 288a. In some embodiments, the tip of the first end of the lace 206 can be inserted into the opposite lace guide 290b to prevent the tip from moving around inside the recess 276 and disturbing the rotation of the coil element 216.In some embodiments, the length of the thread 206 passing through the thread holes 284a, 286a, 288a can be arranged such that only a small portion of the thread 206 re-enters the recess 276 through the hole 288a, so that the tip is not inserted into the opposite thread guide 290b. The second end of the thread 206 can be attached to the coil element 216 in a similar manner through the thread holes 284a, 286b, 288b and the thread guide 290b and the section 292b of the wall 274.

[0040] Other cleat fastening configurations are possible. For example, in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13B, the first end of the plumb line 206 passes through the plumb hole 284a to enter the recess 276. The plumb guide 290 can direct the plumb line 206 towards the plumb hole 288b, and the plumb guide 290a can be configured such that the plumb line 206 is wedged between the plumb guide 290a and the section 294a of the wall adjacent to the plumb hole 284a. The plumb line 206 can pass through the plumb hole 288b and then twist at an angle of approximately 180° to re-enter the recess 276 through the plumb hole 286b. The second end of the plumb line 206 can be attached to the coil element 216 in a similar manner through the plumb line holes 284b, 288a, 286a and the plumb line guide 290b and the section 294b of the wall 274.

[0041] Fig. 13C and Fig. Figure 13D represents another way in which the pin 206 can be attached to the coil element 216. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13C, the end of the shoelace 216 is threaded through the shoelace hole 284a into the recess 276, then through the shoelace hole 286a out of the recess 276, and then through the shoelace hole 288a back into the recess 276. The end of the shoelace 206 can then be, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13C, the thread is guided through the loop in the lace formed between the lace holes 284a and 286a. The lace 206 can then be threaded, as shown in Figure 13C. Fig. As shown in Figure 13D, the shoelace can be tightened so that it crosses under itself. For example, the loose end of the shoelace 206 can be held with one hand while the loop formed between the shoelace holes 284a and 286a is pulled to remove the slack from the loop formed between the shoelace holes 286a and 288a. Then, the slack in the loop formed between the shoelace holes 286a and 288a can be pulled through the shoelace hole 284a out of the recess 276 until the shoelace tightens on itself. Once tightened, the shoelace 206 therefore exerts a tighter pull on itself when pulled, thus preventing the shoelace 206 from detaching from the coil element 216.

[0042] The lace can, as shown, pass over the top of the section of the loop closest to the lace hole 288a and then under the section of the loop furthest from the lace hole 288a. When the lace is then tightened, the loose end of the lace 206 can generally be directed toward the base of the recess 276, instead of generally being led out of the recess 276, as would be the case if the lace were threaded over the top of the section of the loop furthest from the lace hole 288a. By pre-tensioning the loose end of the lace toward the base of the recess 276, it is possible to prevent the loose end of the lace from interfering with the insertion of the coil element 216 into the housing 220.The guide 190a can be positioned to keep the loose end of the rod 206 positioned close to the circumference of the recess 276, so that the loose end of the rod 206 does not enter the central opening 278 or otherwise interfere with the coil element 216 which is inserted into the housing 220.

[0043] Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective exploded view of button element 218. Fig. Figure 16 is another perspective exploded view of the button element 218. The button element may comprise a button core 296, locking elements 236, a spring bushing 298, a fastener 300, a button spring 302, a button cover 304 and a button handle 306.

[0044] The button core 296 can generally be disc-shaped. The button core 296 can include button teeth 234 formed on its lower surface. In the illustrated embodiment, 12 button teeth 234 are shown, but any other suitable number of button teeth 234 can be used. In some embodiments, the same number of button teeth 234 and coil teeth 232 can be used, and the button teeth 234 can be shaped similarly to or identically with the coil teeth 232, except that the button teeth 234 are oriented in the opposite direction so that the button teeth 234 can engage with the coil teeth 232. Consequently, the dimensions described above in connection with the coil teeth 232 can also apply to the button teeth 234.When the button element 218 is rotated in the tightening direction, the first sides 308 of the button teeth 234 can press against the first sides 280 of the coil teeth 232 to drive the coil element 216 in the tightening direction. When a corkscrew 206 is tightened around the coil element 216 by applying a force to the coil element 216 to cause it to tend to twist in the loosening direction, the second sides 282 of the coil teeth 232 can press against the second sides 310 of the button teeth 234, so that the force is transferred to the button element 218 to cause it to tend to twist in the loosening direction. As discussed below, the force can cause the locking elements 236 to engage with the housing teeth 224 to prevent the button element 218 and the coil element 216 from rotating in the loosening direction, thereby holding the pin 206 in the tightened arrangement.

[0045] The button core 296 may include features to facilitate the attachment of the button cover 304 to it. The button core 296 may include notches 312 formed in its upper surface near the circumference of the button core 296. Projections 314 may extend radially outward from the circumference of the button core 296 at locations below the notches 312. The button core 296 may include a central opening 316 through its center, which may be designed to accommodate the spring bushing 298. An upper section of the central opening 316 may be wider than a lower section of the central opening 316, forming a step 318 therein. The button core 296 may also include features to facilitate the attachment of the button spring to it, such as a wide engagement lug or prong 320 and a narrow engagement lug or prong 322.

