Reel-type closure system

Abstract

To provide a variety of pull codes, a strap, and a tension device which allow an article to be quickly closed and to be fixed to the foot.SOLUTION: A reel based closure device 100 includes a housing, a spool positioned within an interior region of the housing, a knob that is operably coupled with the spool and the housing, and a rotation control component that is operably coupled with the knob 102. The knob is rotatable in a tightening direction to cause the spool to rotate within the housing and thereby wind the tension member about the spool. The knob is also rotatable in a loosening direction to cause the spool to rotate in an opposite direction within the housing and thereby unwind the tension member from about the spool. The rotation control component is configured to prevent accidental loosening of the tension member by inhibiting rotation of the knob in the loosening direction until a sufficient rotational force is exerted on the knob in the loosening direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,535, filed May 1, 2019, under the title “Reel Based Closure System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to reel-based closure devices for various articles such as braces, medical devices, shoes, clothing, apparel, etc. Such articles typically include some closure system where the article is placed around a body part and closed or tightened around the body part. The closure system is generally used to hold or secure the article to the body part. For example, shoes are generally placed on an individual's foot and the shoelaces are tied with tension to secure the shoes to the foot. Conventional closure systems have been modified to enhance the fit and / or comfort of the article to the body part. For example, the configuration and / or pattern of shoelaces have been modified in an attempt to increase the fit and / or comfort of wearing shoes. Conventional closure systems have also been modified to shorten the time it takes to close and secure the article to the body part. Such modifications have led to various pull cords, straps, and tensioning devices that enable the article to be quickly closed and secured to the foot.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments described herein provide a reel-type closure device that can be used to fasten articles such as footwear or other articles by pulling a cord or tension member. According to one embodiment, a reel-type closure device for fastening an article includes an inner region and a housing having a spool disposed within the inner region of the housing. The spool is rotatable in a first direction within the inner region of the housing so that a tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction within the inner region of the housing so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool. The reel-type closure device also includes a knob operably coupled to the spool and the housing. The knob is rotatable in a tightening direction to rotate the spool in a first direction to wind the tension member around the spool, and is rotatable in a loosening direction to rotate the spool in a second direction to unwound the tension member from around the spool. The reel-type closure device further includes a rotation control component operably coupled to the knob and configured to prevent accidental loosening of the tension member by restricting the rotation of the knob in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a reel-type closure device includes a housing having an internal region and a spool disposed within the internal region of the housing. The spool is rotatable in a first direction so that a tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool. The reel-type closure device also further includes a knob operably coupled to the spool, the knob being rotatable in a tightening direction to allow the spool to rotate in a first direction, and being rotatable in a loosening direction to allow the spool to rotate in a second direction. The reel-type closure device further includes a rotation control component operably coupled to the knob and preventing the knob from rotating in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method for combining a reel-type closure device with an article includes the steps of providing a reel-type closure device and coupling the reel-type closure device with an article. The reel-type closure device includes a housing having an internal region, a spool disposed within the internal region of the housing, a knob operably coupled to the housing, and a rotation control component operably coupled to the knob. The knob is operably coupled to the spool so that the tension member is wound around the spool by the rotation of the knob in the tightening direction causing the spool to rotate in a first direction. The knob is also operably coupled to the spool so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool by the rotation of the knob in the loosening direction causing the spool to rotate in a second direction. The rotation control component is operably coupled to the knob to prevent accidental loosening of the tension member by restricting the rotation of the knob in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction.

[0006] In another embodiment, a reel-type closure device for fastening an article includes a housing having an inner region and a spool disposed within the inner region. The spool is rotatable in a first direction within the inner region so that a tension member is wound around the spool, and rotatable in a second direction within the inner region so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool. The reel-type closure device also includes a knob operably coupled to the spool and the housing. The knob is operable to rotate the spool in a first direction within the inner region of the housing so that the tension member is wound around the spool. The reel-type closure device further includes a sheet component detachably coupled to the lower end of the housing. The sheet component includes a spool coupling feature configured to engage with the lower end of the spool as the tension of the tension member decreases. The engagement between the lower end of the spool and the spool engagement feature prevents the spool from rotating in a second direction.

[0007] A method for combining a reel-type closure device with an article, according to another embodiment, includes the steps of providing a reel-type closure device and combining the reel-type closure device with an article. The reel-type closure device includes a housing having an internal region, a spool disposed within the internal region of the housing, a knob operably coupled to the housing, and a sheet component detachably coupled to the lower end of the housing. The knob is operable to rotate the spool in a first direction within the internal region of the housing, thereby causing a tension member to be wound around the spool. The sheet component includes a spool engagement feature configured to engage with the lower end of the spool as the tension of the tension member decreases. The engagement between the lower end of the spool and the spool engagement feature prevents the spool from rotating in a second direction, in which the tension member is unwound from around the spool.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a reel-type closure device for fastening an article includes an inner region and a housing having a spool disposed within the inner region of the housing. The spool is rotatable in a first direction within the inner region so that a tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction within the inner region so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool. The reel-type closure device also includes a knob operably coupled with the spool. The knob is operably coupled to rotate the spool in a first direction within the inner region of the housing and to wind the tension member around the spool. The reel-type closure device further includes a bias component disposed within the inner region of the housing and operably engaging with the spool so that the spool can move axially within the inner region of the housing. The bias component is configured to axially bias the spool to operably engage with the knob.

[0009] A method for combining a reel-type closure device with an article, according to another embodiment, includes the steps of providing a reel-type closure device and combining the reel-type closure device with an article. The reel-type closure device includes a housing having an internal region, a spool disposed within the internal region of the housing, a knob operably coupled to the spool, and a bias component disposed within the internal region of the housing. The knob is operable to wind a tension member around the spool by rotating the spool within the internal region of the housing, and the bias component operably engages with the spool so that the spool can move axially within the internal region of the housing. The bias component is configured to operably engage with the knob by biasing the spool axially.

[0010] In another embodiment, a reel-type closure system for fastening an article includes a housing having an internal region and a plurality of housing teeth. The reel-type closure system also includes a tensioning member, a spool rotatably disposed within the internal region of the housing, and a knob. The spool includes a plurality of spool teeth. The reel-type closure system further includes a clutch mechanism disposed axially on the spool and configured to operably couple the spool and the knob. The clutch mechanism includes a plurality of clutch teeth configured to operably couple with the spool teeth and a plurality of disc teeth configured to couple with the housing teeth to prevent rotation of the spool in a second direction. The reel-type closure system further includes coupling components that engage with the clutch mechanism to hold the clutch mechanism in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the clutch mechanism 1) allows rotation of the knob in the first direction to rotate the spool in the first direction within the inner region of the housing, thereby winding the tension member around the spool, and 2) allows rotation of the knob in the second direction to operably couple with the spool so that the spool rotates in the second direction within the inner region of the housing, thereby gradually unwinding the tension member from the spool. In the second position, the clutch mechanism is discoupled from the spool, allowing the spool to rotate freely in the second direction within the inner region of the housing, thereby allowing the tension member to unwind from around the spool.

[0011] In another embodiment, a tension member guide is described herein. The tension member guide is connectable to footwear and is configured to guide or route a tension member along the path of the footwear. The tension member guide includes a first material having a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The first material is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The loop or channel defines or has an inner surface adjacent to the portion where the tension member will be positioned when the tension member is inserted through the loop or channel. The loop or channel also defines or includes an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The tension member guide also includes a second material having a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The transverse width of the second material is narrower or shorter than the transverse width of the first material. The second material is formed of a less frictional material than the first material, and the second material is combined with the first material, the second material is longitudinally aligned with the first material, and the second material is located on the inner surface of the loop or channel and is in direct contact with the tension member when the tension member is inserted through the loop or channel.

[0012] In another embodiment, the tension member guide includes a first material and a second material. The first material has a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The first material is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The second material also has a longitudinal length and a transverse width, where the transverse width of the second material is narrower or shorter than the transverse width of the first material. The second material is made of a material with less friction than the first material, and the second material is combined with the first material so that the second material is positioned on the inner surface of the loop or channel so as to be in direct contact with the tension member when the tension member is inserted into the loop or channel.

[0013] The present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] Figures 1A to 1M show embodiments of a reel-type closure device that can be used to fasten articles.

[0015] Figures 2A to 2D show another embodiment of a reel-type closure device that can be used to fasten articles.

[0016] Figures 3A to 3F show another embodiment of a reel-type closure device that can be used to fasten articles.

[0017] Figures 4A and 4B show another embodiment of a reel-type closure device that can be used to fasten articles.

[0018] Figures 5A and 5B show another embodiment of a reel-type closure device that can be used to fasten articles.

[0019] Figures 6A to 6C show guides that can be attached to an article to guide a string or tension member along a path along the article. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] In the attached drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same numerical reference number. Furthermore, different components of the same type can be distinguished by adding a letter after the reference number that distinguishes similar components and / or features. Where only the first numerical reference number is used herein, its description may apply to any similar component and / or feature having the same first numerical reference number, regardless of the suffix.

[0021] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the Disclosure. Rather, the following description of exemplary embodiments provides a possible description for carrying out one or more exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0022] Embodiments described herein provide a reel-type closure device (hereinafter, "closure system" or "reel-type device / system") that can be used to tighten an article or other article by pulling a cord or tension member. The article may be a variety of articles, including packs (i.e., backpacks, bags, etc.), clothing articles (hats, gloves, belts, etc.), sports apparel (boots, snowboard boots, ski boots, etc.), medical aids (back protectors, knee protectors, wrist protectors, ankle protectors, etc.), and various other articles or apparel. Specific embodiments in which the closure system can be used include footwear such as shoes, boots, and sandals.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1A to 1M, another embodiment of the reel-type closure device 100 is shown, which can be used to fasten articles such as shoes, boots, or other footwear products. The reel-type closure device 100 can also be used to fasten other non-footwear products such as backpacks, helmets, and jackets. Essentially, the reel-type closure device 100 can be used to fasten anything that is closed and / or fastened via tension members, cords, strings, ropes, etc. Figure 1A shows an assembled diagram of the reel-type closure device 100, and Figures 1B and 1C show exploded perspective views of the reel-type closure device 100. Various internal components are shown in the exploded perspective views of Figures 1B and 1C.

[0024] The reel-type closure device 100 includes a housing 110 having an internal region where various components of the reel-type closure device 100 are arranged. For example, a spool 120 is located within the internal region of the housing 110. The spool 120 is rotatable in a first direction within the internal region of the housing to wind a tension member (not shown) around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction within the internal region of the housing 110 relative to the spool 120 to unwind the tension member from around the spool. The spool 120 generally includes an annular channel around which the tension member is wound and unwound. A knob 102 is operably coupled to the spool 120 and the housing 110. The knob 102 is rotatable by the user in the tightening direction, causing the spool 120 to rotate in the first direction, thereby winding the tension member around the spool 120. The knob is also rotatable in the loosening direction, causing the spool 120 to rotate in a second direction, thereby unwinding the tension member from around the spool 120. The tightening direction is generally the same rotational direction as the first direction (e.g., clockwise), but in some cases the tightening direction may be opposite to the first direction. Similarly, the loosening direction is generally the same rotational direction as the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), but in some cases the loosening direction may be opposite to the second direction. For the convenience of describing the reel-type closure device 100, the spool 120 will be described below as rotatable in the tightening direction to wind the tension member and rotating in the loosening direction to unwind the tension member. Other components of the reel-type closure device 100 include a pawl disc 140, a knob core 150, and a sheet component 130.

[0025] The housing 110 can be positioned within a base member 104 or bayonet (hereinafter referred to as "base member" 104) that can be attached to an article. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1G, the housing 110 includes a pair of radially outward extension tabs that snap together with a pair of radially inward extension lips of the base member 104. The connection between the housing tabs and the base member lips attaches or engages the housing 110 with the base member. The connection between one of the housing tabs and one of the base member lips is shown at 190 in Figure 1G. Another connection between the housing tab and the base member lip is shown at 192 in Figure 1G. As shown, the housing tab is located near the lower end of the housing 110 and on the opposite side of the housing. Similarly, the base member lip is located on the opposite side of the base member and near the upper end of the base member. The materials of the housing 110 and the base member 104 are reelastic, thereby allowing the tabs and lips to snap together.

[0026] When the housing 110 is coupled to the base member 104, a pair of string ports 112A and 112B of the housing 110 are positioned within corresponding openings or windows 106A and 106B of the base member 104. The position of the string ports 112A and 112B within the apertures 106A and 106B of the base member 104 allows the reel-type closure device 100 to have a smoother appearance. The string ports 112A and 112B provide internal access to the tension member, allowing the tension member to be wound onto and unwound against the spool by enabling the tension member to access the spool. The housing 110 also includes an internal annular ridge 116 that encloses the internal region of the housing 110 and divides the internal region into upper and lower sections. In some embodiments, the internal annular ridge 116 functions to prevent components located at the bottom from moving to the top of the housing and components located at the top from moving to the bottom of the housing.

[0027] The housing 110 further includes a recess or tooth 118 configured to engage one or more teeth of the pawl disk 140. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the tooth 118 can be formed on the inner surface of the housing 110 such that the tooth 118 faces radially inward. In another example, the tooth 118 can be formed on the upper surface of the housing 110 such that the tooth 118 faces axially upward (not shown). In yet another example, the tooth 118 can be formed on a separate component (not shown) that can be coupled to the housing 110. The tooth 118 can face axially or radially with respect to a separate component, depending on what is desired or required by a given operation of the device. The tooth 118 can be triangular in shape, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, or can be formed with a void or aperture similar to the tooth 138 of the floor or sheet component 130 (hereinafter, “sheet component 130”).

[0028] The housing 110 includes a coupling component configured to snap-fit ​​with the knob 102. In one example, the coupling component of the housing is an annular ridge or ring 524 that partially or completely extends around the top surface of the housing 110. The knob 102 includes one or more radially inward projecting tabs 103 configured to snap-fit ​​onto the annular ridge 114 of the housing for mounting the knob 102 to the housing 110. The annular ridge 114 has a diameter larger than the inner diameter defined by one or more radially inward projecting tabs 103. As shown in Figures 1G to 1I, in this way, when the knob 102 is axially aligned with the housing 110 and the knob 102 is pushed axially downward relative to the housing 110, the knob 102 is forced to bend or bend slightly radially outward, allowing the knob 102 to move axially downward relative to the housing 110 and allowing the radially inward projecting tabs 103 to be positioned beneath the annular ridge 114. The upper end of the annular ridge 114 and the lower end of one or more radially inward projecting tabs 103 are chamfered or angled, which helps to snap-fit ​​the knob 102 to the housing 110, as described herein. The larger diameter annular ridge 114 prevents the knob 102 from separating or detaching from the housing 110. The snap-fit ​​coupling of the knob 102 to the housing 110 enables the coupling of the reel-type closure device 100 without requiring the use of bolts, screws, rivets or other similar mechanical fasteners. Additional details relating to the coupling of the knob 102 to the housing 110 are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 991,788, filed on 8 January 2016, entitled "Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] The reel-type closure device 100 also includes a sheet component 130 that is axially disposed under the spool 120 and releasably coupled to the lower end of the housing 110. The sheet component 130 typically includes a circular base and a central boss or protrusion 132 that projects axially upward from the circular base into the inner region of the housing 110 when the sheet component 130 is coupled to the lower end of the housing 110. The circular base functions as the bottom surface of the housing 110 when the sheet component 130 is attached to the housing 110. The circular base is aligned with the aperture at the lower end of the housing 110 such that when the sheet component 130 is coupled to the housing 110, the lower end of the housing 110 is completely covered and surrounded by the circular base. The central boss 132 is configured to be inserted through the aperture of the spool 120, more specifically through the central aperture of the inner member 160 of the spool. The central boss 132 can also be inserted axially through the central aperture 152 of the knob core 150. As described herein, the central boss 132 and the knob core 150 are operably coupled such that the reel-type closure device 100 can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

[0030] The spool 120 is rotatably positioned around the seat component 130 by inserting a central boss 132 through a central aperture of the spool. The spool 120 can pivot or rotate around the central boss 132 with negligible friction. The seat component 130 includes a plurality of radially extending fingers 136 configured to be positioned in corresponding recesses 117 on the lower end of the housing 110. The insertion of the radially extending fingers 136 within the recesses 117 locks the seat component 130 in the housing 110 in the rotational direction by fixing the seat component 130 within the housing 110 and thereby preventing relative rotation of the two components. The seat component 130 also includes a pair of coupling arms 131 positioned on the opposite side of the seat component 130 and coupling the seat component 130 to the housing 110. The coupling arms 131 extend radially from the seat component 130 and releasably engage with the lower end of the housing 110 to releasably couple the seat component 130 to the lower end of the housing 110. The coupling arm 131 includes an upward-facing lip configured to bend, curve, and bend around or upward the edge of the bottom surface of the housing 110 in order to secure the housing component 130 to the lower end of the housing 110. The lower end of the housing 110 includes a pair of small channels inside which the coupling arm 131 is positioned so that the bottom surface of the sheet component 130 aligns with the bottom surface of the housing 110 when the sheet component 130 is coupled to the housing 110.

