Reel for use in lacing system

Abstract

To provide a reel based lacing system for tightening articles such as footwear.SOLUTION: A reel can be configured to allow the incremental tightening of a lace about a spool by rotation of a knob in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the system can include a substantially inflexible pawl beam configured to resist rotation of the knob in the loosening direction, and a pawl spring 332 configured to bias a pawl 236 against the housing and to allow the pawl 236 to be displaced away from the housing when the knob is rotated in the tightening direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Reference to related application) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 330,129, entitled “REEL BASED LACING SYSTEM,” filed April 30, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this application relate to lacing or closure systems and their associated components used alone or in combination in any of a variety of articles including footwear, closeable bags, protective gear, and the like. [Background technology]

[0003] There are numerous mechanisms and methods for fastening articles such as footwear. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nevertheless, a need exists for improved apparatus and methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In some embodiments, a reel for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The reel may include a housing having a plurality of housing teeth. The reel may have a spool supported in the housing, and the spool may be rotatable relative to the housing. The spool may include a groove formed therein, and the groove may be configured to gather string therein to tighten the lacing system when the spool rotates in a tightening direction. The groove may release string therefrom to loosen the lacing system when the spool rotates in a loosening direction. The reel may include a knob supported in the housing, and the knob may be rotatable relative to the housing. The knob may be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob also rotates the spool. The knob may include one or more pawls, and at least one of the one or more pawls may include a pawl beam and a pawl spring portion. The pawl beam may be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring portion may be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The pawl beam may include one or more pawl teeth configured to engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in a first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to twist the knob in the loosening direction without transmitting a substantial portion of the loosening force to the pawl spring. In some embodiments, the pawl beam and the pawl spring may be integrally formed (e.g., integrally molded). In some embodiments, the one or more pawl teeth may be displaced away from the housing teeth to a second position when the knob is twisted in the clamping direction to allow the knob and spool to rotate in the clamping direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the housing teeth can extend radially, the pawl beam can be radially movable between a first position and a second position, and the knob can be axially movable between an engaged position and an unengaged position. When the knob is in the unengaged position, the spool can be permitted to rotate in the loosening direction. The one or more pawls can be configured to mesh with the housing teeth such that when a loosening force is applied to the knob, the knob is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction without applying a substantial axial force to the knob.

[0007] In some embodiments, a pawl is disclosed, and the pawl may include at least two pawl teeth configured to simultaneously engage at least two corresponding housing teeth such that the loosening force is distributed among multiple teeth to prevent rotation in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl beam may be configured to be biased toward the housing when a loosening force is applied to the knob. The loosening force may be applied to the knob by a user twisting the knob in the loosening direction or by tension on a string coupled to the spool. The pawl beam may be configured to be radially rotatable about the pivot axis, and one or more pawl teeth may engage the housing teeth at a location radially outward from a tangent extending from the pivot axis. The pawl teeth may have a surface configured to press against a surface of the housing tooth when a loosening force is applied to the knob such that the pawl beam is biased toward the housing tooth when a loosening force is applied. The pawl beam may be prevented from moving to the second position unless the knob is rotated in the loosening direction to release a surface of at least one pawl tooth from a surface of the housing tooth. The sides of the pawl beam can be configured to abut against the tips of one or more housing teeth that are not engaged by the one or more pawl teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob and the pawl beam is urged toward the housing teeth to provide additional support.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method of making a reel for a lacing system is disclosed. The method can include providing a housing, the housing can include a plurality of housing teeth. The method can include installing a spool in the housing such that the spool is rotatable relative to the housing. The spool can include a groove formed therein, the groove can be configured to gather lace therein to tighten the lacing system when the spool rotates in a tightening direction. The groove can be configured to release lace therefrom to loosen the lacing system when the spool rotates in a loosening direction. The method can include mounting a knob to the housing such that the knob is rotatable relative to the housing. The knob can be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob also rotates the spool. The knob can include one or more pawls, at least one of the one or more pawls can include a pawl beam and a pawl spring portion. The pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring portion can be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The pawl beam may include one or more pawl teeth configured to engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in a first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to twist the knob in the loosening direction without transmitting a substantial portion of the loosening force to the pawl spring portion, and the one or more pawl teeth may be displaced away from the housing teeth to a second position when the knob is twisted in the clamping direction to allow the knob and spool to rotate in the clamping direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, a pawl for use with a reel in a lacing system is disclosed. The pawl may include a pawl beam having one or more pawl teeth configured to mesh with housing teeth of a housing of the reel. The pawl beam may be movable between a first position and a second position. The pawl may include a pawl spring configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The one or more pawl teeth may mesh with the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the first position to prevent the pawl from moving in a loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to the pawl without transmitting a substantial portion of the loosening force to the pawl spring. The one or more pawl teeth may disengage from the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the second position to allow the pawl to move in a tightening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl beam and the pawl spring may be integrally formed.

[0010] In some embodiments, a reel for a lacing system is disclosed. The reel may have a housing having a plurality of housing teeth, and a spool supported by the housing such that the spool is rotatable relative to the housing. The spool may include a groove formed therein, and the groove may be configured to gather lace therein to tighten the lacing system when the spool rotates in a tightening direction and release lace therefrom to loosen the lacing system when the spool rotates in a loosening direction. The reel may include a knob supported by the housing such that the knob is rotatable relative to the housing. The knob may be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob also rotates the spool. The knob may include one or more pawls configured to mesh with the housing teeth, and at least one of the one or more pawls may include a flexible pawl arm attached to the knob at a first end and having one or more pawl teeth formed on a second end. The pawl arm may be configured to bend in a first direction when the knob rotates in the tightening direction such that the one or more pawl teeth are displaced away from the housing teeth to allow the knob to rotate in the tightening direction. The pawl arm can be configured such that one or more pawl teeth engage corresponding housing teeth to prevent rotation of the knob in the loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to twist the knob in the loosening direction, the loosening force bending the flexible pawl arm in a second direction toward the housing teeth such that the flexible pawl arm abuts the housing teeth to prevent the flexible pawl arm from buckling under the loosening force.

[0011] In some embodiments, a pawl is disclosed that includes a substantially rigid pawl beam and a flexible pawl spring portion. The pawl spring portion can be a flexible pawl arm portion. In some embodiments, the pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring portion can be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. When the pawl beam is in the first position, the flexible arm portion can be in a less bent position, and when the pawl beam is in the second position, the flexible arm portion can be in a more bent position. In some embodiments, the flexible arm portion can be less curved when in the more bent position than when in the less bent position. In some embodiments, the flexible arm portion can extend generally in the same direction as the pawl spring portion. In some embodiments, the pawl beam portion and the pawl spring portion can be integrally formed.

[0012] In some embodiments, a knob is disclosed that may be used with a reel of a lacing system. The knob may include one or more pawls. At least one of the one or more pawls may be coupled to the knob at a pivot axis. The at least one pawl may include a pawl beam configured to rotate about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position, and a pawl spring portion that may bias the pawl beam toward the first position where the pawl beam engages housing teeth of the reel to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl spring portion may extend from near the pivot axis generally in the same direction as the pawl beam. In some embodiments, the pawl spring portion may be a flexible arm portion. In some embodiments, the flexible arm portion may be curved away from the pawl beam portion. The pawl spring portion may be integrally formed with the pawl beam portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, a reel for a lacing system is disclosed. The reel may include a housing having a plurality of housing teeth. The reel may have a spool supported by the housing, and the spool may be rotatable relative to the housing. The reel may include a knob supported by the housing, and the knob may be rotatable relative to the housing. The knob may be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob also rotates the spool. The knob may include one or more pawls, and at least one of the one or more pawls may include a substantially rigid pawl beam and a pawl spring portion. The pawl beam may be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring portion may be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The pawl beam may include one or more pawl teeth configured to engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the first position to prevent the knob from rotating in a loosening direction. In some embodiments, the one or more pawl teeth may be movable away from the housing teeth to a second position when the knob allows the knob and the spool to rotate in a tightening direction. The substantially rigid pawl beam may be configured to resist loosening forces. The pawl beam and pawl spring may be integrally formed in some embodiments.

