System and method for rotary closure
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PRIDE MANUFACTURING CO LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to closure systems that may be used in combination in any of a variety of applications including apparel, such as in a low friction lacing system for footwear that provides even tightening pressure across a wearer's foot. [Background technology]
[0002] Previous efforts at rotary closure systems for securely lacing shoes can have inherent drawbacks, such as a tendency to lock in a relaxed position or to jam when rotated too far in the wrong direction. Previous rotary closure designs included a housing that completely enclosed the spool, which can cause the pulling element to become tangled within the housing and can also interfere with the rotation of the spool. Furthermore, if a mistake is made during assembly or components are misaligned, one runs the risk of damaging the rotary closure by attempting to realign the rotary closure components.
[0003] Additionally, conventional rotating closure designs require manufacturing mirrored components to form left-handed and right-handed rotating closures, and the user and / or customer must pre-select which type of closure they want.
[0004] It is with particular regard to these observations in mind that the various aspects of the present disclosure have been conceived and developed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] According to one aspect, the rotary closure system includes a dial having a protrusion on an underside thereof for engaging a pawl assembly. The pawl assembly is coupled with teeth on a housing that receives the spool therein. The housing has teeth around a periphery, and the pawl assembly is engageable with the teeth or with spaces between the teeth. A flange or base member may be coupled to or integral with the housing.
[0006] The rotary closure system has a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position, in which the inner arm of the pawl assembly engages the spool and teeth of the housing, and in which the inner arm of the pawl assembly disengages the spool, in which the inner arm of the pawl assembly engages the teeth of the spool, and in which the inner arm of the pawl assembly disengages the spool.
[0007] In some embodiments, the claw assembly comprises a first claw and a second claw. In some embodiments, the first claw and the second claw are reversible. In other embodiments, the first claw and the second claw are directional and not reversible.
[0008] According to another aspect, the first and second pawls each include a body having (i) a first inner arm for engaging the spool, (ii) a second outer arm for engaging teeth on the housing and incrementally tightening the spool when the dial is turned in a first, locked position in a locking direction, and (iii) a third outer arm for engaging the dial. The second outer arm may include an angled projection for engaging the teeth on the housing. The lower projection of the dial may include a first projection for engaging the first pawl of the pawl assembly and a second projection for engaging the second pawl of the pawl assembly.
[0009] According to another aspect, the first protrusion of the dial engages the third outer arm of the first pawl and the second protrusion of the dial engages the third outer arm of the second pawl. In some embodiments, the dial further comprises a first protuberance on an underside of the dial, where in the second position, the unlocked position, the first protuberance is disposed radially inward from the angled protrusion of the second outer arm of the first pawl to prevent the second outer arm of the first pawl from flexing radially inward. The first and second protrusions of the dial may be angled.
[0010] According to another aspect, the third outer arm for engaging the dial includes a protrusion extending radially inward to interface with the dial protrusion and provide resistance between the first position, the locked position, and the second position, the unlocked position.
[0011] According to one aspect, the rotary closure system includes a flange coupled to a housing and a spool received within the housing. A first pawl element and a second pawl element engage an interior side of the dial and the housing. The first pawl element and the second pawl element form a pawl assembly.
[0012] According to another aspect, the pawl assembly has a first position to enable the rotatable closure to be a right-handed rotatable closure and a second position to enable the rotatable closure to be a left-handed rotatable closure.
[0013] According to yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a rotateable closure system can be provided. The method includes manufacturing a reversible pawl assembly such that the pawl assembly can be rotated or flipped to allow the rotateable closure system to be right-handed or left-handed. In some configurations, all components of the rotateable system are manufactured the same regardless of whether the system is for a right-handed or left-handed rotateable system.