[0031] Each upward-facing lip includes a radially inward projection 133 designed to be located within a small recess on the outside of the housing 110. The position of each projection 133 within the corresponding recess secures the seat component 130 to the housing 110. The seat component 130 can be removed from the housing 110 by bending the upward-facing lip radially outward so that the projection 133 is removed from the recess in the housing. An axially downward force is simultaneously applied to the seat component 130 so that it moves axially downward relative to the housing 110.

[0032] Figures 1D and 1E illustrate how the knob 102, claw disc 140, and knob core 150 are coupled together. When these components are coupled together, the claw disc 140 is generally inserted or positioned first within the knob core 150. The upper surface of the knob core 150 is designed to receive and support the claw disc 140. For example, the knob core 150 includes a pivot boss 154 designed to couple with the pivot ends 144 of the claw arms 145 of the claw disc. The claw disc 140 generally includes multiple claw arms 145 mounted on a central base 146 of the claw disc 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the central base 146 is an annular ring configured to fit around a central aperture 152 of the knob core 150 when the two components are coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment, the claw disc 140 includes three claw arms 145, but in another embodiment, the claw disc 140 may include a single claw arm, two claw arms, four claw arms, and so on.

[0033] Each claw arm 145 is fixedly attached at its proximal end to a central base 146, and each claw arm 145 extends from the central base 146 to a pivot end 144. Fingers or claws 142 may extend from the pivot end 144 in the opposite direction to the claw arms 145. The claws 142 include one or more teeth 143 located at the distal end of the claw 142. As will be described in more detail herein, one or more claws 142 are configured to ratchet-like engage with teeth 118 of the housing 110 to allow unidirectional rotational movement of the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 relative to the housing 110. The engagement of the teeth 118 and the claws 142 locks the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 in a rotational position relative to the knob 102 and the housing 110. The engagement of the teeth 118 and the pawls 142 also locks the spool 120 in a rotational position relative to the housing 110, along with the engagement of the teeth 166 of the spool and the teeth 157 of the knob core. Each pawl arm 145 functions as a spring member that biases each pawl 142 radially outward to engage with one or more teeth 118.

[0034] The pivot end 144 of the claw arm 145 includes a small aperture into which the pivot boss 154 of the knob core 150 is inserted. The pivot end 144 of the claw arm 145 pivots around the pivot boss 154 when the claw 142 bends and engages with or disengages from the teeth 118, as described later. The knob core 150 includes a support wall positioned adjacent to the pivot boss 154. The support wall has a shape and size corresponding to the pivot end 144 of the claw arm 145. For example, the support wall is semicircular and has a radius corresponding to the radius of the pivot end 144 of the claw arm 145. The pivot end 144 of the claw arm 145 contacts the support wall when sufficient load is applied to the claw 142. In this way, the knob core 150 supports and reinforces the claw disc 140 when the claw disc is loaded or held.

[0035] When the claw disc 140 is positioned within the knob core 150, the distal end of the claw 142 extends radially outward from the outer circumference or periphery of the knob core 150. For example, the knob core 150 includes one or more arms 156 extending circumferentially from the body of the knob core 150. The proximal end of the arm 156 is rigidly fixed to the body adjacent to a support wall, and the distal end of the arm 156 extends circumferentially from the body in a cantilever manner. The distal end of the arm 156 is separated from the body and engages with the knob to function as a rotation control component, ensuring that sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob 102 in the loosening direction before the claw 142 disengages from the teeth 118. The distal end of the arm 156 also acts as a biasing spring that engages with the knob when the knob rotates in the loosening direction, preventing accidental rotation of the knob 102 in the loosening direction. The arm 156 defines the outer circumference or circumference of the knob core 150. When the claw disc 140 engages with the knob core 150, the distal end of the claw 142 extends or pivots radially outward from the outer circumference or circumference of the knob core 150 defined by the arm 156 of the knob core. The arm 156 is inclined downward from the proximal end (i.e., wall 158) to the distal end, which allows the claw 142 to pivot and extend outward from the outer circumference of the knob core.

[0036] When the claw disc 140 is positioned within the knob core 150, the knob core 150 can snap together with the knob 102. The coupling of the knob core 150 and the knob 102 involves trapping or fitting the claw disc 140 between the knob 102 and the knob core 150. The knob includes a plurality of axial extension tabs 101 configured to snap together with the body of the knob core 150. Specifically, the distal ends of the axially extending tabs 101 are molded to fit within a recess or pocket 159 of the knob core 150 and include sized lips. To couple the knob 102 with the knob core 150, the knob core is axially aligned with the knob 102, and the recess 159 is aligned with the axial extension tabs 101. The knob core 150 is then biased axially upward toward the inside of the knob 102, causing the axial extension tabs 101 to bend radially outward from their body toward the knob core 150 until the ribs are positioned within the recess 159. When the lip is positioned within the recess 159, the axially extending tab 101 returns to its unbent position, locking or securing the knob core 150 inside the knob 102, as shown in Figure 1E.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1E, the recess 159 of the knob has a circumferential length greater than the circumferential width of the axial extension tab 101, allowing the knob 102 to rotate relative to the knob core 150 and the claw disc 140. This rotational motion of the knob 102 relative to the knob core 150 and the claw disc 140 allows the knob to rotate in the loosening direction, disengaging the claws 142 from the teeth 118, thereby applying tension to the tension member. This allows for gradual loosening. This gradual loosening process and the function of the rotation control component (i.e., arm 156) will be described in more detail below.

[0038] Figure 1D also shows an axial extension projection or sweeper (hereinafter referred to as "sweeper") of the knob 102. The sweeper extends axially downward from the knob 102 and is configured to contact and engage with the claw 142 of the claw disc 140 and is configured to move or pivot the claw 142 radially inward to release the claw 142 from the teeth 118 of the reel-type closure device 100. The release of the claw 142 from the teeth 118 allows the spool 120 to rotate in a second direction, which relieves the tension of the tension member. The sweeper is also configured to contact and engage with the distal end of the arm 156 of the knob core 150. The arm 156 acts as a rotation control component that prevents accidental loosening of the tension member by restricting the rotation of the knob 102 in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction. In some conventional reel-type systems, rotation of the knob in the loosening direction is not restricted, and the pawl easily disengages from the teeth when the knob is rotated in the loosening direction. This configuration can result in the tension member being unintentionally loosened when the knob accidentally comes into contact with an external object. For example, if a user's foot hits an object, the object may touch the knob and cause the knob to rotate in the loosening direction. When the knob is turned in the loosening direction, the pawl may disengage from the teeth, and the tension member may loosen. This can be frustrating for the user, as it may require them to frequently retighten and readjust the tension member.

[0039] The reel-type closure device 100 described herein requires sufficient rotational force to be applied to the knob 102 in the loosening direction, so that the sweeper cannot contact and disengage the claws 142 unless sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob 102. In other words, the rotational control component ensures that considerable rotational force is required in the loosening direction to engage the sweeper with one or more claws 142, thereby disengaging one or more claws 142 from the teeth 118. The terms “considerable” or “sufficient” force mean a force greater than the force applied to the knob 102 due to accidental contact with an external object, such as a foot hitting an object. Rather, the term describes the level of force applied by the user to the knob 102 for the purpose or intention of loosening the tension of the tension member. In this way, the rotational control component prevents the tension member from accidentally loosening by preventing accidental contact between the knob 102 and an external object from loosening the tension member. The rotational control component performs no function other than restricting the rotation of the knob 102 in the loosening direction. The rotation control component is also configured such that the knob 102 engages with the rotation control component only when the knob 102 is rotated in the loosening direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1D, the sweeper includes a first part or arm 105B and a second part or arm 105A. The second arm 105A extends axially longer from the knob 102 than the first arm 105B. The first arm 105B of the sweeper is configured to contact and engage with the claws 142 of the claw disc 140 in order to disengage the claws 142 from the teeth 118 of the reel-type closure device 100 and rotate the spool in a second direction. The second arm 105A of the sweeper is configured to contact and engage with the distal end of the arm 156 of the knob core and is configured to radially bias the arm 156 when the knob 102 rotates in the loosening direction. The second arm 105A of the sweeper contacts and engages with the arm 156 of the knob core before the first arm 105B of the sweeper contacts and engages with the claws 142. The first arm 105B of the sweeper cannot contact the claw 142 until the arm 156 of the knob core is radially biased by the second arm 105A of the sweeper.

[0041] The first arm 105B of the sweeper includes an inclined or tapered surface that engages with the claw 142, and the second arm 105A of the sweeper also includes an inclined or tapered surface that engages with the arm 156 of the knob core. The inclined or tapered surface of the first arm 105B helps to rotate or move the claw 142 in an easy and efficient manner in engagement with the teeth 118, and the inclined or tapered surface of the second arm 105A helps to radially deflect the arm 156 of the knob core. In some embodiments, the first arm 105B has a different inclination or tapered angle than the second arm 150A.

[0042] The engagement and function of the first and second arms 105B and 105A are shown in further detail in Figures 1J to 1M. Figure 1J shows the teeth 143 of one or more claws 142 that engage with the teeth 118 of the reel-type closure device 100. Figure 1J is a plan view of the reel-type closure device 100 with the top of the knob 102 removed so that the internal components of the system are visible. The engagement of the teeth 118 and the teeth 143 of the claws locks the knob 102 and the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 in a rotational position relative to the housing 110, and also locks the spool 120 in a rotational position relative to the housing 110, thereby preventing the spool 120 from rotating in the loosening direction. The knob core 150 operably engages with the spool 120, preventing the spool from rotating in the loosening direction. The force or load applied to the claw 142 from the tension of the tensile member is transmitted to the pivot end 144 of the claw that contacts the support wall of the knob core 150, as described herein.

[0043] The first and second arms 105B and 105A do not contact or engage with the claw 142 or the arm 156 of the knob core. The arm 156 of the knob core is visible from below the claw 142 and does not contact the first arm 105B, or can slightly contact the distal end of the first arm 105B. The sweeper rotates away from the claw 142 and into contact with the wall 158 of the knob core. The engagement of the sweeper (i.e., the first and second arms 105B and 105A) with the wall 158 causes the knob core 150, claw disc 140, and spool 120 to rotate in the tightening direction when the knob 102 rotates in the tightening direction. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the knob 102 rotates clockwise (e.g., in the tightening direction), the sweeper applies a clockwise rotational force to the wall 158, causing the knob core 150 to rotate clockwise. The coupling between the knob core 150 and the spool 120 transmits rotational force to the spool through the engagement of the teeth 157 of the knob core with the teeth 166 of the spool, causing the spool to rotate clockwise. The rotational force is similarly transmitted to the claw disc 140 through the coupling between the pivot end 144 of the claw arm 145 and the pivot boss 154, the fitting of the claw disc 140 between the knob 102 and the knob core 150, and the coupling between the central base 146 of the claw disc and the central aperture 152 of the knob core. The rotational force rotates the claw disc 140 clockwise, thereby biasing the claw 142 radially inward as the claw 142 moves between the teeth 118. The claw arm 145 again biases the claw 142 to engage with the teeth 118 as the claw disc 140 rotates clockwise. Therefore, the knob 102 can be rotated by the user so that the spool 120 rotates within the housing 110 and the tension member is wound around the spool 120.

[0044] It will be understood that the direction or orientation of the claws 142 can be adjusted. For example, the system can be configured so that the knob 102, claw disc 140, knob core 150, and / or spool 120 are rotatable counterclockwise so that the tension member wraps around the spool 120. In another embodiment, the claws 142 are oriented to engage with axially oriented teeth 118. In such an embodiment, the claws 142 can be displaced or moved axially in response to the rotation of the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150. In any embodiment, the sweeper can function as a driving component for transmitting rotational force from the knob 102 to one or more internal components such as the knob core 150, claw disc 140, and spool 120 as described herein. In this way, the sweeper can function as both a component that drives the rotation of the internal components and a component that allows for the gradual loosening of the tension member.

[0045] Figure 1K shows a sweeper rotated to contact the claw 142 and the arm 156 of the knob core. For ease of illustration, the housing 110 is removed from the illustration, and the knob 102 is shown as a transparent component so that the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 are visible through the knob 102. The sweeper rotates counterclockwise relative to the image shown in Figure 1J, causing the sweeper to contact and engage with the claw 142 and the arm 156 of the knob core. Specifically, the first arm 105B contacts and engages with the claw 142, while the second arm 105A contacts and engages with the arm 156 of the knob core 150. As described herein, the system is configured such that the second arm 105A contacts and engages with the arm 156 of the knob core before the first arm 105B contacts and engages with the claw 142, and the arm 156 of the knob core acts as a rotation control component preventing rotation of the knob 102 in the loosening direction, as described herein. The rotation control function is provided so that when the knob rotates in the loosening direction, the arm 156 of the knob core engages with the knob 102, more specifically the second arm 105A of the knob, to function as a bias spring that opposes the rotation of the knob 102 in the loosening direction. The first arm 105B cannot contact the claw 142 until the arm 156 of the knob core is radially biased by the second arm 105A.

[0046] The claw 142 is also shown in a bent state, where it is pivoted around the claw's pivot end 144 and displaced closer to the claw arm 145. The bent state generates or increases elastic potential energy within the claw arm 145, which is released when the arm 105B rotates so as not to engage with the claw arm 145. The rotation of the first arm 105B, which loosens from engagement with the claw arm 145, can be generated through the tension of the tension member by the rotation of the knob 102 in the tightening direction or by the rotation of the spool 120 in the loosening direction. The released elastic potential energy causes the claw 142 to pivot so as to engage with the teeth 118, thereby relocking the claw disc 140, the knob core 150, and the spool 120 in place relative to the housing 110. The claw arm 145 may include a bump 147 that engages with the wall 158 to prevent the claw arm 145 from bending outward, which can increase the elastic potential energy generated and stored within the claw arm 145 due to the displacement of the claw 142.