[0014] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following figures, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system for use in an athletic shoe. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system. [Diagram 3] 3 is an exploded perspective view of a reel of the lacing system of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view of the reel of FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a side view of the reel of FIG. 3 with the knob members shown in a non-engaged position drawn in normal lines, and in an engaged position drawn in dotted lines. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of a base member of the reel of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the base member of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the base member of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the base member of FIG. [Figure 10A] 10A is a perspective view of a spool member of the reel of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spool member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the spool member of FIG. 10A. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the spool member of FIG. 10A. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the spool member of FIG. 10A showing a line fastened thereto in a first configuration. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the spool member of FIG. 10A showing a line fastened thereto in a second configuration. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the spool member of FIG. 10A showing the lace tightened on the spool member in a third configuration. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is a perspective view of the spool member of FIG. 10A showing the lace. [Figure 14] 14 is a top view of the spool member of FIG. 10A shown disposed in the housing of the base member of FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is an exploded perspective view of the knob member of the reel of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is another exploded perspective view of the knob member of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective view of a pawl of the knob member of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the pawl of FIG. [Figure 19] 19 is a top view of the pawl of FIG. 15 positioned on the knob core of FIG. 15 with the pawl configured to mesh with housing teeth of the housing. [Figure 20] 20 is a top view of the pawl of FIG. 15 shown engaged with the housing teeth on the base member of FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a top view of the pawls of FIG. 15 shown displaced radially inwardly when the knob members are rotated in a tightening direction. [Figure 22] 22 is a top view of the spring bushing, fastener, and knob of FIG. 15 shown assembled to the knob core portion of FIG. [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is an exploded view of the reel of FIG. 4 shown in an interlocking configuration. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of the reel of FIG. 4 shown in an interlocking configuration. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A is an exploded view of the reel of FIG. 4 shown in an uninterlocked configuration. [Figure 24B] 24B is a cross-sectional view of the reel of FIG. 4 shown in an uninterlocked configuration. [Diagram 25] 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member that may be used in place of the base member of FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a knob core portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lacing system 100 used to tighten an athletic shoe 102. The athletic shoe may be a running shoe, a basketball shoe, a skate shoe, or a snowboard boot, or other suitable footwear that may be tightened around a wearer's foot. The lacing system 100 may be used to close or tighten a variety of other items, such as, for example, a belt, a hat, a glove, a snowboard binding, a medical device, or a bag. The lacing system may include a reel 104, a lace 106, and one or more lace guides 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the reel 104 may be attached to a tongue 110 of the shoe. Various other arrangements are possible. For example, the reel 104 may be attached to a side of the athletic shoe 102, which may be advantageous for a shoe that is designed such that when tightened, the sides 112a-b of the shoe are drawn closer together, leaving only a small portion of the tongue 110 exposed. The reel 104 may also be attached to the rear of the shoe 102, and a portion of the lace 106 may pass through the shoe 102 on either side of the wearer's heel so that the lace 106 may be interlocked with the reel 104 when attached to the rear.

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

[0018] 2-4, the reel 204 may include a base member 214, a spool member 216, and a knob member 218. The base member may include a housing 220 and a mounting flange 222. The housing 220 may include a plurality of housing teeth 224. The housing teeth 224 may extend radially inward. The housing 220 may include lace holes 226a-b that allow the lace 206 to enter the housing 220.

[0019] The spool member 216 may be disposed within the housing 220 such that the spool member 216 is rotatable about an axis 228 relative to the housing 220. The string 206 may be secured to the spool member 216 such that when the spool member 216 is rotated in a tightening direction (indicated by arrow A), the string 206 is drawn into the housing 220 and wrapped around a groove 230 formed in the spool member 216, and when the spool member 216 is rotated in a loosening direction (indicated by arrow B), the string 206 unwinds from the groove 230 of the spool member 216 and exits the housing 220 via the string holes 226a-b. The spool member 216 may also include spool teeth 232 formed thereon. It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified such that the direction of rotation indicated by arrow B tightens the lacing system and the direction of rotation indicated by arrow A loosens the lacing system.

[0020] The knob member 218 may be mounted to the housing 220 such that the knob member 218 may rotate about an axis 228 relative to the housing 220. The knob member 218 may include knob teeth 234 that may be configured to mesh with the spool teeth 232 to couple the knob member 218 to the spool member 218 such that rotation of the knob member 218 in a tightening direction also results in rotation of the spool member 216 in a tightening direction. In some embodiments, rotation of the knob member 218 in a loosening direction may also cause the spool member 216 to rotate in a loosening direction. The knob member 218 may also include one or more pawls 236 that may be biased radially outwardly to mesh with the housing teeth 224. The pawls 236 and the housing teeth 224 may be configured such that the housing teeth 224 may displace the pawls 236 radially inward when the knob member 218 is rotated in a tightening direction, thus allowing the knob member 218 to rotate in the tightening direction. The pawl 236 and the housing teeth 224 can also be configured such that when a force is applied to twist the knob member 218 in the loosening direction, the pawl 236 and the housing teeth 224 interlock with each other, thus preventing the knob member 218 from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0021] Thus, the reel 204 may provide a one-way tightening system configured to allow a user to rotate the knob member 218 in a tightening direction, which rotates the spool member 216 in a tightening direction, which in turn causes the string 206 to be drawn into the housing 220 and through the lace holes 226a-b. Once the string 206 is drawn into the housing 220, the lacing system 200 may be tightened, causing the lace guide 208 to be pulled in a direction (assumed by arrow C in FIG. 2) toward the reel 204. Although the lacing system 200 is shown with a single lace guide 208, any other suitable number of lace guides may be used.

[0022] In some embodiments, the knob member 218 may be axially movable along the axis 228 between a first or engaged position and a second or non-engaged position. FIG. 5 is a side view of the reel 204 showing the knob member 218 in a non-engaged position drawn in normal lines and in an engaged position outlined in dashed lines. When in the engaged position, the spool teeth 232 may mesh with the knob teeth 234 to couple the knob member 218 to the spool member 216 as described above. Also, when in the engaged position, the pawl 236 may mesh with the housing teeth 224 to prevent the knob member 218 from rotating in a loosening direction while allowing the knob member 218 to rotate in a tightening direction, as described above.

[0023] When in the uncoupled position, the knob member 218 may be positioned axially further away from the base member 214 a sufficient distance to lift the knob teeth 234 away from and disengage the spool teeth 232 such that the spool member 216 is decoupled from the knob member 218 and the spool member 216 is free to rotate independent of the knob member 218. Thus, when the spool member 216 rotates in the loosening direction to loosen the lacing system 200, the lace 216 may be pulled out of the housing 220. When in the uncoupled position, the pawls 236 of the knob member 218 may be lifted away from the housing teeth 224 such that they disengage and the knob member 218 is free to rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions without binding. In some embodiments, when the knob member 218 is transitioned to the uncoupled position, the knob teeth 234 disengage from the spool teeth 232 and the pawls 236 also disengage from the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, when the knob member 218 is transitioned to the engaged position, the knob teeth 234 disengage from the spool teeth 232 while the pawl 236 remains engaged with the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, when the knob member 218 is transitioned to the unengaged position, the knob teeth 234 remain engaged with the spool teeth 232 while the pawl 236 disengages from the housing teeth 224.

[0024] The distance 238 between the engaged and unengaged positions of the knob member 218 can be at least about 1 mm and / or no more than about 3 mm, and in some embodiments can be about 2.5 mm, although distances outside this range can be used. In some embodiments, the distance 238 can be about the same as or slightly greater than the height of the spool teeth 232, the height of the knob teeth 234, the height of the housing teeth 224, and / or the height of the pawl 236.

[0025] In some embodiments, the reel 294 may be more resistant to accidental release because the knob member 218 is movable axially between an engaged and an unengaged position while the pawls 236 radially engage the housing teeth 224. When the knob member is in the engaged position and a force is applied attempting to twist the knob member 218 in a loosening direction, or when the string is tugged attempting to twist the spool member 218 in a loosening direction, the force is applied to the pawl 236 as it engages the housing teeth 224. Because the pawl 236 is configured to be displaced radially, rather than axially, substantially no force applied to the pawl 236 is transmitted axially. Thus, the reel 204 may withstand higher clamping pressures than some reels in which the knob pawls axially engage the housing teeth.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base member 214. FIG. 7 is a top view of the base member 214. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the base member 214. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the base member 214. The base member 214 includes a mounting flange 222 that can be attached to the exterior structure of a piece of footwear or other article, or the mounting flange 222 can be attached to an underside of the exterior structure of the article such that at least a portion of the mounting flange 222 is hidden from view. The mounting flange 222 can be secured to the article by sewing or other suitable methods, such as, for example, using an adhesive or using rivets. The mounting flange 222 can be formed to fit a particular portion of the article (e.g., the heel 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 can be somewhat resilient to accommodate flexing of the article during use. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 222 may be omitted and the base member 214 or the housing 220 may be attached to the article by screws, rivets, or other fasteners. For example, a threaded portion of the base member 214 or the housing 220 may be screwed into a threaded connector of the article. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 222 is connected to the article and the reel 204 is substantially attached to the flange 222.

[0027] The housing 220 may be attached to or formed integrally with and extend upwardly from the mounting flange 222 as shown. The housing 220 may include an outer wall 240 that surrounds a recess 242. The recess 242 may be substantially circular in shape. An axis 244 may extend axially upward from a bottom of the recess 242 and may be disposed generally coaxially with the recess 242. The axis 244 may include a step 245 or angled portion where the axis 244 meets the bottom of the recess 242. The axis 244 may include a bore 246 at its center that may facilitate securing the knob member 218 to the housing 220. The bore 246 may be threaded or otherwise configured to axially secure a fastener inserted therein. The axis 244 may form a support surface about which the spool member 216 may rotate.