[0014] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of the various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
[0015] The following drawings depict what are presently believed to be certain representative configurations for carrying out the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to be limiting as to embodiments that may be made in accordance with the present disclosure. Components within the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 shows a top exploded perspective view of the various components of a first embodiment of a rotating closure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a bottom exploded perspective view of various components of the rotating closure of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1 is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotary closure system showing the pawl assembly in a locked position to allow tightening of the rotary closure system. [Figure 2B] 2B is a top cross-sectional view of the rotary closure system of FIG. 2A in an unlocked position that allows the pawl assembly to be loosened. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the rotary closure system shown in FIG. 2A in a locked position. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of a portion of the rotary closure system shown in FIG. 2B in an unlocked position. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 shows a top exploded perspective view of the various components of a first embodiment of a rotating closure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 4 shows a bottom exploded perspective view of various components of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an assembly diagram of the rotary closure of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 5A] 5A shows a cutaway view of the rotary closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the rotary closure of FIGS. 3A-B taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6A] 5A-5C are a series of diagrams illustrating bottom perspective views of the rotary closure subassembly of FIGS. 3A-B before and after engaging a spool with the subassembly. [Figure 6B] 5A-5C are a series of diagrams illustrating bottom perspective views of the rotary closure subassembly of FIGS. 3A-B before and after engaging a spool with the subassembly. [Figure 7A] 5A-5C are a series of top, bottom and top plan views of a flange or base member of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B, defining a solid flange floor. [Figure 7B] 5A-5C are a series of top, bottom and top plan views of a flange or base member of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B, defining a solid flange floor. [Figure 7C] 5A-5C are a series of top, bottom and top plan views of a flange or base member of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B, defining a solid flange floor. [Figure 8A] 5A-5C are a series of top, bottom and top plan views of the flange of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B, defining a solid flange floor. [Figure 8B] 5A-5C are a series of top, bottom and top plan views of the flange of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B, defining a solid flange floor. [Figure 8C] 5A-5C are a series of top, bottom and top plan views of the flange of the rotating closure of FIGS. 3A-B, defining a solid flange floor. [Figure 9A] 5A-5C are a series of diagrams showing a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a top plan view, and a side view of the spool of the rotary closure of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 9B]5A-5C are a series of diagrams showing a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a top plan view, and a side view of the spool of the rotary closure of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 9C] 5A-5C are a series of diagrams showing a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a top plan view, and a side view of the spool of the rotary closure of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 9D] 5A-5C are a series of diagrams showing a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a top plan view, and a side view of the spool of the rotary closure of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 10A] 1A-1C are a series of diagrams illustrating a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a pawl assembly and a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a single pawl element of the pawl assembly. [Figure 10B] 1A-1C are a series of diagrams illustrating a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a pawl assembly and a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a single pawl element of the pawl assembly. [Figure 10C] 1A-1C are a series of diagrams illustrating a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a pawl assembly and a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a single pawl element of the pawl assembly. [Figure 10D] 1A-1C are a series of diagrams illustrating a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a pawl assembly and a first top perspective view and a top plan view of a single pawl element of the pawl assembly. [Figure 11A] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view showing the dial of FIGS. 3A-B. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a bottom exploded perspective view showing the dial and pawl assembly. [Figure 11C] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view showing the dial coupled with the pawl assembly. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a top plan cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotating closure in a locked position. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a top plan cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a rotating closure in an unlocked position. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a rotary closure system in which the pawl assembly is inverted relative to FIGS. 3A-B to allow for counterclockwise rotation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present disclosure generally relates to a rotary closure. Various embodiments of the rotary closure can have a reversible pawl assembly rotated 180 degrees to be used in an orientation suitable for a right-handed wearer or when it is most convenient to wind the dial in a clockwise direction to tighten, and a left-handed wearer or when it is most convenient to wind the dial in a counterclockwise direction to tighten. By simply rotating the reversible pawl assembly 180 degrees, the same spool, housing, dial, and base member can be used. There is no need to manufacture different parts. In other configurations, the rotary closure system is not identical for clockwise and counterclockwise tightening directions, i.e., the same pawl does not allow for left-handed and right-handed tightening pawl systems.
[0018] Additionally, the housing provides increased spooling capacity and reduces jamming of the pulling element which would otherwise be repeatedly pulled and relaxed about the spool.With reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a rotating closure for a shoe is shown and generally designated 100.
[0019] One embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described in the rotating closure of Figures 1A-2D. Figure 1A shows a top exploded perspective view of a rotating closure 100, and Figure 1B shows a bottom exploded perspective view of the rotating closure of Figure 1A. As shown, the rotating closure 100 includes a dial 105, a pawl assembly 104, a housing 102, and a base member 106.
[0020] The dial 105 includes a protrusion or ramp 182 on an underside or inner surface 178 of the dial 105 for engaging the pawl assembly 104. The pawl assembly 104 is coupled with teeth on the housing 102. The pawl assembly 104 has a locked position for engaging the spool 103 and an unlocked position for disengaging from the spool 103. The pawl assembly 104 may include one or more pawls. The housing 102 includes a void or space for receiving the spool 103 and the teeth for engaging the pawl assembly 104. A base member 106 is provided at the base of the housing 102 for receiving the housing and coupling the rotating closure system to footwear or another desired application. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the flange is integral with the housing, i.e., the housing includes a flange at the base of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the flange can be a separate component coupled to the housing 102.