[0046] The button core 296 may also include locking element or claw recesses 324 designed to receive the corresponding locking elements 236. The locking element recesses 324 may generally be shaped similarly to the locking elements 236, but may be slightly larger to allow the locking elements 236 to pivot and move within the locking element recesses 324 during operation, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The locking element recesses 324 may include locking element or claw openings 326 formed in a section of the base and / or its side to allow a section of the locking elements (e.g., the locking element teeth) to extend through the button core 296 (as shown in the Fig. 4 shown mounted button element 218) and come into contact with the housing teeth 224.

[0047] Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 shows perspective views of a locking element 236. The locking element 236 can comprise a locking element or claw base 328, a locking element carrier 330, and a locking element spring 332. The locking element base 328 can be configured to engage with the knob core 296 and / or the knob cover 304, allowing the locking element 236 to pivot about an axis 334. A pivot nose 336 or pivot mandrel can extend upward from the locking element base 328 along the axis 334. The pivot nose 336 can be substantially cylindrical and can be coaxial with the axis 334. A flange 337 can extend outward from one side of the locking element base 328, and the flange 337 can facilitate the pivoting of the locking element 236. As shown in Figure 18, the locking element 236 can be mounted on a pivoting spring 332. Fig. 17 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 18, the locking element carrier 330, the locking element spring 332 and other components of the locking element 236 can be integrally formed (e.g. molded) as a single piece.

[0048] The locking element carrier 330 can be formed from a material with a thickness and length such that the locking element carrier 330 is essentially rigid and does not bend when the locking element 236 is displaced by the housing teeth 224 as the button element 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. One or more locking element teeth 338a-b can be positioned near the end of the locking element carrier 330 opposite the locking element base 328. In the embodiment shown, two locking element teeth 338a-b are used, but any other suitable number of locking element teeth 338a-b can be used instead. The locking element teeth 338a-b, and in some cases the entire locking element carrier 330, can have an angled or chamfered lower surface 339, which, as discussed in more detail elsewhere herein, can facilitate the transition of the button element 218 from the released position to the engaged position.The locking element carrier 330 can include a step 340, which is formed where the end of the locking element carrier 330 extends deeper than the rest of the locking element 236. The downwardly extending section of the locking element carrier can be designed such that it extends through or into the locking element opening 326, which is formed in the locking element recess 324 of the button core 296.

[0049] The locking element base 328 can include an end surface 328a designed to engage with the surface 324a of the locking element recess 324 (as best shown in Fig. (see Figure 19). In some embodiments, when pressure is applied to one or more locking element teeth 338, the load can be transferred by the locking element carrier 330 to the engagement of end face 328a with surface 324a. While the locking element 236 pivots radially outward about the axis 334 in some embodiments, the end face 324a of the locking element base 328 can bear against the surface 342a of the locking element recess 324, thereby limiting the distance by which the locking element 326 can pivot radially outward. For example, the locking element 236 may be allowed to pivot radially outward sufficiently to engage the housing teeth 224, but not significantly further. This can relieve pressure from the locking elements 236 when a loosening force is applied to the button element 218, which, as discussed below, can generate a force component that pushes the locking elements 236 radially outward.The interface between surfaces 328a and 324a can also restrict the radial movement of the locking element 236 when the button element 218 is in the released position, thereby holding the locking elements 236 radially inward sufficiently to allow the button element 218 to be pressed into the engagement position without significant interference from the locking elements 236. In some embodiments, the locking element 236 is positioned in the locking element recess 324 and is generally clamped between the button cover 304 and the button core 296. As explained below, upper lugs or prongs 384 can engage in the pivot lug 336 to prevent axial movement of the locking element 236. Likewise, support lugs or prongs 385, extending downward from the button cover 304, can engage with the upper surface of the locking element support 330 to prevent its axial movement.

[0050] The locking element spring 332 can be a cantilever spring or a bow spring, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, but any other suitable type of spring can be used. The locking element spring 332 can extend from the locking element base 328 in the same general direction as the locking element carrier 330. The locking element spring 332 can be curved away from the locking element carrier 330. A generally cylindrical end piece 342 can be formed at the end of the locking element spring. The locking element spring 332 can be made of a material with a thickness and length such that the locking element spring 332 is elastically flexible, so that it bends when the locking element 236 is displaced by the housing teeth 224 when the knob element 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. The locking element spring 332 is in Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 shows the locking element in the relaxed position. In some embodiments, the locking element carrier 330 and the locking element spring 332 are formed independently and then coupled to form the locking element 236. Consequently, the locking element carrier 330 and the locking element spring 332 need not be made of the same material. For example, a metal locking element carrier 330 may be advantageous due to its relatively high strength-to-thickness ratio, whereas it may be advantageous to use a plastic locking element spring 332. In some embodiments, the same material can be used even if the locking element carrier 330 and the locking element spring 332 are formed separately. In the embodiment shown, Fig. 17-18 The locking element spring 332 and the locking element carrier 330 can be integrally formed from the same material as a single piece, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly costs and reducing complexity. In some embodiments, springs other than those shown in the illustrated embodiments can be used. For example, in some applications a metal or plastic leaf spring or a coiled wire spring can be used.