[0028] The outer wall 240 of the housing 220 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and generally coaxial with the axis 244. The inner surface of the outer wall 240 may include a lower portion 248 and an upper portion 250. The lower portion 248 may be generally smooth and may include a step 251 or sloped portion where the outer wall 240 meets the bottom of the recess 242. The lower portion 248 may include one or more lace openings 252a-b that may be connected to the lace holes 226a-b by lace channels 254a-b so that the laces 206 may pass through the housing 220 and enter the recess 242. As best seen in FIG. 9, the lower portions of the lace channels 254a-b closest to the lace holes 226a-b may be closed, while the upper portions of the lace channels 254a-b closest to the lace openings 252a-b may be open at the top. Also, lace channels 254a-b and / or lace openings 252a-b may be connected with openings 256a-b formed in the bottom of housing 220. The openings 256a-b and the open tops of lace channels 254a-b may provide access to laces 206 during use and installation, as well as provide an exit path for water or other materials that may enter recess 242 during use, and may facilitate molding of lace channels 254a-b when base member 214 is made with few components (e.g., a single, integral piece).

[0029] The housing 220 may include housing teeth 224 extending radially inward from the upper portion 250 of the outer wall 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes 36 housing teeth 224, although any other suitable number of housing teeth 224 may be used. As best seen in FIG. 7, each of the housing teeth 224 may include a first side 258 and a second side 260. The first side 258 may be shorter than the second side 260, and in some embodiments, the first side 258 may be approximately half as long as the second side 260. In some embodiments, the first side 258 of the housing tooth 224 may be at least about 0.5 mm long and / or not more than about 1.0 mm long and / or not more than about 0.85 mm long, and the second side may be at least about 1.0 mm long and / or not more than about 2.0 mm long and / or not more than about 1.75 mm long. Other dimensions outside of these specific ranges are possible. The first side 258 of the housing tines 224 may be angled away from a line pointing just radially inward at an angle 262, which may be at least about 5° and / or up to about 15°, and in some embodiments may be about 10°. The second side 260 of the housing tines 224 may be angled away from a line pointing just radially inward at an angle 264, which may be at least about 45° and / or up to about 65°, and in some embodiments may be about 55°. Other angles outside of these specifically identified ranges are possible. In some embodiments, the transitions between the housing tines 224 and between the first and second sides 258, 260 of the housing tines 224 may be curved, although sharply edged transitions may also be used. The housing tines 224 may be configured to interface with the pawls 236, as described in more detail below. The housing teeth 224 may include angled (sloped) upper surfaces 266 to facilitate the transition of the pawls 236 from a disengaged to an engaged position, as described in more detail below.

[0030] The base member 214 may include one or more guard pieces 268 that may extend axially upward beyond the outer wall 240 of the housing 220 such that the guard pieces 268 may act to cover a portion of the knob member 218 when the knob member 218 is attached to the housing 220. In some embodiments, the guard pieces 268 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the reel 204 may be disposed within a recess in the article such that a portion of the article itself extends to cover a portion of the knob member 218. The guard pieces 268, or a portion of the article acting as a guard, may protect the knob member 218 and reduce the occurrence of accidental release of the knob member 218.

[0031] Figure 10A is a perspective view of spool member 216. Figure 11 is another perspective view of spool member 216. Figure 12 is a side view of spool member 216. Figures 13A-B are cross-sectional views of spool member 216 with attachment string 206 thereto. Figure 14 is a top view of spool member 216 disposed within housing 220.

[0032] The spool member 216 may include an upper flange 270 and a lower flange 272 having a generally cylindrical wall 274 formed therebetween. The outer surface of the wall 274, the bottom surface of the upper flange 270, and the top surface of the lower flange 272 may form a groove 230 for receiving the line 206 when wound around the spool member 216. The inner surface of the wall 274 may surround a recess 276 formed in the bottom surface of the spool member 216. A central opening 278 may extend through the ceiling of the recess. As best seen in FIG. 14 , when the spool member 216 is disposed within the recess 242 of the housing 220, the axle 244 may pass through the central opening 278 of the spool member 216. The bottom step 245 or beveled end of the axle 244 may be received within the recess 276 formed in the bottom of the spool member 216. The lower flange 272 may be formed slightly smaller than the upper flange 270 (as best seen in FIG. 12 ) so that the lower flange 272 can fit over the step 251 or beveled end of the end of the recess 242 and facilitate removal / installation of the spool member 216 from / into the housing 220 with the string 206 attached. Thus, in some embodiments, the bottom surface of the lower flange 272 may lie flush against the base of the recess 242. In some embodiments, a portion of the housing 220 may be configured to contact a portion of the spool member 216 to keep the bottom surface of the lower flange 272 a small distance from the base of the recess to reduce the amount of friction as the spool member 216 rotates. When the spool member 216 is fully inserted into the recess 242 of the housing 220, the top surface of the upper flange 270 may be approximately flush with the top of the lower portion 248 of the outer wall 240 such that the upper flange 270 does not overlap the housing teeth 224.

[0033] The spool teeth 232 may be formed on the top surface of the spool member 216. In the illustrated embodiment, twelve spool teeth 232 are shown, although any other suitable number of spool teeth 232 may be used. Each of the spool teeth 232 may include a first side 280 and a second side 282. The first side 280 may be approximately vertical in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first side may be angled from vertical by at least about 5° and / or no more than about 15°, and in some embodiments by about 10°. The second side 282 may be angled from vertical by at least about 35° and / or no more than about 55°, and in some embodiments by about 45°. The first side 280 may be at least about 1.5 mm long and / or no more than about 2.5 mm long, and may be about 2 mm long. The second side can be at least about 2.5 mm long and / or no more than about 3.5 mm long, and can be about 3 mm long. Dimensions and angles outside the specified ranges can also be used. The spool teeth 232 can be configured to abut the knob teeth 234, as described in detail herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more notches 281a-b may be formed in the upper flange 270 of the spool member 216. Also, in some embodiments, the upper flange 270 and / or the lower flange may be generally circular in shape, but may have one or more flattened ends 283a-d. The notches 281a-b and / or the flattened ends 283a-d may facilitate removal of the spool member 216 from the housing 220 (e.g., when replacing the string 206). A screwdriver or other tool may be inserted between the spool member 216 and the wall of the housing 220, and the spool member 216 may be pulled out of the housing 220. Many variations are possible. For example, FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a spool member 216' that is similar in many respects to the spool member 216, except that the upper flange 270' and the lower flange 272' of the spool member 216 do not have the flattened ends 283a-d. Thus, the upper flange 270' and the lower flange 272' may be generally circular in shape. In some embodiments, the upper flange 270' may include notches 281a' and 281b', which may facilitate removal of the spool member 216' from the housing 220. In some embodiments, the flanges 270' and 272', which do not include flattened ends 283a-d, may prevent the string 206 from becoming pinched or pinched in gaps formed between the housing 220 and the flattened ends 283a-d, especially when a relatively thin string is used.

[0035] The depth of the groove 230 can be at least about 1.5 mm and / or no more than about 2.5 mm, and in some cases can be about 2 mm. The groove 230 can have a width that is at least about 3.0 mm and / or no more than about 4.0 mm, and in some cases can be about 3.5 mm. The exterior surface of the wall 274 can have a diameter that is at least about 10 mm and / or no more than about 20 mm, and in some cases can be about 14 mm. Dimensions outside the given ranges are also possible. The string 206 can be of a generally small diameter such that the groove 230 can hold at least about 300 mm of string and / or no more than about 600 mm of string, and in some cases about 450 mm of string, although the spool member 216 and string 206 can be configured to hold amounts of string outside the given ranges.

[0036] The string or cable can have a diameter of at least about 0.5 mm and / or no more than about 1.5 mm, and in some embodiments can be about 0.75 mm or 1.0 mm, although diameters outside these ranges can also be used. The string 206 can be a very smooth cable or elongated thread having a low modulus of elasticity and high tensile strength. In some embodiments, the cable can have multiple strands of interwoven material. While any suitable string can be used, some embodiments can utilize string formed from extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fibers. One example of a suitable string material is sold under the trade name SPECTRA™, manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township, New Jersey. Extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fibers advantageously have a high strength-to-weight ratio, are cut-resistant, and have very low modulus. One suitable string made of this material is tightly woven. The tight weave provides additional stiffness to the finished string. The additional stiffness provided by the weave provides enhanced pushability so that the laces can be easily threaded (e.g., into reel 204). Additionally, in some embodiments, the laces can be formed from a molded monofilament polymer. In some embodiments, the laces can be made from braided steel with or without a polymer or other lubricious coating.