[0021] The rotary closure 100 includes a housing 102 that further defines a spool passage 124 that engages the pawl assembly 104 and the dial 105 and can partially enclose the spool 103. To assemble the rotary closure 100, the pawl assembly 104 is coupled with the dial 105, which are then coupled with the housing 102 to form a subassembly. The spool 103 can then be placed within the spool passage 124 of the housing 102.
[0022] When assembled, the rotating closure system 100 has a locked position for engaging the spool 103 and an unlocked position for disengaging from the spool 103. In one embodiment, the locked position has each of the two members of the pawl assembly, namely (i) an inner arm 161 (FIG. 2A) that engages with teeth on the spool 103 such that the spool 103 rotates when the dial 105 is rotated, and (ii) an outer arm 162 having an angled projection 163 that engages with teeth on the housing such that the spool 103 can only be turned in one direction when the pawl assembly is in the locked position. The second outer arm may engage the dial 105. In the unlocked position in this embodiment (FIG. 2B), the inner arm 161 is released from the spool 103. That is, the unlocked position has each of the two members of the pawl assembly, namely (i) an inner arm 161 (FIG. 2B) disengaged from the teeth of the spool 103 such that it is decoupled from rotation of the spool 103 as the dial 105 rotates, and (ii) an outer arm 162 having an angled protrusion 163 that remains engaged with the teeth of the housing. In other embodiments, the outer arm 162 may also optionally be disengaged from the teeth of the housing.
[0023] In use, the rotary closure system is placed in a desired orientation for tightening (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the tightening direction is shown as counterclockwise). To tighten the lace, the dial is rotated in the tightening (or locking) direction, and the dial 105 turns the spool 103 through its connection to the spool 103 via the inner arm 161 of the pawl assembly 104. The inner arm 161 of the pawl assembly 104 is connected to the dial 105 via a protrusion 182 on the inner surface of the dial 105. The angled protrusion 163 of the outer arm 162 incrementally tightens the spool 103 as it travels along each tooth of the housing 102. To release the lace, the dial is rotated in the unlocking direction (here counterclockwise, see FIG. 2B), and the protrusion or ramp on the underside of the dial no longer presses the pawl assembly into the spool teeth, allowing the spool 103 to rotate freely in the unlocked position.
[0024] In some embodiments, a protrusion 164 is provided on one or more of the outer arms 162 of the pawl assembly. This radially inwardly extending protrusion 164 engages the radially outward side of a protrusion 182 on the dial 105 to provide a designed resistance between the locked and unlocked positions.
[0025] 2A-2B show a directional dial 105 with a pawl assembly 104, a directional or non-directional dial 105 can be used as desired. A dial with a particular directionality can increase system strength. Similarly, other aspects of the system, such as the spool teeth, housing teeth, etc., can be directional or non-directional.
[0026] In some embodiments, the dial further includes one or more humps 181 on the inside or underside of the dial 105 that may improve the reliability of placing the system in the locked position. These humps 181 on the dial are located directly radially inward from the angled protrusions 163 of the outer arms 162 of the pawl assembly 104 when in the unlocked position (see arrows in FIG. 2B and especially FIG. 2D), preventing the angled protrusions 163 from being able to flex radially inward to click forward on the housing teeth. Until these dial protrusions 182 engage the inner arms 161 of the pawl assembly 104 and force the inner arms into the spool teeth, the humps will prevent the pawl assembly 104 from clicking forward against the housing. After these inner arms are engaged, the humps 181 move away from the angled protrusions 163 of the pawls (see FIG. 2C), allowing them to click forward on the housing.
[0027] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described in the rotary closure of Figures 3A-6B. Figure 3A shows a top exploded perspective view of a rotary closure 100, and Figure 3B shows a bottom exploded perspective view of the rotary closure of Figure 3A. As shown, the rotary closure 100 includes a dial 105 for rotating a spool 103 and an improved reversible pawl assembly 104. The reversible pawl assembly 104 is attached to an inner surface 178 of the dial 105 by two opposing ramps 182 on the underside of the dial 105, as described in more detail below.