[0051] Since the locking element carrier 330 and the locking element spring 332 are separate sections, the locking element spring 332 can be modified to be more flexible (e.g., by making the locking element spring 332 thinner) without reducing the force that the locking element carrier 330 can withstand when the button element 218 is twisted in the loosening direction. Likewise, the locking element carrier 330 can be modified to withstand a greater force applied to the button 218 in the loosening direction (e.g., by making the locking element carrier 330 thicker) without making the locking element spring 332 less flexible. Consequently, the locking element 236 can be tuned to a desired level of flexibility and strength.For example, the locking element 236 can be designed to withstand large forces when the knob element 218 is rotated in the loosening direction, while also being easily radially displaceable when the knob element 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the force applied to the locking element 236 when the knob element 218 is rotated in the loosening direction is borne by the locking element support 330, and essentially none of the force is borne by the locking element spring 332. This arrangement can be advantageous compared to embodiments in which a locking element includes a load-bearing support that also flexes to displace the locking element (e.g.,(during tightening), this may be advantageous because the load-bearing capacity of the flexible locking element decreases when the locking element is made more flexible, and the flexibility of the locking element decreases when the carrier is manufactured to withstand higher forces. Consequently, when the flexible carrier locking element is used, a sufficient amount of loosening force can cause the locking element carrier to buckle, thus impairing the lacing system. However, when the locking elements 236 are used, the locking element carrier 330 can be constructed such that it is essentially rigid even when a relatively large loosening force is applied, and the locking element spring 332 can be constructed to allow the locking element carrier 330 to pivot slightly when a tightening force is applied.

[0052] Fig. Figure 19 is a top view showing the locking elements 236 positioned inside the locking element recesses 324 of the button core 296. Although the housing 220 in Fig. Figure 19 does not show the locking elements 236 in the position in which the locking element teeth 338a-b are engaged with the housing teeth 224. Fig. Figure 20 is a top view showing the base element 214 and the locking elements 236 in the same position as in Fig. Figure 19 shows the locking element teeth 338a-b engaging with the housing teeth 224. Fig. Figure 21 is a top view of the base element 214 and the locking elements 236 in a displaced arrangement when the knob element 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. The elements of the knob element 218, except for the locking elements 236 and the coil element 216, are shown in the Fig. 20 and Fig. View 21 has been omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the locking element springs 332 can be partially bent into a position that is less curved than the relaxed position when they are inserted into the locking element recesses 324.

[0054] The curved locking element springs 332 can cause the locking elements 236 to tend to pivot, so that the locking element carriers 330 are radially biased outwards and so that the locking element teeth 338a-b press radially outwards against the housing teeth 224. When the button element 218 is rotated in the loosening direction (shown by arrow B), the first sides 344a-b of the locking element teeth 338a-b can press against the first sides 258 of the housing teeth 224 to prevent the button element 218 from rotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the locking element recesses 324 can be designed to receive the locking elements 236 without the need for partial bending of the locking element springs 332. Consequently, in some embodiments the locking element springs 332 can be in the relaxed position when the locking element carriers 330 are engaged with the housing teeth 224 to prevent the knob 218 from loosening.When the locking element carriers 330 are displaced away from the housing teeth 224, the locking element springs 332 can transition from a relaxed to a bent state, thus biasing the locking element carriers 330 towards the housing teeth 224. As in the example in . Fig. As shown in Figure 20, in some embodiments one or more of the locking element teeth 338a-b can engage in the housing teeth 224 at locations that are radially outside a tangent line extending from the pivot axis 334 of the locking element 236. In the embodiment of Fig. 20 The locking element tooth 338b can engage the corresponding housing tooth 224 at a point on a line angled radially outward from the tangent line C by an angle 345, which is at least approximately 5° and / or less than or equal to approximately 15° and in some embodiments may be approximately 10°. Consequently, when a loosening force is applied to the button element 218 (shown by arrow B), a component of the force is directed such that it forces the locking element 236 to pivot radially outward. Consequently, when a higher loosening force is applied to the button element 218, the locking element teeth 338a-b are forced to engage more firmly with the housing teeth 224. This can prevent the locking elements 236 from unintentionally disengaging from the housing teeth 224 when a large loosening force is applied.When the locking element 236 is forced radially outward, the locking element carrier can abut against the tips of one or more housing teeth 224 that are not engaged by the locking element teeth 338a-b. This can prevent the locking element carrier 330 from buckling outward and transmitting some of the loosening force into the housing. As discussed above, the surface 328a of the locking element base 328 can abut against the surface 324a of the locking element recess 324, thereby limiting the amount the locking element 236 can rotate radially outward.