[0047] Displacement of the claw 142 through engagement with the first arm 105B allows the claw arm to disengage from the teeth 118, which unlocks the claw disc 140, knob core 150, and spool 120 from the housing. With these components unlocked, the spool 120 can rotate in the loosening direction due to the tension of the tension member. The coupling between the spool 120 and the knob core 150 transmits a rotational force in the loosening direction from the spool 120 to the knob core 150 and claw disc 140, causing the knob core 150 and claw disc 140 to pivot in the loosening direction. The rotation of the claw disc 140 in the loosening direction allows the claw 142 to disengage from the first arm 105B, which displaces or pivots the claw 142 radially outward so that it contacts the teeth 118 of the housing 110. Such a temporary disengagement of the claw 142 and teeth 118 results in a gradual loosening or reduction of the tensile force of the tension member. The pawl 142 remains locked in place by engaging with the teeth 118 until the knob 102 rotates further in the loosening direction, which in turn affects the sequence of events described above by causing the first arm 105B to re-engage with the pawl 142. In this way, the knob 105B rotates in the loosening direction, allowing the tension of the tension member to be gradually loosened or reduced. The gradual loosening of the tension member allows the user to fine-tune the tension.

[0048] Figures 1L and 1M show in more detail the engagement between the first arm 105B and the claw 142, and the engagement between the second arm 105A and the arm 156 of the knob core. For brevity of the explanation of the engagements, Figures 1L and 1M show only the knob 102 and the claw disc 140 or knob core 150. Referring to Figure 1L, the engagement between the first arm 105B and the claw 142 is shown. The engagement of such components affects the progressively loosening function of the tension member described above. The first arm 105B is shown to displace or pivot the claw 142 radially inward. As shown, the claw 142 may include teeth or projections that facilitate the engagement between the first arm 105B and the claw 142. The projections allow the first arm 105B to engage with the claw 142 without requiring substantial rotation of the first arm 105B relative to the claw disc 140. Figure 1M shows the engagement between the second arm 105A and the arm 156 of the knob core. The engagement of these components provides a force opposite to the rotation of the knob 102 in the loosening direction. Specifically, the arm 156 of the knob core engages with the distal end of the second arm 105A and is displaced radially inward when the second arm 105A rotates relative to the knob core 150 in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The radially inward displacement of the arm 156 of the knob core provides a spring force opposite to the rotation of the second arm 105A in the loosening direction. For the second arm 105A to continue rotating in the loosening direction, the rotational force applied to the knob 102 must be greater than the opposing force from the arm 156 of the knob core. Since the second arm 105A engages with the arm 156 of the knob core before the first arm 105B contacts the claw 142, a rotational force greater than the counterforce of the arm 156 of the knob core must be applied to the knob 102 in order for the first arm 105B and the claw 142 to engage and the tension of the tension member to gradually release. Thus, the arm 156 of the knob core functions as a rotational control component that controls or adjusts the rotation of the knob 102 in the release direction, preventing or prohibiting accidental loosening of the tension member. The counterforce of the arm 156 of the knob core can be changed by changing the thickness of the arm 156 of the knob core, the inclination or taper of the second arm 105A, the cantilever configuration of the arm 156 of the knob core, the material properties of the arm 156 of the knob core, etc.Ideally, the counterforce should not be so strong as to discourage or disappoint the user, but should be sufficient to prevent accidental loosening of the tensile member.

[0049] Figures 1G and 1H show the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 which operably engages with the central boss 132 in such a manner that the knob core 150 can be supported in one of the engaged and disengaged positions. In the engaged position, the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 are positioned axially below the housing 110 and the spool 120, and the knob 102 is operable to tighten and progressively loosen the tension member as described herein. In the disengaged position, the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 are positioned axially above the housing 110 and the spool 120, and the spool 120 is freely able to rotate in the loosening direction, thereby freely releasing the tension of the tension member.

[0050] Figure 1G shows the disengagement position where the knob core 150 and the claw disc 140 are positioned axially above the housing 110 and the spool 120. In the disengagement position, the axially oriented teeth 166 of the spool 120 are disengaged from and do not contact the axially oriented teeth 157 of the knob core 150. Since the axially oriented teeth 166 and 157 of the spool 120 and the knob core 150 are disengaged, the spool 120 can freely pivot or rotate in the loosening direction within the housing 110. In the disengagement position, the claws 142 of the claw disc 140 can be disengaged from the teeth 118 of the housing, which allows the knob 102, claw disc 140, and knob core 150 to rotate in the loosening direction. In another embodiment, the claws 142 can remain engaged with the teeth 118 of the housing in the disengagement position, preventing rotation of the knob 102, claw disc 140, and knob core 150 in the loosening direction.

[0051] In some embodiments, the knob 102 can also be positioned axially upward relative to the housing 110 and the spool 120 in the disengaged position. The axial upward movement of the knob 102, the claw disc 140, and the knob core 150 to the disengaged position can be achieved by pulling the knob 102 axially upward. When the knob 102 moves axially upward relative to the housing 110, the radially inward protruding tab 103 of the knob 102 can contact the annular ridge 114 of the housing, as shown in Figure 1G. In another embodiment, the knob 102 can remain axially stationary relative to the housing 110 and the spool 120 while the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 move to the axially upward position. In such embodiments, the axial upward movement of the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 can be achieved by rotating the knob 102 in the loosening direction or by employing a separate release mechanism or button such as a lever, button, or clamp. To move the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 axially upward, the knob 102 and / or the knob core 150 include a cam-type, ramp-type, or inclined surface, or other mechanism that moves the claw disc 140 and the knob core 150 axially upward as the knob 102 rotates in the loosening direction.

[0052] Figure 1H shows the engagement position where the knob core 150 and the claw disc 140 are axially downward relative to the housing 110 and the spool 120. In the engagement position, the axially oriented teeth 166 of the spool engage with and directly contact the axially oriented teeth 157 of the knob core. The engagement of the spool 120 with the axially oriented teeth 166 and 157 of the knob core 150 operably locks the knob core 150 and the spool 120, and rotation of the knob core 150 in the tightening direction causes the spool 120 to rotate in the tightening direction. The spool 120 and the knob core 150 are also operably locked, and rotation of the spool 120 in the loosening direction causes the knob core 150 to rotate in the loosening direction. In the engagement position, the claws 142 of the claw disc 140 engage with the teeth 118 of the housing, locking the claw disc 140, the knob core 150, and the spool 120 in the rotational position relative to the housing 110 as described herein. The knob 102 is similarly positioned axially downward relative to the housing 110 and the spool 120 in the engaged position. When the knob 102 is positioned axially downward relative to the housing 110, a gap G exists between the radially inward protruding tab 103 of the knob and the annular ridge 114 of the housing, as shown in Figure 1H.

[0053] The central boss 132 supports and holds the claw disc 140, knob core 150, and / or knob 102 in the engaged and disengaged positions through an annular projection or member 134. The annular member 134 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the central aperture 152 of the knob core, and the annular member 134 obstructs and hinders the axial upward and downward movement of the knob core 150 relative to the upper end of the central boss 132. While the annular member 134 obstructs the axial movement of the knob core 150, it does not prevent the axial movement of the knob core 150 due to the central boss 132's ability to displace or bend radially inward. Specifically, the central boss 132 is formed from a pair of fingers or projections extending axially upward from the circular base of the sheet component 130. The pair of projections bend radially inward toward each other as the knob core 150 moves axially upward and downward relative to the annular member 134. Specifically, the engagement between the annular member 134 and the central aperture 152 of the knob core causes a pair of projections to bend inward as the knob core 150 moves axially upward and downward around the annular member 134. After the knob core 150 has moved axially upward or downward around the annular member 134, the pair of projections are elastically bent outward to resume an unbiased configuration. During operation, the central aperture 152 of the knob core is positioned above or below the annular member 134, and the annular member 134 supports and holds the knob core 150, the claw disc 140, and / or the knob 102 in the engaged or disengaged position.

[0054] The reel-type closure device 100 may include a reinforcing spring 170 for strengthening and reinforcing a pair of projections of the sheet component 130. To reinforce the pair of projections, the reinforcing spring 170 is inserted axially into the axial extension gap between the pair of projections of the sheet component 130. The reinforcing spring 170 is made of a flexible and elastic material such as spring steel or a non-metallic (e.g., PEAK) material. The reinforcing spring 170 helps to elastically bias the pair of projections when the knob core 150 moves axially upward and downward relative to the annular member 134. The reinforcing spring 170 can also stiffen the pair of projections and prevent the pair of projections from plastically deforming due to the extended use of the reel-type closure device 100. As shown, the reinforcing spring 170 may have a U-shape.

[0055] The reinforcing spring 170 may include an aperture 172 that engages with small projections located on the inner surfaces of a pair of protrusions. The engagement of the aperture 172 with the protrusions locks or holds the reinforcing spring 170 in place relative to the pair of protrusions. To position the reinforcing spring 170 between the pair of protrusions, the reinforcing spring 170 can be inserted axially through a bottom aperture of the sheet component 130.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the sheet component 130 includes a spool engagement feature 138 configured to engage with the lower end of the spool 120 as the tension of the tensile member decreases. Typically, the spool engagement feature 138 and the spool 120 do not engage until the tension of the tensile member is at or near the nominal or zero (0) strength tension threshold. The engagement of the lower end of the spool 120 with the spool engagement feature 138 prevents the spool 120 from rotating in the loosening direction. In other words, the spool 120 is rotatable in the loosening direction until its lower end contacts and engages with the spool engagement feature 138. After the engagement of the spool 120 with the spool engagement feature 138, the spool 120 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0057] In one embodiment, the spool 120 includes teeth 126 positioned on the bottom surface of the spool 120 and extending axially from there. The teeth 126 are configured to engage with circumferentially spaced apertures formed on a circular base of the seat component. The apertures function as spool engagement features 138 (hereinafter, "aperture 138"), and the engagement of the circumferentially spaced apertures with the spool teeth prevents the spool 120 from rotating in the loosening direction. In other embodiments, the spool engagement mechanism may be teeth formed on a circular base, or it may be other friction components such as a rubber gasket or material, an abrasive material, or an adhesive material.

[0058] The teeth 126 and aperture 138 of the spool are configured to disengage when the tension of the tension member reaches or near the tension threshold. Disengaging the teeth 126 and aperture 138 pulls and releases the tension member by rotating the spool 120 in the tightening and loosening directions, as described herein. After the teeth 126 and aperture 138 engage, further rotation of the spool 120 in the loosening direction is prevented or limited. To enable engagement and disengagement of the teeth 126 and aperture 138, the spool 120 is configured to move axially upward and downward relative to the housing 110, as shown in Figures 1H and 1I. The axially upward positioning of the spool 120 is shown in Figure 1H, indicating that the bottom surface of the spool 120 is axially disengaged and separated from the top of the seat component 130. Because an axial gap exists between the bottom surface of the spool 120 and the upper end of the seat component 130, the teeth 126 of the spool and the aperture 138 of the seat component do not come into contact with or engage with each other.

[0059] Disengagement of the teeth 126 from the aperture 138 can be facilitated or achieved by providing a slight taper or bevel configuration to the teeth 166 of the spool and the teeth 157 of the knob core. The taper / bevel of the teeth 166 and 157 can be oriented to engage with the knob core 150 when the spool 120 is subjected to an axial upward force and pulled against the housing 110, causing the knob core 150 to rotate in the first or tightening direction. For example, the taper / bevel configuration of the teeth 166 and 157 can cause the teeth 166 of the spool to slide axially upward against the teeth 157 of the knob core as the knob core 150 rotates in the tightening direction, thereby further engaging with the teeth 157 of the knob core. In this way, the spool 120 is pulled in the axial upward configuration shown in Figure 1H.

[0060] As described herein, in some embodiments, the spool includes an inner member 160 and an outer member 120. In this embodiment, the engagement of the teeth 166 of the spool with the teeth 157 of the knob core causes both the inner member 160 and the outer member 120 to move axially upward when the knob core 150 rotates in the tightening direction. The outer member 120 is pulled axially upward by the interaction of the legs 164A and 164B of the inner member with the channels 124A and 124B of the outer member. The outwardly projecting tabs of the legs 164A and 164B can pull the recesses or tabs of the channels 124A and 124B axially upward, thereby pulling the outer member 120 axially upward. When there is a certain amount of tension in the tensioning member, a similar upward axial movement is achieved because the tension biases the spool 120 in the opposite rotational direction to the knob core 150, and the tapered / inclined shape of the teeth 166 and 157 causes the teeth 166 of the spool to slide upward axially relative to and engage with the teeth 157 of the knob core.

[0061] As the tension in the tensile member decreases, at some point the tension reaches or exceeds a tension threshold, causing the spool 120 to move axially downward relative to the housing 110, so that the teeth 126 of the spool engage with the teeth 138 of the seat component. The axially downward position of the spool 120 relative to the housing 110 is shown in Figure 1I, which shows the bottom surface of the spool 120 in contact with and engaging with the top of the seat component 130. Because the spool 120 is in direct contact with the seat component 130, the teeth 126 of the spool frictionally engage with the aperture 138.

[0062] The frictional engagement between the teeth 126 and the aperture 138 prevents or limits any additional rotational movement of the spool 120 in the loosening direction. The spool 120 is held in an axially downward position until the knob core 150 rotates in the tightening direction, which moves the spool 120 axially upward as described above. Even if the knob 102 rotates in the loosening direction, the spool 120 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction. The reel-type closure device 100 is configured such that if the knob 102 rotates further in the loosening direction when the teeth 126 and aperture 138 engage, the engagement between the teeth 126 and aperture 138 becomes undetectable. In other words, if the user rotates the knob 102 in the loosening direction after the engagement between the teeth 126 and aperture 138, the system is designed so that the engagement between the teeth 126 and aperture 138 is not perceived by the user.

[0063] One way in which engagement is not detected is that the knob 102 does not move or spring axially when the knob 102 is rotated in the loosening direction after the teeth 126 and aperture 138 have engaged. To minimize the effect on the knob 102 due to the engagement of the teeth 126 and aperture 138, the reel-type closure device 100 includes a bias component that is located within the inner region of the housing 110 and operably engages with the spool 120, but allows the spool to move axially up and down within the inner region of the housing 110. The bias component is configured to bias the spool 120 axially to operably engage with the knob 102.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bias component is a coil spring 162 aligned coaxially with the spool 120 and engaging with the spool. To further minimize the influence on the knob 102 due to the engagement of the teeth 126 with the aperture 138, the spool 120 can be formed from two or more components. For example, the spool 120 consists of an outer member 120 (hereinafter, "outer member 120") and an inner member 160. The inner member 160 is coupled with the outer member 120 so that the inner member 160 can move axially relative to and within the outer member 120. The inner member 160 and the outer member 120 can be rotatably locked relative to each other. To rotatably lock the inner and outer members, the outer member 120 may include a pair of channels 124A and 124B in which a pair of legs 164A and 164B are located. Channels 124A and 124B and legs 164A and 164B are shaped and sized such that insertion of legs 164A and 164B into channels 124A and 124B tightens or locks both components together in a rotational direction. The distal ends of legs 164A and 164B include tabs that engage with the lower ends of channels 124A and 124B to lock the inner member 160 into channels 124A and 124B of the outer member 120, as shown in Figure 1G. The surface of the inner member 160 can be fixed to the ledge or stepped portion 122 of the outer member 120 when the inner member and the outer member are joined together.

[0065] The inner member 160 is operably engaged with a coil spring 162, more specifically, the coil spring 162 is inserted into the inner member 160, coaxially aligned with a cylindrical channel of the inner member 160. The other end of the coil spring 162 is supported in contact with a ledge or ridge 123 of the outer member 120. Because the coil spring 162 is in contact with both the inner member 160 and the outer member 120, the coil spring 162 biases or compresses these components axially, separating them. Specifically, the coil spring 162 axially biases the inner member 160 against the outer member 120 to engage with the knob core 150. The teeth 166 of the spool extend axially from the upper surface of the inner member 160, and thus biasing the inner member 160 to engage with the knob core 150 biases the teeth 166 of the spool to engage with the teeth 157 of the knob core. The inner member 160 is rotatably locked to the outer member 120 through the insertion of the legs 164A and 164B. Therefore, when the knob core 150 rotates in the tightening direction within channels 124A and 124B, the rotational force applied from the knob core 150 to the inner member 160 is transmitted to the outer member 120, causing the outer member 120 to rotate in the tightening direction. Similarly, when the outer member 120 rotates in the loosening direction through the tension of the tension member, the inner member 160 rotates in the loosening direction.