[0028] The rotary closure 100 includes a housing 102 that further defines a spool passage 124 that engages the pawl assembly 104 and the dial 105 and can partially enclose the spool 103. To assemble the rotary closure 100, the pawl assembly 104 is coupled with the dial 105, which are then coupled with the housing 102 to form the subassembly 101 shown in Figure 6A. The spool 103 can then be placed within the spool passage 124 of the housing 102, as shown in Figure 6B.
[0029] When assembled, the dial 105 operably engages the pawl assembly 104 and the spool 103 to rotate the spool 103 within the housing 102 in a first rotational direction to tension the tensioning element around the spool and in a second rotational direction to relax the tensioning element. When assembled, the components of the subassembly 101 and the spool 103 are aligned along a common central axis. The assembled spool 103 and subassembly 101 including the dial 105, the pawl assembly 104, and the housing 102 can then be coupled to a base member 106, which is secured along an exterior portion of a shoe (not shown) to complete the assembly. In some embodiments, the dial 105 can include a logo or other indicia. In some embodiments, the base member 106 is not a separate element, but can be integral with the housing 102 with a flange or other suitable mechanism to allow the rotating closure 100 to be sewn or otherwise attached to a shoe or the like.
[0030] 7A-7C, in some embodiments, the base member 106 couples the assembled components of the rotatable closure 100 to a shoe or another article by engaging with the housing 102 (FIGS. 3A-3B). In some embodiments, the base member 106 defines a closed body 108 having a circular shape that forms a flanged floor 116 for engaging the housing 102 during assembly. The flanged closed body 108 surrounds the underside of the spool 103 and couples with the housing 102 such that the spool 103 is collectively enclosed between the dial 105, the housing 102, and the base member 106.
[0031] The closed body defines first and opposing second flange walls 111, 112 that enclose the housing 102 and a rim 113 that extends beyond the first and opposing second flange walls 111, 112. The first and opposing second flange walls 111, 112 collectively define first and opposing second flange windows 119A, 119B for passage of the tensioning element. The flange floor 116 of the base member 106 forms a plurality of seats 115A-B that receive a plurality of respective shoulders 129A-B (FIG. 8B) of the housing 102.
[0032] Base member 106 further includes a first slot 109 formed opposite second slot 110 for coupling opposite sides of housing 102 to base member 106. Housing 102 may include first and second retaining members (127A and 127B, see Figures 8A-C below) for engaging first and second slots 109 and 110, respectively.
[0033] 8A-8C show a housing 102 for the rotary closure 100. In some embodiments, the housing 102 forms a generally circular body that defines a spool passage 124 for receiving and rotating the spool 103. The circular body defines a circular inner wall formed coaxially within the circular outer wall. As shown, the circular outer wall defines a circumferential flange 128 around the exterior of the circular outer wall that is configured to engage the dial 105, such engagement being shown in FIG. 6A. The circular outer wall also defines a plurality of teeth 123 along the interior of the circular outer wall for engaging the pawl assembly 104. The spool passage 124 is defined through the center of the housing 102, and the diameter of the spool passage 124 allows for placement and free rotation of the spool 103 within the spool passage 124.
[0034] As further shown in FIG. 6B, the spool passage 124 partially encloses the spool 103 and allows access to an underside of the spool 103 while the spool 103 is disposed within the housing 102. The plurality of teeth 123 of the housing 102 operatively engage a first reversible pawl assembly arm 161 of a first pawl element and a second reversible pawl assembly arm of a second pawl element of the pawl assembly 104 (FIGS. 10A-10D) as the dial 105, pawl assembly 104, and spool 103 are incrementally rotated in a first rotational direction while the tensioning element is tightened around the spool 103. In some configurations, the plurality of teeth 123 of the housing 102 are generally symmetrical to allow the reversible pawl assembly 104 to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the operation of which is described in more detail below.
[0035] 8B, the housing 102 defines a pair of opposing retaining members 127A and 127B configured to engage with first and second slots 109 and 110, respectively, of the base member 106 during assembly of the rotatable closure 100. In some configurations, the first and second retaining members 127A and 128B form first and second tang portions 117 and 118, respectively, at their free ends. The first and second tang portions 117 and 118 may couple with the slots of the housing 102 in a snap-fit engagement.