[0037] One or more ends of the string 206 may be secured to the spool member 216. In some embodiments, the string 206 may be removably or fixedly attached to the spool member 216. In some embodiments, the string 206 may be threaded through a hole formed in the spool member 216 and a knot may be formed at the end of the string 206, or a securing member may be attached thereto to prevent the end from being pulled back through the hole. In some embodiments, the string 206 may be tied to a portion of the spool member 216. The string may also be secured to the spool member 216 by adhesive or any suitable method. In some embodiments, the string 206 is secured to the spool member 216 by passing the string 206 through a series of openings that cause the string 206 to bend at an angle that creates enough friction to prevent the string 206 from being removed from the spool member 216. In some embodiments, the string 206 wraps around itself such that the string 206 tightens on itself when pulled. In some embodiments, only one end of string 206 is secured to spool member 216, and the other end of string 206 is secured to base member 214 or the article being fastened.

[0038] The spool member 216 may include a first set of lace holes 284a, 286a, 288a that may be configured to secure a first end of the lace 206. In some embodiments, a second set of lace holes 284b, 286b, 288b may be used to secure a second end of the lace 206. Lace guides 290a-b may also be formed within the recess 276 to facilitate securing the lace 206 to the spool member 216.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A, the first end of the string 206 may pass through the string hole 284a and into the recess 276. The string guide 290a may direct the string 206 to the string hole 286a, and in some embodiments, the string guide 290a may be positioned such that the string 206 is wedged between the string guide 290a and a portion 292a of the wall 274 between the holes 284a and 286a. The string 206 may exit the recess 276 through the string hole 286a and then bend at an angle of about 180° to re-enter the recess through the string hole 288a. In some embodiments, the tip of the first end of the string 206 may be wedged into the opposite string guide 290b to prevent the tip from moving around in the recess 276 and interfering with the rotation of the spool member 216. In some embodiments, the amount of string 206 passing through string holes 284b, 286b, 288b can be configured such that only a small portion of string 206 passes through hole 288a and re-enters recess 276 so that the tip is not forced into the opposing string guide 290b. A second end of string 206 can be similarly secured to spool member 216 by string holes 284a, 286b, 288b, string guide 290b, and portion 292b of wall 274.

[0040] Other string securing configurations are possible. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, a first end of the string 206 passes through the string hole 284a to enter the recess 276. The string guide 290 can direct the string 206 to the string hole 288b, and the string guide 290a can be configured such that the string 206 is wedged between the string guide 290a and a portion 294a of the wall adjacent to the string hole 284a. The string 206 can pass through the string hole 288b and then bend at an angle of about 180° to re-enter the recess 276 through the string hole 286b. A second end of the string 206 can be similarly secured to the spool member 216 by the string holes 284b, 288a, 286a, the string guide 290b, and the portion 294b of the wall 274.

[0041] 13C and 13D show another way in which string 206 can be secured to spool member 216. As shown in FIG. 13C, the end of string 206 can be threaded through eyelet 284a into recess 276, then out of recess 276 through eyelet 286a, and back into recess 276 through eyelet 288a. The end of string 206 can then be threaded through the loop formed between eyelets 284a, 286a, as shown in FIG. 13C. String 206 can then be tightened so that the string crosses over itself, as shown in FIG. 13D. For example, the loose end of string 206 can be held with one hand while pulling on the loop formed between eyelets 284a and 286a to remove slack from the loop formed between eyelets 286a and 288a. The slack in the loop formed between the eyelets 284a and 286a can be pulled through the eyelet 284a and out of the recess 276 until the string is tightened. Thus, once tightened, the string 206 will push itself tighter when it is pulled, thus preventing the string 206 from coming off the spool member 216.

[0042] The string may pass over the top of the portion of the loop closest to the eyelet 288a, as shown, and then pass under the portion of the loop furthest from the eyelet 288a. Then, when the string is tightened, the loose end of the string 206 may be directed generally toward the base of the recess 276, rather than generally out of the recess, as would be the case if the string were passed over the top of the portion of the loop furthest from the eyelet 288a. By biasing the loose end of the string toward the base of the recess 276, the loose end of the string may be prevented from interfering with the insertion of the spool member 216 into the housing 220. The string guide 190a may be positioned to keep the loose end of the string 206 located near the periphery of the recess 276, so that the loose end of the string does not enter the central opening 278 or interfere with the spool member 216 being inserted into the housing 220.

[0043] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the knob member 218. Figure 16 is another exploded perspective view of the knob member 218. The knob member may include a knob core 296, a pawl 236, a spring bushing 298, a fastener 300, a knob spring 302, a knob cover 304, and a knob grip 306.

[0044] The knob core 296 may be generally disc-shaped. The knob core 296 may include knob teeth 234 formed on a bottom surface thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, twelve knob teeth 234 are shown, however, any other suitable number of knob teeth 234 may be used. In some embodiments, the same number of knob teeth 234 and spool teeth 232 may be used and may be formed similarly or identically to the spool teeth 232, except that the knob teeth 234 are oriented in the opposite direction so that the knob teeth 234 can mesh with the spool teeth 232. Thus, the dimensions described above with respect to the spool teeth 232 may also apply to the knob teeth 234. When the knob member 218 is rotated in a tightening direction, the first side 308 of the knob teeth 234 may be pressed against the first side 280 of the spool teeth 232 to drive the spool member 216 in the tightening direction. When the string 206 is tightened about the spool member 216 and a force is applied to the spool member 216 tending to twist it in a loosening direction, the second side 282 of the spool teeth 232 may abut the second side 310 of the knob teeth 234 such that the force is transmitted to the knob member 218 tending to twist it in a loosening direction. As explained below, the force may cause the pawl 236 to engage the housing teeth 224 to prevent the knob member 218 and spool member 216 from rotating in the loosening direction, thus maintaining the string 206 in a tightened configuration.

[0045] The knob core 296 may include features to facilitate securing the knob cover 304 thereto. The knob core 296 may include a notch 312 formed in an upper surface near the periphery of the knob core 296. A protrusion 314 may extend radially outward from the periphery of the knob core 296 below the notch 312. The knob core 296 may include a central opening 316 through its center. The central opening 316 may be configured to receive the spring bushing 298. An upper portion of the central opening 316 may be wider than a lower portion of the central opening 316 to form a step 318 therein. The knob core 296 may also include features to facilitate securing the knob spring thereto, including, for example, a wide engagement tab 320 and a narrow engagement tab 322.

[0046] The knob core 296 may also include a pawl recess 324 configured to receive a corresponding pawl 236. The pawl recess 324 may be generally formed similarly to the pawl 236, but may be somewhat larger than the pawl 236 to allow the pawl 236 to pivot (rock) and move within the pawl recess 324 during actuation, as described in detail elsewhere herein. The pawl recess 324 may include a pawl opening 326 formed in a portion of the base and / or a portion of the side to allow a portion of the pawl (e.g., the pawl teeth) to extend through the knob core 296 (visible in the assembled knob member 218 shown in FIG. 4) and contact the housing teeth 224.

[0047] 17 and 18 are perspective views of pawl 236. Pawl 236 may include a pawl base 328, a pawl beam 330, and a pawl spring portion 332. Pawl base 328 may be configured to connect with knob core 296 and / or knob cover 304 such that pawl 236 may pivot about axis 334. Pivot tab 336 may extend upwardly from pawl base 328 along axis 334. Pivot tab 336 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be coaxial with axis 334. Flange 337 may extend out from one side of pawl base 328, and flange 337 may facilitate pivoting of pawl 236. As can be seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, in some embodiments, pawl beam 330, pawl spring portion 332, and other components of pawl 236 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded) as a single piece.

[0048] The pawl beam 330 may be formed of a material, thickness, and length such that when the knob member 218 is rotated in the tightening direction, the pawl 236 is displaced by the housing teeth 224, but the pawl beam 330 is substantially rigid and does not flex. One or more pawl teeth 338a-b may be located near the end of the pawl beam 330 opposite the pawl base 328. In the illustrated embodiment, two pawl teeth 338a-b are used, but any other suitable number of pawl teeth 338a-b may be used. The pawl teeth 338a-b, and in some cases the entire pawl beam 330, may have a curved or angled bottom surface 339 that may facilitate the transition of the knob member 218 from a non-interlocking position to an interlocking position, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The pawl beam 330 may include a step 340 formed where the end of the pawl beam 330 extends below the remainder of the pawl 236. The downward extension of the detent beam may be configured to extend through or into a detent opening 326 formed in the detent recess 324 of the knob core 296 .

[0049] The pawl base 328 may include an end surface 328a configured to mate with the surface 324a of the pawl recess 324 (as can be seen in FIG. 19 ). In some embodiments, when pressure is applied to one or more of the pawl teeth 338, a load may be transferred through the pawl beam 330 to the mating portion of the end surface 328a and the surface 324a. In some embodiments, as the pawl 236 pivots radially outward about the axis 334, the end surface 328a of the pawl base 328 may abut the surface 324a of the pawl recess 324, thus limiting the distance the pawl 326 may pivot radially outward. For example, the pawl 236 may be allowed to pivot radially outward enough to engage the housing teeth 224, but not significantly far. This may release pressure from the pawl 236 when a loosening force is applied to the knob member 218, which may create a component of force that biases the pawl 236 radially outward, as described below. The interface between surfaces 328a and 324a may also limit radial movement of pawl 236 when knob member 218 is in the uninterlocked position, thus keeping pawl 236 radially inward enough that knob member 218 may be pushed into the engaged position without substantial interference from pawl 236. In some embodiments, pawl 236 is disposed within pawl recess 324 and generally trapped between knob cover 304 and knob core 296. As described below, top tab 384 may engage pivot tab 336 to prevent axial movement of pawl 236. Similarly, beam tab 385 extending downwardly from knob cover 304 may engage an upper surface of pawl beam 330 to prevent axial movement thereof.

