Reel-type closing device

Abstract

A reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member is described herein. The reel-type closing device includes a housing defining a vertical axis, a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, and an engaging member having one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth during the rotation of the spool. A dial or knob is operably coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool to cause the tension member to wind around the spool. The length of each tooth operably coupled to the housing is substantially longer than the length of each tooth of the engaging member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 438,720, entitled "REEL BASED CLOSURE DEVICE", filed on January 12, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 510,550, entitled "REEL BASED CLOSURE DEVICE", filed on June 27, 2023, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] Snow skiing, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and telemark skiing, is a popular winter recreational activity or sport worldwide. Equipment used for skiing includes boots, skis, and bindings that attach the boots to the skis. Ski boots, such as alpine ski boots, typically have an outer shell made of a rigid material, such as various rigid polymers. The outer shell is often difficult to close around the user's legs and feet due to the rigid polymer material used. Also, due to the rigid material used, it is often difficult to make the ski boots comfortable. A good balance between comfort and fit is desired in ski boots, but can be difficult to achieve due to the use of rigid materials and other design constraints. Conventional closure devices used to close ski boots often tighten the ski boots in relatively large increments or steps, which can add some complexity to achieving a good balance between fit and comfort. This specification describes components, systems, and devices that enable the quick and easy closure of ski boots, other boots, or footwear. The components, systems, and devices balance comfort with fit when tightening footwear around the wearer's feet. The components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and fasten footwear that would otherwise be difficult to close, including various other non-footwear-related articles, particularly rigid materials. [Overview of the project]

[0003]

[0003] Components, systems, and devices that enable the quick and easy closure of ski boots, snowboard boots, or other boots or footwear products are described herein. The components, systems, and devices balance comfort with fit when fastening footwear around the wearer's foot. The components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and fasten various other non-footwear-related articles.

[0004]

[0004] According to one embodiment, a reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member includes a housing defining a vertical axis, a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing, a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, and an engaging member having one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. The reel-type closing device also includes a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool, the rotation of which causes the spool within the housing to rotate, thereby winding the tension member around the spool. The length of each tooth of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing is substantially longer than the length of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member.

[0005]

[0005] In some cases, the length of each tooth of the plurality of teeth is 30% to 60% longer than the length of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member. The engaging member may be a planetary gear of a gear mechanism and / or a claw member including one or more claw teeth, such as the dial core 230 described herein. The plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing may be a ring gear of a gear mechanism and / or housing teeth that engage with the claws of the dial core. The upper flange of the spool may include annular recesses or lips of a shape and size that accommodate the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. The bottom or distal end of each tooth of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing may extend below the bottom or distal end of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member.

[0006]

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device includes providing a reel-type closing device comprising a housing defining a vertical axis, a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, and a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that its rotation causes the spool to rotate within the housing. The method also includes positioning an engaging member operably engaged with the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. The engaging member comprises one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth, wherein the length of each tooth of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing is substantially longer than the length of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member.

[0007]

[0007] In another embodiment, a reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member includes a housing, a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, and a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that its rotation causes rotation of the spool in the tightening direction. The spool includes an annular recess around which the tension member is wound when the spool rotates in the tightening direction within the housing. The annular recess of the spool includes a spine or ridge separating two troughs or channels around which the tension member is wound.

[0008]

[0008] Each trough or channel has a width approximately equal to the diameter of the tension member so that a single layer of the tension member is wrapped around each trough or channel. One of the troughs or channels has a smaller diameter than the other trough or channel. The troughs or channels are arranged so that when the tension member is wrapped around each trough or channel, the tension member in each trough or channel remains aligned with the tension member in the other trough or channel. The troughs or channels are arranged so that the tension member is wrapped around one of the troughs or channels at an angle of 170 to 200 degrees before the tension member is wrapped around the other trough or channel. The troughs or channels include a first trough or channel and a second trough or channel, neither of which has a circular cross-section.

[0009]

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device comprises providing a reel-type closing device having a housing and a dial or knob. The method also comprises positioning a spool within the housing so that the spool is rotatable within the housing and so that the spool is operably coupled with the dial or knob so that the rotation of the dial or knob results in rotation of the spool in the tightening direction. The spool includes an annular recess around which a tension member is wound when the spool rotates in the tightening direction, and the annular recess of the spool includes a spine or ridge separating two troughs or channels around which the tension member is wound.

[0010]

[0010] In another embodiment, the reel-type closing device includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing, the clamping member being operably coupled to the spool such that the operation of the clamping member causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing to wind a tension member around the spool, and a central boss projecting axially into the internal region of the housing. The spool and / or central boss can be coupled to the reel-type closing device via a one-way snap member or mechanism.

[0011]

[0011] In some cases, the housing includes one or more snap members that allow the spool to be inserted axially into the housing while preventing the spool from being removed from or pulled in from the housing, and / or the spool includes one or more snap members that allow the central boss to be inserted axially into the spool while preventing the central boss from being removed from or pulled in from the spool. In the latter case, one or more snap members are positioned adjacent to the central opening of the spool and allow the central boss to be inserted through the central opening of the spool and to lock the lower end of the central boss into the central opening. These one or more snap members may be configured to bend radially outward to allow the central boss to be inserted axially into the spool. The distal end of the central boss has an axially extending gap that separates at least two axially extending members. Each axially extending member includes a radially extending feature.

[0012]

[0012] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device includes providing a reel-type closing device having a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing, the clamping member being operably coupled to the spool such that the operation of the clamping member causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing and wind a tension member around the spool, and a central boss projecting axially into an internal region of the housing. The method also includes coupling the spool and / or central boss to the reel-type closing device via a one-way snap member or mechanism.

[0013]

[0013] In another embodiment, a reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member includes a housing, a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, and a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that its rotation causes the first end and the second end of the tension member to be wound around the spool by causing rotation in the tightening direction of the spool. The housing includes a single string port into which the first end and the second end of the tension member are inserted.

[0014]

[0014] A single string port includes a first opening for the first end of the tension member and a second opening for the second end of the tension member, the second opening being separate from the first opening. The second opening is typically positioned horizontally adjacent to the first opening and is larger than the first opening. The second opening may have an elliptical shape aligned with the vertical axis of the reel-type closing device. The single string port may be made of a different material from the housing.

[0015]

[0015] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device includes providing a reel-type closing device having a housing, a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, and a dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that its rotation causes the first end and the second end of the tension member to be wound around the spool by causing rotation in the tightening direction of the spool. The method also includes the step of coupling a single string port to the housing. The first end and the second end of the tension member are insertable through the single string port.

[0016]

[0016] The present invention will be described in conjunction with the attached figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This shows an assembly perspective view of a reel-type closing device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 3B] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional assembly diagram of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional assembly diagram of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 4C] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the reel-type closing mechanism, including the alternative central boss. [Figure 4D]Shows a cross-sectional view of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1 including an alternative central boss. [Figure 4E] Shows an embodiment of a perspective view of an alternative central boss of FIGS. 4C - 4D. [Figure 4F] Shows an alternative embodiment of a snap member that can be used in the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] Shows a cross-sectional assembled perspective view of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] Shows a cross-sectional assembled perspective view of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6A] Shows some parts of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1, more specifically, the relative movement between some parts. [Figure 6B] Shows some parts of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1, more specifically, the relative movement between some parts. [Figure 6C] Is a view showing a clutch plate disposed within the housing of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6D] Shows an alternative structure for increasing the engagement between the ring gear and the planetary gear of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6E] Shows an alternative structure for increasing the engagement between the ring gear and the planetary gear of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6F] Shows an alternative structure for increasing the engagement between the ring gear and the planetary gear of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6G] Shows an alternative structure for increasing the engagement between the ring gear and the planetary gear of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6H] Shows an alternative structure for increasing the engagement between the ring gear and the planetary gear of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] Shows the gear mechanism of the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7B] Shows an alternative gear mechanism that can be used in the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7C] Shows an alternative gear mechanism that can be used in the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7D] Shows an alternative gear mechanism that can be used in the reel-type closing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7E] An alternative gear mechanism that may be used in the reel-type closing device shown in Figure 1 is presented. [Figure 7F] An alternative gear mechanism that may be used in the reel-type closing device shown in Figure 1 is presented. [Figure 8] This figure shows the housing and base member of the reel-type closing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9A] Figure 8 shows the installation of the housing and base members. [Figure 9B] Figure 8 shows the installation of the housing and base members. [Figure 9C] Figure 8 shows the installation of the housing and base members. [Figure 9D] Figure 8 shows the installation of the housing and base members. [Figure 10A] Figure 1 shows the base member and connecting parts of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 10B] Figure 1 shows the base member and connecting parts of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 10C] Figure 1 is a top cross-sectional view of the housing and spool of the reel-type closing device. [Figure 10D] Figure 1 shows alternative spools that can be used with the reel-type closing device. [Figure 10E] Figure 1 shows alternative spools that can be used with the reel-type closing device. [Figure 10F] Figure 1 shows alternative spools that can be used with the reel-type closing device. [Figure 10G] Figure 1 shows alternative cord outlet components that can be used with the reel-type closing device. [Figure 11A] Figure 1 shows the functions of various components of the reel-type closing device used to control the rotation of the spool. [Figure 11B] Figure 1 shows the functions of various components of the reel-type closing device used to control the rotation of the spool. [Figure 12] Figure 1 shows a ski boot with a reel-type closing device. [Figure 13]Figure 12 shows the lacing and guide configurations that can be used in ski boots. [Figure 14A] Figure 12 shows a long guide that could be used on ski boots. [Figure 14B] Figure 12 shows a long guide that could be used on ski boots. [Figure 14C] Figure 12 shows a long guide that could be used on ski boots. [Figure 15A] Figure 12 shows an end member that could be used in a ski boot. [Figure 15B] Figure 12 shows an end member that could be used in a ski boot. [Figure 15C] Figure 12 shows an end member that could be used in a ski boot. [Figure 15D] Figure 12 shows an end member that could be used in a ski boot. [Figure 15E] Figure 12 shows an end member that could be used in a ski boot. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018]

[0041] In the attached diagram, similar parts and / or features may have the same numeric reference label. Also, various parts of the same type may be distinguished by adding a letter after the reference label to differentiate between similar parts and / or features. If only the first numeric reference label is used in the specification, the description can apply to any one of the similar parts and / or features having the same first numeric reference label, regardless of the subscript.

[0019]

[0042] The following description provides only typical embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or form of the Disclosure. Rather, the following description of typical embodiments provides a description that will enable one or more typical embodiments to be carried out by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various modifications may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0020]

[0043] Embodiments of this specification describe reel-type closure devices that can be used to close and fasten articles. Reel-type closure devices can be particularly useful for closing and fastening articles that require a considerable amount of cord tension. For example, alpine or ski boots (hereinafter, ski boots) are typically made of rigid plastic material that requires a considerable amount of closing force to fasten around the user's foot. Conventional reel-type closure devices and other devices may not be suitable for fastening ski boots around the user's foot because they may not be designed to output the required torque. Furthermore, the tensioning members or cords used with ski boots may not be designed to handle the required tension.

[0021]

[0044] The reel-type closure devices described herein can better achieve high torque output and can be paired with tension members or cords designed to withstand higher tensile loads. Thus, reel-type closure devices can be well suited for closing and fastening articles that require substantial closing force. In addition to fastening ski boots, reel-type closure devices can also be used to close and fasten various other articles such as snowboard boots, military boots, shoes, packs, and bags. Furthermore, reel-type closure devices can also be used to close and fasten various articles that do not require a high level of closing force. In such cases, the reel-type closure device may be used without modification, or one or more components of the reel-type closure device may be modified or altered to allow use for other applications. For the sake of facilitating the description of the embodiments herein, the reel-type closure device is generally described as being used for closing and / or fastening ski boots, but it should be understood that this description is equally applicable to various other articles.

[0022]

[0045] A reel-type closure device is typically mounted on the outside of a ski boot, such as the shell, and is used to tighten the outside of the ski boot around the user's leg and / or foot. The reel-type closure device is configured to apply tension to a cord or tension member guided around the ski boot via one or more guide members, the guide members may be rigid components made of plastic or other materials as described herein. In other embodiments, one or more guide members may be made of flexible or soft components such as fabric material.

[0023]

[0046] A reel-type fastening device typically includes a knob or dial that can be gripped and rotated by the user. The knob or dial is generally coupled to a spool around which a tension member or cord is wound in response to rotation of the knob or dial in the tightening direction. The rotation of the tension member or cord around the spool pulls the tension member or cord, which tightens the ski boot around the user's foot by contracting the shell and any internal components (i.e., liners, etc.) around the user's foot.