[0036] The housing also defines a first arch 126A and a second arch 126B configured to pass one or more lacing (pulling) elements (not shown) between the interior of the spool passageway 124 and the exterior of the housing 102. Returning briefly to FIG. 6B, when assembled, the first arch 126A and the second arch 126B allow access to the pulling elements (not shown) and the spool 103 while the spool 103 is coupled with the housing 102. The first arch 126A and the second arch 126B make it less likely that the pulling elements will jam, particularly with respect to both the tension and relaxation functions required for the rotating closure 100.
[0037] 9A-9D, the spool 103 controls the movement of a tensioning element (not shown), such as a cable or wire used to lace a shoe (not shown), by the movement of a rotating closure 100 seated within a spool passageway 124 of the housing 102 (as shown in FIG. 6B). In some embodiments, the spool 103 includes a body 130 forming a spool base 132 and a spool flange 131, which collectively define a neck 134 and an extension 133 extending axially from the spool flange 131. The neck 134 receives the tensioning element to be wrapped around the neck 134. The extension 133 forms a plurality of teeth 136 which collectively form a plurality of recesses 140 juxtaposed between respective ridges 141 formed circumferentially around a periphery 137 of the extension 133 for engaging the pawl assembly 104 (FIGS. 10A-10D).
[0038] The teeth 136 operably engage the pawl members 152 of the pawl assembly 104 to rotate the spool 103 in a first rotational direction, essentially "catching" the spool 103 and forcing the dial 105 and pawl assembly 104 to rotate the spool 103 in the first rotational direction. As further shown, in some embodiments, the body 130 of the spool 103 defines a first window 144 and a second window 145. Structurally, the first window 144 and the second window 145 allow the pulling element to pass through in order to secure the pulling element to the body 130 of the spool 103 while the pulling element is wound around the spool 103 during operation of the rotary closure 100.
[0039] 10A-10D, the pawl assembly 104 includes a first pawl 150a and a second pawl 150b. In some embodiments, the pawls 150a and 150b are identical and reversible. Each of the pawls includes a body 155 having (i) a first inner arm 161 including a pawl member 152 for engaging the extension 133 of the spool 103, (ii) a second outer arm 162a for engaging the housing 102, and (iii) a third outer arm 162b for engaging the dial 105. In some embodiments, the pawl member 152 defines a distal portion 166 disposed away from the body 155, the distal portion 166 forming an inwardly extending projection 167 that defines a pawl recess 169.
[0040] In operation, the pawl assembly 104 operatively engages the extension 133 (FIG. 8A) of the spool 103 to control rotation of the spool 103, essentially "catching" the spool 103. For example, in the locked configuration, the pawl recesses 169 of the pawl members 152 engage respective ridges 141 of the extension 133 such that the spool 103 is caught and cannot rotate.
[0041] Each pawl also includes a second outer arm 162a for incrementally engaging a plurality of teeth 123 (FIGS. 8A and 8D) on the housing 102 as the dial 105 is rotated by a user in a first rotational direction (clockwise as shown in FIGS. 3A-10). The second outer arm 162a includes a ramp protrusion 163. The ramp protrusion allows rotation of the pawl assembly 104 in a clockwise direction within the housing 102, but prevents the ramp from reversing rotation in a counterclockwise direction within the housing 102. The entire pawl assembly can be flipped (i.e., from front to back) to change the direction of rotation of the pawl assembly 104 within the housing 102.
[0042] The pawl assembly 104 further includes a third outer arm 162b for engaging one of two opposing ramps 182 (or dial protrusions 182) on the inner surface 178 of the dial 105. The ramps 182 (best seen in FIG. 11 ) may include an outwardly extending protrusion 182a and one or more inwardly angled portions 182b. The inner surface 178 of the dial 105 may also include one or more islands or bumps 181. A space 179 formed between the first inner arm 161 and the second outer arm 162a may receive the islands or bumps 181 of the inner surface 178 of the dial 105.
[0043] The dial 105 provides a means for actuating the rotatable closure 100 by manual rotation of the dial 105 indefinitely in a first rotational direction and prevents or limits rotation in an opposite second rotational direction. In some embodiments, the dial 105 includes a body 176 defining an exterior surface 177 and an interior surface 178. In some embodiments, the exterior surface 177 forms a gripping surface 183 configured for gripping by a user's hand when rotating the dial 105. As particularly shown in FIG. 11A, the dial 105 includes one or more engagement elements 185 for engaging the circumferential flange 128 of the housing 102 to encapsulate the pawl assembly 104 and form the subassembly 101 of FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0044] In some embodiments, the inner surface 178 of the dial 105 forms opposing ramps 182 that protrude from the inner surface 178. As shown in FIG. 12A, in the locked position, the second outer arm 162a engages the housing 102 and the ramped protrusion 163 engages one of the spaces between the teeth 123 (FIGS. 8A and 8D) of the housing 102. The teeth are disposed along the circumference of the housing 102. The ramped protrusion allows the pawl assembly 104 to rotate in a clockwise direction within the housing 102, but prevents the ramps from back rotating in a counterclockwise direction within the housing 102. FIG. 12B shows the unlocked position.