[0066] The other teeth 126 of the spool are positioned on the outer member 120, and thus the outer member 120 is configured to move axially downward as described above to engage with the seat component 130. As shown in Figure 1I, when the outer member 120 is positioned axially downward and engages with the seat component 130, the coil spring 162 biases the inner member 160 axially upward so that the inner member 160 maintains an engaged state with the knob core 150, at least partially. The coil spring 162 helps the outer member 120 engage with the seat component 130 by biasing the outer member 120 axially downward relative to the inner member 160 as the tension of the tensile member decreases, as described herein. The engagement of the coil spring 162 with the ridge 123 of the outer member biases the outer member 120 axially downward as the tension of the tensile member decreases near or beyond the tensile threshold. As the outer member 120 moves axially upward or the inner member 160 moves axially downward, the coil spring 162 is compressed. Figures 1H and 1I show the relative axial movement of the outer and inner members 120 and 160.

[0067] When the outer member 120 engages with the seat component 130, the inner member 160 is configured to press axially downward as the knob 102 rotates in the loosening direction in order to reduce or prevent axial movement of the knob 102. Specifically, after the outer member 120 and the seat component 130 engage, as the knob 102 and the knob core 150 rotate in the loosening direction, the back surfaces of the teeth 157 of the knob core contact the back surfaces of the teeth 166 of the spool. The back surfaces of these teeth 157 and 166 are inclined or ramped, and the contact between the back surfaces of the teeth 157 and 166 pushes or forces the inner member 160 axially downward relative to the outer member 120. The downward force on the inner member 160 moves the inner member 160 inward and axially downward relative to the outer member 120. The axial downward movement of the inner member 160 also allows the teeth 157 of the knob core to rotate in the loosening direction, passing over the teeth 166 of the spool. Because the inner member 160 is held in a downward axial direction, when the teeth 157 of the knob core rotate through the teeth 166 of the spool, the knob 102 is not forced to move or bounce upward axially. Rather, as the teeth 157 of the knob core slide along the inclination or taper of the teeth 166 of the spool and rotate through the teeth 166 of the spool, the inner member 160 moves or bounces downward axially. In this way, the knob 102, knob core 150, and claw disc 140 can rotate in the loosening direction without causing any axial movement or motion of the knob 102 after engagement with the outer member 120 and the seat component 130.

[0068] Referring here to Figures 2A and 2B, exploded perspective views of a disassembled reel-type lacing device or system 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "lacing system 200"). The lacing system 200 includes a tightening component 202, such as a reel or knob (hereinafter referred to as the "knob 202"), designed for the user to grasp and rotate. The knob 202 is positioned relative to the lacing system 200 and is easily accessible to the user. The knob 202 is shown having a cylindrical contour or shape when viewed from above, but various knob shapes or configurations such as hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, etc., can be used. The knob 202 is mounted in a housing or housing component 220 (hereinafter referred to as the "housing 220"). The housing 220 includes an internal area in which one or more components of the lacing system 200 are arranged. The housing 220 is configured to be mounted on an article (e.g., shoes, boots, etc.) that uses the lacing system 200 to adjust the tightening or fit of the article. For example, the housing 220 may include a flange that is attached to the article by suture, bond, adhesive bonding, welding (RF, ultrasonic, etc.), or other means. In some examples, the housing 220 or flange can be insert molded into the article using the lacing system 200.

[0069] As described above, the housing 220 includes a cylindrical portion having an internal region in which one or more components of the lacing system 200 are arranged. Within the internal cylindrical portion are housing teeth 221. The housing teeth 221 can be formed during the molding process or cut internally thereafter. Each tooth defines an inclined portion 227 and a substantial radial surface 228. In one embodiment, the inclined portion 227 of each housing tooth 221 allows relative clockwise rotation of the cooperating pawls while suppressing relative counterclockwise rotation of the engaging pawls. Of course, the orientation of the teeth can be reversed as needed. The number and spacing of the housing teeth 221 control the degree of adjustability, and the specific number and spacing can be designed to suit the intended purpose in light of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. However, in many applications, it is desirable to fine-tune the lacing tension, and the inventors have found that about 20 to 40 housing teeth 221 are sufficient to adequately fine-tune the lacing tension.

[0070] The housing 220 further includes a pair of tension member inlet holes 225 (hereinafter "inlet holes 225") that allow each end of a tension member, such as a string, to enter therein. The inlet holes 225 of the housing 220 can be made more rigid by adding a harder material as an insert or coating to reduce wear caused by the tension member abrading against the inlet holes 225 of the housing 220. Furthermore, the portions of the inlet holes 225 can be rounded or chamfered to provide a larger contraction area with the tension member in order to further reduce the pressure abrasion effect of the tension member abrading against the housing 220 unit.

[0071] The housing 220 is preferably injection molded from any suitable material. For example, the housing 220 can be formed from nylon. Of course, any suitable manufacturing process for producing components that fit within design tolerances is suitable for manufacturing the components disclosed herein. In embodiments, the inner bottom surface 224 of the housing 220 is preferably highly lubricated so that the components to be incorporated can engage efficiently. For example, the inner bottom surface 224 of the housing 220 may be coated with any of a number of desired coatings to reduce the coefficient of friction and thus allow any components that share surface shrinkage to slide easily.

[0072] Referring further to Figures 2A and 2B, the spool 230 is configured to be located within the cylindrical portion of the housing 220 and consists of inclined spool teeth 231 rising from the upper surface of the spool 230. The spool 230 is rotatably positioned within the inner region of the housing 220 and is configured such that a tension member (not shown) is wound around the spool 230 to pull a tension member and tighten an article. In embodiments, the spool 230 is formed from a metal such as aluminum by any standard tip manufacturing, material removal machining operation. Alternatively, the spool 230 can be cast or molded and can be formed from any suitable polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the spool 230 is formed from nylon and may optionally have a metal plate insert.

[0073] The spool 230 is configured to receive a tension member (not shown), such as a string or cord, and wind it around an internal column (not shown). The tension member passes through an inlet hole 225 of the housing 220 and is securely fastened to the spool. In one embodiment, the tension member has two ends that are bundled together. In such an embodiment, the spool 230 may be configured to have a recess for receiving a knot formed by the tension ends.

[0074] The tension members are preferably mounted on the spool 230 at substantially opposite diameters so as to provide equal tension to each tension member simultaneously when winding force is applied to the spool 230. Furthermore, a preferred tension member mounting configuration applies balanced forces to the spool 230 and protects the spool 230 from lateral bending forces that could cause premature wear of the journal connection. For example, if the tension members engage with the spool 230 in a direction that forms a 90-degree angle, the force provided by the tension of the wound tension members will apply a shear force to the inner column of the spool 230 on which the tension members are wound. However, if the tension members are mounted on the spool 230 at opposite diameters, the resultant force applied to the spool 230 from equivalent opposite tensile forces will be zero, thus protecting the spool 230 and its journal connection from wear due to lateral forces.

[0075] The spool 230 includes a central annular groove 232 configured to receive the wound tension member. As the spool 230 rotates in the tightening direction, the tension member attached to the spool 230 is wound around the annular groove 232 of the spool 230. Preferably, the annular groove 232 is configured to encompass the entire length of the tension member, minimizing the tendency for the tension member to loosen within the housing 220 and potentially get pinched, or to interfere with any additional components contained within the housing 220. In some embodiments (not shown), two annular grooves separated by an annular ridge are provided to separate each end of the string, reducing the possibility of it getting pinched or bundled in the mechanism.

[0076] As described above, the spool 230 is preferably circular in shape and configured to be located within the inner region of the housing 220. To reduce rotational friction between the spool 230 and the housing 220, the spool 230 is removable from the housing 220. Alternatively, a rotatable connection allows the spool 230 to still rotate freely within the housing 220 while suppressing friction caused by the outer circumference of the spool 230 contacting the inner circumference of the housing 220 by holding the spool 230 at the center of the housing 220. The spool 230 is rotatably connected to the housing 220 via a pawl disc 240. By using the pawl disc 240 to rotatably connect the spool 230 to the housing 220, the spool 230 can rotate freely in any direction within the housing 220.

[0077] As is evident from the exploded perspective views in Figures 2A and 2B, the lacing system 200 includes additional components. Such additional components are also housed or included within the housing 220 of the lacing system 200 when the system is assembled, so they are generally not visible in the assembled drawings of the lacing system 200. The additional components include a claw disc 240 and a pivot arm 250, which will be described in more detail below.

[0078] The claw disc 240 is positioned axially on the spool 230, and the spool 230 is rotatably coupled to the housing 220 by a pair of pivot arms 250. In cooperation with the pivot arms 250, the claw disc 240 allows the spool 230 to rotate in one direction (i.e., the tightening direction) within the housing 220, while preventing the spool 230 from rotating in the opposite direction (i.e., the loosening direction). The tightening direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise as desired, and the loosening direction can be the opposite direction. However, for the purposes of this explanation, the tightening direction is clockwise and the loosening direction is counterclockwise.

[0079] The claw disc 240 is operably coupled to the spool 230 through a pair of pivot arms 250, so that the claw disc 240 allows the spool 230 to rotate in the tightening direction and prevents the spool 230 from rotating in the loosening direction inside the housing 220 when the cord tightening system 200 is engaged. The pivot arms 250 are positioned axially on the claw disc 240 but axially below the knob 202. The knob 202 is rotatably coupled to the housing 220 and axially positioned on the pivot arms 250 and operably coupled to it, so that the rotation of the knob 202 (for example, the rotation of the knob 202) causes the spool 230 to rotate in a first direction within the internal region of the housing 220, and the tension member is wrapped around the spool 230.

[0080] As briefly mentioned above, the spool teeth 231 rise from the top surface of the spool 230, and when the cord tightening system 200 is assembled, the spool teeth 231 extend through the central circular aperture 246 in the circular portion 243 of the claw disc 240. The extent to which the spool teeth 231 extend beyond the top surface of the spool 230 corresponds to the thickness of both the claw disc 240 and the pivot arm 250 when they are joined together as an assembly. That is, once the spool teeth 231 are positioned through the circular aperture 246, the pivot arm 250 is assembled on top of the claw disc 240, and after the claw disc 240 is assembled above the top surface of the spool 230, the top surface of the spool teeth 231 becomes level with the top surface of the pivot arm 250.

[0081] Each tooth of the spool teeth 231 forms an inclined portion 237 and a substantial radial surface 238. In one embodiment, the inclined portion 237 of each spool tooth 231, combined with a cooperating pivot arm 250, allows for relative counterclockwise rotation of the spool 230, while suppressing relative clockwise rotation of the spool 230 when the pivot arm 250 engages with the spool teeth 231. Of course, the orientation of the teeth can be reversed as needed. The number and spacing of the spool teeth 231 are controllable to an adjustable degree, and the specific number and spacing can be designed to suit the purposes intended by those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0082] It should be noted that the inclination directions of the spool teeth 231 and the housing teeth 221 are opposite to each other. This allows each tooth, the spool teeth 231 and the housing teeth 221, to rotate while preventing rotation in the opposite direction to the spool 230. To allow the spool 230 to rotate freely in any direction, as the user rotates the knob 202, the spool 230 is mechanically coupled to the claw disc 240 and the pivot arm 250 in a configuration that provides tightening and loosening engagements. When in the tightening engagement configuration, the coupling between the claw disc 240, the pivot arm 250 and the spool 230 allows the spool 230 to rotate in the tightening direction (e.g., clockwise) while preventing rotation of the spool 230 in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise). Conversely, when in the loosening engagement configuration, the coupling between the claw disc 240, the rotating arm 250, and the spool 230 allows the spool 230 to rotate in the loosening direction, while preventing it from rotating in the tightening direction. Therefore, providing the spool 230 to disengage from the housing teeth 221 and rotate freely in the loosening direction is achieved through the pivot rotation of the pivot arm 250.

[0083] The pivot arm 250 mechanically connects the claw disc 240 to the spool 230, and then mechanically connects the spool 230 to the housing 220. The axial post 244 extends axially from the upper surface of the circular portion 243 of the claw disc 240 toward the knob 202, mechanically connecting the claw disc 240 to the pivot arm 250. As shown in the assembled diagrams of the lacing system 200 in Figures 2C and 2D, the axial post 244 of the claw disc 240 engages with and is inserted into the pivot aperture 255 of the pivot arm 250, so that the claw disc 240 and the pivot arm 250 function as a single component. The axial post 244 mechanically connects the claw disc 240 and the pivot arm 250, so that when the claw disc 240 rotates in the tightening direction, the pivot arm 250 also rotates in the tightening direction, and vice versa. Furthermore, once the axial post 244 is inserted into the pivot aperture 255 in its assembled state, the pivot arm 250 can rotate around the axial post 244. Rotating the spool 230 in a direction that releases it from engagement with the claw disc 240, and then the housing teeth 221, is the pivot rotation of the pivot arm 250.

[0084] The pivot arm 250 includes a primary tooth 251, a secondary tooth 252, a claw spring 256, and a pivot notch 253. The primary tooth 251 and the secondary tooth 252 are positioned radially inward and configured to engage with the spool tooth 231, which, as previously described, is inserted through a circular opening in the center of the circular section 243 of the claw disc 240 and is at the same height as the pivot arm 250 in the horizontal plane. As shown in Figures 2C and 2D, when the pivot arm 250 is mechanically coupled to the claw disc 240, the pair of pivot arms 250 are oriented clockwise and positioned complementary to each other. The pair of pivot arms 250 are mirrored vertically and horizontally in opposite directions from each other, with the primary tooth 251 and the secondary tooth 252 facing the spool tooth 231. Therefore, when the pair of pivot arms 250 are arranged clockwise, the first end of the first pivot arm 250, which includes the claw spring 256, points toward the second end of the second pivot arm 250. And the first end of the second pivot arm 250, which includes the claw spring 256, is directed toward the second end of the first pivot arm 250.

[0085] The primary teeth 251 and secondary teeth 252 are arranged such that, depending on the direction of the pivot arm 250, only one tooth can engage with the spool tooth 231 at a given time. As discussed above, the pivot arm 250 is configured to pivot around the axial post 244 of the claw disc 240. In the tightening engagement position, the pivot arm 250 pivots forward clockwise, engaging the primary tooth 251 with the spool tooth 231 and disengaging the secondary tooth 252 from the spool tooth 231. However, when the pivot arm 250 pivots backward counterclockwise in the loosening direction, the secondary tooth 252 engages with the spool tooth 231 and disengages the primary tooth 251 from the spool tooth.

[0086] As shown in the figure, the claw disc 240 includes two claws 241 positioned at the distal ends of two diameter cantilever arms 242. The two diameter cantilever arms 242 extend radially in a counterclockwise direction (or loosening direction) within the same plane as the circular section 243. The two claws 241 are biased radially outward to engage with the housing teeth 221 of the housing 220 in a ratchet-like manner, enabling the spool 230 to be wound in one direction within the housing 220. The inclined portions 227 of the housing teeth 221 allow the claws 241 to slide on the housing teeth 221, and as the claw disc 240 rotates in the tightening direction, it deflects the cantilever arms 242 radially inward. When a claw 241 reaches a substantial radial surface 228 of the housing teeth 221, the cantilever arms 242 return the claw 241 to an engaged state with the next housing tooth 221. The claw 241 is again biased below the bottom surface of the inclined portion 227 of the next housing tooth 221. In contrast, the substantial radial surface 228 prevents the claw disc 240 from rotating in the loosening direction. When the claw 241 engages with the housing tooth 221, the substantial radial surface 228 prevents the claw disc from rotating counterclockwise.