[0024]

[0047] Reel-type closure devices can replace conventional buckles and / or other fastening systems currently used on ski boots to tighten the ski boot around the user's foot. In some embodiments, reel-type closure devices can be used in combination with conventional buckles or other fastening systems. Similarly, a ski boot may include multiple reel-type closure devices arranged to close and fasten different areas or parts of the ski boot.

[0025]

[0048] Reel-type fasteners are significantly easier to operate than conventional buckles and / or other fastening systems. Therefore, users may prefer using reel-type fasteners when fastening ski boots. Furthermore, reel-type fasteners can increase the number of tightening and loosening stages of ski boots compared to conventional buckles and / or other fastening systems. For example, conventional buckles and / or other fastening systems often involve a limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth, steps, racks, etc.) used when fastening ski boots. For instance, conventional buckles often use 5 to 10 teeth on a rack where an engaging pin is positioned to tighten the ski boot. The engaging pin is moved proximal or distal around the rack and positioned within the proximal or distal teeth to increase or decrease the tightening of the ski boot around the foot. Because of the limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth), the ski boot can be tightened or loosened by more or less than the desired amount, making it difficult to achieve the desired fit.

[0026]

[0049] In contrast, reel-type closure devices may allow for tightening and / or loosening of ski boots by significantly smaller increments or degrees. For example, if a slight increase in tightening is desired, the knob of a reel-type closure device can be turned by a quarter turn, an eighth turn, or less to slightly increase the tension of the tension member. A slight increase in the tension of the tension member usually results in a slight increase in the tightness or contraction of the ski boot around the user's foot. This incremental adjustment of ski boot tightening can make it easier to achieve the desired fit of the ski boot.

[0027]

[0050] Referring to Figure 1, an assembled perspective view of the reel-type closing device 100 is shown. Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel-type closing device 100. Figures 3A to 11B show various diagrams of the components of the reel-type closing device 100. Throughout this disclosure, various diagrams illustrating the reel-type closing device 100 will be referenced.

[0028]

[0051] Figure 1 shows a base member or bayonet 102 designed to be attached to the housing 202 of a reel-type closing device 100. The base member 102 is designed to be attached to a ski boot shell (not shown) using mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, molding, or any other fastening technique. In certain embodiments, the base member 102 may include one or more openings 103 (see Figure 8) that allow bolts, rivets, screws, or other mechanical fasteners to attach the base member 102 to the ski boot shell. The base member 102 is shown to include three openings 103, but more or fewer openings 103 may be used.

[0029]

[0052] The base member 102 is generally a rigid material designed to withstand impacts from external objects without breaking. In certain embodiments, the base member 102 may be made of glass-filled nylon, but various other rigid materials may be used instead. The base member 102 is designed to connect with the housing 202 so that the housing 202 can be removed from the base member 102. Various methods can be employed to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, but in the illustrated embodiment, a spring member is used to fasten and connect the housing 202 to the base member 102. The spring member is designed to bend when an object collides with the housing 202, allowing the housing to detach from the base member 102, thereby preventing damage to the base member 102 and / or the housing 202.

[0030]

[0053] In some embodiments, the spring member may be a split ring or a c-spring 210. The base member 102 includes one or more arched or curved axially extending members 104 (see Figures 9A to 9D) that define a recess or groove into which the c-spring 210 is positioned when the housing 202 is attached to the base member 102. The housing 202 also includes a groove 260 (see Figures 3B and 8) for housing the c-spring 210. The groove 260 of the housing 202 is shaped and sized such that the c-spring 210 fits snugly into the groove 260. The groove 260 is defined by an upper annular lip or ring 262 and one or more radially projecting members 264. As shown in Figure 8, one or more radially projecting members 264 of the housing 202 are shaped and sized such that they can be inserted into an opening 105 between a pair of opposing axially extending members 104. The base member 102 includes a recess 108 around its periphery that corresponds to the shape and size of the radially projecting members 264. When the housing 202 is coupled to the base member 102, the radially projecting members 264 are positioned within the recess 108, allowing the groove of the base member 102 to be aligned with the groove 260 of the housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 includes three radially projecting members 264 and the base member includes three axially extending members 104, but more or fewer of these features may be used as needed.

[0031]

[0054] The radial projection member 264 and / or annular lip 262 extend radially outward from the housing 202 such that when the housing 202 is coupled to the base member 102, the distal edges of the radial projection member 264 and / or annular lip 262 are substantially aligned with the distal end of the base member 102. In this way, the housing 202 and the base member 102 may appear to be visually seamlessly integrated with each other. To further secure the c-spring 210 to the housing, the string port 266 of the housing 202 may include a pair of circumferentially extending openings (not shown) located at opposing ends of the groove 260. The pair of circumferentially extending openings are shaped and sized such that the opposing ends of the c-spring can be positioned within the openings.

[0032]

[0055] The c-spring 210 is designed to bend radially so that the housing 202 can be attached to and detached from the base member 102. For example, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in order to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, the c-spring 210 is bent so that its diameter increases, allowing it to be fitted onto the axially extending member 104 and into the groove of the base member 102. Similarly, by increasing the diameter of the c-spring, it becomes possible to fit the c-spring 210 into the groove 260 of the housing 202.

[0033]

[0056] To allow the housing 202 to be removed from the base member 102, the axially extending member 104 is designed so that the c-spring 210 can bend outward from the groove. Specifically, the axially extending member 104 is curved near its upper end 106 such that the diameter of the upper end 106 of the axially extending member 104 is greater than the diameter of the groove in the axially extending member. The larger diameter of the upper end 106 of the axially extending member 104 helps to secure the c-spring 210 in the groove, while the curved or arc-shaped design allows the c-spring 210 to bend easily from the groove. When an upward force is applied to the housing 202, such as when the housing 202 collides with an object or when a housing removal tool is applied, the c-spring 210 is pushed upward within the groove in the base member. As shown in Figures 9C to 9D, the curved inner surface of the axially extending member 104 functions as an inclined surface, causing the c-spring 210 to bend radially outward when the c-spring 210 and housing 202 move axially upward relative to the base member 102. If the force is strong enough, the c-spring 210 bends sufficiently and moves out of the groove as shown in Figure 9D, thereby detaching the housing 202 from the base member 102 and moving the housing 202 upward so as not to come into contact with the base member 102. The force required to release or detach the housing 202 from the base member 102 can be changed by altering the angle of the inner surface of the axially extending member 104 and / or the stiffness of the c-spring.

[0034]

[0057] To remove the housing 202 from the base member 102, the base member is designed to function with a housing removal tool. Specifically, the housing includes a support 109 for a cord outlet component 160. The support 109 is molded and dimensioned according to the cord outlet component 160 to reinforce the cord outlet component 160. A radially extending groove 107 is formed in the support 109, allowing a housing removal tool (not shown), such as a small flathead screwdriver, to be inserted under the housing 202 along the groove 107. With the housing removal tool positioned in the groove 107 and under the housing 202, the housing removal tool can apply an upward force to the housing 202, thereby removing the housing 202 from the base member 102.

[0035]

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the coupling component or member 120 can be positioned between the base member 102 and the housing 202. The coupling component 120 is designed to be attached to the lower end of the housing 202 and is shaped and sized such that its lower end can be positioned within the internal region of the base member 102. As shown in Figures 10A to 10B, the shape and size of the coupling component 120 correspond to the shape and size of the lower end of the housing 202. Specifically, the lower end of the coupling component 120 is substantially circular in shape and sized such that the coupling component 120 can be inserted into the circular opening at the lower end of the housing 202. To attach the coupling component 120 to the housing 202, the coupling component 120 includes an upwardly extending tab 128 that snaps into a corresponding slot 205 located in front of the lower end of the housing 202. The upwardly extending tab 128 includes a radially outwardly extending knob that snaps or clips into a recess in the corresponding slot 205 that fastens the coupling component 120 to the housing 202. The coupling component 120 is shown as including two tabs 128, but more or fewer tabs may be used as needed. The front portion of the coupling component includes radially extending bumps that fit into corresponding features of the housing 202. The bumps assist in aligning and securing the coupling component 120 around the housing 202. The lower end of the coupling component also includes one or more openings (not indicated) corresponding in size and orientation to the openings 103 of the base member 102. The openings in the coupling component 120 allow the coupling component to fit onto mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts) inserted into the openings 103 of the base member 102, reducing the overall height of the reel-type closing device 100. The coupling component 120 also includes one or more string openings 126 that can be aligned with the string ports 136 of the spool 130 to enable easy coupling of the tension member and the spool 130 as described herein.

[0036]

[0059] The boss 125 extends axially upward from the lower end of the coupling component 120. When the coupling component is attached to the housing 202, the boss 125 protrudes axially upward into the internal region of the housing 202. The boss 125 includes a pair of fingers separated by a gap. The boss 125, more specifically the pair of fingers, functions to allow the dial core 230 to move axially up and down relative to the housing 202. A reinforcing spring 122 is positioned in the gap between the pair of fingers and is used to reinforce and strengthen the pair of fingers. The reinforcing spring 122 helps to elastically flex the pair of fingers as the dial core 230 moves axially up and down around the boss 125. The reinforcing spring 122 reinforces the pair of fingers and can prevent the pair of fingers from plastically deforming due to prolonged use of the closing device 100. The reinforcing spring 122 includes an opening that engages with small projections on the inner surfaces of the pair of fingers. The engagement between the opening and the projection locks or holds the reinforcing spring 122 in place relative to the pair of fingers.

[0037]

[0060] The spool 130 can be positioned within the lower end of the housing 202, typically by inserting the spool 130 into the open lower end of the housing. The spool 130 includes a central opening 132 into which the boss 125 of the coupling component 120 is inserted. The spool 130 is configured to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise around the boss 125, with minimal frictional engagement between the two components. The gear mechanism (140, 142), the drive component 150, and the dial core 230 are also typically configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the boss 125. The spool 130 has a channel 133 around which a tension member (not shown) is wound as the spool 130 rotates in the tightening direction (e.g., clockwise). The tension member is also unwound from around the central channel 133 as the spool 130 rotates in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The central channel 133 has a width slightly greater than the width of the tension member, ensuring that the tension member is wound around the central channel 133 as a “single stack,” meaning that the wound tension member forms a single layer within the channel 133. Single-stack winding of the tension member suppresses the vertical forces that the tension member may generate if wound on the spool in an uncontrolled manner, protecting the tension member from damaging itself during the winding process. Given the substantial tension that the closing device 100 can generate, winding the tension member around the spool 130 in an uncontrolled manner could cause excessive twisting and / or damage to the tension member.

[0038]

[0061] As briefly mentioned above, the dial core 230 is axially movable relative to the housing 202. The movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202 allows for the complete loosening of the tension member, which means that the spool 130 can rotate in the loosening direction in a relatively unrestrained manner. The “complete loosening” feature is an optional feature that may be omitted in some embodiments of the closing device 100. To allow for the complete loosening of the tension member, the closing device 100 is designed to move or transition between an engaged state or position in which the dial core 230 is operably coupled to the spool 130 and an unengaged state or position in which the dial core 230 is operably disengaged from the spool 130. The transition between the two states is achieved by the axial movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202. The axial movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202 is generally achieved by pulling the knob 302 axially upward. However, in other embodiments, the dial core 230 may be moved axially upward via the reverse rotation of the knob 302, or via the operation of a button (not shown), a lever mechanism (not shown), a clamp (not shown), etc. In such embodiments, in order to move the dial core 230 axially upward, the knob 302 and the dial core 230 may include a cam surface, an inclined surface, or an inclined surface, or another mechanism that moves the dial core 230 axially upward when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction, or when a button, lever mechanism, etc., is operated.

[0039]

[0062] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the boss 125 is designed to cooperate with the dial core 230 to support and maintain the dial core 230 in either an engaged or disengaged position. Specifically, the upper end of the boss 125 supports and maintains the dial core 230 and / or knob 302 in the engaged and disengaged positions via an annular projection or member 124. In one embodiment, the engaged position is shown in Figure 4A and the disengaged position is shown in Figure 4B. In the engaged position, the dial core 230 engages with the clutch plate 220, thereby enabling the transmission of force between these two parts as described herein. In the disengaged position, the dial core 230 is disengaged from the clutch plate 220, thereby allowing the spool 130 to freely "freewheel" or rotate in the loosening direction within the housing 202. Similarly, in the disengaged position, one or more pawls 240 may be disengaged from teeth 204 formed on or otherwise coupled to the housing 202. In other embodiments, one or more claws 240 may remain engaged with the teeth 204 in the disengaged position.