[0055] In some embodiments, several locking element teeth 338a-b can be used, so that the multiple locking element teeth 338a-b engage simultaneously in several corresponding housing teeth 224, so that when the button element 218 is rotated in the loosening direction, the applied force is distributed over several teeth per locking element 236 to prevent the button element 218 from rotating in the loosening direction. By distributing the force over several teeth, the housing teeth 224 and the locking element teeth 338a-b can be relatively small and still provide sufficient engagement surface between the first faces 258 of the housing teeth 224 and the first faces 344a-b of the locking element teeth 338a-b.For example, the engagement of two locking element teeth 338a-b with two successive housing teeth 224, as shown, can provide essentially the same engagement surface to resist rotation in the loosening direction as a single locking element tooth and a housing tooth twice the size shown. If the size of the housing teeth 224 is reduced, the number of housing teeth 224 can be increased, and the tightening resolution of the winder 204 can be improved. If the knob element 218 is advanced by one housing tooth 224 in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A), the rotational path of the knob element 218 is reduced because the size of the housing teeth 224 is reduced and their number is increased.Consequently, the use of more and smaller housing teeth 224 increases the tightening resolution of the winder 204, allowing the lacing system 200 to be tightened more precisely to the desired tightness levels. Since the size of the housing teeth 224 is reduced, the distance by which the locking elements 236 are displaced radially inward when the button element 218 is tightened is also reduced, making the button element 218 more easily rotatable in the tightening direction. It is important to note that in some embodiments, the button element 218 can be easily rotated in the tightening direction due to the use of multiple locking element teeth 338a-b, while it offers strong resistance to rotation in the loosening direction. Although two locking element teeth 338a-b per locking element 236 are shown, additional locking element teeth (e.g.,three, four, five or more) are used, and in some embodiments a single locking element tooth can be used. As for example in . Fig. As shown in Figure 20, in some embodiments one or more of the locking element teeth 338a-b and the housing teeth 224 can be configured to lock with each other when fully engaged, thus preventing the locking element 236 from rotating radially inward unless the knob element 218 is moved in the tightening direction (indicated by arrow A). The surface 258 of the housing tooth 224 and the surface 344a of the locking element tooth 338a can form an angle 343 (e.g., at least about 5° and / or less than or equal to about 15° or about 10°) with a line D, which may be perpendicular to the tangent line C for the pivot axis 334 of the corresponding locking element 236. The line D may be tangent to the arc traced by the surface 344a of the locking element tooth 338a as it pivots radially inward.Since the surface 258 of the housing tooth 224 is angled towards the locking element carrier 330, the surface 334a can bear against the surface 258 when a force forces the surface 334a to move in the direction of arrow D. Consequently, when the locking element tooth 338a fully engages the housing tooth 224, so that the surface 344a of the locking element tooth 338a bears against the surface 258 of the housing tooth 224, the locking element 236 is prevented from rotating in the radially inward direction, because the radial inward rotation would cause the surface 344a of the locking element tooth 338a to press more firmly against the surface 258 of the housing tooth 224. The angled interface between surfaces 258 and 344a can also provide a force on the locking element 236 in the radial outward direction when a loosening force is applied (shown by arrow B).To allow the locking element 236 to rotate radially inwards, the locking element 236 can be displaced in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A) so that the surface 344a of the locking element tooth 338a disengages from the surface 258 of the housing tooth 224. The other locking element teeth (e.g., locking element tooth 338b) can operate similarly to locking element tooth 338a to prevent the unintentional loosening of the locking elements 236.

[0056] When the knob element 218 is turned in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A), the second sides 260 of the housing teeth 224 can slide along the second sides 346a-b of the locking element teeth 338a-b, causing the locking elements 236 to rotate about the pivot axis (e.g., about the pivot nose 336) so that the locking element carriers 336, as shown in Fig. 21, are displaced radially inward away from the housing teeth 224. As the locking elements 236 rotate, the locking element springs 232, for example, can be bent further into a less curved position, and the end piece 342 can slide along the wall of the locking element recess 224, which is further away from the locking element base 328. The curved edge of the generally cylindrical end piece 342 can provide a small contact area between the end piece 342 and the wall of the locking element recess 224 to reduce the amount of friction between them as the end piece 342 slides. Once the tips of the locking element teeth 338a-b pass the tips of the housing teeth 224, the locking elements 236 can be displaced radially outward in a position similar to that shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the locking elements 236 snap into place except that they have advanced by one housing tooth 224 or one step in the tightening direction. To tighten the lacing system 200, the user can turn the knob element 218 by a desired amount in the tightening direction, with the locking elements 236 snapping back after each step to prevent rotation in the loosening direction.

[0057] As in Fig. 20 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, the flanges 337 of the locking elements 236 can extend radially outward past the tips of the housing teeth 224, but the flanges 337 can also be positioned near the tops of the locking elements 236, where the flanges 337 do not contact the housing teeth 224. Rather, the flanges 337 can, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 19, a section of the wall 325 of the locking element recesses 324 contacts the flanges. When the locking elements 236 rotate, the flanges 337 can easily roll against the wall of the locking element recesses 324 to facilitate the desired rotational displacement of the locking elements 236. The pairing of the flange 337 and the wall section 325 can also help to maintain the overall radial and axial position of the locking element 236 in the locking element recess 324.

[0058] The locking elements 236 can be constructed differently from those shown in the illustrated embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible arm of the locking element spring 332 can be curved towards the locking element carrier 330 (e.g., in the opposite direction to that shown in the illustrated embodiments), and a central section of the curved arm of the locking element spring 332 can run along a wall of the corresponding recess 324. In some embodiments, the curved arm can be constructed such that it is more curved in the more strongly curved position (e.g., when the locking element carrier 330 is displaced away from the housing teeth 224) than when it is less curved in the less curved position (e.g., when the locking element carrier 330 is engaged with the housing teeth 224).In some embodiments, the flexible arm can be attached to the locking element 236 at locations other than those shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the flexible arm of the locking element spring 332 can extend from the end of the locking element carrier 330 furthest from the pivot nose 336. Other variations are possible. Also, in some embodiments, the locking element spring 332 can comprise a flexible arm that generally extends in the opposite direction to the locking element carrier 330, or generally radially inward, or in a variety of other suitable directions, as long as the locking element spring 332 can be bent to bias the locking element carrier 330 toward the housing teeth 224.As discussed above, the locking element spring 332 can also be made of a leaf spring or a coil spring or any other suitable preloading element designed to radially preload the locking element carrier 330 in the direction of the housing teeth 224.

[0059] Although various embodiments discussed here include housing teeth 224 extending radially inward and locking elements 236 configured to be biased radially outward toward the housing teeth 224, other arrangements are possible. For example, the housing teeth 224 can extend radially outward. The housing teeth 224 can, for example, be formed on the outer surface of the shaft 244 or a similar structure. In these embodiments, the locking elements 236 can be configured to be biased radially inward toward the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to position the housing teeth 224 closer to the circumference of the winder 204 (such as, for example,(as shown in the illustrated embodiments), so that the housing teeth 224 are arranged along a larger circumference, so that more housing teeth 224 can be included, thereby increasing the tightening resolution (the number of teeth per revolution) of the winder 204.