[0045] 3A-6B, in one method of assembling the rotary closure 100, the housing 102 allows the manufacturer to assemble the dial 105, pawl assembly 104, and housing 102 together as a subassembly 101 with a snap-fit engagement. The subassembly 101 allows the manufacturer to ensure that the dial 105, pawl assembly 104, and housing 102 are functioning properly prior to full assembly of the rotary closure 100. The manufacturer or consumer can then couple the spool 103 and associated pulling element (not shown) with the subassembly 101. This formation of the subassembly 101 also allows the consumer to remove and / or replace the spool 103 if jammed, or to replace the pulling element without fully disassembling the housing 102 from the dial 105 and pawl assembly 104, thus reducing the likelihood of destruction of the rotary closure 100.
[0046] The subassembly 101 can be assembled by coupling the pawl assembly 104 with the dial 105. The housing 102 is then coupled with the dial 105 by snapping the circumferential flange 128 of the housing 102 to the inner surface 178 of the dial 105 with one or more engagement elements 185 of the dial 105, as discussed above and shown in FIG. 6A. After the subassembly 101 is formed, the spool 103 can be coupled with the subassembly 101 by inserting the spool into the housing 102. The subassembly 101 and the spool 103 can be coupled with the base member 106 by snapping the first and second retaining members 127A and 127B of the housing 102 into the opposing first and second slots 109 and 110 of the base member 106, respectively. In some embodiments, the base member 106 can be sewn to a shoe (not shown) or can be on another device that requires fastening of a pulling element, such as a container. The base member 106 may include any desired method for connecting the closure system to a garment or shoe, such as rivet holes, Velcro, integrated fabric material, etc.
[0047] Prior art configurations required providing a right-handed rotary closure as well as a separate left-handed rotary closure, the left-handed rotary closure including the same but completely mirrored components across a vertical axis, including a mirrored flange, a mirrored dial, a mirrored pawl assembly, a mirrored spool, and a mirrored housing. However, in accordance with the present disclosure, a single rotary closure can be manufactured that allows for right-handed or left-handed closure by simply flipping (i.e., rotating from front to back) the reversible pawl assembly. This allows for easier manufacturing as well as multiple options for installation by the manufacturer or user without the need to purchase a specific handed rotary closure.
[0048] Embodiment The following embodiments are provided merely as examples of particular configurations, materials, arrangements, etc. contemplated by the authors of the present disclosure.
[0049] Embodiment 1: A rotary closure system comprising a flange coupled to a housing, a spool received within the housing, and first and second pawl elements engaging an inside of a dial and the housing, the first and second pawl elements forming a pawl assembly, the pawl assembly having a first position to enable the rotary closure to be a right-handed rotary closure and a second position to enable the rotary closure to be a left-handed rotary closure.
[0050] Embodiment 2: A rotary closure system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first pawl element comprises a first inwardly extending arm including a pawl member for engaging an extension of the spool.
[0051] Embodiment 3: A rotary closure system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first claw element includes a second outer arm for engaging the housing.
[0052] Embodiment 4: A rotary closure system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first pawl element includes a third outer arm for engaging with the dial.
[0053] Embodiment 5: A rotary closure system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the inside of the dial further comprises two opposing ramps for locking the pawl assembly in position.
[0054] Embodiment 6: A rotary closure system comprising a housing, a spool received within the housing, and a first pawl and a second pawl engaging an inside of a dial and the housing, the first pawl and the second pawl forming a pawl assembly having a first position for enabling the rotary closure system to be a right-handed rotary closure and a second position for enabling the rotary closure system to be a left-handed rotary closure.
[0055] Embodiment 7: A rotating closure system as described in embodiment 6, wherein the housing further comprises a flange for attaching the rotating closure system to a shoe.