[0050] The pawl spring portion 332 may be a cantilever or arched spring as shown in the illustrated embodiment, although any other suitable type of spring may be used. The pawl spring portion 332 may extend out from the pawl base 328 in generally the same direction as the pawl beam portion 330. The pawl spring portion 332 may be curved away from the pawl beam portion 330. A generally cylindrical end piece 342 may be formed at the end of the pawl spring portion. The pawl spring portion 332 may be made of a material, thickness, and length such that the pawl spring portion 332 is resiliently flexible such that the pawl 236 flexes as it is displaced by the housing teeth 224 when the knob member 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. The pawl spring portion 332 is shown in a relaxed position in FIGS. 17 and 18. In some embodiments, the pawl beam portion 330 and the pawl spring portion 332 are formed independently and then combined to form the pawl 236. Thus, the pawl beam 330 and the pawl spring portion 332 do not have to be formed of the same material. For example, a metal pawl beam 330 may be advantageous due to its relatively high strength to thickness ratio, while it may be advantageous to use a plastic pawl spring portion 332. In some embodiments, the same material may be used even when the pawl beam 330 and the pawl spring portion 332 are formed separately. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17-18, the pawl spring portion 332 and the pawl beam 330 may be integrally formed of the same material as a single part, thus reducing manufacturing and assembly costs and complexity. In some embodiments, a different spring may be used than that shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, a metal or plastic leaf spring or a wire coil spring may be used in some applications.

[0051] Because the pawl beam 330 and the pawl spring portion 332 are separate pieces, the pawl spring portion 332 may be modified to bend more easily (e.g., by making the pawl spring portion 332 thinner) without reducing the amount of force the pawl beam 330 can withstand when the knob member 218 is twisted in the loosening direction. Similarly, the pawl beam 330 may be modified to withstand a greater force applied to the knob 218 in the loosening direction (e.g., by making the pawl beam 330 thicker) without reducing the flexibility of the pawl spring portion 332. Thus, the pawl 236 may be tuned to a desired level of flexibility and strength. For example, the pawl 236 may be configured to withstand a greater force when the knob member 218 is twisted in the loosening direction, while at the same time being easily radially displaceable when the knob member 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the force applied to the pawl 236 when the knob member 218 is twisted in the loosening direction is borne by the pawl beam 330 and substantially no force is borne by the pawl spring portion 332. This configuration may be advantageous over embodiments in which the pawl includes a load-bearing beam that also bends to displace the pawl (e.g., during tightening), because the load-bearing capacity of a flexible pawl decreases the more flexible the pawl is made, and the flexibility of the pawl decreases the more the beam is made to withstand higher forces. Thus, when using a flexible pawl beam, a sufficient amount of loosening force will cause the pawl beam to bend, thus compromising the lacing system. However, when using the pawl 236, the pawl beam 330 may be configured to be substantially rigid even when a relatively large loosening force is applied, and the pawl spring portion 332 may be configured to allow the pawl beam 330 to easily pivot when a tightening force is applied.

[0052] FIG. 19 is a top view showing pawl 236 positioned inside pawl recess 324 of knob core 296. Housing 220 is not shown in FIG. 19, but pawl 236 is shown in a position where pawl teeth 338a-b are meshed with housing teeth 224. FIG. 20 is a top view showing base member 214 and pawl 236 in the same position as FIG. 19, with pawl teeth 338a-b meshed with housing teeth 224. FIG. 21 is a top view of base member 214 and pawl 236 in a displaced configuration when knob member 218 is rotated in the tightening direction. Elements of knob member 218 and spool member 216, other than pawl 236, have been omitted from the views shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 for simplicity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pawl spring portion 332 may be partially bent to a less curved position than the relaxed position when inserted into the pawl recess 324. The bent pawl spring portion 332 causes the pawl beam 330 to be biased radially outward and tend to pivot against the pawl 236 such that the pawl teeth 338a-b abut radially outward against the housing teeth 224. When the knob member 218 is twisted in the loosening direction (indicated by arrow B), the first sides 334a-b of the pawl teeth 338a-b may abut against the first sides 258 of the housing teeth 224 to prevent the knob member 218 from rotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl recess 324 may be configured to accommodate the pawl 236 without the pawl spring portion 332 having to be partially bent. Thus, in some embodiments, the pawl spring portion 332 may be in a relaxed position when the pawl beam 330 is engaged with the housing tooth 224 to prevent the knob 218 from loosening. When the pawl beam 330 is displaced away from the housing tooth 224, the pawl spring portion 332 may transition from a relaxed state to a bent state such that the pawl beam 330 is biased toward the housing tooth 224. Also, as shown, for example, in some embodiments, one or more pawl teeth 338a-b may engage the housing tooth 224 at a location radially outward of a tangent line extending from the pivot axis 334 of the pawl 236. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the pawl tooth 338b may engage a corresponding housing tooth 224 at a location on a line angled radially outward from the tangent line C by an angle 345 that is at least about 5° and / or no more than about 15°, and in some embodiments, may be about 10°. Thus, when a loosening force is applied to the knob member 218 (indicated by arrow B), a component of the force is directed to urge the pawls 236 to pivot radially outward. Thus, when a greater loosening force is applied to the knob member 218, the pawl teeth 338a-b are urged into more tight engagement with the housing teeth 224. This may prevent the pawls 236 from accidentally disengaging from the housing teeth 224 when greater loosening forces are applied.As the pawl 236 is biased radially outward, the pawl beam may abut against the tip of one or more housing teeth 224 that are not engaged by the pawl teeth 338a-b, which may prevent the pawl beam 330 from bending outward and may transmit a portion of the loosening force to the housing. As described above, the surface 328a of the pawl base 328 may abut the surface 324a of the pawl recess 324, thus limiting the amount that the pawl 236 may rotate radially outward.

[0054] In some embodiments, multiple pawl teeth 338a-b may be used so that multiple pawl teeth 338a-b simultaneously engage multiple corresponding housing teeth 224, such that when the knob member 218 is twisted in the loosening direction, the applied force is distributed across multiple teeth per pawl 236 to prevent the knob member 218 from rotating in the loosening direction. By distributing the force across multiple teeth, the housing teeth 224 and pawl teeth 338a-b may be relatively small in size while providing sufficient meshing surface area between the first side 258 of the housing teeth 224 and the first side 344a-b of the pawl teeth 338a-b. For example, meshing of two pawl teeth 338a-b with two consecutive housing teeth 224 as shown may provide substantially the same meshing surface area as a single pawl tooth and housing tooth of twice the size shown to resist rotation in the loosening direction. As the size of the housing teeth 224 decreases, the number of housing teeth 224 may increase and the tightening resolution of the reel 204 may increase. When the knob member 218 is advanced in the tightening direction (indicated by arrow A) by one housing tooth 224, the rotational distance that the knob member 218 travels decreases as the size of the housing teeth 224 decreases and the number of housing teeth 224 increases. Thus, by using more and smaller housing teeth 224, the tightening resolution of the reel 204 increases so that the lacing system 200 can be more precisely tightened to a desired level of tightness. Also, as the size of the housing teeth 224 decreases, the distance that the pawls 236 are displaced radially inward as the knob member 218 is tightened also decreases, making it easier to rotate the knob member 218 in the tightening direction. It is important to note that in some embodiments, multiple pawl teeth 338a-b are used so that the knob member 218 can be easily rotated in the tightening direction while strongly resisting rotation in the loosening direction. Although two pawl teeth 338a-b are shown per pawl 236, additional pawl teeth (e.g., three, four, five, or more) can be used, and in some embodiments, a single pawl tooth can be used.20, in some embodiments, one or more of the pawl teeth 338a-b and the housing tooth 224 may be configured to lock together when fully engaged, thus preventing the pawl 236 from rotating radially inward unless the knob member 218 is moved in the tightening direction (indicated by arrow A). The surface 258 of the housing tooth 224 and the surface 334a of the pawl tooth 338a may form an angle 343 (e.g., at least about 5° and / or not more than about 15°, or alternatively about 10°) from a line D. This line D may be perpendicular to a tangent C to the pivot axis 334 of the corresponding pawl 236. The line D may be tangent to the arc traced by the surface 344a of the pawl tooth 338a as it pivots radially inward. Because surface 258 of housing tooth 224 is angled toward pawl beam 330, surface 344a may abut surface 258 when a force urges surface 344a to move in the direction of arrow D. Thus, when pawl teeth 338a fully engages housing tooth 224 such that surface 344a of pawl teeth 338a abuts surface 258 of housing tooth 224, pawl 236 is prevented from rotating radially inward because radially inward rotation would cause surface 344a of pawl teeth 338a to press more firmly against surface 258 of housing tooth 224. The angled interface between surfaces 258 and 344a may also result in a radially outward force on pawl 236 when a loosening force is applied (indicated by arrow B). To allow pawl 236 to rotate radially inward, pawl 236 may be moved in a clamping direction (indicated by arrow A) such that surface 344a of pawl tooth 338a disengages from surface 258 of housing tooth 224. Other pawl teeth (e.g., pawl tooth 338b) may operate similarly to pawl tooth 338a to prevent accidental disengagement of pawl 236.