[0060] Fig. Figure 22 is a top view of the button core 296, the spring bushing 298, the fastening element 300, and the button spring 302 in the assembled arrangements. Now, referring to Fig. 15, Fig. 16 and Fig. 22 The spring bushing 298 can generally have a cylindrical shape and can have a central opening 348 through its center. The outer surface of the spring bushing 298 can be wider at an upper section 349 than at a lower section 351, forming a step 350, which can be designed to abut the step 318 formed in the central opening 316 of the button core 296 when the spring bushing 298 is fully inserted into the central opening 316 of the button core 296. In the central opening 348, which passes through the center of the spring bushing 298, the upper section can be wider than the lower section to form a step 352.

[0061] The head 354 of the fastener 300 can bear against the step 352 in the central opening of the spring bushing 298 when the fastener 300 is fully inserted into the central opening 348 of the spring bushing 298. The fastener 300 can be a screw with a shank 356 comprising threads 358 designed to engage with the threads formed in the bore 246, which is formed in the shank 244 of the housing. In some embodiments, the bore 246 can include a metal threaded insert or a plastic thread formed as part of the bore 246. In some embodiments, the bore 246 has no pre-formed threads, and the threads 358 of the fastener 300 can form the threads in the bore when the fastener 300 is first inserted into the bore 246.The head 354 may include a notch 360, which may be hexagonal, cross-shaped, or otherwise configured to allow a screwdriver or other tool to rotate the fastener 300. In some embodiments, the knob element 218 may be coupled to the housing 220 in another manner, such as by using a snap-fit ​​fastener, a rivet, or by ultrasonic welding. Other alternatives are possible.

[0062] The button spring 302 can comprise a pair of opposing engagement sections 362a-b, which may be configured to engage with the spring bushing 298. A pair of end pieces 364a-b can extend approximately orthogonally from the engagement sections 362a-b in an inward direction. A connecting section 368, which may be shaped to follow the partial circumference of a circle, can be attached to the engagement sections 362a-b by curved connectors 370a-b.

[0063] The button spring 302 can be attached to the button core 296. The wide engagement lug 320 can be designed to fit between the curved connectors 370a-b of the button spring 302, and the narrow engagement lug 322 can be designed to fit between the end pieces 364a-b of the button spring 302 to prevent the button spring 302 from rotating or otherwise moving relative to the button core 296. In some embodiments, the wide engagement lug 320 and / or the narrow engagement lug 322 can be designed to receive the button spring 302, so that the button spring 302 is held in a slightly curved arrangement, with the curved connectors 370a-b pressing against the wide engagement lug 320 and / or the end pieces 364a-b pressing against the narrow engagement lug 322. In some embodiments, the button cover 304, when attached to the button core 296, can prevent the button spring 302 from moving axially.

[0064] The button spring 302 can be constructed such that the engagement sections 362a-b can be moved elastically apart to allow the upper wide section 349 of the spring bushing 298 to pass between the engagement sections 362a-b. The spring bushing 298 can be, as shown in Fig. Figure 22 shows the spring bushing 298 in a released position, in which it is positioned below the engagement sections 362a-b. In the engaged position, the upper wide section 349 of the spring bushing 298 can be positioned above the engagement sections 362a-b of the button spring 302. The upper wide section 349 of the spring bushing can be wider than the distance between the engagement sections 362a-b of the button spring 302 to prevent unintentional changes of the spring bushing between the engaged and released positions.To move the spring bushing 298 from the engaged positions to the released positions, a force can be applied, for example by pulling the button element 218 axially away from the base element 214, which causes the spring bushing 298 to press downwards against the engagement sections 362a-b, causing the engagement sections 362ab to separate elastically from each other until the upper wide section 359 of the spring bushing 298 passes between the engagement sections 362a-b.To move the spring bushing 298 from the released to the engaged positions, a force can be applied, for example, by pushing the button element 218 in the axial direction towards the base element 214, causing the spring bushing 298 to press upwards against the engagement sections 362a-b, which causes the engagement sections 362a-b to separate elastically from each other until the upper wide section 359 of the spring bushing 298 passes between the engagement sections 362a-b.

[0065] Many variations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the engagement sections 362a-b can be rigidly held in place, and the spring bushing 298 can be made of an elastically compressible material, allowing the spring bushing 298 to switch between the engaged and released positions by being elastically compressed and passing between the engagement sections 362a-b. In some embodiments, the fastening element 300 and the spring bushing 298 can be combined into a single piece. The button spring 302 can assume a variety of other shapes and can be attached to the button core 296 in a variety of other ways, such that the engagement sections 262a-b are designed to bend elastically away from each other. The spring bushing 298 can be formed in many other shapes than those shown in the illustrated embodiments.In some embodiments, the spring bushing 298 can be rotationally asymmetric and can rotate with the button core 296 and the button spring 302. Consequently, in some cases, the spring bushing 298 can have flat sides that engage with the button spring 302 along a line rather than at just one point.

[0066] Now, referring to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. The button cover 304 can generally be disc-shaped. The button cover 304 can have a convex or generally frustoconical upper wall 372 and a circumferential wall 374 with a cavity 376 formed therein. A central opening 378 can be formed in the center of the upper wall 372 to allow a screwdriver or other tool to be inserted through it to engage the notch 360 of the fastener 300. The button cover 304 can include fastening lugs 380 and notches 382 designed to engage with the corresponding notches 312 and projections 314 on the button core 196 to fasten the button cover 304 to the button core 296 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection.The button cover 304 can be attached to the button core 296 in a variety of other ways, such as by using an adhesive, a threaded connection, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable method. The button cover 304 can be attached to the button core 296 either permanently or detachably. When the button cover 304 is attached to the button core 296, the locking elements 236, the spring bushing 298, the fastener 300, and the button spring 302 can be enclosed between them.