[0056] Embodiment 8: A rotary closure system comprising a dial having a protrusion on an underside of the dial for engaging a pawl assembly, the pawl assembly coupled with teeth on a housing, the housing receiving a spool therein, the housing having teeth around a periphery, the pawl assembly engageable with the teeth, the rotary closure system further comprising a flange coupled to the housing, the rotary closure system having a first position, i.e., a locked position, and a second position, i.e., an unlocked position, wherein in the first position, i.e., the locked position, an inner arm of the pawl assembly engages with the teeth on the spool and the housing, and in the second position, i.e., the unlocked position, the inner arm of the pawl assembly disengages the spool.
[0057] Embodiment 9: A rotating closure system as described in embodiment 8, wherein the claw assembly comprises a first claw and a second claw.
[0058] Embodiment 10: A rotary closure system according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the first claw and the second claw are reversible.
[0059] Embodiment 11: A rotary closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 10, wherein the first claw and the second claw each have a body having a first inner arm for engaging the spool, a second outer arm for engaging with teeth on the housing and incrementally tightening the spool when the dial is turned in the locking direction in the first position, i.e., the locked position, and a third outer arm for engaging the dial.
[0060] Embodiment 12: A rotating closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the second outer arm includes an inclined protrusion for engaging with teeth on the housing.
[0061] Embodiment 13: A rotary closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 12, wherein the protrusion on the underside of the dial comprises a first protrusion for engaging with a first claw of the claw assembly and a second protrusion for engaging with a second claw of the claw assembly.
[0062] Embodiment 14: A rotary closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 13, wherein a first protrusion of the dial engages with a third outer arm of the first claw and a second protrusion of the dial engages with a third outer arm of the second claw.
[0063] Embodiment 15: A rotating closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 14, wherein the dial further comprises a first hump on the underside of the dial, and in the second position, i.e., the unlocked position, the first hump is positioned radially inward from the inclined protrusion of the second outer arm of the first claw, preventing the second outer arm of the first claw from bending radially inward.
[0064] Embodiment 16: A rotary closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 15, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the dial are inclined.
[0065] Embodiment 17: A rotary closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 16, wherein the third outer arm for engaging the dial includes a protrusion extending radially inward to make boundary contact with the dial protrusion and provide resistance between the first position, i.e., the locked position, and the second position, i.e., the unlocked position.
[0066] Embodiment 18: A rotating closure system described in any one of embodiments 8 to 17, wherein the flange is integral with the housing.
[0067] The various embodiments described above, including elements of the various embodiments described above, can be combined to provide further embodiments. For example, the various parts and components of devices within the scope of the present disclosure, including structural components, can be formed by one or more of a variety of suitable manufacturing processes known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the various parts and components of devices within the scope of the present disclosure can be fabricated from suitable materials known to those skilled in the art.
[0068] It should be understood that various aspects discussed with reference to one drawing may be present and / or used in conjunction with embodiments shown in another drawing, and that each element shown in multiple drawings may only be discussed once.
[0069] Reference in this specification to "one configuration," "one embodiment," "a configuration," or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure, or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly described in an embodiment as being present.
[0070] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the disclosed subject matter configurations may be combined in any suitable manner into one or more configurations. The disclosed subject matter configurations may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0071] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the accompanying embodiments, singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" may include plurals unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to "a base" may include one or more of such bases, and reference to "the pawl" may include reference to one or more of such pawls.
[0072] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be present in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as if each element of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique element. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities used in the specification and embodiments should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about". Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the accompanying embodiments are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. At the very least, and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the present embodiments, each numerical parameter should be construed at least in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. In one embodiment, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a numerical parameter within 10% of the stated range.
[0073] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., "such as") is intended merely to better clarify the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0074] The above description sets forth various features, functions, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. With time and further development, the manner in which various aspects are implemented may change. The scope of protection defined by the claims is not intended to be limited to the specific sizes, shapes, features, or other aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The claimed invention may be implemented or embodied in other forms while remaining within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein. For example, although the rotating closure herein is described in the context of use with shoes, the rotating closure system may also be implemented in other settings without departing from the scope of the claims and / or the present disclosure. Equivalents of the elements of the claims that may be made without departing from the scope of the concepts properly protected by the following claims are also included.