[0055] When the knob member 218 is rotated in the tightening direction (indicated by arrow A), the second side 260 of the housing tooth 224 may slide along the second sides 346a-b of the pawl teeth 338a-b, causing the pawl 236 to rotate about the pivot axis (e.g., about the pivot tab 336) such that the pawl beam portion 330 is displaced radially inward away from the housing tooth 224, as shown in FIG. 21. As the pawl 236 rotates, the pawl spring portion 232 may bend further, e.g., to a less curved position, and the end piece 32 may slide along the wall of the pawl recess 224 further away from the pawl base 328. The curved end of the generally cylindrical end piece 342 may provide a small contact area between the end piece 342 and the wall of the pawl recess 224 to reduce the amount of friction therebetween as the end piece 342 slides. Once the tips of the pawl teeth 338a-b pass the tips of the housing teeth 224, the pawl 236 can snap radially outward into a position similar to that shown in Figure 20, except that the pawl 236 has advanced one housing tooth 224, or one step, in the tightening direction. To tighten the lacing system 200, the user can turn the knob member 218 in the tightening direction a desired amount, with the pawl 236 snapping back after each step to prevent rotation in the loosening direction.

[0056] As can be seen in Figures 20 and 21, the flange 337 of the pawl 236 may extend radially outward beyond the tips of the housing teeth 224, but the flange 337 may be located near the top of the pawl 236 where the flange 337 does not contact the housing teeth 224. Instead, the flange 337 may contact a portion of the wall 325 of the pawl recess 324, as can be seen in Figure 19. As the pawl 236 rotates, the flange 337 may rotate slightly relative to the wall of the pawl recess 324 to facilitate the desired rotational displacement of the pawl 236. The fit between the flange 337 and the wall 325 may also help maintain the approximate radial and axial position of the pawl 236 within the pawl recess 324.

[0057] The pawl 236 may be configured differently than shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible arm of the pawl spring portion 332 may be curved toward the pawl beam 330 (e.g., in the opposite direction than shown in the illustrated embodiment) and a central portion of the curved arm of the pawl spring portion 332 may move along the wall of the corresponding recess 324. In some embodiments, the curved arm may be configured to be more curved when in a more curved position (e.g., when the pawl beam 330 is displaced away from the housing tooth 224) than when the curved arm is in a less curved position (e.g., when the pawl beam 330 engages the housing tooth 224). In some embodiments, the flexible arm may be attached to the pawl 236 in a location other than shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the flexible arm of the pawl spring portion 332 may extend from the end of the pawl beam 330 furthest from the pivot tab 336. Also, in some embodiments, the pawl spring portion 332 may include a flexible arm that extends generally opposite the pawl beam portion 330, or generally radially inward, or in a variety of other suitable directions so long as the pawl spring portion 332 can be bent to bias the pawl beam portion 330 toward the housing teeth 224. As mentioned above, the pawl spring portion 332 may also be made from a leaf spring, a coil spring, or any other suitable biasing member configured to radially bias the pawl beam portion 330 toward the housing teeth 224.

[0058] While the various embodiments described herein include housing teeth 224 extending radially inward and pawls 236 configured to be biased radially outward toward the housing teeth 224, other configurations are possible. For example, the housing teeth 224 may extend radially outward. The housing teeth 224 may be formed, for example, on an outer surface of the shaft 244 or similar structure. In these embodiments, the pawls 236 may be configured to be biased radially inward toward the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, more housing teeth 224 may be included, and therefore it may be advantageous to position the housing teeth 224 closer to the circumference of the reel 204 (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiment) so that the housing teeth 224 are positioned along a greater circumference to increase the tightening resolution (number of teeth per revolution) of the reel 204.

[0059] 22 is a top view of the knob core 296, spring bushing 298, fastener 300, and knob spring 302 in an assembled form. Referring now to FIGS. 15, 16, and 22, the spring bushing 298 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a central opening 348 formed through its center. The outer surface of the spring bushing 298 may be wider at an upper portion 349 than at a bottom portion 351, forming a step 350 that may be configured to abut a nub 318 formed in the central opening 316 of the knob core 296 when the spring bushing 298 is fully inserted into the central opening 316 of the knob core 296. At the central opening 348 that passes through the center of the spring bushing 298, the upper portion may be wider than the lower portion to form a step 352.

[0060] The head 354 of the fastener 300 may abut a 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 may be a screw having a shaft 356 including threads 358 configured to mate with threads formed in a bore 246 formed in the shaft 244 of the housing. In some embodiments, the bore 246 may include a threaded metal insert or plastic threads molded as part of the bore 246. In some embodiments, the bore 246 does not have preformed threads and the threads 358 of the fastener 300 may thread into the bore 246 when the fastener 300 is initially inserted into the bore 246. The head 354 may include a recess 360. The recess 360 may be hexagonal or cross shaped or may be configured to allow a driver or other tool to turn the fastener 300. In some embodiments, the knob member 218 may be coupled to the housing 220 in some other manner, such as, for example, with interlocking fasteners or rivets or ultrasonic welding. Other alternatives are possible.

[0061] The knob spring 302 may include a pair of opposing engagement portions 362a-b that may be configured to engage the spring bushing 298. A pair of end pieces 364a-b may extend inwardly at a substantially right angle from the engagement portions 362a-b. An interconnecting portion 368, which may be formed to follow a partial circumference of a circle, may be attached to the engagement portions 362a-b by curved connecting portions 370a-b.

[0062] The knob spring 302 may be secured to the knob core 296. The wide engagement tab 320 may be configured to fit between the curved connections 370a-b of the knob spring 302, and the narrow engagement tab 322 may be configured to fit between the end pieces 364a-b of the knob spring 302 to prevent the knob spring 302 from rotating or moving relative to the knob core 296. In some embodiments, the wide engagement tab 320 and / or the narrow engagement tab 322 may be configured to receive the knob spring 302 such that the knob spring 302 is held in a slightly bent configuration with the curved connections 370a-b abutting the wide engagement tab 320 and / or the end pieces 364a-b abutting the narrow engagement tab 322. In some embodiments, the knob spring 302 may be prevented from moving axially by the knob cover 304 when the knob cover 304 is attached to the knob core 296.

[0063] The knob spring 302 may be configured such that the engagement portions 362a-b may be resiliently moved away from one another to allow the upper wider portion of the spring bushing 298 to pass between the engagement portions 362a-b. The spring bushing 298 may be in a disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 22, where the spring bushing 298 is located below the engagement portions 362a-b. In the engaged position, the upper wider portion 349 of the spring bushing 298 may be disposed above the engagement portions 362a-b of the knob spring 302. The upper wider portion 349 of the spring bushing may be wider than the distance between the engagement portions 362a-b of the knob spring 302 to prevent the spring bushing from unintentionally transitioning between the engaged and disengaged positions. A force may be applied to transition the spring bushing 298 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, for example, by pulling the knob member 218 axially away from the base member 214. The force causes the spring bushing 298 to press against the engagement portions 362a-b, causing the engagement portions 362a-b to resiliently move away from one another until the upper wide portion 359 of the spring bushing 298 passes between the engagement portions 362a-b. To transition the spring bushing 298 from the disengaged position to the engaged position, a force may be applied, for example, by pushing the knob member 218 axially toward the base member 214. The force causes the spring bushing 298 to press up against the engagement portions 362a-b, causing the engagement portions 362a-b to resiliently move away from one another until the upper wide portion 359 of the spring bushing 298 passes between the engagement portions 362a-b.

[0064] Many variations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the engagement portions 362a-b may be rigidly held in place and the spring bushing 298 may be made of a resiliently compressible material such that the spring bushing 298 may transition between engaged and disengaged positions by resiliently compressing and passing between the engagement portions 362a-b. In some embodiments, the fastener 300 and the spring bushing 298 may be combined into a single piece. The knob spring 302 may take a variety of other forms and may be attached to the knob core 296 in a variety of other ways such that the engagement portions 362a-b are configured to resiliently bend away from one another. The spring bushing 298 may be formed in a variety of other shapes other than those shown in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the spring bushing 298 may be rotationally symmetric and rotate with the knob core 296 and the knob spring 302. Thus, in some cases, the spring bushing 298 may have a flat side that engages the knob spring 302 along a line instead of just a point.