[0087] Although the claws 241 are shown projecting radially outward, in some embodiments the claws 241 can project radially inward or axially upward or downward. In such embodiments, the housing teeth 221 that engage with the claws 241 are also located somewhere other than the inner wall of the housing 220, for example, the outer wall of the inner cylindrical wall, or on a separate sawtooth component that can be attached to the housing 220, or on a disk. In such embodiments, the housing teeth 221 engage with the claws 241 of the claw disk 240 in a radially outward, axially upward, or axially downward direction. In yet another embodiment, the claw disk 240 can be formed integrally with the knob 202, the spool 230, or the housing 220.

[0088] The pivot arm 250 mechanically connects the spool 230 to the knob 202 by pivot cam 203. The pivot cam 203 extends axially downward from the underside of the knob 202 toward the pivot arm 250 and engages with the pivot notch 253 of each pivot arm 250. The pivot cam 203 is positioned to be inserted into the pivot notch 253 of the pivot arm 250. The pivot cam 203 transmits rotational force or torque from the knob 202 to the rotating arm 250 when the knob 202 is turned or rotated by the user. Importantly, the pivot cam 203 transmits rotational force to the pivot arm 250 so that the pivot arm 250 pivots on the axial post 244.

[0089] The pivot notch 253 is configured to be slightly larger than the pivot cam 203 so that the pivot cam 203 can rotate back and forth with slight adjustments to the knob 202. For example, when the knob 202 is rotated clockwise (tightening direction), the pivot cam 203 also rotates in the same direction, engaging with the pivot notch 253 during rotation, causing the pivot arm 250 to pivot forward clockwise. Similarly, when the knob 202 is rotated counterclockwise (loosening direction), the pivot cam 203 also rotates in the same direction, engaging with the pivot notch 253 during rotation, causing the pivot cam 203 to pivot backward clockwise.

[0090] The rotation of the knob 202 is also transmitted to the claw disc 240 by the drive cam 205. The drive cam 205 operably couples the knob 202 with the claw disc 240. The drive cam 205 extends axially downward toward the claw disc 240 and engages with and is inserted into a drive aperture 247 on the circular portion 243 of the claw disc 240. When the knob 202 is turned or rotated by the user, the drive cam 205 transmits rotational force or torque from the knob 202 to the claw disc 240 through the drive aperture 247. Due to the engagement between the claws 241 and the housing teeth 221, particularly the substantial radial surface 228, the drive cam 205 is able to rotate the claw disc 240 freely only in the tightening direction. In the loosening direction, the drive cam 205 rotates slightly counterclockwise within the drive aperture 247, which is slightly larger than the drive cam 205.

[0091] When the knob 202 rotates in the tightening direction, in this case clockwise, the pivot arm 250 engages with the spool 230, allowing the spool 230 to wind the tightening member. As it rotates in the tightening direction, the pivot cam 203 of the knob 202 engages with the pivot notch 253 of the pivot arm 250, causing the pivot arm 250 to pivot forward in the tightening direction. As the pivot arm 250 pivots forward in the tightening direction, the primary teeth 251 engage with the spool teeth 231 of the spool 230, and rotational force or torque is transmitted from the knob 202 to the spool 230.

[0092] However, when the knob 202 is rotated in the loosening direction, in this case counterclockwise, the primary teeth 251 are disengaged from the spool teeth 231, and the spool 230 rotates freely. When the spool 230 rotates freely, it is rotated in the loosening direction by the tension member. When the cord tightening system 200 is engaged, the tension member maintains rotational tension on the spool 230 in the loosening direction. However, due to the engagement between the knob 202 and the spool 230 through the pivot cam 203 and the primary teeth 251, when the closure system is engaged, the spool 230 is rotatably locked and cannot move in the loosening direction.

[0093] As described above, the pivot arm 250 operably engages with the spool 230 so that the pivot arm 250 and the knob 202 can be supported in one of two positions, namely a tightening engagement position and a loosening engagement position. In the tightening engagement position, the knob 202 pivots the pivot arm 250 clockwise (or counterclockwise in embodiments where counterclockwise is the tightening direction) through the pivot cam 203 and the pivot notch 253 so that the primary teeth 251 and the spool teeth 231 come into contact and engage. In the loosening engagement position, the pivot cam 203 of the knob 202 disengages from the pivot notch 253, pivoting the pivot arm 250 counterclockwise relative to the pivot aperture 255.

[0094] When the pivot cam 203 supplies a radial force to the primary teeth 251 and the primary teeth 251 do not engage with the spool teeth 231, the spool 230 disengages from the claw disc 240, and then the housing teeth 221 disengage. Instead, the spool 230 rotates freely in the loosening direction until the primary teeth 251 re-engage with the spool teeth 231. Due to the force applied to the spool 230 by the tension member, the spool 230 rotates freely in the loosening direction each time it disengages from the claw disc 240. As the tension member is wound around the spool 230, the tension of the tension member increases, giving the spool 230 a rotational force in the loosening direction. The loosening force is offset by interference between the spool teeth 231 and the primary teeth 251, which in turn creates interference between the claws 241 and the housing teeth 221. Due to this combination of interference, when the claw disc 240 engages with the spool 230 through the primary teeth 251, the spool 230 is unable to rotate in the loosening direction. However, when the spool 230 is disengaged from the primary teeth 251, the spool 230 can rotate freely in response to the rotational force provided by the tension member.

[0095] As the knob 202 is rotated in the tightening direction (clockwise in this example), the pivot cam 203 of the knob 202 transmits the rotational force of the knob 202 to the pivot notches 253 on each pivot arm 250, causing the pivot arms 250 to pivot forward and engage the spool teeth 231 with the primary teeth 251. Specifically, the primary teeth 251 engage with the substantial radial surface 238 of the spool teeth 231. Simultaneously, as the pivot cam 203 rotates clockwise by the knob 202, the drive cam 205 also rotates. As the knob 202 rotates, the drive cam 205, inserted into the drive aperture 247 of the claw disc 240, also rotates forward and engages with the claw disc 240, transferring the rotational force or torque of the knob 202 to the claw disc 240. When the pivot cam 203 engages the primary teeth 251 with the spool teeth 231, any clockwise rotation of the knob 202 becomes the rotation of the spool 230 via the claw disc 240. This then rotates the swivel arm 250, which is operably coupled to the claw disc 240 via the shaft post 244.

[0096] To loosen the spool 230, it is necessary to free the spool 230 from the primary teeth 251. In one illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by rotating the knob 202 counterclockwise, i.e., loosening it, through a predetermined angular displacement of a quarter turn. As the knob 202 rotates counterclockwise, the pivot cam 203 disengages the pivot notch 253 from rotating the pivot arm 250 clockwise and instead engages the pivot notch 253 clockwise, causing the pivot arm 250 to pivot backward. As described above, when the pivot arm 250 pivots backward, the primary teeth 251 are disengaged from the spool teeth 231, and the spool 230 rotates freely in the loosening direction. The tension in the spool 230 causes the spool 230 to rotate in the loosening direction while the primary teeth 251 of the pivot arm 250 remain fixed. The pivot arm 250 remains fixed when the spool 230 rotates in the loosening direction because the pivot arm 250 operably engages with the claw disc 240 and eventually meshes with the housing teeth 221, making it impossible to rotate in the counterclockwise position.

[0097] To prevent the spool 230 from completely loosening, when the knob is turned in the loosening direction, the secondary teeth 252 are forced to engage with the spool teeth 231, thereby causing the pivot arm 250 to pivot backward. The small gap between the secondary teeth 252 and the spool teeth 231 allows the spool 230 to rotate slightly before the primary teeth 251 re-engage with the next spool teeth 231.

[0098] As the rotation of the knob 202 causes the pivot arm 250 to pivot counterclockwise backward, a claw spring 256 attached to the end of the pivot arm 250 opposite the secondary tooth 252 contacts this housing tooth 221 and is bent radially. The force applied by the bent claw spring 256 deflects the pivot arm 250 forward, i.e., pivots clockwise again, thereby causing the primary tooth 251 to re-engage with the spool tooth 231.

[0099] In this way, the spool 230 can be gradually loosened by a slight counterclockwise rotation of the knob 202. Each time the knob 202 rotates counterclockwise, the pivot arm 250 pivots backward, releasing the spool 230 and allowing it to rotate in the loosening direction. As the spool 230 rotates counterclockwise, the claw spring 256 is forced to bend relative to the housing teeth 221 as the primary teeth 251 slide along the inclined portion 237 of the spool teeth 231. The bent claw spring 256 then biases the pivot arm 250 to the forward pivot rotation position when the primary teeth 251 reach the edge of the inclined portion 237. At this point, the primary teeth 251 re-engage with the spool teeth 231, preventing the spool 230 from rotating further clockwise.

[0100] During disengagement or loosening of the spool 230, the drive cam 205, positioned within the drive aperture 247, is allowed to rotate slightly in the loosening direction along with the slight rotation of the knob 202. The drive aperture 247 extends slightly to accommodate such rotation of the drive cam 205 in a counterclockwise direction without being hindered by the claw disc 240. Since the claw disc 240 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by the engagement of the claws 241 with the housing teeth 221, the extension of the drive aperture 247 allows the drive cam 205 to rotate with the knob 202 without being restrained by the claw disc 240.

[0101] Referring to Figure 3A, a perspective view of the assembled reel-type closure device or system 300 (hereinafter, "closure system 300") is shown. The closure system 300 includes a fastening component 302, such as a reel or knob (hereinafter, "knob 302"), designed to be gripped and rotated by the user. The knob 302 is positioned to be easily accessible to the user relative to the closure system 300. Although the knob 302 is shown to have a circular contour or shape when viewed from above, various other knob shapes or configurations such as hexagonal, octagonal, or triangular may be used. The knob 302 is rotatably mounted to a housing or housing component 320 (hereinafter, "housing 320"), which is subsequently mounted to a housing base member or bayonet 305 (hereinafter, "housing base 305"). The housing 320 includes an internal area in which one or more components of the closure system 300 are arranged. The housing base 305 is configured to be attached to an article (e.g., shoes, boots, etc.) that uses a closure system 300 for adjusting the fastening or alignment of the article. For example, the housing base 305 includes a flange 306 that can be attached to the article by stitching, bonding, adhesive bonding, welding (RF, ultrasonic, etc.), or other means. In some examples, the housing base 305 or flange 306 may be insert molded into the article that uses the closure system 300. Details of the attachment or engagement of the knob 302, housing 320, and housing base 305 are provided in more detail below.

[0102] Figures 3B and 3C show exploded perspective views of the closure system 300. Further details of the knob 302, housing 320, and housing base 305 are evident from the exploded perspective views in Figures 3B and 3C. Further components of the closure system 300 are also shown in the exploded perspective views in Figures 3B and 3C. Such additional components are not generally visible in the assembled diagram of the closure system 300, as they are housed or included within the housing 320 of the closure system 300 when the system is assembled. The additional components include the spool component 330, the coupling component 310, and the clutch mechanism 301. The clutch mechanism 301 includes the clutch disc 340, the knob core 350, and the face clutch 360. The clutch mechanism 301 is shown and described in more detail in Figure 3D.

[0103] The spool component 330 (hereinafter referred to as "spool 330") is rotatably positioned within the inner region of the housing 320, and a tension member (not shown) is wound around the spool 330 to pull the tension member and tighten the article. The clutch mechanism 301 is positioned axially on the spool 330 within the inner region of the housing 320. The clutch mechanism 301 operably connects the spool 330 to the housing 320 and the knob 302, causing the spool 330 to rotate in a first direction while preventing the spool 330 from rotating in a second direction.

[0104] The spool 330 is rotatably coupled to the housing 320 by a coupling component 310. The coupling component 310 is positioned axially below the spool 330 and includes a central boss 312 projecting axially upward from the base 311 of the coupling component 310 into the inner region of the housing 320. The spool 330 is rotatably positioned around the coupling component 310 by inserting the central boss 312 through a central aperture or aperture 334 of the spool 330. The spool 330 can pivot or rotate around the central boss 312 with negligible friction or drag. The upper or distal end of the central boss 312 is inserted through a clutch mechanism 301 and frictionally engages with the face clutch aperture or aperture 364 of the face clutch 360 and the knob core aperture or aperture 354 of the knob core 350 to determine the rotational position of the spool 330 relative to the central boss 312.

[0105] The knob core 350 operably engages with the upper end of the boss 312 so as to allow the clutch mechanism 301 to be supported in two positions. The coupling component 310 frictionally engages with the clutch mechanism 301, in particular the knob core 350, and holds the clutch mechanism 301 in a first or second position. The clutch mechanism 301 can move or transition to the first position in response to a first action of the knob 302, and similarly can move or transition to the second position in response to a second action of the knob 302. For example, the first action of the knob 302 can push or press the knob 302 downward toward the housing 320, or the clutch mechanism 301 can engage with the housing 320. Alternatively, the first action of the knob 302 could be rotating the knob 302 in a second direction, operating a button or lever mechanism, or some other action of the knob or other components. A second action of the knob 302 is to pull the knob 302 upward so that it moves away from the housing 320, which causes the clutch mechanism 301 to disengage from the housing 320. Alternatively, a second action of the knob 302 may be to rotate the knob 302 in a first direction, to activate a button or lever mechanism, or to perform some other operation on the knob or other components. The coupling component 310 can hold the clutch mechanism 301 in a first position (i.e., engaged) so that the clutch mechanism 301 remains engaged with the housing 320, and / or can hold the clutch mechanism 301 in a second position (i.e., disengaged) so that the clutch mechanism 301 remains disengaged from the housing 320.

[0106] Multiple coupling arms 314 are arranged radially around the annular circumference of the base 311 of the coupling component 310. The coupling arms 314 removably couple the coupling component 310 to the housing 320. As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the coupling arms 314 extend axially upward from the base 311. When the closure system 300 is assembled, the coupling arms 314 are inserted through coupling apertures or apertures 324 on the housing 320 to removably couple the coupling component 310 to the housing 320. As shown in Figure 3A, the coupling arms 314 can be inserted through coupling apertures 324 on the housing base 305 such that the base 311 acts as the lower end of the housing 320 and the bottom surface of the base 311 is at the same height as or aligned with the bottom surface of the housing base 305. In some examples, the coupling arms 314 may be configured to frictionally engage with the outer surface of the housing 320 to secure the coupling component 310 to the housing 320.

[0107] Figures 3E and 3F show the closure system 300 in a first and second position, respectively. As shown in Figure 3E, the knob core 350 includes an engaging tab or feature portion 352, and the distal end of the central boss 312 includes an annular projection 313. The engaging tab 352 and the annular projection 313 are configured to hold the clutch mechanism 301 in a first position where a plurality of clutch teeth 361 on the face clutch 360 engage with a plurality of spool teeth 331 on the spool 330, or the disc teeth 341 of the clutch disc 340 engage with the housing teeth 321 of the housing 320. The engagement of the teeth operably couples the spool 330 to the housing 320. The disc teeth 341 can couple with the housing teeth 321 in a ratchet-like manner. The clutch disc 340 operably connects the housing 320 and the spool 330, allowing the spool 330 to rotate in a first direction while preventing the spool 330 from rotating in a second direction.

[0108] In the first position, the engaging tab 352 is positioned axially below the annular projection 313 of the central boss. The annular projection 313 has a diameter greater than or defined by the engaging tab 352. Because the diameter of the engaging tab 352 is smaller than the diameter of the annular projection 313, the annular projection 313 obstructs or prevents the engaging tab 352 and the knob core 350 from moving axially upward from above the annular projection. In this way, the knob core 350 is held in a downward position relative to the annular projection 313, holding the closure system 300 in the first position shown in Figure 3E.