[0067] Upper lugs or prongs 384 can extend downwards from the underside of the upper wall 372 of the knob cover 304. The upper lugs 384 can align with the pivot lugs 336 of the locking elements 236, and the lower surfaces of the upper lugs 384 can touch or nearly touch the upper surfaces of the pivot lugs 336 of the locking elements 236 to prevent axial movement of the locking elements. Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the pivot lugs 336 of the locking elements 236 can fit into bores formed in the knob cover 304 to secure the locking elements 236 and allow them to pivot about the pivot lugs 336.

[0068] A recess 386 can be formed in the center of the cavity 376, and the recess 386 can be designed to accommodate the upper wide section 349 of the spring bushing 298 when the spring bushing 298 is in the engagement position.

[0069] The circumferential wall 374 of the knob cover 304 may include notches 388 designed to receive corresponding lugs 390 formed on the inner surface of the knob handle 306. The knob handle 306 may generally be annular and may have raised sections 392 and / or recesses 394 on its outer surface to facilitate gripping the knob element 218. In some embodiments, the knob handle 306 may be omitted or may be divided into interrupted sections arranged around the circumference of the knob cover 304. Other variations are possible.

[0070] An opening 396 can be formed in a section of the upper wall 372 of the button cover 304 to provide a view of some of the internal components of the winder 204 during use, or to provide an outlet for water or other foreign materials to leave the winder 204. In some embodiments, the opening 396 can be omitted.

[0071] As mentioned above, the button element 218 can be axially movable between engagement and released positions. Fig. Figure 23A is an exploded view of the reel 204, with the button element 218 in the engagement arrangement. Fig. Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view of the reel 204, with the button element 218 in the engagement arrangement. Fig. Figure 24A is an exploded view of the reel 204, with the button element 218 in the loosened arrangement. Fig. Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view of the winder 204, showing the button element 218 in the loosened arrangement. The button element 218 can be attached to the base element 214 by rotating the fastener 300 so that the threads 358 engage with corresponding threads in the bore 246 formed in the shaft 244. In some embodiments, the portion of the shaft 244 extending upward past the coil element 216 can enter a lower portion of the central opening 348 formed by the spring bushing 298 when the fastener 300 is sufficiently tightened. The lower edge 398 of the spring bushing 298 can abut or almost touch the annular region 400 inside the coil teeth 232.

[0072] If the button element 218, as in Fig. 23A and Fig. As shown in Figure 23B, in the engagement position, the spring bushing 298 and the fastening element 300 can be held in an elevated position by the button spring 302, as discussed above, so that the lower edge 398 of the spring bushing 298 does not extend past the central opening 316 of the button core 296. Consequently, the button element 218 is in the lower engagement position (in Fig. (5 shown in dashed lines) is held, with the underside of the button core 296 resting against or very close to the upper surface of the coil element 216. The button teeth 234 consequently engage with the coil teeth 232 in the engagement position, and the locking elements 236 engage with the housing teeth 224.

[0073] If the button element 218, as in Fig. 24A and Fig. As shown in Figure 24B, in the released position, the spring bushing 298 and the fastening means 300 can be held in a lowered position by the button spring 302, as discussed above, so that the lower edge 398 of the spring bushing 298 extends beyond the central opening 316 of the button core 296 by at least about 1.0 mm and / or not more than about 3.0 mm and in some embodiments by about 2.25 mm, although other arrangements outside these ranges are also possible. Since the lower edge 398 of the spring bushing 298 continues to rest against or almost touch the annular area 400 of the coil element 216, the button element 218 is raised away from the coil element 216 and the base element 214 by an amount (e.g. about 2.25 mm) sufficient to cause the button teeth 234 to disengage from the coil teeth 232, and / or to cause the locking elements 236 to disengage from the housing teeth 224.When the button is in the released position in the illustrated embodiment, the button teeth 234 disengage from the coil teeth 232 and the locking elements 236 also disengage from the housing teeth 224. Consequently, in the released arrangement shown, the coil element 216 can be free to rotate independently of the button element 218 in the loosening direction to loosen the lacing system 200, and the button element 218 can be free to rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions.

[0074] Many variations are possible. When in the released position, the button teeth 234 can, in some embodiments, disengage from the coil teeth 232, while the locking elements 236 continue to engage with the housing teeth 224 (e.g., when the in Fig. (Figure 17, stage 340 shown, would be made larger, so that the locking element teeth 338a-b would extend further downwards). In these embodiments, the button element 218, even when in the released position, can be prevented from rotating in the loosening direction, but the coil element 216 can be free to rotate in the loosening direction independently of the button element 218 to allow the lace 206 to be pulled out to loosen the lacing system 200. In the released position, the button teeth 234 can, in some embodiments, continue to engage with the coil teeth 232 (e.g., if the button teeth 234 and / or the coil teeth 232 were made larger than in the illustrated embodiments), while the locking elements 236 can disengage from the housing teeth 224.In these embodiments, the spool element 216 remains coupled to the button element 218 even when in the released position, but the button element 218 and the spool element 216 are allowed to rotate together in the loosening direction to release the lace 206 from the winder 204 and thus loosen the lacing system 200. Other variations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the spool element 216 may be integrally formed with the button element 218, fixedly attached to it, or detachably attached to it, and the spool teeth 232 and the button teeth 234 may be omitted.