[0040]

[0063] The annular projection 124 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the central opening 234 of the dial core 230, thereby interfering with and hindering the upward and downward movement of the dial core 230 around the upper end of the boss 125. The annular projection 124 hinders the axial movement of the dial core 230, but does not hinder the axial movement of the dial core 230 due to the ability of the boss's fingers to displace or bend radially inward. As the dial core 230 moves axially around the annular projection 124, the pair of fingers bend inward toward each other, thereby allowing the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 to move axially upward or downward around the annular projection 124. After the dial core 230 has moved axially upward or downward around the annular projection 124, the pair of fingers elastically bend outward, restoring the unbent configuration. During operation, the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 is positioned above or below the annular projection 124, thereby supporting and maintaining the dial core 230 and / or the knob 302 in either the engaged or disengaged position. The reinforcing spring 122 increases the rigidity of the boss 125 and reduces fatigue of the boss 125 due to repeated movement of the dial core 230 around the annular projection 124.

[0041]

[0064] Figures 4C to 4E show a central boss 125a (hereinafter, boss 125a) that can be used as a substitute for the coupling component 120. The boss 125a may have a similar configuration to the boss 125 of the coupling component in that the boss 125a protrudes axially upward into the internal region of the housing 202 and may include two or more fingers separated by a gap. Reinforcing springs 122 may be placed in the gap between the two or more fingers to reinforce and strengthen the fingers, as described herein. The boss 125a may also include an annular projection 124 configured to support and maintain the dial core 230 and / or knob 302 in the engaged or disengaged position. However, unlike the boss 125, the boss 125a is a separate component and is not attached to or permanently fixed to the coupling component 120. Rather, the boss 125a is designed to couple directly with the reel-type closing device 100, such as coupling with the housing 202 or the spool 130 as shown in Figures 4C to 4D. Figure 4E shows one embodiment of the boss 125a as a separate component from the coupling component 120.

[0042]

[0065] In Figure 4E, the boss 125a includes a cylindrical base 127 of a shape and size such that it is positioned within the spool 130. Specifically, the boss 125a is insertable through the central opening 132 of the spool 130 and is coupling or attachable to the spool 130. Since the boss 125a directly couples with the spool 130, the lower end of the coupling component 120 may be omitted. By omitting the lower end of the coupling component 120, a recess 211 can be formed or defined as shown by the dashed line in Figures 4C-4D. In some cases, an automatic winding mechanism, such as a spiral spring, can be positioned within the recess 211 of the housing 202 to automatically wind the tension member around the spool 130. Further details of the automatic winding mechanism are provided in U.S. Patent No. 7,992,261, entitled “Reel Based Closure System,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0043]

[0066] In other embodiments, the recess 211 may be omitted to reduce the overall height of the housing 202 and the reel-type closing device 100. Also, as shown in Figure 4D, by directly connecting the boss portion 125a to the spool 130, the coupling component 120 is not used, allowing easy access to the lower end of the spool 130 and attachment of the tension member to the spool 130. Specifically, the string port 136 of the spool can be accessed more easily without requiring the string opening 126 shown in Figure 10B. The boss 125a can also reduce the amount of material used in the reel-type closing device 100, thereby making the device more environmentally friendly.

[0044]

[0067] To connect the boss 125a to the spool 130, the boss 125a may be positioned below the lower end of the spool 130 and aligned coaxially with the central opening 132 of the spool. The boss 125a can then be inserted axially through the central opening 132 of the spool until it passes through a unidirectional snap member or mechanism 139 (hereinafter referred to as the snap member 139) formed on the spool or connected to the spool 130. The snap member 139 is designed to allow the boss 125a to be inserted into the central opening 132 of the spool 130 and to prevent the boss 125a from being removed from or pulled in from the spool 130, thereby locking the boss 125a in place within the spool 130. As shown in Figures 4C to 4D, the snap member 139 may be formed or defined by one or more tabs or projections, including a lip or hook-shaped end. In the illustrated embodiment, the spool 130 includes two tabs or projections. One or more tabs are designed to bend radially outward when the cylindrical base 127 is inserted into the central opening 132 of the spool. The one or more tabs then bend radially back to their original positions, and the upper surface of the lip or hook-shaped end contacts the flat surface of the lower end of the boss 125a, locking or securing the boss 125a within the central opening of the spool. In the coupled state, the spool 130 and the boss 125a can function as a single or integrated part.

[0045]

[0068] The spool 130 may also include a bushing 135 that restricts the axial upward movement of the boss 125a relative to the spool 130. Specifically, the boss 125a may engage with or align with the lower surface of the bushing 135 to prevent further upward axial movement of the boss 125a through the central opening 132 of the spool. The bushing 135 may be a lip or annular flange formed on the inner surface of the central opening 132 of the spool, or it may be a separate bushing component or ring attached to the inner surface of the central opening 132 of the spool. The boss 125a may include a corresponding annular lip or rim of a shape and size that accommodates the bushing 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the cylindrical base 127 includes a chamfer that engages with the bushing 135. In other embodiments, the annular lip of the bushing 135 and / or the boss 125a may be formed as a single continuous piece or member, or from a plurality of separate pieces or segments. In the latter embodiment, the separated parts or segments may define an annular bushing and / or lip. The snap member 139 may similarly be formed from a single continuous piece or member, or from a plurality of separated pieces or segments. The base 127 of the boss 125a may have a length corresponding to the distance between the snap member 139 and the bushing 135.

[0046]

[0069] However, Figures 4C to 4D show the bushing 135 at the upper end of the spool 130 and the snap member 139 at the lower end. In some cases, the positions of these parts can be reversed so that the bushing 135 is positioned near the lower end of the spool 130 and the snap member 139 is positioned near the upper end of the spool 130. In such cases, the boss 125a is inserted through the central opening 132 of the spool from the upper end of the spool 130, rather than from the lower end. In addition, Figures 4C to 4D show the boss 125a directly coupled to the spool 130. In other embodiments, the boss 125a may be coupled to or attached to other parts of the reel-type closing device 100. For example, the boss 125a may snap onto the underside of the knob 302 and extend axially downward within the housing 202. Alternatively, the boss 125a may snap onto the upper surface of the base member 102 or the upper surface of the spool 130 and extend axially upward within the housing 202. The boss 125a can also be coupled to the dial core 230, the claw disc 250, the drive component 150, or the sun gear 140, as desired. The attachment of the boss 125a to these components may be substantially the same as the coupling of the boss 125a to the spool 130 described herein. When coupling the boss 125a to any of these various components, each component to which the boss 125a is coupled may include the snap member 139 and / or bushing 135 described herein to facilitate the coupling of the two components.

[0047]

[0070] By eliminating the coupling component 120, the spool 130 may be designed to connect directly to the housing 202. For example, the spool 130 may be inserted axially through the lower end of the housing 202, or it may be attached via one or more unidirectional snap members or mechanisms 213 (hereinafter referred to as snap members 213). The snap members 213 may be formed on the housing 202 or connected to the housing 202 and designed to allow the spool 130 to be inserted into the housing 202 while preventing the spool 130 from being removed or retracted. As shown in Figure 4D, the snap members 213 of the housing 202 may be formed or defined by one or more tabs or projections including a lip or hook-shaped end. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 includes two tabs or projections. One or more tabs are designed to bend radially outward when the spool 130 is inserted into the housing 202. Next, one or more tabs bend radially back to their original positions, and the upper surface of the lip or hook-shaped end contacts the lower end of the spool 130, locking or securing the spool 130 within the housing 202. In this way, the spool 130 can be locked in place within the internal region of the housing. The snap member 213 of the housing may be formed from a single continuous piece or member, or from a plurality of separate pieces or segments, as shown in Figure 4D. The snap member 213 may also be formed on the bottom of the housing 202, or coupled near the bottom, or engaged with the lower end of the spool 130, or formed on the lower end to engage with the upper flange of the spool 130, or coupled upward from the lower end. Positioning the snap member 213 near the lower end of the housing 202 is shown in Figures 4C-4D, which may be preferable to minimize contact between the tension member and the snap member 213.

[0048]

[0071] Figure 4F shows an alternative embodiment of the snap member or mechanism 272 (hereinafter referred to as snap member 272). The snap member 272 can represent the snap member 139 of the spool 130 and / or the snap member 213 of the housing 202. The snap member 272 is formed by an annular ring or projection, which may be formed from a single continuous material or separate segments. The snap member 272 can be positioned in a recess 270 formed or defined in the opposite part, which may be the boss 125a and / or the lower flange of the spool 130. The recess 270 may be formed or defined by a lower surface 273 and an upper surface 274, which may be a continuous annular member or separate segments. The use of separate segments for either the lower surface 273 or the upper surface 274 can facilitate positioning the snap member 272 within the recess 270. The recess 270 may be shaped and sized to allow relative rotation of the parts, which is required when the snap member 272 is used to connect the spool 130 and the housing 202. In some examples, the positions of the snap member 272 and the recess 270 may be reversed so that the snap member 272 protrudes radially outward into the recess 270. In such cases, the snap member 213 of the housing 202 and / or the snap member 139 of the spool 130 are recesses, as shown in Figure 4C. Other means of joining the parts together can be used, such as O-rings and lips, opposing flange arrangements, and mating tabs and openings.

[0049]

[0072] The knob 302 is coupled to the housing 202 by axially aligning the knob 302 with the housing 202 and by snapping the knob 302 onto the annular flange or rib 209 of the housing 202. Specifically, the inner wall or surface of the knob 302 includes one or more projections 304 or radial lips that snap onto the annular rib 209 of the housing 202 when the knob 302 is pressed axially downward relative to the housing. The projections 304 of the knob 302 define an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the annular rib 209. Thus, when coupling the knob 302 to the housing 202, the inner wall of the knob 302 must bend outward to some extent, and / or the housing 202 must bend inward to some extent to allow the knob 302 to be moved axially downward around the housing 202 and snap into place. After the knob 302 has moved axially downward, the projections 304 are positioned axially downward on the annular rib 209 of the housing 202. Interference between the projection 304 and the annular rib 209 prevents or significantly hinders the disengagement of the knob 302 from the housing 202 by its axial upward movement. Disengagement of the knob 302 from the housing 202 can be further hindered by designing the annular rib 209 and / or projection 304 so that they do not naturally flex outward when the knob 302 is pushed upward against the housing 202. Further details of the coupling of the dial core 230, the knob 302, and the housing 202 are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 991,788, filed on January 8, 2016, entitled “Integrated Closure Device Component and Method,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050]

[0073] The housing 202 includes an annular ring or lip 206 positioned on its inner wall. The annular ring 206 acts as a partition, dividing the housing 202 into an upper and lower half. The annular ring 206 is configured such that some of the components located in the lower half of the housing 202 contact and engage with the bottom surface of the annular ring 206, and some of the components located in the upper half contact and engage with the top surface of the annular ring 206. The components located in the lower half of the housing 202 include a coupling component 120, a spool 130, a gear mechanism (140, 142), and a drive component 150. The components located in the upper half of the housing 202 include a clutch plate 220, a dial core 230, one or more pawls 240, and a pawl disc 250. The annular ring 206 prevents or obstructs these components from moving to the other half of the housing 202.

[0051]

[0074] The gear mechanism (140, 142) is operably coupled to the spool 130. The gear mechanism (140, 142) increases the mechanical advantages of the closing device 100, increases the torque output of the closing device 100, and increases the tensile force that the closing device 100 can generate. The gear mechanism includes a sun gear 140, a plurality of planetary gears 142, and a ring gear 208. In some examples, such as the claims, the planetary gear 142 may be referred to as an engaging member that engages with a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing. In such embodiments, the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing may be the ring gear 208. In other examples, the term “engaging member” may refer to a claw beam having one or more teeth as described herein. In such cases, the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing may be housing teeth or other teeth with which the claws engage. For the sake of ease of describing the embodiments, the term planetary gear 142 is used herein.

[0052]

[0075] The ring gear 208 may include teeth formed on the inner wall of the housing 202 below the annular ring 206, or the ring gear 208 may be a separate part coupled to the lower half of the housing 202 (e.g., press-fit, keyed, etc.). As shown in Figures 3A and 7, the sun gear 140 sits coaxially aligned with the spool 130, while each of the planetary gears 142 is rotatably positioned on a boss 134 extending axially upward from the upper surface of the spool 130. The sun gear 140 is axially higher than the planetary gears 142, so that the upper part of the sun gear 140 engages with spline teeth 154 formed on the lower inner cylindrical wall of the drive component 150. The spline teeth 154 extend axially downward from an annular ring formed or positioned within the drive component 150.

[0053]

[0076] As the knob 302 rotates, the drive component 150 rotates in the tightening direction. The drive component 150 transmits rotational force to the sun gear 140 through the meshing of the sun gear 140 with the spline teeth 154, causing the sun gear 140 to rotate in the tightening direction. The rotation of the sun gear 140 similarly rotates the planetary gear 142 around the spool boss 134, causing the planetary gear 142 to move in the tightening direction within the housing 202 due to the engagement of the planetary gear 142 with the ring gear 208. As the planetary gear 142 moves in the tightening direction, the engagement of the planetary gear 142 with the spool boss 134 causes the spool 130 to rotate in the tightening direction.