Claims
1. In a rotary closure system, A dial having a first projection and a second projection on its lower side, wherein the first projection and the second projection engage with a claw assembly and rotationally lock the claw assembly relative to the dial, so that rotation of the dial in the locking direction rotates the claw assembly in the locking direction, the first projection engages with the third outer arm of the first claw of the claw assembly, and the second projection engages with the third outer arm of the second claw of the claw assembly, A claw assembly connected to a housing and comprising the first claw and the second claw, wherein the first claw and the second claw are reversible, and each of the first claw and the second claw comprises a body, the body having (i) a first inner arm for selectively connecting to a spool, (ii) a second outer arm for engaging with a toothed periphery of the housing and for incrementally tightening the spool when the dial is rotated in the locking direction in a locked position which is a first position, (iii) a third outer arm for engaging with the dial, and (iv) a slot formed between the first inner arm and the second outer arm, the slot allowing the first inner arm and the second outer arm to move independently. The housing, which receives the spool and has the toothed periphery, wherein the outer arm of the claw assembly is engageable with the toothed periphery, The housing comprises a base member connected to the housing, The rotary closure system has a first position which is a locked position and a second position which is an unlocked position, In the first position, the locked position, the pawl assembly engages with the teeth of the spool and the housing. A rotary closure system in which, in the second position, the unlocked position, the claw assembly disengages the spool.
2. The rotary closure system according to claim 1, wherein the claw assembly is formed between the first inner arm and the second outer arm and includes a slot for receiving the projection of the dial.
3. The rotary closure system according to claim 1, wherein the projection is equipped with a lamp, the lamp engages with a first inner arm of the claw assembly to rotationally lock the claw assembly relative to the dial, so that rotation of the dial in the locking direction rotates the claw assembly in the locking direction.
4. The rotary closure system according to claim 1, wherein the base member is integrated with the housing.
5. The rotary closure system according to claim 1, wherein the dial further comprises a first bump on the lower side of the dial, and in the second unlocked position, the first bump is positioned radially inward from the inclined projection of the second outer arm of the first claw, thereby preventing the second outer arm of the first claw from bending radially inward.
6. The rotary closure system according to claim 5, wherein the first projection and the second projection of the dial are inclined.
7. The rotary closure system according to claim 6, wherein the third outer arm for engaging with the dial includes a radially inwardly extending projection that boundary contacts with an inclined projection of the dial and provides resistance between the first position, the locked position, and the second position, the unlocked position.
8. In a rotary closure system, A base member connected to a housing, wherein the spool is received inside the housing, It comprises a first claw and a second claw that engage with the inside of the dial and the first and second projections of the housing, respectively, The first and second claws form a claw assembly, the claw assembly having a first position that allows the rotary closure system to be a right-handed rotary closure, and a second position that allows the rotary closure system to be a left-handed rotary closure. Each of the first and second claws comprises a body having a first inward-facing arm for connecting to the spool, a second outer arm having an inclined projection that engages with a toothed housing and incrementally tightens the spool when the dial is turned in the locking direction, and a third outer arm for engaging with the first or second claw of the dial. The rotary closure system has a first position, the locked position, in which the pawl assembly engages with the teeth of the spool and the housing, and a second position, the unlocked position, in which the pawl assembly disengages from the spool.
9. The rotary closure system according to claim 8, wherein one or more of the first claws and the second claws are claw members of the first inward arm and include a claw member for engaging with the extension of the spool.
10. The rotary closure system according to claim 9, wherein one or more of the projections are two opposing lamps, the two opposing lamps connecting the claw assembly to the dial.
11. In a rotary closure system having a first position which is a locked position and a second position which is an unlocked position, A housing, wherein a spool is received within the housing, A first pawl and a second pawl forming a pawl assembly that connects to the housing and the dial, wherein the pawl assembly has a first position that allows the rotary closure system to be a right-handed rotary closure and a second position that allows the rotary closure system to be a left-handed rotary closure, The first and second claws each have (i) a first inner arm for selectively connecting to the spool, (ii) a second outer arm having an inclined projection that engages with a toothed portion of the housing and for incrementally tightening the spool when the dial is rotated in the locking direction in a first position, the locked position, (iii) a third outer arm for engaging with the dial, and (iv) a slot formed between the first inner arm and the second outer arm, which allows the first inner arm and the second outer arm to move independently. In the first position, the locked position, the pawl assembly engages with the teeth of the spool and the housing. A rotary closure system in which, in the second position, the unlocked position, the claw assembly disengages the spool.
12. The rotary closure system according to claim 11, wherein the housing further comprises a base member for attaching the rotary closure system to a shoe.
13. The rotary closure system according to claim 12, wherein the base member is integrated with the housing.