[0109] Figure 3F shows the closure system 300 in the second position. In the second position, the clutch mechanism 301 and / or the knob 302 are positioned axially above the housing 320 and the spool 330. In the second position, the clutch teeth 361 are disengaged from the spool teeth 331 and / or the disc teeth 341 are disengaged from the housing teeth 321, separating the spool 330 from the housing 320 and allowing the spool 330 to rotate freely in the second or loosening direction. In the second position, the engaging tab 352 of the knob core 350 is positioned axially on the annular projection 313 of the coupling component 310. The smaller diameter of the engaging tab 352 compared to the annular projection 313 causes the annular projection 313 to interfere with or prevent the engaging tab 352 and the knob core 350 from moving axially downward on the annular projection 313. In this way, the knob core 350 is held in an upward position relative to the annular projection 313, and the closure system 300 is held in the second position shown in Figure 3F.

[0110] The closure system 300 can be held in the second position by the engagement of the engaging tab 352 and the annular projection 313 until a force is applied by the user, or otherwise until the user's force moves the engaging tab 352 and the knob core 350 axially downward relative to the housing 320. The downward movement of the knob core 350 reduces the diameter of the annular projection 313 by forcing the engaging tab 352 to slide over the annular projection 313 and forcing the distal end of the central boss 312 to bend radially inward. The reduced diameter of the annular projection allows the engaging tab 352 to slide over the annular projection 313 and into the first position shown in Figure 3E. Similarly, the closure system 300 can be held in the first position by the engagement of the engaging tab 352 and the annular projection 313 until a force is applied by the user, or otherwise until the user's force moves the engaging tab 352 and the knob core 350 axially upward relative to the housing 320. The upward movement of the knob core 350 bends the distal end of the central boss 312 radially inward, causing the engaging tab 352 to slide over the annular projection 313 to the second position shown in Figure 3F.

[0111] To prevent the knob 302 from being removed from the housing 320, the housing 320 includes an annular ledge 322 extending around the outer circumference of the upper part of the housing 320. The annular ledge 322 is configured to press against and engage with one or more tabs 307 on the knob 302 in order to maintain the connection between the knob 302 and the housing 320. In other words, the engagement of one or more tabs 307 with the annular ledge 322 prevents the knob 302 from separating or detaching from the housing 320 unless an exceptional force is applied to the knob 302.

[0112] The engagement of the clutch mechanism 301 with the housing 320 prevents the spool 330 from rotating in a second direction (e.g., the loosening direction) within the housing 320, while configuring the spool 330 to rotate in a first direction (i.e., the tightening direction). The tightening direction may be clockwise or counterclockwise as desired, and the loosening direction may be the opposite direction. As the spool 330 rotates in the tightening direction, strings, cords, and tension members (not shown) attached to the spool 330 are wound around the central portion of the spool 330 or the channel 333. Figures 3E and 3F provide cross-sectional views of the closure system 300, specifically illustrating the configuration of the central channel 333 of the spool 330 and the inlet hole 326 for the string, cord, or tension member. During assembly, the tension member is inserted through the inlet hole 326 and configured to be wound around the spool 330 within the central channel 333 as the spool 330 rotates in the tightening direction. In some cases, the tension member is fixed to the spool 330 in a removable or non-removable manner.

[0113] The unidirectional ratchet of the spool is provided by the engagement between the disc teeth 341 and the housing teeth 321. In the first position shown in Figure 3E, the disc teeth 341 engage with the housing teeth 321, which are positioned around the inner region of the housing 320, allowing the clutch disc 340 to rotate in the first direction while preventing it from rotating in the second direction. When the closure system 300 is in the second position, the disc teeth 341 are disengaged from the housing teeth 321, thereby allowing the spool 330 to rotate in the second direction.

[0114] The knob 302 is operably coupled to the spool 330 via a clutch mechanism 301 to allow progressive tightening and progressive loosening of the closure system 300. Multiple drive components 304 are located on the bottom surface of the knob 302. These drive components 304 are configured to engage within multiple drive recesses 353 on the knob core 350. When the closure system 300 is in a first position and the knob 302 rotates in a first direction (i.e., the tightening direction) or a second direction (i.e., the loosening direction), the drive components 304 on the bottom surface of the knob 302 engage with the corresponding surfaces or edges of the drive recesses 353 to transmit rotational force or torque to the knob core 350. Due to the engagement of the drive recesses 353 with the drive components 304, the knob core 350 is operably coupled to the knob 302 such that the rotation of the knob 302 results in a corresponding rotation of the knob core 350. When in the first position, the knob core 350 transmits rotational force or torque to the spool 330 due to the operable coupling between the knob core 350 and the spool 330. When in the second position, the knob core 350 does not transmit rotational force or torque to the spool 330 due to the separation of the knob core 350 and the spool 330.

[0115] The knob core 350 is operably coupled to the face clutch 360 and transmits rotation or torque from the knob 302 to the spool 330. The knob core 350 is operably coupled to the face clutch 360 by a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from the central cylindrical hub of the knob core. There are a plurality of ramp arms 355 extending axially downward from the top surface 351 of the knob core 350 toward the face clutch 360 along the radial periphery of the knob core 350. The ramp arms 355 are configured to fit into a plurality of recesses 365 arranged along the periphery of the face clutch 360. The recesses 365 on the face clutch 360 are slightly oversized (i.e., extended) compared to the ramp arms 355, which allow for a small rotation of the knob core 350 relative to the face clutch 360. The slight extension of the recess 365 prevents rotational force from being transmitted to the face clutch 360, allowing the knob 302 to rotate the knob core 350 slightly in a first direction (i.e., the tightening direction) or a second direction (i.e., the loosening direction). Once the closure system 300 is assembled, the spring mechanism is generally positioned between the knob core 350 and the face clutch 360. In such embodiments, the spring mechanism separates the face clutch 360 from the knob 302 so that the user rotating the knob 302 cannot feel any axial movement of the clutch mechanism 301 when the spool 330 is progressively tightened or loosened.

[0116] The bottom surface of the face clutch 360 has a plurality of clutch teeth 361 configured to operably engage with a plurality of spool teeth 331 located on the top surface of the spool 330. Both the clutch teeth 361 and the spool teeth 331 include inclined surfaces and walls that engage in a ratchet manner. The inclined surfaces of the clutch teeth 361 coincide with the inclined surfaces of the spool teeth 331, allowing the teeth to slide against each other while rotating in a second direction, while preventing rotation in the opposite (i.e., first) direction. While the knob 302 rotates in the first direction, the coupling of the knob 302, the knob core 350, and the face clutch 360 causes the face clutch 360 to also rotate in the first direction. Due to the orientation of the clutch teeth 361, when the face clutch 360 rotates in the first direction, the walls of the clutch teeth 361 engage with the walls of the spool teeth 331. This engagement between the clutch teeth 361 and the spool teeth 331 allows the face clutch 360 to transmit rotational force or torque from the knob 302 to the spool 330. In other words, when the closure system is in the first position and the knob 302 is rotated in the first direction, the spool 330 engages with the face clutch 360 and rotates in the first direction.

[0117] To provide progressive rotation of the spool 330 in a first direction (i.e., progressive tightening of the spool 330), the face clutch 360 is operably coupled with the clutch disc 340, providing a unidirectional ratchet mechanism between the housing 320 and the spool 330, as described herein. As shown, the clutch disc 340 is composed of an essentially radially flat annular configuration having a radially inner circumference and a radially outer circumference. The clutch disc 340 includes an upper surface 345 and a bottom surface 346. There are a plurality of disc teeth 341 along the radially outer circumference of the bottom surface 346. The plurality of disc teeth 341 are oriented axially downward toward the spool 330 and the housing 320 and are configured to engage with the housing teeth 321. There are a plurality of clutch engaging members 344 and a plurality of ramp teeth 342 along the radially inner circumference of the bottom surface 346. There are multiple cantilever arms 343 that extend axially upward from the upper surface 345 toward the knob 302 along the radially inner circumference of the upper surface 345 of the clutch disc 340.

[0118] The engagement between the housing teeth 321 and the disc teeth 341 enables unidirectional ratcheting of the spool 330. As previously mentioned, when the closure system is in the first position and the knob 302 rotates in the first direction, the rotation of the knob 302 is transmitted to the spool 330 by the face clutch 360. As the knob 302 rotates in the first direction, the spool 330 also rotates in the first direction due to the engagement between the clutch teeth 361 and the spool teeth 331. Due to the coupling between the knob 302 and the face clutch 360, and the coupling between the face clutch 360 and the clutch disc 340, the clutch disc 340 also rotates in the first direction as the knob 302 rotates. As shown in Figure 3D, the clutch engaging member 344 extends axially downward from the clutch disc 340 along the radially inner circumference of the bottom surface 346. The clutch engagement member 344 is configured to operably couple and engage with a plurality of clutch engagement recesses 362 formed on a radial arm extending radially outward from the circumference of the face clutch 360. The clutch engagement recesses are configured to mate or pair with one of the clutch engagement members 344. When the closure system 300 is assembled, the clutch engagement member 344 couples with the clutch engagement recesses 362, which rotatably couples the clutch disc 340 to the face clutch 360 so that the clutch disc 340 and the face clutch 360 function as a single component.

[0119] The housing teeth 321 and the disc teeth 341 include inclined surfaces and wall surfaces. Similar to the inclined surfaces of the clutch teeth 361 and the spool teeth 331, the inclined surfaces of the housing teeth 321 and the disc teeth 341 allow the teeth to slide against each other while the knob 302 rotates in a first direction, and allow the clutch disc 340 to rotate in a first direction relative to the housing 320. The housing teeth 321 and the disc teeth 341 prevent the clutch disc 340 from rotating in the opposite (i.e., second) direction relative to the housing 320. The inclined surfaces of the housing teeth 321 and the disc teeth 341 allow the disc teeth 341 to slide upward in the axial direction and are deflected onto the housing teeth 321 as the clutch disc 340 rotates with the rotation of the face clutch 360. As the clutch disc 340 rotates in the first direction together with the face clutch 360 and the knob 302, the disc teeth 341 on the clutch disc 340 slide on the inclined surface of the housing teeth 321.

[0120] As the disc teeth 341 slide over the housing teeth 321, the clutch disc 340 is driven axially upward toward the knob 302. A cantilever arm 343 on the clutch disc 340, positioned and oriented to extend between the clutch disc 340 and the knob 302, is deflected axially downward as the clutch disc 340 is driven axially upward. The cantilever arm 343 provides a downward biasing force to the clutch disc 340 as the clutch disc 340 moves axially within the housing 320. As the disc teeth 341 slide over the inclined surface of the housing teeth 321, and the clutch disc 340 is driven upward toward the knob 302, the cantilever arm 343 bends or compresses against the bottom surface of the knob 302 to generate a recoil or downward deflection force. As the disc teeth 341 slide against the upper end of the housing teeth 321, the reaction force or biasing force generated by the cantilever arm 343 drives the clutch disc 340 downward again, causing the disc teeth 341 to re-engage with the housing teeth 321. The face clutch 360 rotates in a first direction with the clutch disc 340 by the rotational coupling of its two components. The face clutch 360 also drives the rotation of the spool 330 in a first direction by the coupling of its two components. In this way, the rotation of the knob 302 in a first direction allows for the progressive rotation of the spool 330 in a first direction, thereby allowing for the progressive tightening of the tension member attached to the spool 330.

[0121] The tension of the tension member wound around the spool 330 applies a rotational force or torque to the spool 330 in a second direction (i.e., the loosening direction). To prevent the spool 330 from rotating in the second direction (i.e., the loosening direction) due to the rotational force applied by the tension member, the disc teeth 341 engage with the housing teeth 321. The engagement of the housing teeth 321 with the wall surface of the disc teeth 341 prevents the clutch disc 340 from rotating in the second direction (i.e., the loosening direction). Since the clutch disc 340 is rotatably coupled to the face clutch 360, the engagement of the housing teeth 321 with the disc teeth 341 also prevents the face clutch 360 from rotating. The force or torque applied to the spool 330 by the tension member drives the spool teeth 331 to engage with the clutch teeth 361, and the rotational coupling of the spool 330, face clutch 360, clutch disc 340, and housing 320 prevents the spool 330 from rotating in the loosening direction. In other words, since the clutch disc 340 is operably coupled to the spool 330, any force that prevents the clutch disc 340 from rotating in the second direction will similarly prevent the spool 330 from rotating in the second direction. In this way, the spool 330 is prevented from rotating in the second direction (i.e., the loosening direction) when the disc teeth 341 engage with the housing teeth 321.

[0122] To allow for the gradual loosening of the tension member, the closure system 300 is configured to allow the spool 330 to rotate in a gradual increase in a second direction (i.e., the loosening direction). As previously stated, a reaction force or torque is applied to the spool 330 due to the tension provided by the tension member. To allow the spool 330 to rotate in the second direction, the disc teeth 341 may be temporarily disengaged at the housing teeth 321. To disengage the disc teeth 341, the clutch disc 340 includes a plurality of ramp teeth 342 arranged along the radial inner circumference of the bottom surface 346 of the clutch disc 340. The ramp teeth 342 engage with corresponding recesses 356 formed in the ramp arms 355 of the knob core 350. The recesses 356 include inclined surfaces 357 that reflect the inclined surfaces of each ramp tooth 342, allowing the ramp teeth 342 to slide on the inclined surfaces 357 when the knob core 350 is rotated in the second direction relative to the clutch disc 340. The movement of the ramp teeth 342 onto the inclined surface 357 allows the disc teeth 341 to disengage from the housing teeth 321. When the knob 302 rotates in the second direction (i.e., the loosening direction), the rotational coupling between the knob 302 and the knob core 350 causes the knob core 350 to rotate in the second direction as well. The clutch disc 340 and face clutch 360 engage with the housing teeth 321 and are rotatably fixed to the housing 320, so that the clutch disc 340 and face clutch 360 remain stationary when the knob 302 and knob core 350 begin to rotate in the second direction. The extension of the recess 365 on the face clutch 360 allows the knob core 350 to rotate relative to the face clutch 360 and the clutch disc 340 without rotating any of the components.

[0123] Rotation of the knob 302 in the second direction allows the knob core 350 to rotate with the knob 302 within the recess 365 of the face clutch 360. Rotation of the knob core 350 relative to the clutch disc 340 causes the inclined surface 357 to contact and engage with the ramp teeth 342 on the clutch disc 340. Further rotation of the knob 302 in the second direction allows the ramp teeth 342 to slide on the inclined surface 357, moving the clutch disc 340 axially upward so that it moves away from the knob core 350. When the clutch disc 340 is driven axially upward, the disc teeth 341 on the clutch disc 340 move axially away from the housing teeth 321, disengaging the clutch disc 340 from the housing 320. Once the disc teeth 341 are disengaged from the housing teeth 321, the clutch disc 340 and the face clutch 360 can rotate in the second direction together with the knob 302 and the knob core 350. The rotation of the clutch disc 340 and the face clutch 360 in the second direction is generally caused by a torque or force applied to the spool 330 by the tension member. Specifically, when one of the disc teeth 341 is disengaged from the housing teeth 321, the spool 330 is no longer rotationally locked to the housing 320, and therefore the spool 330 can rotate in the second direction due to the torque or force applied to the spool 330 by the tension member.