[0054]

[0077] As shown in Figure 6D, in some cases, the support ring 203 is positioned axially below the teeth of the ring gear 208. The support ring 203 is positioned and designed to support the teeth of the ring gear 208. Specifically, the planetary gear 142 stresses or loads the ring gear teeth due to the high forces generated while tension is applied to the tensile member. The stress is typically greatest at the axial lower end of the ring gear teeth, which is not supported in other embodiments. The unsupported lower end of the ring gear teeth may be subjected to bending moments in addition to shear forces from the ring gear teeth, which may cause the lower end of the ring gear teeth to break, shear, and / or deform. This problem may be amplified when the ring gear teeth are made of plastic material and the planetary gear 142 is made of metal, which is a typical material combination for the housing 202 and the gear mechanism.

[0055]

[0078] The support ring 203 significantly increases the strength of the ring gear teeth by supporting the lower ends of the teeth, thereby eliminating or reducing the bending moment generated on the teeth by the planetary gear 142. The support ring 203 is typically connected to the lower ends of the teeth and is generally formed together with the teeth on the inner wall of the housing 202. In other embodiments, the support ring 203 may be a separate component attached to the housing 202 and the ring gear teeth.

[0056]

[0079] In some embodiments, the support ring 203 may consist of multiple separated ring segments. For example, as shown in Figure 6E, the support ring 203 consists of four ring segments separated circumferentially by a gap 201. In other embodiments, more or fewer separated ring segments can be used to form the support ring 203, or the support ring 203 may be formed from a single connected continuous segment surrounding the inner wall of the housing 202 below the teeth of the ring gear 208.

[0057]

[0080] The use of gaps 201 between discontinuous ring segments can help assemble the planetary gears 142 with the housing 202. Specifically, the gaps 201 may be strategically positioned and dimensioned so that the planetary gears 142 can be inserted axially through the gaps 201 and engage with the teeth of the ring gear 208. In certain embodiments, the position of each gap 201 is based on the position of each ring gear tooth when each tooth is pre-assembled with the spool 130. In the illustrated embodiment, each gap 201 is spaced about 90 degrees apart from adjacent gaps 201, but the spacing may vary. The number of gaps 201 may also be equivalent to the number of planetary gears 142 used in the gear mechanism. This arrangement of gaps 201 allows the planetary gears 142 and spool 130 to be inserted into the housing 202 and each gear 142 to engage with the teeth of the ring gear 208. Once assembled, the planetary gears 142 can rotate axially above the support ring 203. In some cases, the support ring 203 may have a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of each ring gear tooth.

[0058]

[0081] As shown in Figures 6F to 6H, in some examples, the housing 202 can include extended ring gear teeth 208a. The extended ring gear teeth 208a are longer than the teeth of the planetary gear 142. The use of extended ring gear teeth 208a can eliminate the need for a support ring 203, but in some cases, the housing 202 can include both extended ring gear teeth 208a and a support ring 203. The extended ring gear teeth 208a reinforce the distal or lower end of the teeth 208a, thereby allowing the spool 130 to be loaded and tilted without the planetary gear 142 losing contact with the extended ring gear teeth 208a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6H, the spool 130 can tilt or pivot inside the housing 202 while the teeth of the planetary gear 142 remain firmly engaged with the extended ring gear teeth 208a. Figure 6H shows the spool 130 pivoting or tilting approximately 3 degrees inside the housing 202. In some examples, the spool 130 can rotate or tilt more than 3 degrees while maintaining engagement between the planetary gear 142 and the extended ring gear teeth 208a, due to the extended length of the extended ring gear teeth 208a. However, the tilting or rotation of the spool 130 is typically limited by the fitting and configuration of various parts. By including the extended ring gear teeth 208a, the bending moments and shear forces described herein that could cause fracture, shear, and / or deformation of the lower end of the ring gear teeth can be minimized or eliminated. In other words, the extended ring gear teeth 208a can eliminate or reduce the bending moment induced on the teeth by the planetary gear 142, thereby minimizing or preventing the problems associated therewith.

[0059]

[0082] Figure 6G is a cross-sectional view showing a planetary gear 142 located within the housing 202 and engaging with the extended ring gear teeth 208a. As shown in Figure 6G, the bottom or distal end of the extended ring gear teeth 208a extends considerably below the bottom end of the planetary gear 142, thereby ensuring that the planetary gear 142 remains engaged with the extended ring gear teeth 208a when the spool rotates or tilts within the housing 202, as shown in Figure 6H. The longer length of the extended ring gear teeth 208a forms or defines a lower segment 217 that extends below the lower end of the planetary gear 142. The planetary gear 142 can only engage with this lower segment 217 when the spool 130 rotates or tilts within the housing 202 or moves to some extent axially within the housing 202. To accommodate the extended ring gear teeth 208a, the upper flange of the spool 130 may include an annular recess or lip 131 positioned in or around the lower segment 217 of the extended ring gear teeth 208a when it is not engaged with the planetary gear 142. The annular recess 131 may have a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the lower segment 217, i.e., depth and width, to avoid or minimize frictional engagement between the lower segment 217 and the annular recess 131. In some examples, the upper flange of the spool 130 may have an annular recess or lip 131 even if the system does not include the extended ring gear teeth 208a.

[0060]

[0083] In some embodiments, the extended ring gear teeth 208a may be 30% to 60% longer than any one or all of the teeth of the planetary gear 142. In other embodiments, the extended ring gear teeth 208a may be 35% to 55% longer than any one or all of the teeth of the planetary gear 142, or 40% to 50% longer than any one or all of the teeth of the planetary gear 142. In certain embodiments, the extended ring gear teeth 208a may be between 4.50 mm and 5.00 mm, and the planetary gear may be between 3.10 mm and 3.60 mm. It should be noted that these values ​​are merely examples and do not limit the dimensions or ratios of the extended ring gear teeth 208a and the planetary gear 142. Furthermore, as described herein, the extended ring gear teeth 208a may be formed in the housing 202 or may be a separate component mounted on the housing 202.

[0061]

[0084] Figures 7B to 7F show alternative gearing embodiments that may be used in the reel-type closing device 100. If a larger gear ratio is desired without substantially increasing the size of the reel-type closing device 100, one or more of the alternative gear components can be used. Figures 7B to 7C show embodiments in which the planetary gears 142 are arranged so that the output can be increased with less input torque by using larger planetary gears 142. A problem that may be encountered with larger planetary gears is that as the gear ratio between the planetary gears and the sun gear increases, the planetary gears 142 may begin to overlap or cross. Overlapping or crossing of the planetary gears 142 will prevent the gear system from operating due to gear interference. To resolve this problem, the gear system in Figure 7B includes an upper gear set 142a and a lower gear set 142b. As shown in the side view of Figure 7C, the upper gear set 142a is located in a different plane (i.e., the top plane) from the lower gear set 142b. By arranging gear sets 142a and 142b on different planes, it is ensured that the planetary gears do not overlap, cross, or engage with each other. Therefore, larger planetary gears can be used in the gear system. The miniaturization of the sun gear 140 increases the gear ratio in the system and thus the output torque. The hub shape on the spool 130 is arranged or designed to keep the upper gear set 142a and the lower gear set 142b within their respective planes.

[0062]

[0085] Figure 7D shows a stacked planetary gear 142c that can be used as an alternative to the upper and lower gear sets 142a and 142b to achieve an increase in output torque without substantially increasing the size of the reel-type closing device 100. The stacked planetary gear 142c has an upper gear 143 and a lower gear 145 mounted on the upper gear 143. The upper gear 142 is smaller in diameter than the lower gear 145 and also has a different number of teeth than the lower gear 145. More specifically, the upper gear 143 has fewer teeth than the lower gear 145. As shown in Figure 7E, the upper gear 143 is designed to engage with the sun gear 140 while the lower gear 145 is engaged with the ring gear 208. The stacked planetary gear 142c allows for a more efficient gear train within a given diameter of the housing 202. Furthermore, the stacked planetary gear 142c increases output torque without sacrificing tooth strength, which can be achieved by reducing or decreasing the size of the gear teeth to increase torque. The stacked planetary gear 142c allows for a larger difference between the sun gear 140 and the planetary gear 142, which is equivalent to a larger gear ratio. This is achieved without reducing or decreasing the size of the teeth, thereby mitigating the stress problems associated with a larger gear ratio.

[0063]

[0086] In some embodiments, a similar stacked gear shape can be used for the sun gear 140 to improve engagement between the sun gear 140 and the drive component 150. Specifically, the sun gear 140 may include an upper gear and a lower gear similar to the planetary gear 142 in Figure 7D. In such a case, the upper gear engages with the spline teeth 154 of the drive component 150 in a meshable manner, while the lower gear engages with the planetary gear 142, 142a, or 142c.

[0064]

[0087] Figure 7F shows an alternative sun gear 140a that may be used in place of the sun gear 140 described herein. The sun gear 140a includes a polygonal base 149 and a toothed gear 147 extending from the base. The sun gear 140a can be used when an increased coupling between the sun gear and the drive component 150 is required. For example, in high-load or high-torque applications, the small teeth of the sun gear 140 and the spline teeth 154 of the drive component 150 may be insufficient to handle the required load / torque. In such cases, a larger polygonal base 149 can reduce the stress between the sun gear and the drive component 150, thereby increasing the load / torque handling capacity of the sun gear 140a. When the sun gear 140a is used, the drive component 150 includes an opening of a corresponding shape to receive the polygonal base 149. In the illustrated embodiment, the polygonal shape of the base 149 is hexagonal, but other shapes such as pentagonal or octagonal may be used.

[0065]

[0088] In some embodiments, the gear mechanism (140, 142) may be omitted. In such embodiments, the drive component 150 can interface directly with the spool 130 to transmit rotational force to the spool 130. If the end application of the closing device 100 does not require substantial tensile and torque output, it may be desirable to omit the gear mechanism. By removing the gear mechanism, the closing device 100 can be made smaller in the axial direction, which may be preferred in some embodiments. The drive component 150 can interface directly with the spool 130 via axially oriented teeth, spline teeth, etc.

[0066]

[0089] The drive component 150 functions to transmit force from components located above the annular ring 206 (i.e., the clutch plate 220, knob 302, etc.) to components located below the annular ring 206 (i.e., the spool 130, gear mechanism, etc.). To enable force transmission, the drive component 150 is operably coupled to the clutch plate 220. The drive component 150 includes an outward-facing spline 152 located on the upper surface of the drive component 150. The spline 152 is coupled to a corresponding tooth 224 on the clutch plate 220. The engagement of the spline 152 with the tooth 224 allows torque to be transmitted to the gear mechanism (140, 142) and the spool 130 via the clutch plate 220 and the drive component 150.

[0067]

[0090] In one embodiment, the drive component 150 and the clutch plate 220 are assembled to each other via a snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, one or more radially outward-extending tabs (unnumbered) are positioned between a pair of teeth of the spline 152 of the drive component. The one or more radially outward-extending tabs are positioned above the corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220 when the clutch plate 220 is coupled to the drive component 150. The clutch plate 220 is snap-fit ​​coupled to the drive component 150 by coaxially aligning the clutch plate 220 and the drive component 150 and pressing the clutch plate 220 axially downward onto the drive component 150. As the clutch plate 220 is pressed axially downward onto the drive component 150 and one or more of the teeth 224 of the clutch component pass over the corresponding outward-extending tabs, the two components flex to some extent. When assembled, as the clutch plate 220 moves axially upward relative to the drive component 150, one or more radially outward-extending tabs contact the corresponding teeth 224, thereby preventing the two components from disengaging.

[0068]

[0091] As shown in Figure 3B, the drive component 150 is located below the annular ring 206, and the clutch plate 220 is located above the annular ring 206. When these two components are coupled together, the annular ring 206 is sandwiched between the housing 202, the clutch plate 220, and the two components that essentially lock the drive component 150 together. The clutch plate 220 is designed to engage with the upper surface of the annular ring 206 to prevent the spool 130 from rotating in a loosening direction when the tension of the tension member falls to or below the tension threshold. The tension threshold is generally the point where the tension member has minimum tension or no tension at all, or near it. This point typically corresponds to the point where the tension member is completely unwound from around the spool 130. Preventing the spool 130 from rotating in the loosening direction when the tension member is at or near the zero tension threshold prevents the tension member from winding in the reverse direction around the spool 130 and prevents twisting or entanglement of the tension member around the spool 130.

[0069]

[0092] As shown in Figures 3B and 6C, the annular ring 206 of the housing includes a plurality of recesses or teeth 207 (hereinafter, recesses 207) arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around the annular ring 206. The recesses 207 are configured to engage with corresponding bumps or teeth 226 (hereinafter, bumps 226) arranged circumferentially and at equal intervals around the outer edge of the clutch plate 220 or the ring. When the bumps 226 engage with the recesses 207 of the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 202 and the annular ring 206. The engagement of the bumps 226 with the recesses 207 locks the clutch plate 220 in a fixed position relative to the annular ring 206. The spool 130 is also prevented from rotating within the housing 202 by the coupling of the drive component 150 with the spool 130 and the coupling of the clutch plate 220 with the drive component 150, as described herein.