[0075] When in the released position, the locking elements 236, as mentioned above, can be raised sufficiently to disengage from the housing teeth 224. Since, in some embodiments, the locking elements are radially outward biased by the locking element springs 232, the locking elements 236 can shift radially outward, such that sections of the lower surfaces of the locking elements 236 are positioned over sections of the upper surfaces of the housing teeth 224. Consequently, when the button element 218 is returned to the engaged position in some embodiments, the locking elements 236 must be deflected radially inward so that they can re-engage with the housing teeth 224.As also mentioned above, at least part of the upper surfaces 266 of the housing teeth 224 may be angled or chamfered and / or at least part of the lower surfaces 339 of the locking elements 236 may be angled or chamfered, so that the downward pressure applied when the button element is returned to the engagement position may cause the locking elements 236 to be deflected radially inwards to facilitate the re-engagement of the locking elements 236 with the housing teeth 224.In some embodiments, the locking element recesses 324 or other sections of the button element 218 may be designed to prevent the locking elements 236 from being deflected radially outwards at the radial position where the locking elements 236 engage in the housing teeth 224, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to deflect the locking elements 236 inwards when the button element 218 is moved into the engagement position.

[0076] The button element 218 can be moved from the engaged position to the released position by pulling the button element 218 axially away from the base element 214 with sufficient force to cause the spring bushing 298 to displace the button spring 302 and allow it to pass through. To move the button element 218 from the released position to the engaged position, it can be pushed axially towards the base element 214 with sufficient force to cause the spring bushing 298 to displace the button spring 302 and allow it to pass through.

[0077] The radial engagement of the locking elements 236 with the housing teeth 224 can reduce or eliminate the occurrence of the unintentional movement of the button element 218 from the engaged to the released position by applying a force that tends to rotate the button element 218 in the loosening direction. When the pull cord 206 is pulled, it can transmit a force that tends to rotate the coil element 216 in the loosening direction, and the force can be transmitted to the button 218 via the coil teeth 232 and the button teeth 234, and the locking elements 236 can distribute the force radially between a certain number of housing teeth 224. Since the locking elements 236 engage radially and not axially in the housing teeth, and since the locking elements 236 are designed to be displaced radially (when the winder 204 is tightened), essentially none of the force is applied in the axial direction to the knob 218.Consequently, the radial locking elements 236 do not transmit any significant force in the axial direction that would tend to separate the coil teeth 232 from the button teeth 234, which could lead to the unintentional loosening of the button element 218 and / or the unintentional loosening of the coil element 216. Therefore, the winder 204 can be designed to withstand greater forces applied to pull on the cord 206 or to attempt to twist the button element 218 in the loosening direction without unintentionally causing the button element 218 to loosen, than a winder 204 in which the locking elements engage axially in the housing teeth and are designed to shift axially during tightening.

[0078] Furthermore, in some designs, the force applied to the locking elements 236 when the knob 218 is turned in the loosening direction is borne by the locking element carriers 330, so that essentially none of the force is transmitted to the locking element springs 332. Consequently, the locking element springs 332 can be designed to be easily bendable, while the locking element carriers 330 can be designed to be essentially rigid.Therefore, the locking elements 236 can be designed to withstand a relatively large amount of force applied to twist the button element 218 in the loosening direction, because this force is carried by the rigid locking element carriers 330, while the locking elements can also be designed to rotate radially when a relatively small force is applied to twist the button element 218 in the tightening direction, because this force is transferred to the flexible locking element springs 332.

[0079] The components of the lacing system described herein may be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, carbon fiber, or fiber-reinforced plastic, aluminum, steel, rubber, or any other suitable material or combination of such materials. In some embodiments, the base element 214, the spool element 216, the button core 296, the locking elements 236, the spring bushing 298, the button cover 304, the lace guides, or any other suitable component described herein may be injection-molded or otherwise formed from any suitable polymer material, such as nylon, PVC, or PET. Some of the components described herein may be formed from a slippery plastic, such as PTFE, or another material useful for reducing, if desired, the friction between a lace and such components.Furthermore, some of the components described here can be coated or layered with a slippery material to reduce friction with interacting components or parts. The fastener 300 and the button spring 302 can be made of a metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), but other materials, such as plastic, can also be used. The button handle 306 can be made of rubber, latex, silicone, or any other material to facilitate gripping the button element 218.

[0080] Fig. Figure 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base element 414 that can be used instead of the base element 214 discussed above. The base element 414 can comprise a housing 420 and a mounting flange 422 and can generally be similar to the base element 214 described above, except that the plumb holes 426a-b can be configured to direct the plumb line generally radially away from the base element 414 instead of axially away from the base element 214, as, for example, in Fig. 2 shown, to guide. Also, the lace holes 426a-b are generally arranged on the same side of the base element 414 instead of at opposite ends as in the base element 214 discussed above. Many variations are possible depending on the specific application to which the lacing system is applied. For example, in some embodiments, the base element may include only one lace hole, and only one end of the lace may enter the housing and be attached to the spool element. In these embodiments, the other end of the lace may be attached to the base element or to the article being tightened.