[0124] To prevent complete loosening of the spool 330 and to provide gradual loosening of the spool 330, a cantilever arm 343 positioned on the clutch disc 340 biases the clutch disc 340 downward toward the knob core 350. As the spool 330 rotates in a second direction due to torque or force applied to the spool 330 by the tension member, the rotation of the spool 330 causes the knob core 350 and the clutch disc 340 to rotate in the second direction. The rotation of the clutch disc 340 in the second direction allows the ramp teeth 342 to rotate beyond their engagement with the inclined surface 357, thereby allowing the clutch disc 340 to move axially downward relative to the knob core 350 and the housing 320. The cantilever arm 343 applies force or bias to cause the clutch disc 340 to move downward relative to the knob core 350 and housing 320, which rotatably locks the spool 330 to the housing 320 as it re-engages the disc teeth 341 and housing teeth 321, thereby restricting further rotation of the spool 330 in a second direction. The clutch mechanism 301 is generally configured such that disengagement and re-engagement of the disc teeth 341 and housing teeth 321 occur on a tooth-by-tooth basis. In this way, the degree of looseness can be adjusted by adjusting the number of disc teeth 341 and housing teeth 321.

[0125] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to add a resistance member 367 to the face scratch 360 to provide a desired level of resistance during the gradual loosening of the closure system 300. The resistance level can be selected to eliminate or minimize accidental gradual loosening of the spool 330. For example, without the resistance member 367, the knob 302 may come into contact with an object as a user passes over it, which can cause the knob 302 to rotate in a second direction (i.e., the loosening direction), gradually loosening the spool 330. The resistance member 367 can minimize accidental loosening by resisting the rotation of the knob 302 in the second direction. To resist the rotation of the knob 302 in the second direction, the resistance member 367 may be positioned within the recess 365 of the face scratch 360, such that the resistance member 367 extends diagonally radially from the face scratch 360 into the recess 365. The resisting member 367 can engage with the radially inclined surface on the underside of the ramp arm 355 of the knob core 350 as the face scratch 360 rotates relative to the knob core 350 in a second direction (i.e., the loosening direction). As the face scratch 360 rotates relative to the knob core 350 in a second direction, the resisting member 367 can be bent or deflected radially inward by the radially inclined surface of the ramp arm 355. The inward bending or deflection of the resisting member 367 provides a slight deflection force opposite to the rotation of the face scratch 360 in the second direction. Thus, the resisting member 367 provides a resisting force that resists the rotation of the face scratch 360 relative to the knob core 350 in the second direction, and then resists the rotation of the knob 302 in the second direction. This resisting force minimizes or prevents accidental loosening of the closure system 300. The resistance can be selected or set so that user-initiated loosening is substantially unaffected, while accidental loosening is prevented.

[0126] To prevent the spool 330 from unwinding past the end of the tension member and the tension member from winding around the central channel 333 in the wrong direction, the coupling component 310 includes a plurality of teeth 315 arranged circumferentially around the central boss 312. The plurality of teeth 315 are configured to engage with a plurality of bottom teeth 332 located on the bottom surface of the spool 330. The plurality of teeth 315 function similarly to the spool engagement mechanism 138 described herein, so that when the tension member is discharged from the central channel 333, the spool 330 moves axially downward within the housing 320, and the bottom teeth 332 engage with the plurality of teeth 315 of the coupling component. The engagement of the pair of teeth prevents the spool 330 from unwinding past the end of the tension member by preventing the spool 330 from rotating in a second direction.

[0127] Next, refer to Figures 4A and 4B, which show exploded perspective views of a reel-type closure device or system 400 (hereinafter, "closure system 400"). The closure system 400 includes a fastening component 402, such as a reel or knob (hereinafter, "knob 402"), designed to be gripped and rotated by a user. The knob 402 is positioned to be easily accessible to the user relative to the closure system 400. The knob 402 is illustrated as having a circular contour or shape when viewed from above, but various other knob shapes or configurations, such as hexagonal, octagonal, or triangular, can be employed. The knob 402 is mounted on a housing or housing component 420 (hereinafter, "housing 420") and, in turn, is removably mounted on a housing base member or bayonet 410 (hereinafter, "housing base 410"). The housing base 410 is configured to be mounted on an article (e.g., a shoe, boot, etc.) that uses the closure system 400 to adjust the fastening or alignment of the article. For example, the housing base 410 may include a flange (not shown) that can be attached to an article by stitching, bonding, adhesive bonding, welding (RF, ultrasonic, etc.), or other means. In some examples, the housing base 410 or the flange may be insert-molded into an article using the closure system 400.

[0128] The housing 420 includes an internal area where one or more components of the closure system 400 are located when the closure system 400 is assembled. One or more components of the closure system 400 are shown in the exploded perspective views of Figures 4A and 4B. Such components are housed or included within the housing 420 of the closure system 400 when the system is assembled. Therefore, once the closure system 400 is assembled, one or more components are not generally visible. Such components include a spool component 430 (hereinafter "spool 430"), a spring component 440, and a clutch disc 450.

[0129] The spool 430 is rotatably positioned within the inner region of the housing 420 and is configured such that a tension member (not shown) is wound around the spool 430 to pull the tension member and tighten an article. The spool 430 is axially positioned on the housing base 410 so that the spool 430 can pivot or rotate within the inner region of the housing 420 with negligible friction or drag. The spool 430 is operably coupled to the knob 402. Multiple drive cams 404, positioned on the bottom surface of the knob 402 and axially oriented toward the spool 430, are operably coupled to and engage with multiple drive recesses 434 on the spool 430. The multiple drive recesses 434 are positioned on the top surface of the spool 430 and axially oriented toward the knob 402. The drive cam 404 is configured to engage with a drive recess 434 to transmit rotational force or torque from the knob 402 to the spool 430, and when the drive cam 404 engages with the drive recess 434, the knob 402 drives or rotates the spool 430 as the knob 402 rotates. The drive recess 434 extends to allow the drive cam 404 to move within the drive recess 434 without engaging with the spool 430. For example, the drive cam 404 can rotate partially with the knob 402 without engaging with the drive recess 434 to rotate the spool 430.

[0130] The spool 430 is also operably coupled to the clutch disc 450. The clutch disc 450 is axially positioned on the spool 430 and is located between the knob 402 and the spring component 440. The clutch disc 450 is configured to engage with a plurality of radially positioned spool splines 431 (hereinafter "spool splines 431") located radially around a drive recess 434 on the upper surface of the spool 430, and includes a plurality of radially oriented splines 452 (hereinafter "splines 452"). The splines 452 on the clutch disc 450 are configured to work in conjunction with the spool splines 431 on the spool 430 so that the spool 430 and the clutch disc 450 function as a single component. The spool splines 431 engage with the splines 452 so that the spool 430 is driven, i.e., when the spool 430 rotates, the clutch disc 450 rotates. Unlike the coupling between the spool 430 and the knob 402, the spline 452 and the spool spline 431 engage such that any rotation of the spool 430 is transmitted to the clutch disc 450, causing it to rotate, and vice versa. In other words, neither the clutch disc 450 nor the spool 430 contains recesses extended for the splines 452 and spool spline 431, allowing either component to rotate without transmitting rotational force or torque to the other components. As previously stated, when the drive cam 404 of the knob 402 engages with the drive recess 434 of the spool 430, the knob 402 is operably coupled to the spool 430 so as to drive the spool 430 as the knob 402 rotates. Therefore, for the coupling between the clutch disc 450 and the spool 430, the rotation of the knob 402 when it engages with the spool 430 also rotates the clutch disc 450 through the spool 430.

[0131] The clutch disc 450 is ratchet-operable to the housing 420, preventing the spool 430 from rotating in the loosening direction while allowing it to rotate in the tightening direction. A plurality of clutch teeth 451, arranged axially around the clutch disc 450 on its upper surface and oriented toward the knob 402, are configured to engage with a plurality of housing teeth 421 located on the housing 420. The plurality of housing teeth 421 are circumferentially arranged within the inner region of the housing 420 and are radially downward to engage with the clutch teeth 451 of the clutch disc 450. The clutch teeth 451 and housing teeth 421 function as a ratchet mechanism that rotates the spool 430 in one direction within the inner region of the housing 420. To provide a one-way ratchet mechanism, the clutch teeth 451 are configured to deflect radially downward relative to the knob 402, as the clutch teeth 451 rotate in the tightening direction clockwise in this study with respect to the housing teeth 421. In other cases, the tightening direction may be counterclockwise. The clutch teeth 451 are biased axially upward to form inclined surfaces and wall surfaces between each tooth, forming complementary teeth to the housing teeth 421. Thus, as the clutch disc 450 rotates with the spool 430 by the rotation of the knob 402 in the tightening direction, the clutch teeth 451 slide on the complementary inclined surfaces of the housing teeth 421 and are pushed downward by the inclination characteristics of both the housing teeth 421 and the clutch teeth 451. When the peak of the inclined surface of the clutch teeth 451 reaches the apex of the inclined surface of the housing teeth 421, the clutch disc is pushed backward by the spring component 440, and the clutch teeth 451 re-engage with the housing teeth 421. As the clutch disc 450 and clutch teeth 451 rotate relative to the housing teeth 421, the knob 402 rotates progressively in the tightening direction, causing the clutch teeth 451 to deflect onto the housing teeth 421 and re-engage with the housing teeth 421 "quickly," resulting in a "click" sound.

[0132] As described above, the engagement of the housing teeth 421 and the clutch teeth 451 provides a one-way ratchet of the spool 430 so that the closure system 400 is tightened progressively. The one-way ratchet of the spool 430 in the tightening direction allows for incremental rotation of the spool 430, tightening the tension member around the spool 430, while preventing rotation of the spool 430 in the loosening direction (i.e., the opposite direction to the tightening direction). When the clutch teeth 451 engage with the housing teeth 421, the clutch disc 450 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction (i.e., counterclockwise). Since the housing 420 is fixed to the knob 402, the spool 430, and the clutch disc 450, when a force is applied to the clutch teeth 451 in the loosening direction (i.e., counterclockwise), the housing teeth 421 engage with the clutch teeth 451, preventing the clutch disc 450 from rotating in the loosening direction. The tensioning member applies tension to the spool 430 in the loosening direction and to the clutch disc 450 in the loosening direction. Therefore, when the knob 402 is stationary and not rotating or performing any other operation, the clutch disc 450 engages with the housing 420, preventing the spool 430 from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0133] To disengage the clutch teeth 451 from the housing teeth 421, allowing the spool 430 to rotate in the loosening direction and to loosen (rewind) the tension member, the knob 402 includes a plurality of ramps 403 (hereinafter, "ramps 403"). The ramps 403 are located on the bottom surface of the knob 402 and are axially oriented toward the clutch disc 450. As the knob 402 rotates in the loosening direction, the ramps 403 operably engage with a plurality of clutch ramps 453 (hereinafter, "clutch ramps 453") located on the upper surface of the clutch disc 450. The clutch ramps 453 extend axially upward from the surface of the clutch disc 450 toward the knob 402. The clutch ramps 453 are biased axially upward to create an inclined surface on the knob 402 that complements the ramps 403. As the knob 402 rotates in the loosening direction, the ramp 403 of the knob 402 drives the clutch disc 450 downward relative to the knob 402, in order to separate the spool 430 from the housing 420 and allow the spool 430 to rotate in the loosening direction. As the knob 402 rotates, the ramp 403 slides on the inclined surface of the clutch ramp 453, pushing the clutch ramp 453 downward away from the knob 402. When the clutch disc 450 is driven downward away from the knob 402 by the ramp 403 sliding on the clutch ramp 453, the clutch teeth 451 disengage from the housing teeth 421, allowing the clutch disc 450 to rotate. Since the clutch disc 450 is operably coupled to the spool 430, when the clutch disc 450 becomes rotatable in the loosening direction, the tension applied to the spool 430 causes the spool 430 to rotate in the loosening direction.

[0134] As described above, the drive recess 434 extends to allow the drive cam 404 to move within the drive recess 434 without engaging with the spool 430. The extension of the drive recess allows the knob 402 to rotate in the release direction without engaging with the clutch disc 450. This allows the knob 402 to rotate in the release direction without being hindered by the clutch disc 450. Since the clutch teeth 451 engage with the housing teeth 421 each time force is applied to the spool 430 in the release direction, the clutch disc 450 prevents the knob 402 from rotating in the release direction without the extension of the drive recess 434.

[0135] To prevent the closure system 400 from completely loosening and to allow for gradual loosening of the closure system 400, a spring component 440 is axially positioned between the clutch disc 450 and the spool 430. The spring component 440 is biased axially upward and downward to provide an axial upward force to the clutch disc 450. The spring component 440 holds or maintains the clutch disc 450 in an axially raised position within the housing 420. In the axially raised position, the clutch teeth 451 engage with the housing teeth 421, preventing the spool 430 from rotating in the loosening direction. When the knob 402 is rotated in the loosening direction, the ramp 403 of the knob 402 drives the clutch disc 450 to push the spring component 440, compressing the spring component 440. After ramp 403 passes clutch ramp 453, the reaction force generated by compressing spring component 440 drives clutch disc 450 axially upward toward knob 402, causing clutch teeth 451 to re-engage with housing teeth 421. In this way, spool 430 becomes capable of gradually increasing rotation in the release direction.

[0136] Referring here to Figures 5A and 5B, exploded perspective views of the lacing system 500 are shown. The lacing system 500 includes a knob 502 designed for a user to grip and rotate. The knob 502 is positioned to be easily accessible to a user of a particular article to which the lacing system 500 is attached, as well as to the lacing system 500 itself. The knob 502 is illustrated as having a cylindrical contour or shape when viewed from above, but various other shapes or configurations such as hexagonal, octagonal, or triangular can be employed. Furthermore, the knob 502 may include surface features such as knurling or raised characteristics that facilitate gripping the knob 502 and applying torque (turning / rotating).

[0137] Button 504 is located within the cavity 506 of the knob 502. As the knob 502 is rotated clockwise, the string (not shown) attached to the spool 508 at the connection point 510 wraps around the spool 508, thereby tightening the string on the article to which the string tightening system 500 is attached. As will be described later, the operation of the string tightening system 500 prevents the spool 508 from rotating counterclockwise and loosening unless button 504 is pressed. Thus, tightening the string by rotating the knob 502 clockwise acts in a "ratchet" manner, preventing the string from unintentionally loosening. However, when button 504 is pressed, the string is pulled out from the string tightening system 500, the spool 508 loosens, and the string can be loosened on the specific article to which the string tightening system 500 is attached.

[0138] To further describe the operation of the lacing system 500, the knob 502 includes lower knob teeth 512 and upper knob teeth 514. The lower knob teeth 512 are positioned on an annular section and oriented axially downward. The upper knob teeth 514 are also positioned on an annular section but extend axially upward. The upper knob teeth 514 may have an inclined contour as shown.

[0139] The lacing system 500 further includes a housing 516. The housing 516 includes an internal region in which one or more components of the lacing system 500 are arranged. The housing 516 is configured to be attached to the base component 518 so that the housing 516 does not rotate relative to the base component 518. This can be achieved by mutually locking a tab 520 on the base component 518 with a cavity 522 on the housing 516. The base component 518 is configured to be attached to a particular article by any means known in the art, thereby connecting the lacing system 500 to the particular article. A first ridge 524 near the periphery of the housing 516 is configured to rotatably couple with an inner second ridge 526 around the knob 502 so that the knob 502 can rotate relative to the housing 516, but the knob 502 cannot be easily removed perpendicularly away from the housing 516.

[0140] The inner region of the housing 516 includes housing teeth 528 extending axially upward from the annular section. The housing teeth 528 can be formed during the molding process or cut into the housing 516 after molding. The coupling ring 530 is housed within the inner region of the housing 516. The coupling ring 530 includes coupling teeth 532 extending axially downward from the outer circumferential surface of the coupling ring 530. The housing teeth 528 are configured to engage with the coupling teeth 532 to allow unidirectional rotation of the spool 508, as described later.

[0141] Specifically, the housing teeth 528 and the coupling teeth 532 are inclined or tapered in opposite directions relative to each other, as shown in the illustration. The opposing orientation of the housing teeth 528 and coupling teeth 532 allows the coupling ring 530 to rotate clockwise relative to the housing 516, while preventing the coupling ring 530 from rotating counterclockwise relative to the housing 516 (i.e., any attempt to rotate counterclockwise "fixes" the coupling teeth 532 relative to the housing teeth 528).