[0070]

[0093] To engage with the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward within the housing 202. The clutch plate 220 is designed to move downward within the housing 202 only when the tension of the tension member reaches or decreases below the tension threshold. The bumps 226 and recesses 207 are disengaged when the clutch plate 220 is in an axially raised position, which is shown in Figures 4A, 5A, and 6B. As shown, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 is positioned above the annular ring 206, and thus the bumps 226 and recesses 207 are disengaged, allowing the spool 130 to rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions. After the bumps 226 and recesses 207 are engaged, further rotation of the spool 130 in the loosening and tightening directions is prevented.

[0071]

[0094] As shown in Figures 5A and 6B, the engagement of the clutch plate 220 with the dial core 230 maintains the clutch plate 220 in an axially elevated position. Specifically, the clutch plate 220 has upper teeth 222 that engage with the axial teeth 232 of the dial core 230. The upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate extend axially upward from the upper surface of the clutch plate 220, and the axial teeth 232 of the dial core 230 extend downward from the lower surface of the dial core 230. The upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the dial core may include a slight taper or inclination configuration that biases the clutch plate 220 axially upward when the teeth are engaged. The tension of the tension member facilitates the engagement of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate with the axial teeth 232 of the dial core by biasing the clutch plate 220 toward rotation in the loosening direction via the spool 130 and the drive component 150. The upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the dial core remain engaged until the tension of the tension member exceeds a tension threshold, after which the tension member no longer biases the clutch plate 220 toward rotation in the loosening direction. When the tension of the tension member decreases to near the tension threshold, the engagement between the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the dial core begins to decrease, causing the clutch plate 220 to begin sliding axially downward relative to the dial core 230, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0072]

[0095] At some point near the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 slides downward and engages with the annular ring 206, preventing further rotation of the clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and spool 130 as described herein. For the sake of simplification when illustrating various components, the annular ring 206 is omitted from Figure 6A. However, it should be understood that the positions of the clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and dial core 230 in Figure 6A correspond to the position where the clutch plate 220 engages with the annular ring 206. Furthermore, the clutch plate 220 is movable axially downward when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B. Moving the dial core 230 axially upward releases the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate and the axial teeth 232 of the dial core. The clutch plate 220 is prevented from moving upward with the dial core 230 by the engagement of tabs extending radially outward from one or more drive components and corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, disengaging the clutch plate 220 from the dial core 230 allows the spool 130 to "freewheel" or rotate freely in a loosening direction within the housing 202, since the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230 are not rotatably locked or coupled to each other.

[0073]

[0096] In some embodiments, the bumps 226 and recesses 207 can be designed not to immediately engage when the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward and contacts the annular ring 206. This allows the spool 130 to rotate freely in the loosening direction when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward. For example, when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward as described herein, the clutch plate 220 becomes disengaged from the dial core 230 and can move axially downward to contact the annular ring 206. In such a case, the clutch plate 220 can contact the annular ring 206 even if tension remains in the tension member. The bumps 226 and recesses 207 do not need to engage in the locking manner described above in order to allow the spool 130 to rotate freely in the loosening direction when the clutch plate 220 contacts the annular ring 206. Rather, the bump 226 and recess 207 can be designed such that when the spool 130 rotates in the loosening direction, the bump 226 tilts or moves away from the recess 207, thereby preventing the spool 130 from rotatably locking into the housing 202. More specifically, the bump 226 and recess 207 can have a rounded or angled shape, thereby allowing the bump 226 to rise or move away from engagement with the recess 207. In such a case, when the knob 302 rotates in the loosening direction and the tension member is near the tension threshold, the bump 226 and recess 207 can still engage. In such a case, the dial core 230 pushes down or presses down the clutch plate 220, thereby keeping the bump 226 and recess 207 locked or engaged with each other, thereby preventing the clutch plate 220 and spool 130 from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0074]

[0097] To enable axial movement of the clutch plate 220 around the drive component 150, the splines 152 of the drive component and the teeth 224 of the clutch plate are configured to allow such axial movement, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Specifically, the spline teeth of the drive component are axially longer than the teeth 224 of the clutch plate, thereby allowing the shorter teeth 224 of the clutch plate to slide axially within channels or grooves formed between the spline teeth.

[0075]

[0098] After the bump 226 and the recess 207 engage, the closing device 100 is configured to allow the knob 302 to rotate in the loosening direction without affecting the rotation of the spool 130. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6A, the rear surface of the axial teeth 232 of the dial core and the rear surface of the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate are inclined or tilted to opposite sides, and when the dial core rotates in the loosening direction, the rear surfaces engage, causing the dial core 230 to jump over the clutch plate 220, thereby pushing or pressing down the clutch plate 220 as described above. As further shown in Figure 6A, when the dial core 230 is in the axially lowered position, the axial teeth 232 of the dial core 230 and the upper teeth 222 of the clutch plate slightly overlap, and when the dial core rotates in the tightening direction (via the knob 302), the dial core 230 and the clutch plate 220 re-engage, thereby pulling or biasing the clutch plate 220 into the axially raised position shown in Figure 6B, allowing the spool 130 to rotate in the tightening and loosening directions. The dial core 230 and the clutch plate 220 re-engage by the clutch plate 220 resisting rotation in the tightening direction due to the tension of the tension member and / or the engagement of the bump 226 of the clutch plate with the recess 207 of the annular ring.

[0076]

[0099] In some embodiments, the bumps 226 on the clutch plate and the recesses 207 on the annular ring can be replaced with other friction components such as rubber-type gaskets or materials, abrasive materials, or adhesive materials. As shown in Figure 6C, the bumps 226 on the clutch plate may be axially recessed from the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220, thereby allowing the clutch plate 220 to seat downward around the annular ring 206. For example, the bumps 226 may be formed or positioned on a circumferential ring or edge that is axially recessed from the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 may be substantially aligned with the bottom surface of the annular ring 206, and / or the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 may contact the upper surface of the drive component 150 when the bumps 226 on the clutch plate engage with the recesses 207 on the annular ring.

[0077]

[0100] The dial core 230 is typically configured to connect to the knob 302 via a snap-fit ​​coupling. In some embodiments, the knob 302 includes axially extending tabs 310 configured to connect to a corresponding edge or lip 238 of the dial core 230. Each tab 310 includes a radially inward lip 312 of a shape and size that fits under the corresponding edge 238 of the dial core 230 (see Figure 4A). The tabs 310 are elastic, which allows them to snap into place on the edge 238 of the dial core. The tabs 310 are also strong enough to transmit an axially upward force applied to the knob 302 (e.g., when a user pulls the knob axially upward) to the dial core 230, causing the dial core 230 to move axially upward together with the knob 302. Thus, the knob 302 and the dial core 230 move essentially as a single unit.

[0078]

[0101] The inner lip 312 of the tab engages with the edge 238 of the dial core, allowing the knob 302 to rotate to some extent around the dial core 230, thereby allowing the knob 302 to be rotated in the loosening direction, gradually releasing the tension as described later. To allow the relative movement of the knob 302, the edge 238 of the dial core is made slightly larger than the inner lip 312 of the tab. As shown in Figure 5A, the edge 238 of the dial core is formed by recessing the periphery of the dial core 230, forming a slot in which the tab 310 is placed. The tab 310 has a circumferential width smaller than the circumferential width of the corresponding slot, allowing the tab 310 to rotate to some extent within the slot. The tab 310 may have a radial width corresponding to the width of the recess, such that when the tab 310 is engaged with the edge 238 of the dial core, the outer surface of the tab 310 is substantially aligned with the outer surface of the dial core 230. In one embodiment, the knob 302 includes four tabs 310 and the dial core 230 includes four edges 238, although more or fewer tabs 310 and edges 238 may be used as needed. The tabs 310 and edges 238 of the dial core are typically positioned directly adjacent to the corresponding claws 240, allowing the tabs 310 to engage with the claws 240, although the positions of the tabs 310 and edges 238 can be changed as desired. With the dial core 230 mounted on the knob 302, one or more claws 240 and claw discs 250 are sandwiched between the knob 302 and the dial core 230.

[0079]

[0102] The closing device 100 is separate from the housing 202 and includes a cord outlet component 160 that is assembled to the housing 202. Separating the cord outlet component 160 from the housing 202 allows the cord outlet component 160 to be formed from a low-friction and wear-resistant material, while a high-strength and impact-resistant material is used for the housing 202. For example, the housing 202 may be made from a high-impact-resistant material with lower wear resistance, while the cord outlet component 160 may be made from a high-wear-resistant material with lower impact resistance. The wear-resistant material allows the cord outlet component 160 to function with a tensile member designed to withstand higher tensile loads. The cord outlet component 160 allows such a tensile member to repeatedly slide on the surface of the component without undergoing excessive wear. As shown in Figure 10A, the cord outlet component 160 includes a key 164 designed to fit into a corresponding slot 166 of the housing 202. The key 164 may be a tab extending outward from the body of the cord outlet component 160. The cord exit component 160 can be attached to the housing 202 by positioning the cord exit component 160 below the housing and sliding the key 164 axially upward into the corresponding slot 166 of the housing 202. The cord exit component 160 includes a cord channel 162 in which the tension member is positioned so that the tension member can access the spool 130 in the housing 202. The cord exit component 160 is shaped and sized to correspond to the support 109 of the base member 102.

[0080]

[0103] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the coupling component 120 includes one or more string openings 126 that can be aligned with the string port 136 of the spool 130. The alignment of the string openings 126 with the string port 136 of the spool allows for easy coupling of the tension member with the spool 130. For example, as shown in Figure 10C, the spool 130 can be aligned inside the housing 202 such that the channel 137 of the spool 130 aligns with the string channel 162 of the string outlet component 160. Once the channel 137 of the spool is aligned with the string channel 162 of the string outlet component, the tension member can be inserted into the string channel 162 of the string outlet component through the channel 137 of the spool. The distal end of the channel 137 of the spool forms an opening 138 designed to guide the tension member downward through the string port 136. Once the tension member is inserted through the channel 137 and string port 136 of the spool, the tension member extends outward from the lower end of the spool 130. If the tension member extends beyond the lower end of the spool 130, a knot may be tied to the tension member, or a separate component may be attached to the tension member, so that when the tension member is pulled in, its distal end engages with the opening 138 of the spool, preventing the tension member from being pulled in through the opening 138. This allows the tension member to be easily connected to the spool 130.

[0081]

[0104] The alignment of the string opening 126 of the coupling component with the string port 136 of the spool allows the tension member to extend through the spool 130 and through the coupling component 120, so that a knot can be tied to the tension member or a separate component can be attached to the tension member without having to remove the coupling component 120 from the spool 130. In some embodiments, the spool 130 may include a single string port 136, and the coupling component 120 may include a pair of string openings 126. This design allows a single coupling component 120 to be used with the spool 130 regardless of whether the string port 136 is located on the left or right side of the spool 130, and this configuration may be adopted depending on whether the spool 130 is designed to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the tightening direction. Figure 10C shows a top cross section of the spool 130, and thus the channel 137 is shown as being on the opposite side of the spool 130 from the string port 136. The string port 136 can be formed in the channel 133 of the spool by forming a semicircular groove in the upper flange or lower flange of the spool 130, or in both flanges of the spool 130. The semicircular groove can guide or direct the tension member toward the opening 138 when the tension member is inserted through the string channel 162 of the string exit component.

[0082]

[0105] Figures 10D to 10F show alternative embodiments of the spool 130 that can be used with the reel-type closing device 100. The spool 130 is designed to accommodate thick, rigid tensile members that are used with the reel-type closing device 100 to allow for high tensile loads. To use thick, rigid tensile members, the spool channels 600 typically need to be positioned so that the tensile members are neatly "stacked" or wound around the spool to avoid mismatches in spool capacity and / or breakage of the upper or lower flanges of the spool. For example, if thick, rigid tensile members are wound randomly around the spool, pressure can be applied to the upper and lower flanges, which could cause the spool flanges to open and break. To avoid these problems, the spool channels 600 are often narrowed so that the thick, rigid tensile members are wound around the spool in a single stack or around a single trough. However, by using single-stack winding, the amount of tensile members that can or may be wound around the spool is greatly minimized.