[0065] 15 and 16, the knob cover 304 may be generally disk-shaped. The knob cover 304 may have a dome-shaped or generally frustoconical top wall 372 and a peripheral wall 376 with a cavity 376 formed therein. A central opening 378 may be formed in the center of the top wall 372 to allow a driver or other tool to be inserted therethrough to engage the recess 360 of the fastener 300. The knob cover 304 may include a fastening tab 380 and a notch 382 configured to mate with a corresponding notch 312 and protrusion 314 of the knob core 196 to secure the knob cover 304 to the knob core 296 with a snap-fit ​​connection. The knob cover 304 may be secured to the knob core 296 in a variety of other ways, such as with an adhesive, a threaded connection, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable method. The knob cover 304 may be fixedly or removably attached to the knob core 296. When the knob cover 304 is attached to the knob core 296, the pawl 236, the spring bushing 298, the fastener 300, and the knob spring 302 may be enclosed therebetween.

[0066] An upper tab 384 may extend downwardly from a lower surface of the top wall 372 of the knob cover 304. The upper tab 384 may be aligned with the pivot tab 336 of the pawl 236, and the bottom surface of the upper tab 384 may contact or nearly contact the top surface of the pivot tab 336 of the pawl 236 to thereby prevent axial movement of the pawl. Various variations are possible. In some embodiments, the pivot tab 336 of the pawl 236 may fit within a bore formed in the knob cover 304 to secure the pawl 236 and allow the pawl 236 to pivot about the pivot tab 336.

[0067] A recess 386 may be formed in the center of the cavity 376 and may be configured to receive the upper wider portion 349 of the spring bushing 298 when the spring bushing 298 is in the engaged position.

[0068] The peripheral wall 374 of the knob cover 304 may include a notch 388 configured to receive a corresponding tab 390 formed on an inner surface of the knob grip 306. The knob grip 306 may be generally donut-shaped and may include outer ridges 392 and / or recesses 394 to facilitate retention of the knob member 218. In some embodiments, the knob grip 306 may be trimmed or divided into intermittent sections disposed about the periphery of the knob cover 304. Various variations are possible.

[0069] An opening 396 may be formed in a portion of the top wall 372 of the knob cover 304 to provide a view of some of the internal components of the reel 204 during use or to provide an exit path for water or other foreign matter to exit the reel 204.

[0070] As discussed above, the knob member 218 may be axially movable between an interlocking position and an uninterlocking position. FIG. 23A is an exploded view of the reel 204 with the knob member 218 in an interlocking configuration. FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of the reel 204 with the knob member 218 in an interlocking configuration. FIG. 24A is an exploded view of the reel 204 with the knob member 218 in an uninterlocking configuration. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the reel 204 with the knob member 218 in an uninterlocking configuration. The knob member 218 may be secured to the base member 214 by twisting the fastener 300 such that the threads 358 mate with corresponding threads in the bore 246 formed in the shaft 244. In some embodiments, when the fastener 300 is sufficiently tightened, the portion of the shaft 244 that extends up beyond the spool member 216 may enter a lower portion of the central opening 348 formed through the spring bushing 298. The bottom end 398 of the spring bushing 298 may abut or nearly abut the inner annular region 400 of the spool teeth 232 .

[0071] 23A and 23B, when the knob member 218 is in the interlocking position, the spring bushing 298 and fastener 300 may be held in a raised position by the knob spring 302, as described above, so that the bottom end 398 of the spring bushing 298 does not extend beyond the central opening 316 of the knob core 296. Thus, the knob member 218 is held in a lower interlocking position (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) with the bottom of the knob core 296 abutting or adjacent to the top surface of the spool member 216. Thus, when in the interlocking position, the knob teeth 234 mesh with the spool teeth 232 and the pawls 236 mesh with the housing teeth 224.

[0072] 24A and 24B, when the knob member 218 is in the uninterlocked position, the spring bushing 298 and fastener 300 may be held in a lowered position by the knob spring 302, as described above, such that the bottom end 398 of the spring bushing 298 extends beyond the central opening 316 of the knob core 296 by at least about 1.0 mm and / or no more than about 3 mm, and in some embodiments, by about 2.25 mm, although other configurations outside these ranges are possible. As the bottom end 398 of the spring bushing 298 abuts or remains nearly abutting the annular region 400 of the spool member 216, the knob member 218 is lifted away from the spool member 216 and base member 214 an amount (e.g., about 2.25 mm) sufficient to disengage the knob teeth 234 from the spool teeth 232 and / or the pawls 236 from the housing teeth 224. In the illustrated embodiment, when the knob is in the uncoupled position, the knob teeth 234 are disengaged from the spool teeth 232 and the pawl 236 is also disengaged from the housing teeth 224. Thus, in the illustrated uncoupled configuration, the spool member 216 may be freely rotated in a loosening direction independent of the knob member 218 to loosen the lacing system 200, and the knob member 218 may be freely rotated in both the tightening and loosening directions.

[0073] Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, when in the uninterlocked position, the knob teeth 234 may disengage from the spool teeth 232 while the pawl 236 continues to engage with the housing teeth 224 (e.g., if the step 340 shown in FIG. 17 is made larger so that the pawl teeth 338a-b extend further downward). In these embodiments, the knob member 218 may be prevented from rotating in the loosening direction even when in the uninterlocked position, but the spool member 216 may be free to rotate in the loosening direction independent of the knob member 218 to allow the lace 206 to be withdrawn to loosen the lacing system 200. In some embodiments, when in the uninterlocked position, the knob teeth 234 may continue to engage with the spool teeth 232 (e.g., if the knob teeth 234 and / or the spool teeth 232 are made taller than in the illustrated embodiment) while the pawl 236 may disengage from the housing teeth 224. In these embodiments, the spool member 216 remains coupled to the knob member 218 even when in the uninterlocked position, but the knob member 218 and the spool member 216 are permitted to rotate together in a slackening direction to release the string 206 from the reel 204 to slacken the lacing system 200. Other variations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the spool member 216 may be integrally formed with the knob member 218, or may be fixedly or removably attached to the knob member 218, and the spool teeth 232 and knob teeth 234 may be omitted.

[0074] As discussed above, when in the uninterlocked position, the pawl 236 may be lifted sufficiently to disengage from the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, because the pawl is biased radially outward by the pawl spring portion 232, the pawl 236 may bend radially outward such that a portion of the bottom surface of the pawl 236 rests on a portion of the top surface of the housing teeth 224. Thus, in some embodiments, when the knob member 218 is transitioned back to the interlocked position, the pawl 236 must bend radially inward such that the pawl 236 may re-engage with the housing teeth 224. Also, as discussed above, at least a portion of the top surface 266 of the housing teeth 224 may be angled or sloped, and / or at least a portion of the bottom surface 339 of the pawl 236 may be angled or sloped, such that downward pressure applied when the knob member is returned to the interlocked position may cause the pawl 236 to bend radially inward to facilitate re-engagement of the pawl 236 with the housing teeth 224. In some embodiments, the pawl recesses 324 or other portions of the knob member 218 can be configured to prevent the pawls 236 from bending radially outward beyond the radial position where the pawls 236 engage with the housing teeth 224, thus reducing or eliminating the need to bend the pawls 236 inward when the knob member 218 is transitioned to the interlocking position.

[0075] The knob member 218 may be transitioned from the engaged position to the unengaged position by pulling the knob member 218 axially away from the base member 214 with sufficient force to cause the spring bushing 298 to displace the knob spring 302 and pass therethrough. To transition the knob member 218 from the unengaged position to the engaged position, the knob member 218 may be pushed axially toward the base member 214 with sufficient force to cause the spring bushing 298 to displace the knob spring 302 and pass therethrough.

[0076] The radial engagement of the pawls 236 with the housing teeth 224 may reduce or eliminate the occurrence of unintended transitions of the knob member 218 from an engaged position to an unengaged position due to the application of a force tending to twist the knob member 218 in a loosening direction. When the string 206 is pulled, the string may impart a force tending to twist the spool member 216 in a loosening direction, which may be transmitted to the knob 218 via the spool teeth 232 and the knob teeth 234, and the pawls 236 may distribute the force radially among a certain number of the housing teeth 224. Because the pawls 236 engage the housing teeth radially, not axially, and because the pawls 236 are configured to be displaced radially (when tightening the reel 204), substantially no force is applied axially to the knob 218. Thus, the radial pawls 236 do not transmit any substantial forces axially tending to separate the spool teeth 232 from the knob teeth 234, which may result in unintended disengagement of the knob member and / or unintended loosening of the spool member 216. Thus, the reel 204 may be configured to withstand much greater forces applied to pull on the string 206 or to twist the knob member 218 in a direction to loosen it, without unintended disengagement of the knob member 218 than a reel 204 in which the pawls axially mesh with the housing teeth, and the pawls are configured to displace axially during tightening.