[0081] Fig. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a button core 596, which can be used in a winder that may be similar in many respects to the winder 204 described herein. The button core 596 may include locking elements 536, which may be integrally formed with the button core 596 to simplify the construction and assembly of the winder. In other embodiments, the locking elements 536 may be attached to the button core 596 in any suitable manner. The locking elements 536 may include locking element arms 532, which may be made of a material with a thickness and length such that they are flexible enough to allow the locking elements 536 to be displaced radially inward by housing teeth when the button core 596 is rotated in the tightening direction (indicated by arrow A) in a manner similar to that described above.The locking elements 536 can include locking element teeth 538a-b formed at the ends of the locking element arms 532. In the illustrated embodiment, two locking element teeth 538a-b are used per locking element 536, but any other suitable number of locking element teeth 538a-b can be used.

[0082] When the button core 596 is rotated in the loosening direction (shown by arrow B), the locking element teeth 538a-b can be turned against (in Fig. 26 (not shown) housing teeth press to prevent the button core 596 from rotating in the loosening direction. The in Fig. The force arrows drawn in Figure 26 represent the directions in which the force is distributed radially. Since the locking element teeth 538a-b press against the housing teeth, a force is applied to the housing teeth by the locking element teeth 538a-b, as shown. The locking element arms 532 can be curved, as shown, so that when the locking element teeth 538a-b press against the housing teeth, the locking element arms 532 tend to curve, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 26. Fig.Figure 26 shows that the locking elements 536 are designed to bend or buckle radially outwards. The locking elements 536 can be configured such that the housing teeth bear against the locking element arms 532, so that if the locking element arms 532 attempt to bend or buckle radially outwards, they press against the tips of the housing teeth, distributing the force radially onto the housing teeth and preventing them from buckling. In some embodiments, the housing teeth can essentially prevent the locking element arms 532 from moving radially outwards.Since the locking elements 536 engage radially and not axially with the housing teeth, and because the locking elements 536 are designed to be displaced radially and not axially during tightening, essentially none of the applied force is applied axially when rotating in the loosening direction, thereby reducing or eliminating the occurrence of unintentional axial movement of the knob core 596 from the engaged position to the released position.

[0083] Although numerous embodiments of lacing systems are described herein, the various components, features, or other aspects of the embodiments of the lacing systems described herein can be combined or exchanged to form additional embodiments of lacing systems not explicitly described herein, all of which are considered part of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while a number of variations have been shown and described in detail, other modifications within the scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Consequently, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed above.

Claims

[1] A roller-based locking device comprising: a case (220); a coil (216) arranged inside the housing, wherein the coil is rotatable in a first direction to wind a cord (206) around the coil, and wherein the coil is rotatable in a second direction to unwind the cord from the coil; and a button (218) which is functionally coupled to the coil, such that actuation of the button causes the coil to rotate in the first direction within the housing; wherein the coil has an upper flange (270), a lower flange (272) and a cylindrical wall (274) between the upper flange and the lower flange; the thread is wound around the cylindrical wall when the coil is turned in the first direction; and the cylindrical wall has three holes (284a, 286a, 288a) through which the plumber's needle is passed to attach the plumber's needle to the spool. [2] The coil-based locking device according to claim 1, wherein the coil-based locking device further comprises one or more locking elements (236) configured to engage in teeth (224) to prevent rotation of the coil in the second direction. [3] The roller-based locking device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more locking elements are components of a button core (296) which is functionally coupled to the button. [4] The roller-based locking device according to claim 2, wherein the button is axially movable relative to the housing between an engagement position and a released position, and wherein one or more locking elements engage in the teeth when the button is in the engagement position and release from the teeth when the button is in a released position. [5] The reel-based closure device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical wall further comprises an additional set of three holes (284b, 286b, 288b) through which an opposite end of the lace can be guided in order to secure the lace to the spool. [6] The reel-based closure device according to claim 1, wherein the button comprises button teeth (234) configured to engage with coil teeth (232) arranged on the upper flange of the coil. [7] The reel-based closure device according to claim 1, wherein the coil has a recess (276) on one side of the lower flange and wherein an end section of the corrugation is arranged in the recess after the corrugation has been passed through each of the three holes in the cylindrical wall. [8] The roller-based closure device according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the lower flange is smaller than a diameter of the upper flange. [9] A footwear article comprising the roller-based closure device according to claim 1. [10] A coil (216) which can be arranged inside a housing (220) of a reel-based closure device, wherein, upon actuation of a button (218) of the reel-based closure device, the coil is rotatable in a first direction to wind a cord (206) around the coil, the coil comprising: an upper flange (270); a lower flange (272); a cylindrical wall (274) between the upper flange and the lower flange; and a plurality of holes (284a, 286a, 288a) defined within the cylindrical wall; where: the thread can be wound around the cylindrical wall when the coil is rotated in the first direction; and The plumb line can be guided through the majority of holes in the cylindrical wall to attach the plumb line to the spool. [11] The coil according to claim 10, wherein the cylindrical wall further comprises an additional plurality of holes (284b, 286b, 288b) through which an opposite end of the lace can be guided in order to attach the lace to the coil. [12] The coil according to claim 10, wherein the coil has a recess (276) on one side of the lower flange, and wherein an end section of the plumb line can be arranged in the recess after the plumb line has been passed through the plurality of holes in the cylindrical wall. [13] The coil according to claim 10, wherein the coil has coil teeth (232) arranged on the upper flange, and wherein the coil teeth are configured to engage with button teeth (234) arranged on the button. [14] A method for coupling a garter (206) to a coil (216), wherein the method comprises: Spreading the coil (216) according to claim 10; and Passing a plumb line (206) through the plurality of holes (284a, 286a, 288a) of the cylindrical wall (274) to attach the plumb line to the spool. [15] The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Inserting the coil into the housing (220) of the reel-based locking device. [16] The method according to claim 15, further comprising: Attaching the roller-based closure device to the footwear item.

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