[0083]

[0106] The spool 130 in Figures 10D to 10F allows for winding thick, rigid tensile members in a double-stack configuration, or in other words, winding or wrapping around two troughs within the channel 600 of the spool. To enable the double-stack configuration, the channel 600 of the spool includes two troughs separated by a central spine or ridge 602. Specifically, the channel 600 of the spool includes a first trough 604 and a second trough 606. As shown in Figure 10D, the first trough 604 may be positioned axially below the second trough 606, or the troughs may be positioned in reverse. The troughs 604 and 606 are positioned such that a portion of the second trough 606 protrudes from the first trough 604. The protrusion is formed or defined by the portion of the first trough 604 being positioned radially inward of the second trough 606, as shown on the left side of Figure 10D. The second trough 606 may extend from the first trough 604 by an amount equal to the diameter of the tensile member.

[0084]

[0107] As shown in Figure 10E, the overhang of the second trough 606 may extend approximately midway around the spool 130. The overhang is specifically designed to extend from the first string connector 610 to the second string connector 612, which is located approximately midway around the spool 130 from the first string connector 610. The first string connector 610 is designed to be attached to the first string 605, and the second string connector 612 is designed to be attached to the second string 607. The connections of the first string 605 and the second string 607 to their respective string connectors may be the same as those described for the opening 138 and string port 136. Figure 10E is a cross-sectional bottom view of the spool 130 showing the first trough 604 and the second trough 606. The shaded area indicates the area of ​​the overhang between the two troughs 604 and 606, and how far the overhang extends around the spool 130. As shown in the figure, the overhang has approximately equal width around the channel 600 of the spool, except near the first string connection 610, and the overhang is larger to allow the first string 605 to gradually transition from the connection to the first trough 604. In some cases, as shown in Figure 10E, neither the first trough 604 nor the second trough 606 had a circular cross-section.

[0085]

[0108] The first cord connector 610 is positioned so that the first cord 605 extends from the first cord connector 610 and is wound around the first trough 604. The second cord connector 612 is similarly positioned so that the second cord 607 extends from the second cord connector 612 and is wound around the second trough 606. The spool 130 is designed so that the first cord 605 is connected to the first cord connector 601, and then the spool 130 rotates to connect the second cord 607 to the second cord connector 612. When the spool 130 is rotated to connect the second cord 607, the first cord 605 is wound or wound partway around the spool 130, more specifically wound or wound along the overhang of the first trough 604. In other words, the spool 130 is designed such that the first string 605 has an additional half-turn or half-wound compared to the second string 607. In some embodiments, the first string 605 may be wrapped around the first trough 604 for between 170 and 200 degrees before the second string 607 is wrapped around the second trough 606.

[0086]

[0109] Since the first string 605 is wound or wrapped around the overhang before the second string 607 is connected, as the spool 130 rotates further to wind or wrap the second string 607 around the channel 600 of the spool, the two strings 605 and 607 are wound or wrapped around the channel of the spool in an order that "stacks" or aligns with each other when the strings 605 and 607 are wound around the spool 130. Figure 10F shows the respective troughs 604 and 606, or the strings 605 and 607 having a stacked or aligned configuration when wound around the spool 130. Since the overhang between troughs 604 and 606 is approximately equal to the diameter of the first string 605, as the first string 605 and the second string 607 are wound multiple times around the overhang, the first string 605 and the second string 607 maintain a stacked or aligned arrangement.

[0087]

[0110] The stacked arrangement of cords 605 and 607 eliminates or minimizes the tendency for one of the cords 605 and 607 to move into the trough of the other (or to the center of the spool channel 600) when the cords 605 and 607 are wound around the spool 130. Furthermore, the use of the stacked arrangement increases the capacity of the spool 130 for accommodating the cords, as twice the amount of cord can be wound around the spool 130 compared to a single stacked spool design. The stacked configuration further allows the cords 605 and 607 to be wound simultaneously around the spool 130 at a constant radius. Moreover, the stacked configuration of cords 605 and 607 provides at least four additional advantages, namely, the ability to prevent cord wrap jamming, prevent excessive load on the spool flange, prevent excessive wear and pressure points on the cord, maintain the tightest wrap of the cord, and thereby improve output.

[0088]

[0111] Figure 10G shows an alternative cord outlet component 160 designed for use with the alternative spool 130 in Figures 10D–10F. The alternative cord outlet component 160 is substantially similar to the aforementioned cord outlet component, except that the cord channel 162 includes a plurality of separate openings. Specifically, the cord channel 162 includes a first opening 167 and a second opening 168 separated by a wall or partition. The first opening 167 is shaped, dimensional, and positioned so that the first cord 605 can be inserted through the first opening 167 and so that the rotation of the spool 130 can access the first trough 604 to wrap or unwrap the first cord 605 around the first trough 604. Similarly, the second opening 168 is shaped, sized, and positioned so that the second string 607 can be inserted through the second opening 168 and the rotation of the spool 130 can access the second trough 606 to wrap or unwrap the second string 607 around the second trough 606.

[0089]

[0112] Since the cords 605 and 607 enter the housing 202 through separate openings, the stacking or alignment of the cords 605 and 607 is more easily controlled. In some cases, the first and second openings 167, 168 may be of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, the first opening 167 may be smaller in size and may be positioned toward the bottom of the cord outlet part 160 to guide or direct the first cord 605 toward the first trough 604, which is typically located axially below the second trough 606. The second opening 168 may have a more elongated opening compared to the first opening 167 and may extend toward the top of the cord outlet part 160 to allow the second cord 607 to access the second trough 606 and to be easily wrapped around or wound around the second trough 606. In some examples, the first and second openings 167 and 168 may have similar sizes, but may be arranged so that the respective cords are guided or fed into the channel 600 of the spool in a desired manner.

[0090]

[0113] Referring here to Figures 11A and 11B, the coupling of one or more claws 240, a claw disc 250, and a dial core 230 is shown. The function of one or more claws 240, a claw disc 250, and a knob 302 in controlling the rotation of the spool 130 is also shown. To facilitate the coupling of one or more claws 240 to the dial core 230, the dial core 230 includes one or more drive bosses 236 extending axially upward from the top surface of the dial core 230. Each drive boss 236 includes a recess 237 of a shape and size such as to accommodate the proximal end 244 of one or more claws 240. The recess 237 is designed so that each claw 240 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise on the dial core 230. In certain embodiments, the recess 237 and the proximal end 244 of the claw 240 are semicircular in shape. The proximal end 244 of the claw 240 can engage with or contact the wall of the recess 237 so that any force or load applied to the claw 240 is transmitted to the drive boss 236. In this way, each drive boss 236 supports and reinforces the corresponding claw 240.

[0091]

[0114] The dial core 230 also includes one or more pivot bosses 231 extending axially upward from the upper surface of the dial core 230. Each pivot boss 231 is coupled to a corresponding claw 240 by inserting the pivot boss 231 into an opening located at the proximal end of the corresponding claw 240. By coupling the claw 240 to the pivot boss 231, the claw 240 is made capable of pivoting or rotating around the pivot boss 231. In some embodiments, one or more claws 240 may be integrated with the dial core 230. In such embodiments, one or more claws 240 are typically configured to be movable or rotatable around the dial core 230. For example, one or more claws 240 may be a compliant mechanism and / or be coupled to one or more compliant members or mechanisms.

[0092]

[0115] The claw disc 250 is coupled to the dial core 230 by aligning a recess 254 of the claw disc 250 with a corresponding keyed projection 233 of the dial core 230. The claw disc 250 can then be pressed downward on the dial core 230 to engage the keyed projection 233 with the corresponding recess 254. In some embodiments, the claw disc 250 may be integrated with the dial core 230 and / or one or more claws 240. In such embodiments, the claw disc 250 should be configured to bias one or more claws 240 outward, as described herein. Separating the one or more claws 240, the claw disc 250, and / or the dial core 230 makes it possible to manufacture each component from different materials and to optimize the component for a particular purpose. For example, the one or more claws 240 may be made from a high-rigidity material that can withstand higher forces, while a soft, springy material is used in the claw disc 250 to actuate or bias the one or more claws 240. The dial core 230 may be made of a material suitable for supporting and reinforcing the claw disc 250 and one or more claws 240.

[0093]

[0116] The claw disc 250 has one or more arms 252 extending outward from the body of the claw disc 250. One or more arms 252 are flexible and are positioned on the dial core 230 such that the distal end of each arm 252 is positioned relative to the rear surface of the corresponding claw 240. The arms 252 are configured to provide a biasing force that presses or biases the claw 240 toward engagement with teeth 204 formed on or otherwise coupled on the housing 202. More specifically, the arms 252 bias the claw so that the claw 240 rotates around the pivot boss 231 so that it engages with teeth 204. Thus, the claw disc 250 functions as a spring that presses or biases the claw 240 toward engagement with teeth 204.

[0094]

[0117] Each claw 240 includes one or more teeth 242 located at the distal end of the claw 240. One or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized to engage with the teeth 204 of the closing device 100. More specifically, one or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized to interlock with or fit into the teeth of the closing device 100. The engagement of the teeth 242 of one or more claws with the teeth 204 of the closing device prevents the dial core 230 from rotating in the loosening direction (for example, counterclockwise in Figure 11A). Specifically, when the claws 240 engage with the teeth 204 and a force is applied to the dial core 230 in the loosening direction (via the tension member and spool 130), one or more claws 240 are coupled to the dial core 230 so as not to rotate. Thus, one or more claws 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204, preventing the dial core 230 from rotating in the tightening direction.

[0095]

[0118] As described here, the spool 130 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction by the engagement of the dial core 230 with the clutch plate 220, the drive component 150, and the spool 130. The biasing force of the pawl disc 250 keeps the pawl 240 engaged with the teeth 204 until the pawl 240 disengages from the teeth 204 due to upward movement of the dial core 230 or rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction. Furthermore, the biasing force of the pawl disc 250 automatically reengages one or more pawls 240 with the teeth 204 when the dial core 230 moves axially downward or when the rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction stops.

[0096]

[0119] To rotate the spool 130 in the tightening direction, the tabs 310 are configured to engage with the drive boss 236 of the dial core. Specifically, the tabs 310 extend axially downward from the knob 302, and when the knob 302 is engaged with the housing 202, each tab 310 is positioned adjacent to the drive boss 236 and between the claws 240 and the teeth 204. As shown in Figure 11A, when the knob 302 rotates in the tightening direction (for example, clockwise in Figure 11A), the proximal end of each tab 310 contacts the distal end face of the drive boss 236. The engagement of the tabs 310 with the drive boss 236 transmits rotational force from the knob 302 to the dial core 230 as the knob 302 rotates in the tightening direction, causing the dial core 230 to rotate in the tightening direction. As the dial core 230 rotates in the tightening direction, the spool 130 also rotates in the tightening direction due to the engagement of the clutch plate 220 of the dial core 230, the drive component 150, and the spool 130, as described herein. The orientation of one or more claws 240 on the dial core 230 causes one or more claws 240 to flex inward as the dial core 230 rotates in the tightening direction, causing them to jump over the teeth 204. The claw disc 250 causes one or more claws 240 to spring outward as one or more claws 240 jump over the teeth 204.

[0097]

[0120] The tabs 310 are further configured to allow the dial core 230 to rotate gradually in the loosening direction. Specifically, as the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction (for example, counterclockwise in Figure 11B), each tab 310 rotates within the housing 202 such that the distal surface of each tab 310 contacts and engages with the distal end of the corresponding claw 240. Further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the tabs 310 to push, pivot, or rotate the corresponding claw 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204. When one or more claws 240 are disengaged from the teeth 204, the lock of the dial core 230 is instantaneously released from the housing 202, thereby allowing the dial core 230 to rotate instantaneously or gradually in the loosening direction in response to loosening forces from the spool 130 and tension members. Specifically, tensile loads and forces from the tension member are applied to the spool 130, and these are transmitted to the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230 by engaging with the spool 130. The tensile load causes the dial core 230 to rotate in a loosening direction when it is unlocked from the housing 202.

[0098]

[0121] As the dial core 230 rotates in the loosening direction, each tab 310 disengages from its corresponding pawl 240 and, due to the biasing force from the pawl disc 250, pivots or rotates to engage with the teeth 204. One or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204 until, as the knob 302 rotates further in the loosening direction, the tab 310 pushes the pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204 again, pivots, or rotates it. In this way, the dial core 230 and spool 130 can be gradually rotated in the loosening direction to loosen or weaken the tension of the tension member.

[0099]

[0122] The incremental engagement and disengagement of the pawl 240 and tab 310, which allows the spool 130 and dial core 230 to rotate in the loosening direction, can be referred to as "cleaning" the pawl 240 from engagement with the teeth 204. To facilitate "cleaning" the pawl 240 from engagement with the teeth 204, each pawl 240 may include a bump or tab 246 that extends slightly outward from the surface of the pawl 240. The distal end of each tab 310 may also include an angled or inclined surface. The angled or inclined surface of each tab 310 engages with the bump or tab 246 of each pawl 240, applying a gradually increasing force to the pawl 240, thereby reducing stress and wear on the two parts. In some embodiments, the angled or inclined surface may be formed only on the top of each tab 310. In such embodiments, the lower part of each tab 310 may include a radially inward lip 312 of a shape and size that fits under the corresponding edge 238 of the dial core 230.