[0077] Also, in some embodiments, a force applied to the pawl 236 as the knob 218 is twisted in the loosening direction is supported by the pawl beam 330 such that substantially no force is transferred to the pawl spring portion 332. Thus, the pawl spring portion 332 may be configured to be flexible, while the pawl beam 330 may be configured to be substantially rigid. Thus, while the pawl 236 may be configured to resist a relatively large force applied to twist the knob member 218 in the loosening direction because the force is supported by the rigid pawl beam 330, the pawl may also be configured to rotate in the related direction when a relatively small force is applied to twist the knob member 218 in the tightening direction because the force is transferred to the flexible pawl spring portion 332.

[0078] The components of the lacing system described herein may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, but not limited to, plastic, carbon or other fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, steel, rubber, as well as any other suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the base member 214, spool member 216, knob core 296, pawl 236, spring bushing 298, knob cover 304, lace guide, or other suitable components described herein may be injection molded or otherwise formed from any suitable polymeric material, such as nylon, PVC, or PET. Additionally, some of the components described herein may be coated or layered with a lubricating material to reduce friction with interacting components or parts. The fastener 300 and knob spring 302 may be made from metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), although other materials such as plastic may be used. The knob grip 306 may be formed from rubber, latex, silicone, or other material that facilitates gripping of the knob member 218.

[0079] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member 414 that may be used in place of the base member 214 described above. The base member 414 may include a housing 420 and a mounting flange 422, and may be generally similar to the base member 214 described above, except that the lacing holes 426a-b may be configured to direct the lace radially away from the base member 414, rather than axially away from the base member 214 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Also, the lacing holes 426a-b are generally located on the same side of the base member 414, rather than at both ends as in the base member 214 described above. Many variations are possible depending on the particular application to which the lacing system is applied. For example, in some embodiments, the base member may include only one lacing hole, and only one end of the lace may enter the housing and be attached to the spool member. In these embodiments, the other end of the lace may be attached to the base member or the article to be fastened.

[0080] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a knob core 596 that may be used in a reel that may be similar in many respects to the reel 204 described herein. The knob core 596 may include a pawl 536 that may be integrally formed with the knob core 596 to simplify construction and assembly of the reel. In other embodiments, the pawl 536 may be attached to the knob core 596 in any suitable manner. The pawl 536 may include a pawl arm portion 532 that may be made of a material, thickness, and length that is flexible to allow the pawl 536 to be displaced radially inward by the housing teeth as the knob core 596 rotates in the tightening direction (indicated by arrow A) in a manner similar to that described above. The pawl 536 may include pawl teeth 538a-b formed at the end of the pawl arm portion 532. In the illustrated embodiment, two pawl teeth 538a-b are used per pawl 536, although any other suitable number of pawl teeth 538a-b may be used.

[0081] When knob core 596 is twisted in the loosening direction (indicated by arrow B), pawl teeth 538a-b may abut against housing teeth (not shown in FIG. 26) to prevent knob core 596 from rotating in the loosening direction. The force arrows depicted in FIG. 26 indicate the direction in which the force is distributed radially. When pawl teeth 538a-b abut against a housing tooth, a force is applied from pawl teeth 538a-b to the housing tooth as shown. Pawl arms 532 may be curved as shown, so that when pawl teeth 538a-b abut against a housing tooth, pawl arms 532 tend to bend or buckle radially outward as shown by the arrows in FIG. 26. The pawls 536 can be configured such that the housing teeth abut the pawl arms 532 such that if the pawl arms 532 attempt to bend or buckle radially outward, they abut the tips of the housing teeth and distribute the force to the housing teeth in the direction of deformation and prevent buckling. In some embodiments, the housing teeth can substantially prevent the pawl arms 532 from moving radially outward. Because the pawls 536 engage the housing teeth radially rather than axially and the pawls 536 are configured to be displaced radially rather than axially during tightening, any force applied when twisting substantially in the loosening direction is not applied axially, thus reducing or eliminating the occurrence of unintended axial movement of the knob core 596 from the engaged position to the unengaged position.

[0082] Although various embodiments of lacing systems are described herein, various components, features, or other aspects of the embodiments of lacing systems described herein may be combined or interchanged to form additional embodiments of lacing systems not expressly described herein, all of which are considered to be part of this disclosure. In addition, while a number of variations have been shown and described in detail, other modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the scope of the disclosure should not be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

1. 1. A reel-type closure device for fastening an article, comprising: a housing having an interior region; a spool rotatably disposed within the interior region of the housing, the spool configured such that a tension member can be wound around the spool to clamp the article; a rotation control component operatively coupled to the spool to allow the spool to rotate in a first direction within the interior region of the housing while preventing rotation of the spool in a second direction; a knob rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob rotates the spool in the first direction within the interior region of the housing to wind the tension member around the spool; a boss or bushing disposed within the interior region of the housing and axially aligned with an axis of the spool, the boss or bushing being operatively coupled to the rotational control component and including a radially outwardly extending feature supporting the rotational control component in an axially elevated position that allows the spool to rotate in the second direction; A reel-type closing device comprising:

2. 2. The reel closure device of claim 1, wherein the radially outwardly extending feature of the boss or bushing supports the rotational control component even in an axially lowered position where rotation of the spool in the second direction is prevented.

3. The reel closure device of claim 1 , wherein the radially outwardly extending feature of the boss or bushing is cylindrical in shape.

4. 3. The reel closure device of claim 2, wherein the radially outwardly extending feature includes a tapered upper surface and a tapered lower surface such that the radially outwardly extending feature has a generally diamond shape.

5. The reel closure device of claim 2 , wherein a top of the radially outwardly extending feature is wider than a bottom of the radially outwardly extending feature.

6. The reel closure device of claim 1 , wherein the boss or bushing includes a central opening through which a fastener can be inserted.

7. The reel closure device of claim 1 , wherein the boss or bushing engages a spring component to support the rotational control component in the axially elevated position.

8. The reel closure device of claim 7 , wherein the radially outwardly extending feature of the boss or bushing defines an annular projection having a diameter larger than the opening of the spring component.

9. The reel closure device of claim 7 , wherein the spring component is a component of the rotational control component.

10. The reel closure device of claim 1 , wherein the boss or bushing is made from a resiliently compressible material.

11. A reel-type closing device, Housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing; a clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool such that movement of the clamping member rotates the spool in a first direction within the housing to wind a tension member around the spool; a boss or bushing disposed within the housing, the boss or bushing being operatively coupled to the clamping member and including a radially outwardly extending feature that supports the clamping member in an axially elevated position thereby permitting the spool to rotate in a second direction and unwind the tension member from around the spool; A reel-type closing device comprising:

12. 12. The reel closure device of claim 11, wherein the boss or bushing is made from a resiliently compressible material.

13. 12. The reel closure device of claim 11, wherein the radially outwardly extending feature includes a tapered upper surface and a tapered lower surface such that the radially outwardly extending feature has a generally diamond shape.

14. 14. The reel closure device of claim 13, wherein a top of the radially outwardly extending feature is wider than a bottom of the radially outwardly extending feature.

15. The reel closure device of claim 11 , wherein the boss or bushing includes a central opening through which a fastener can be inserted.

16. 12. The reel closure device of claim 11, further comprising a rotational control component operably coupled to the spool to allow the spool to rotate in the first direction and prevent the spool from rotating in the second direction.

17. 17. The reel closure device of claim 16, wherein the boss or bushing engages the rotational control component to support the rotational control component in an axially elevated position.

18. 18. The reel closure device of claim 17, wherein the rotational control component is axially movable about the boss or bushing between the axially raised and axially lowered positions.

19. 18. The reel closure device of claim 17, wherein the boss or bushing engages a spring component of the rotational control component to support the rotational control component in the axially raised position.

20. A reel-type closing device, Housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing; a clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool such that movement of the clamping member rotates the spool in a first direction within the housing and winds a tension member around the spool; a boss or bushing disposed within the housing, the boss or bushing including a radially outwardly extending feature operably coupled to the clamping member to support the reel-type closure device in an engaged position that prevents the spool from rotating in a second direction to unwind the tension member from around the spool; A reel-type closing device comprising:

21. 21. The reel closure device of claim 20, further comprising a pawl component operably coupled to the spool to allow rotation of the spool in the first direction and prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the reel closure device is in the engaged position.

22. Sole and an upper coupled to the sole; a tensioning member capable of being tensioned to tighten the footwear about the wearer's foot; one or more guides positioned along the footwear, the one or more guides positioned to guide or direct the tension member about a path along the footwear; A reel-type closing device, Housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing; a clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the spool such that movement of the clamping member rotates the spool in a first direction within the housing and wraps the tension member around the spool, thereby tensioning the tension member; and a boss or bushing disposed within the housing, the boss or bushing operatively coupled to the clamping member and including a radially outwardly extending feature that supports the clamping member in an axially elevated position thereby allowing the spool to rotate in a second direction and unwind the tension member from around the spool; 1. An article of footwear comprising:

Images