[0100]

[0123] The degree or amount of each loosening step may, as desired, be equivalent to the distance between each tooth 204 or the distance between multiple teeth. As described herein, when the tension of the tension member is close to the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 slides downward and engages with the annular ring 206, preventing further rotation of the clutch plate 220, the drive component 150, and the spool 130. Once the clutch plate 220 engages with the annular ring 206, the configuration of the dial core 230 and the clutch plate 220 allows the dial core 230 and the knob 302 to rotate in a further loosening direction.

[0101]

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the closing device 100 may include four claws 240, four tabs 310, and four arms 252. This configuration may be ideal for generating high torque and accommodating high tensile loads. In other embodiments, more or fewer components may be used depending on the specific application or need, or based on the desired torque output.

[0102]

[0125] Referring here to Figure 12, a ski boot 400 including the aforementioned closing device 100 is shown. The closing device 100 can output high torque and generate the high tensile load typically required to close and tighten the ski boot around the user's foot, so it may be ideal for applying tension to the ski boot 400. The ski boot 400 includes a unique long guide 410 designed to accommodate the high tensile load and facilitate the closing and tightening of the ski boot shell. The long guide 410 is shown in more detail in Figures 14A–14C. Figure 13 shows a lace path and guide configuration that may be adopted for the ski boot 400 of Figure 12. Specifically, the guide configuration includes a plurality of long guides 410 and one or more shorter guides 460 positioned between a pair of long guides 410. The closing device 100 is positioned at the top of the lace path, and the tension member 450 is fed from the closing device 100 along the lace path through the plurality of long guides 410 and one or more shorter guides 460. The tension member 450 is terminated at the distal end of the string path via a termination member or termination component 470. The termination at the distal end of the tension member 450 allows the closing device 100 to generate a greater tensile force on the tension member 450.

[0103]

[0126] The lace path may extend across the opening between the two shells of the ski boot 400. In some embodiments, a plurality of long guides 410 may be located on one shell, while one or more short guides 460 are located on the opposite shell. While the distal ends of the long guides 410 are attached to the ski boot, one or more short guides 460 may be riveted or mechanically fastened to the ski boot 400. One or more short guides 460 may have an open channel or end into which a tension member 450 is located, while the long guides 410 include a closed channel into which a tension member 450 is located. The tension member may be removed or pulled out from the open channel of one or more short guides 460 to allow the ski boot 400 to be removed more easily from around the foot.

[0104]

[0127] Referring to Figures 14A to 14C, the longer guide 410 is made up of multiple parts. Specifically, the longer guide 410 includes an outer shell or body 412 and a reinforcing member 420. The outer shell 412 houses the reinforcing member 420. The longer guide 410 allows the guide to be attached to the side of the ski boot 400, typically near the sole of the ski boot, while the distal end that engages with the tension member 450 is positioned close to the opening of the ski boot 400. This configuration helps the guide 410 wrap around the shell, facilitating the proper closing of the shell around the foot.

[0105]

[0128] The reinforcing component 420 allows the guide 410 to withstand high tensile loads without breaking or cracking. The reinforcing component 420 also allows the outer shell 412 to be made of a low-friction material, which may not be able to withstand the tensile forces applied to the tensile member 450. The outer shell 412 and the reinforcing component 420 each extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the guide 410. The proximal ends of the outer shell 412 and the reinforcing component 420 include openings 416 that allow rivets or other mechanical fasteners to attach the guide 410 to the ski boot 400. The reinforcing component 420 is formed from a material strip that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the guide 410. The material strip can be made of a metallic material such as aluminum, or another material that can withstand high tensile loads, such as a fabric material, carbon fiber material, or rigid polymer material.

[0106]

[0129] The material strip is folded to form a loop end 422. The folded material strip yields a reinforcing component 420 having an upper segment and a lower segment, each extending from the loop end 422 to the proximal end of the guide. Each of the upper and lower segments may include an opening 416, which can be coupled to the ski boot shell, respectively. The upper and lower segments are typically positioned in contact with each other from the proximal end of the reinforcing component 420 to the loop end 422, but in some embodiments, the upper and lower segments may be separated by an outer shell 412 or another material.

[0107]

[0130] The outer shell 412 includes a guide segment 415 positioned within the loop-shaped end 422 of the reinforcing component 420. The guide segment 415 extends between opposing sides of the outer shell 412. The distal end of the outer shell and the guide segment 415 include a channel 414 in which the tension member 450 is positioned. The guide segment 415 is made of a lower friction material than the reinforcing component 420 to minimize frictional engagement between the guide 410 and the tension member. When the guide 410 is pulled by the tension member 450, the guide segment 415 presses against the loop-shaped end 422 of the reinforcing component 420. In this way, some or all of the tensile load in the guide segment 415 is transmitted from the outer shell 412 to the reinforcing component 420, thereby allowing for better handling of the high tensile load generated from the closing device 100. The tension at the loop-shaped end 422 is transmitted to the proximal end of the guide 410 via the upper and lower segments of the reinforcing material strip, and finally to the shell of the ski boot 400 by a mechanical fastener that secures the long guide 410 to the shell. The tension pulls the opposing shells together, pulling the ski boot closed over the user's foot. The long guide 410 is also pressed downwards over the shell, further closing and tightening the shell around the user's foot.

[0108]

[0131] The outer shell 412 generally surrounds the reinforcing member 420. For example, the outer shell 412 may cover the opposing sides of the reinforcing member 420, but in other embodiments, one or both sides of the reinforcing member 420 may be exposed. The outer shell 412 may also include a distal end located distal to the loop end 422. The distal end of the outer shell 412 can allow the tension member 450 to enter and exit the channel 414 in a manner of minimal friction. For example, the opposing sides of the distal end of the outer shell may be arc-shaped or curved to provide a smooth transition radius that eliminates sharp angles that could damage the tension member 450 or cause excessive pressure on the guide segment 415 and / or the loop end 422. In some embodiments, the opposing sides of the distal end of the outer shell may have a radius of 40 mm to 50 mm to provide a smooth transition to the tension member 450. The distal end can also cover the loop end 422, preventing the loop end from contacting surrounding objects.

[0109]

[0132] In some embodiments, the outer shell 412 may include one or more openings 418 that allow the reinforcing component 420 to be visible. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 412 includes two open sections that allow the loop end 422 and the upper segment to be visible. The most distal open section can allow the reinforcing component 420 to be easily coupled to the outer shell 412 by allowing the upper and lower segments to be separated and positioned around the guide segment 415. The upper and lower segments can then be moved proximal until the loop end 422 is positioned around the guide segment 415. In other embodiments, the loop end 422 and / or the upper and lower segments may be covered by the outer shell 412 so that the reinforcing component 420 is not visible. The upper and lower segments may also be positioned at the lower end or surface of the outer shell 412 so that the lower segment contacts the shell of the ski boot 400. In other embodiments, the upper and lower segments may be positioned or enclosed within the outer shell 412 as needed.

[0110]

[0133] The outer shell 412 may include a pair of openings 418 separated by a material bridge, as shown in Figures 14A-14B, or the outer shell 412 may include a single opening 418, as shown in Figure 14C. The material bridge separating the pair of openings may function to keep the upper and lower segments of the reinforcing part 420 in contact. In some embodiments, the long guide 410 may have a length between 40 and 80 mm, more commonly between 50 and 70 mm. The long guide may also have a width between 15 and 35 mm, more commonly between 20 and 30 mm. In certain embodiments, the long guide may have a length of about 60 mm and a width of about 25 mm. The long guide 410 may be curved around its longitudinal length to help the long guide engage with and contact the upper surface of the ski boot shell. The shorter guide 460 may have a width corresponding to the width of the long guide and a length shorter than the width of the shorter guide 460. The shorter guide 460 may not require reinforcing components because the mechanical fastener is located distal to the tension member 450.

[0111]

[0134] Referring to Figures 15A to 15E, embodiments of an end member or end component 470 (hereinafter, end member 470) designed to be attached to the distal end of a tension member 450 for fixed coupling or attachment of the tension member 450 to a ski boot 400 or any other article, are shown. For the sake of ease of explanation of the end member 470, an example of an end member 470 attached to a ski boot 400 will be shown, but it should be recognized that the end member 470 may be coupled to any desired article.

[0112]

[0135] Since the end member 470 is detachable from the ski boot 400, it can be quickly and easily replaced if the tension member 450 fails. The end member 470 has a body 502 with a lumen 510 and a through hole 508. The through hole 508 is located at the proximal end of the body 502 and is shaped and sized so that a bolt 480 or other mechanical fastener can be inserted through the through hole 508 and attached to the ski boot 400. The upper part of the through hole 508 may be recessed from the upper surface of the body 502. The recess of the through hole 508 may have a wider diameter than the rest of the through hole 508, allowing the bolt 480 to be recessed from the upper surface of the body 502, thereby reducing the profile of the end member 470 when attached to the ski boot 400.

[0113]

[0136] The body 502 also includes a string port or opening 504 into which the tension member 450 is inserted, as described below herein. The string opening 504 is located at the distal end of the body 502 opposite the through hole 508. When the end member 470 is attached to the ski boot 400, the string opening 504 is positioned so that the opening of the string opening 504 faces the string path of the tension member 450. The body 502 further includes an opening 506 that allows a tool (not shown) to access a locking component 550 located in a cavity 510 of the body 502. The tool, which may be a screwdriver or other device, is insertable into the opening 506 and engages with the locking component 550 to induce a locking force on the tension member 450 or release a locking force induced on the tension member 450. The locking force applied to or exerted on the tension member 450 via the locking component 550 is sufficient to lock or securely attach the tension member 450 to the end member 470. The opening 506 is typically located on the side of the body 502 substantially perpendicular to the lacing opening 504. However, the opening 506 may be located elsewhere around the body 502 as desired. Placing the opening 506 on the side of the body 502 substantially perpendicular to the lacing opening 504 may be preferable because it allows the user to easily access the opening 506 when the end member 470 is fastened to the ski boot 400 via the bolts 480 without interference from the tension member 450 or other parts of the ski boot 400.

[0114]

[0137] Figure 15C shows a bottom view of the end member 470. The cavity 510 formed in the body 502 is evident in Figure 15C. In some embodiments, the cavity 510 has an L-shaped configuration to prevent the locking component 550 from being inserted into the cavity 510 in the wrong orientation. Specifically, the body 502 includes elbows 514 projecting from the corners or parts of the cavity 510 such that the cavity 510 has an L-shaped contour when viewed from the bottom end, as shown in Figure 15C. A secondary cavity 512 is also defined at the bottom of the body 502 near the cord opening 504. The secondary cavity 512 extends from the cavity 510 and forms a small pocket or recess at the distal end of the body 502. As described below herein, the distal end of the tension member 450 is located within the secondary cavity 512 when the tension member is coupled with the end member 470 and the locking component 550.

[0115]

[0138] A channel 520 is formed at the proximal end of the main body 502. The channel 520 extends from the cavity 510 around the through hole 508. The channel 520 is shaped and sized to correspond to the diameter of the tension member 450. More specifically, the channel 520 has a width and depth greater than the diameter of the tension member 450, so that the tension member 450 can be fully positioned within the channel 520 and wrapped around the bolt 480 positioned through the through hole 508. In some embodiments, a wall 522 extends from the cavity 510 to the through hole 508, or adjacent to the through hole 508, to divide the distal portion of the channel 520 between the cavity 510 and the through hole 508 into first and second parts (shown in Figure 15E as separate channels positioned laterally adjacent to each other). The wall 522 can function to route or guide the tension member 450 as it is inserted through the channel 520 and the locking component 550. In some embodiments, arrows or other symbols may be formed on the surface of the channel 520. In the illustrated embodiment, an arrow is formed on the channel 520 around the through hole 508. The arrow can visually indicate the direction in which the tension member 450 is fed through the locking component 550 and the channel 520.

[0116]

[0139] Figure 15C shows a locking component 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the end member 470. The locking component 550 may include an L-shaped contour that reflects the L-shaped contour of the cavity 510. Specifically, an elbow 559 matching the elbow 514 of the cavity 510 can be formed on the locking component 550 to allow insertion of the locking component 550 into the L-shaped cavity 510. The L-shaped cavity 510 and the locking component 550 ensure that the locking component 550 is always properly or correctly inserted into the cavity 510, unless it is properly oriented and aligned with the cavity 510, by preventing the locking component 550 from being inserted into the cavity 510. Proper and accurate insertion of the locking component 550 may be important to ensure that the tension member 450 can be inserted through the locking component 550 so that the tension member 450 does not twist or get damaged. For example, the locking component 550 includes a string entry opening 552 that aligns coaxially with the string opening 504 of the main body 502 when the locking component 550 is inserted into the cavity 510. If the locking component 550 is not properly inserted into the cavity 510, the string entry opening 552 may be misaligned with the string opening 504 of the main body 502, which could cause the tension member 450 to twist or be damaged when tensioning the tension member 450 or assembling the end member 470 around the ski boot 400.

[0117]

[0140] The cord inlet opening 552 is formed distal to the locking component 550. The cord outlet opening 554 is formed proximal to the locking component 550, opposite the cord inlet opening 552. A channel or lumen extends between the cord inlet opening 552 and the cord outlet opening 554, allowing the tension member to be inserted completely through the locking component 550 between the cord inlet opening 552 and the cord outlet opening 554. When the locking component 550 is positioned within the cavity 510, the cord outlet opening 554 aligns with the first section of the channel 520.

[0118]

[0141] A second cord inlet opening 556 is formed on the proximal side of the locking component 550, and a second cord outlet opening 558 is formed on the distal side of the locking component 550 opposite the second cord inlet opening 556. When the locking component 550 is placed in the cavity 510, the second cord inlet opening 556 is aligned with the second section of the channel 520, and the second cord outlet opening 558 is aligned with the secondary cavity 512. The channel or lumen extends between the second cord inlet opening 556 and the second cord outlet opening 558, thereby allowing the tension member to be inserted through the locking component 550 between the second section of the channel 520 and the secondary cavity 512.

[0119]

[0142] Figure 15D shows a side view of the body 502, more specifically, a tool access opening 506. The opening 506 is formed in the body 502 so as to extend from the cavity 510 to the outer surface of the body 502. Briefly as previously described, a tool can be inserted through the opening 506 to engage with a locking component 550 located in the cavity 510 of the body. The tool may also be used to lock or unlock the tension member 450 from engagement with the locking component 550, which either permanently connects the tension member 450 to the end member 470 or releases the tension member 450 from there. In certain embodiments, the tool can access a set screw (not shown) that is screwed into the body of the locking component 550. The tool can rotate the set screw to increase or decrease the frictional engagement with the tension member 450. The set screw can apply a tightening or compressive force to the tension member 450, locking the tension member 450 within the body of the locking component 550, thereby fixing and attaching the tension member 450 to the end member 470. More specifically, rotation of the set screw can move the set screw toward or away from the channel or lumen between the second cord inlet opening 556 and the second cord outlet opening 558, thereby compressing the tension member 450 within this channel or lumen. In some embodiments, a component or material such as a nylon patch may be placed between the tension member 450 and the distal end of the set screw to minimize or eliminate undesirable damage to the tension member 450 from the set screw.

[0120]

[0143] To permanently connect or secure the tension member 450 to the locking component 550, the tension member 450 is inserted through the string opening 504 of the main body 502 and through the string inlet opening 552 of the locking component 550. The tension member 450 is then inserted through the channel between the string inlet opening 552 and the string exit opening 554 until the tension member 450 extends from the string exit opening 554. The tension member 450 then curves around the through hole 508 in the channel 520 according to an arrow formed or defined on the surface of the channel 520. In some embodiments, the wall 522 may be angled to help guide or deflect the tension member 450 toward the channel 520 as it exits the string exit opening 554. The tension member 450 is then inserted through the second string inlet opening 556 and the respective channels until the tension member 450 extends from the second string exit opening 558. After exiting the second cord exit opening 558, the distal end of the tension member 450 is positioned within the secondary cavity 512. The tension member 450 can then be locked into the locking component 550 by engaging the set screw via a tool inserted through the tool access opening 506. Removal of the tension member 450 from the locking component 550 can be achieved by accessing the set screw via a tool inserted through the tool access opening 506 and rotating the set screw toward the unlocked position. The tension member 450 can then be removed from the locking component 550 and the end member 470. Note that all of the above steps may be performed with the end member 470 attached to the ski boot 400.

[0121]

[0144] While several embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and / or combinations of components described in the various embodiments are subject to modification, rearrangement, alteration, adjustment, etc. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged, and / or various described components may be used in any embodiment that they are not currently described or employed. Therefore, it should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangements and / or component structures described herein.

[0122]

[0145] Furthermore, it should be understood that any viable combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also deemed to be disclosed. Moreover, whenever features are not described in relation to embodiments of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will notice that certain embodiments of the invention can implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby supporting a negative limitation of the claims.

[0123]

[0146] While several embodiments have been described, as those skilled in the art will see, various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, many well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0124]

[0147] Where a range of values ​​is given, unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates, each value between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed to the extent of 1 / 10 of the lower limit. This also includes each smaller range between any stated value or value intervening within the stated range and any other stated value or value intervening within that stated range. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included in or excluded from that range, and each of these smaller ranges that includes one or neither of the limit values, or that includes both, is also included within the scope of the invention, subject to the constraints of any particularly excluded limit values ​​within the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limit values, it also includes ranges that exclude one or both of the included limit values.

[0125]

[0148] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “one process” includes multiple such processes, and a reference to “the apparatus” includes one or more apparatuses and their equivalents known to those skilled in the art.

[0126]

[0149] Furthermore, the terms “equipped,” “containing,” “include,” “contains,” and “includes,” when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to identify the presence of the described feature, integer, part, or step, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, parts, steps, actions, or groups.

Claims

1. A reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member, A housing that defines the vertical axis, Multiple teeth operably coupled to the housing, A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, An engaging member having one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth which are operably coupled to the housing during the rotation of the spool within the housing, A dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that the rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate within the housing, thereby winding the tension member around the spool, Equipped with, The length of each tooth of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing is substantially longer than the length of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member. Reel-type closing device.

2. The reel-type closing device according to claim 1, wherein the length of each tooth of the plurality of teeth is 30% to 60% longer than the length of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member.

3. The reel-type closing device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is a planetary gear of a gear mechanism.

4. The reel-type closing device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing are a ring gear of the gear mechanism.

5. The reel-type closing device according to claim 1, wherein the upper flange of the spool includes an annular recess or lip of a shape and size that accommodates the plurality of teeth which are operably coupled to the housing.

6. The reel-type closing device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is a claw member including one or more claw teeth.

7. The reel-type closing device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom or distal end of each of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing extends below the bottom or distal end of each of the one or more teeth of the engaging member.

8. In a method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device, A housing that defines the vertical axis, Multiple teeth operably coupled to the housing, A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, A dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that the rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate within the housing, The steps include: preparing a reel-type closing device, A step of positioning an engaging member that operably engages with a plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing, wherein the engaging member includes one or more teeth that engage with the plurality of teeth, Includes, A method wherein the length of each tooth of the plurality of teeth operably coupled to the housing is substantially longer than the length of each tooth of one or more teeth of the engaging member.

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

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

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

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the upper flange of the spool includes an annular recess or lip of a shape and size that accommodates the plurality of teeth which are operably coupled to the housing.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the engaging member is a claw member including one or more claw teeth.

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

15. In a reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member, Housing and A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, comprising an annular recess, wherein the tension member is wound around the annular recess when the spool is rotated in the tightening direction within the housing, A dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that its rotation causes the spool to rotate in the tightening direction, Equipped with, The annular recess of the spool includes a spine or ridge that separates the two troughs or channels around which the tension member is wound. Reel-type closing device.

16. The reel-type closure device according to claim 15, wherein each trough or channel has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the tension member so that a single layer of the tension member is wrapped around each trough or channel.

17. The reel-type closing device according to claim 15, wherein one of the troughs or channels has a smaller diameter than the other trough or channel.

18. The reel-type closing device according to claim 17, wherein the troughs or channels are arranged such that the tension members in each trough or channel remain aligned with the tension members in the other trough or channel when the tension members are wound around each trough or channel.

19. The reel-type closing device according to claim 17, wherein the trough or channel is arranged such that the tension member is wrapped around one of the troughs or channels by 170 to 200 degrees before the tension member is wrapped around the other trough or channel.

20. The reel-type closing device according to claim 17, wherein the trough or channel includes a first trough or channel and a second trough or channel, and neither the first trough or channel nor the second trough or channel has a circular cross-section.

21. A method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device, Housing and The steps include providing a reel-type closing device including a dial or knob, The steps include positioning the spool within the housing so that the spool can rotate within the housing, and operably coupling the spool with the dial or knob such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool in the tightening direction, The spool includes an annular recess, and as the spool rotates in the tightening direction, the tension member is wrapped around the annular recess. The annular recess of the spool includes a spine or ridge that separates the two troughs or channels around which the tension member is wound. method.

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

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein one of the troughs or channels has a smaller diameter than the other trough or channel.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the troughs or channels are arranged such that when the tension members are wrapped around each trough or channel, the tension members in each trough or channel remain aligned in a straight line with the tension members in the other trough or channel.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the trough or channel is positioned such that the tension member is wrapped around one of the troughs or channels at an angle of 170 to 200 degrees before the tension member is wrapped around the other trough or channel.

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

27. In a reel-type closing device, Housing and A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, A clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the clamping member is operably coupled to the spool such that the spool rotates in a first direction within the housing by the operation of the clamping member, causing the tension member to wrap around the spool. A central boss protruding axially into the internal region of the housing, Equipped with, The spool and / or the central boss can be coupled to the reel-type closing device via a one-way snap member or mechanism. Reel-type closing device.

28. The reel-type closing device according to claim 27, wherein the housing includes one or more snap members that allow the spool to be inserted axially into the housing while preventing the spool from being removed from or pulled in from the housing.

29. The reel-type closing device according to claim 27, wherein the spool includes one or more snap members that allow the central boss to be inserted axially into the spool while preventing the central boss from being removed from or retracted from the spool.

30. The reel-type closing device according to claim 29, wherein one or more snap members are positioned adjacent to the central opening of the spool to allow the central boss to be inserted into the central opening of the spool and to lock the lower end of the central boss within the central opening.

31. The reel-type closing device according to claim 29, wherein one or more snap members are configured to bend radially outward so that the central boss can be inserted axially into the spool.

32. The reel-type closing device according to claim 27, wherein the distal end of the central boss has a gap extending in the axial direction.

33. The reel-type closing device according to claim 32, wherein the axially extending gap separates at least two axially extending members.

34. The reel-type closing device according to claim 33, wherein each axially extending member is characterized by extending radially outward.

35. In a method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device, Housing and A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, A clamping member rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the clamping member is operably coupled to the spool such that the spool rotates in a first direction within the housing by the operation of the clamping member, causing the tension member to wrap around the spool. A central boss protruding axially into the internal region of the housing, The steps include: preparing a reel-type closing device, The steps include: connecting the spool and / or the central boss to the reel-type closing device via a one-way snap member or mechanism; A method that includes this.

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

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

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein one or more snap members are positioned adjacent to the central opening of the spool, and the central boss is inserted into the central opening of the spool to lock the lower end of the central boss into the central opening.

39. The method according to claim 37, wherein when the central boss is inserted axially into the spool, one or more snap members bend radially outward.

40. The method according to claim 35, wherein the distal end of the central boss has a gap that extends in the axial direction.

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

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein each axially extending member is characterized by extending radially outward.

43. A reel-type closing device for applying tension to a tension member, Housing and A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, A dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that rotation of the dial or knob causes rotation of the spool in the tightening direction, thereby winding the first end and the second end of the tension member around the spool, Equipped with, The housing includes a single string port through which the first end and the second end of the tension member are inserted, and is a reel-type closing device.

44. The reel-type closing device according to claim 43, wherein the single string port includes a first opening for the first end of the tension member and a second opening for the second end of the tension member, the second opening being separate from the first opening.

45. The reel-type closing device according to claim 44, wherein the second opening is located horizontally adjacent to the first opening.

46. The reel-type closing device according to claim 44, wherein the second opening is larger than the first opening.

47. The reel-type closing device according to claim 46, wherein the second opening has an elliptical shape aligned with the vertical axis of the reel-type closing device.

48. The reel-type closing device according to claim 43, wherein the single cord port is made of a different material from the housing.

49. A method for manufacturing a reel-type closing device, Housing and A spool rotatably positioned within the housing, A dial or knob operably coupled to the spool such that the rotation of the dial or knob causes the spool to rotate in the tightening direction, thereby winding the first end and the second end of the tension member around the spool, The steps include: preparing a reel-type closing device, The steps include connecting a single string port to the housing, Includes, A method wherein the first end and the second end of the tension member are insertable through the single string port.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the single string port includes a first opening for the first end of the tension member and a second opening for the second end of the tension member, the second opening being separate from the first opening.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the second opening is located horizontally adjacent to the first opening.

52. The method according to claim 50, wherein the second opening is larger than the first opening.

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein the second opening has an elliptical shape aligned with the vertical axis of the reel-type closing device.

54. The method according to claim 49, wherein the single string port is made of a different material from the housing.

Images