[0142] The number and spacing of the housing teeth 528 control the increment or degree of tightening that can be achieved by the lacing system 500. The specific number and spacing of the teeth can be designed to suit the intended use or purpose of the lacing system. In various embodiments, the housing teeth 528 and the coupling teeth 532 may each contain 20 to 40 teeth.

[0143] The knob 502 also includes a spline receiver 534 that engages with the spline teeth 536 of the coupling ring 530 so that the coupling ring 530 rotatably locks or secures to the knob 502. Thus, rotation of the knob 502 in either direction will at least attempt to cause a corresponding rotation of the coupling ring 530 within the inner region of the housing 516. As previously stated, the ratchet engagement between the housing teeth 528 and the coupling teeth 532 allows the coupling ring 530 to rotate clockwise (in the direction in which the cord is tightened) while preventing the knob 502 from rotating in the loosening direction (in the direction in which the cord is loosened).

[0144] The coupling ring 530 further includes an annular channel 538 formed on its upper surface. The annular channel 538 receives a compression spring (not shown) that contacts the annular channel 538 and the inner surface of the knob 502, so that the spring is compressed between the knob 502 and the coupling ring 530. This spring biases the knob 502 and the coupling ring 530 to move axially apart. In this way, a downward force is applied to the coupling ring 530, which biases the coupling teeth 532 to engage with the housing teeth 528.

[0145] The spool 508 is rotatably positioned within the inner region of the housing 516 so that the spool 508 can rotate internally. The spool 508 includes spool teeth 540 extending axially downward from an annular rim located within the central aperture of the spool 508.

[0146] The lacing system 500 further includes a lower clutch component 542, an upper clutch component 544, a rotation limiter 546, and a button 504. The lower clutch component 542 and the upper clutch component 544 are contained within the housing 516 when the lacing system 500 is assembled.

[0147] The upper clutch component 544 includes upper clutch teeth 548 extending axially upward from the radially extended lip of the upper clutch component 544. The upper clutch component 544 also includes a key channel 550 extending axially through the upper clutch component 544. The key channel 550 is shown to have a cross shape when viewed from the bottom of the upper clutch component 544, but various other shapes or configurations can be employed.

[0148] The lower clutch component 542 includes lower clutch teeth 552 rising from the upper surface of the lower clutch component 542 and brake teeth 554 rising from the bottom surface of the lower clutch component 542. The lower clutch component 542 is comprised of a key 556 extending from the upper surface of the lower clutch component 542. The key 556 is shown to have a cross shape when viewed from the upper surface of the lower clutch component 542, but various other shapes or configurations can be employed to match the key channel 550 of the upper clutch component 544.

[0149] The rotation limiter 546 includes an internal cavity 558 extending through the horizontal portion of the rotation limiter 546. The rotation limiter 546 also includes rotation limiter teeth 560 extending away from the bottom of the rotation limiter 546. The rotation limiter 546 also includes a shaft 562 extending away from the center of the bottom of the rotation limiter 546. A compression spring (not shown) is positioned between the rotation limiter 546 and the knob 502 and biases the rotation limiter 546 and all components axially constrained to the rotation limiter 546 upward. This results in the button 504 being biased upward. When the rotation limiter 546 is biased upward, the rotation limiter teeth 560 do not interface with the upper knob teeth 514.

[0150] The button 504 includes an axle 564 extending from the bottom surface of the button 504. In some embodiments, the axle 564 is circular in shape when viewed from the bottom and is centered on the horizontal portion of the button 504. The button 504 is designed to be pressed by the user as described above. Since the button 504 is axially fixed to the rotation limiter 546, pressing the button 504 causes the rotation limiter 546 to move.

[0151] The shaft 564 of the button 504 extends through the internal cavity 558 of the rotation limiter 546. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the rotation limiter 546 is in contact with the lower surface of the button 504. In some embodiments, the button 504 and the rotation limiter 546 can rotate relative to each other. The button 504 and the rotation limiter 546 are fixed axially, i.e., they are at a fixed distance along the axis of the shaft 564, but can rotate freely relative to each other. The button 504 is positioned in the center of the knob 502 so that the user can easily access the button 504. In some embodiments, when the button 504 is not pressed, the upper surface of the knob 502 is at the same height as the upper surface of the button 504.

[0152] The rotation limiter 546 is housed in the cavity 506 of the knob 502. The inclination orientation of the rotation limiter teeth 560 and the upper knob teeth 514 are equal to each other. In this way, when the rotation limiter 546 rotates counterclockwise relative to the knob when the upper knob teeth 514 engage with the rotation limiter teeth 560, the inclined portion of the rotation limiter teeth 560 allows the rotation limiter 546 to slide over the upper knob teeth 514. In this way, when a rotational force or torque acts on the rotation limiter 546 in a counterclockwise / loosening direction relative to the knob 502, the engagement between the upper knob teeth 514 and the rotation limiter teeth 560 generates an upward force on the rotation limiter 546. When the button 504 is not pressed, the rotation limiter teeth 560 of the rotation limiter 546 are above the upper knob teeth 514, and the rotation limiter teeth 560 cannot engage with the upper knob teeth 514 of the knob 502.

[0153] The upper clutch component 544 consists of a key receiver 566. The key receiver 566 is molded to a key 568 on the bottom surface of the shaft 562 of the rotation limiter 546 so that the upper clutch component 544 and the rotation limiter 546 do not rotate relative to each other. The key receiver 566 is also molded to receive the shaft 564 of the button 504 so that the upper clutch component 544 and the button 504 are axially coupled. In some embodiments, the upper clutch component 544 rotates relative to the button 504.

[0154] While the button 504 is not pressed during the operation of the cord tightening system 500, the upper clutch teeth 548 engage with the lower knob teeth 512 of the knob 502. When the upper clutch teeth 548 engage with the lower knob teeth 512, the upper clutch component 544 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502. Similarly, as previously mentioned, the knob 502 is restrained by the coupling ring 530, so the upper clutch component 544 is also prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the housing 516. On the other hand, when the button 504 is not pressed, the lower clutch teeth 552 engage with the spool teeth 540, thereby causing the clockwise rotation of the knob 502 to cause the upper clutch component 544 and the lower clutch component 542, and consequently the spool 508, to tighten the cord around the spool 508.

[0155] The key channel 550 of the upper clutch component 544 is formed to correspond to the key 556 of the lower clutch component 542, such that the key 556 extends through the central aperture of the horizontal circular portion of the spool 508 and is fixed within the key channel 550. In this way, the lower clutch component 542 does not rotate relative to the upper clutch component 544, but moves freely axially relative to the upper clutch component 544. The key 556 and the key channel 550 are configured to allow the axial movement of the upper clutch component 544 relative to the lower clutch component 542. When the key 556 is fully inserted into the key channel 550, the upper surface of the lower clutch component 542 engages with the lower surface of the upper clutch component 544. During such engagement, the lower clutch component 542 transmits an upward axial force to the upper clutch component 544, and the upper clutch component 544 transmits a downward axial force to the lower clutch component 542.

[0156] During some operation of the cord tightening system 500, the lower clutch teeth 552 engage with the spool teeth 540 of the spool 508. When the lower clutch teeth 552 engage with the spool teeth 540, the spool 508 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the lower clutch component 542. Similarly, the spool 508 is also prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the upper clutch component 544, as the lower clutch component 542 is fixed to rotate relative to the upper clutch component 544.

[0157] During some operation of the cord tightening system 500, the lower clutch teeth 552 engage with the spool teeth 540 of the spool 508, while the upper clutch teeth 548 engage with the lower knob teeth 512 of the knob 502. In this way, the spool 508 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502, as it is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502, as it is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502, and the movement of the knob 502 in the tightening direction causes the spool 508 to rotate in the tightening direction. When the spool 508 rotates in the tightening direction, the cord is wound around the spool 508, creating tension in the cord and tightening the item.

[0158] The tension in the cord generates rotational force or torque on the spool 508 in the loosening direction. When the spool teeth 540 engage with the lower clutch teeth 552, the rotational force or torque on the spool 508 in the loosening direction causes rotational force or torque on the lower clutch component 542 in the loosening direction. The key 556, housed within the key channel 550 of the upper clutch component 544, brings rotational force or torque to the upper clutch component 544 when there is rotational force or torque on the lower clutch component 542. When the upper clutch teeth 548 engage with the lower knob teeth 512, the rotational force or torque on the upper clutch component 544 in the loosening direction brings rotational force or torque to the knob 502 in the loosening direction. When the upper clutch teeth 548 do not engage with the lower knob teeth 512, the key receiver 566, fastened to rotate with the rotation limiter 546, generates rotational force or torque on the rotation limiter 546 when there is rotational force or torque on the upper clutch component 544.

[0159] When the knob 502 is turned in the tightening position, the tension of the lacing system increases. Turning the knob 502 causes the upper clutch component 544 to rotate due to the engagement of the lower knob teeth 512 with the upper clutch teeth 548. The upper clutch component 544 simultaneously rotates the lower clutch component 542 due to the interaction of the key receiver 566 and key 556, which prevents axial rotation of the lower clutch component 542 relative to the upper clutch component 544 when engaged. As the lower clutch component 542 rotates, the lower clutch teeth 552 engage with the spool teeth 540 and rotate the spool 508. To maintain torque or rotational force and maintain the load within the lacing system 500, the spline receiver 534 and spline teeth 536 of the knob rotate the coupling ring 530 as the knob 502 rotates. As the coupling ring 530 rotates, the coupling teeth 532 slide through the housing teeth 528. The coupling tooth 532 slides through the housing tooth 528 and the housing tooth 532 due to the orientation of the inclined surface of the coupling tooth 532. In the tightening direction, the inclined surfaces of the housing tooth 528 and the coupling tooth 532 slide against each other, increasing the distance between the coupling ring 530 and the housing 516 until the housing tooth 528 and the coupling tooth 532 slide against each other. The vertical surfaces of the housing tooth 528 and the coupling tooth 532 abut against each other in a load-bearing configuration when force is applied to the lacing system 500. A compression spring (not shown) between the coupling ring and the knob 502 applies pressure to the coupling ring 530 in a direction away from the knob 502 and toward the housing 516 to ensure that the coupling tooth 532 and the housing tooth 528 engage.

[0160] The cord tightening system 500 includes a progressive loosening configuration and a continuous loosening configuration. In the progressive loosening configuration, the button 504 is pushed downward by a first distance toward the knob 502. Since the rotation limiter 546 is axially coupled to the button 504, the axial movement of the button 504 results in the rotation limiter 546 moving axially downward toward the knob 502. The axial downward movement of the rotation limiter 546 also causes the upper clutch component 544 to move axially. The axial downward movement of the upper clutch component 544 allows the lower knob teeth 512 to disengage from the upper clutch teeth 548. Once the upper clutch teeth 548 and the lower knob teeth 512 are disengaged, the upper clutch component 544, the rotation limiter 546, the lower clutch component 542, and the spool 508 rotate together by the torque of the cord tightening system 500 until the rotation limiter teeth 560 contact the upper knob teeth 514. The inclined shape of the rotation limiter teeth 560 and their contact with the upper knob teeth 514 under tension cause the tension of the cord tightening system 500 to move the rotation limiter 546 in the opposite direction to the initial pressing of the button 504, i.e., axially upward. The rotation limiter 546 moves axially upward, causing the coupled upper clutch component 544 to contact and engage with the knob 502 through the upper clutch teeth 548 and the lower knob teeth 512. If the upper clutch component 544 moves a small distance axially downward, the bottom surface of the upper clutch component 544 will not contact the top surface of the lower clutch component 542. Therefore, the downward force on the upper clutch component 544 is not transmitted from the upper clutch component 544 to the lower clutch component 542. Thus, the lower clutch component 542 does not move axially, and the lower clutch teeth 552 remain engaged with the spool teeth 540.

[0161] Further reference to the progressive loosening configuration, when the upper clutch component 544 moves toward the spool 508 by a partial axial distance away from the knob 502, the upper clutch teeth 548 are disengaged from 512. Thus, the upper clutch component 544 does not prevent rotation in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502. The rotational force or torque generated by the string and transmitted to the upper clutch component 544 causes the upper clutch component 544 to rotate in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502, as previously stated. The rotation of the upper clutch component 544 causes the rotation limiter 546 to rotate in the same direction, as the rotation limiter 546 is fixed to rotate together with the upper clutch component 544. When the rotation limiter 546 rotates in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502, the rotation limiter teeth 560 engage with the upper knob teeth 514. A rotational force or torque from the upper clutch component 544 acts on the rotation limiter 546, causing the rotation limiter teeth 560 to rotate in a loosening direction relative to the upper knob teeth 514. The matching inclination directions of the rotation limiter teeth 560 and the upper knob teeth 514 generate an upward force on the rotation limiter 546. Thus, the rotation limiter 546 moves upward by a partial axial distance away from the knob 502. Since the button 504 is axially coupled to the rotation limiter 546, the button 504 moves upward by a partial axial distance away from the knob 502. Since the upper clutch component 544 is axially coupled to the rotation limiter 546, the upper clutch component 544 moves upward by a partial axial distance toward the knob 502 and away from the spool 508. When the upper clutch component 544 moves upward toward the knob 502 by a partial axial distance, the upper clutch teeth 548 engage with the lower knob teeth 512, preventing the upper clutch component 544 from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502. The rotation limiter 546, the lower clutch component 542, and the spool 508 are similarly prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502.

[0162] In a continuous loosening configuration, the button 504 can be pushed down as far as possible, i.e., its entire distance within the knob 502. Since the rotation limiter 546 is axially connected to the button 504, the overall axial movement of the button 504 results in the rotation limiter 546 moving downward in an overall axial direction toward the knob 502. The downward movement of the rotation limiter 546 in an entire axial direction allows the rotation limiter teeth 560 to engage with the upper knob teeth 514. The rotation limiter teeth 560, having hooked ends, engage with the upper knob teeth and hook together. The button 504, by a compression spring between the base component 518 and the lower clutch component 542, will re-engage or return to a load-bearing position when the knob 502 rotates after being in a continuous loosening configuration. Since the upper clutch component 544 is axially coupled to the rotation limiter 546, the overall axial movement of the rotation limiter 546 results in the upper clutch component 544 moving away from the knob 502 and downward in an entire axial direction toward the spool 508. When the upper clutch component 544 moves away from the knob 502 by a distance equal to the entire axial distance, the upper clutch teeth 548 disengage from the lower knob teeth 512, allowing the upper clutch component 544 to rotate in the loosening direction relative to the knob 502.

[0163] Further reference to the continuous loosening arrangement, when the upper clutch component 544 moves its entire axial distance from the knob 502, the bottom surface of the upper clutch component 544 contacts the upper surface of the lower clutch component 542. Thus, the downward force of the upper clutch component 544 is transmitted from the upper clutch component 544 to the lower clutch component 542, causing the lower clutch component 542 to move axially downward away from the spool 508. Thus, the lower clutch teeth 552 are disengaged from the spool teeth 540, allowing the spool 508 to rotate relative to the lower clutch component 542 and to all members of the cord tightening system 500. In this way, the rotational force or torque generated by the cord allows the spool 508 to rotate in the loosening direction relative to all members of the cord tightening system 500.

[0164] Further reference to the continuous loosening arrangement, as previously mentioned, when the lower clutch component 542 moves axially downward, the brake teeth 554 engage with the base teeth 570 through the compression spring, preventing rotational movement between the base component 518 and the lower clutch component 542. Thus, rotation of the lower clutch component 542 is prohibited. Consequently, since the upper clutch component 544 is fixed to rotate with the lower clutch component 542, and the rotation limiter 546 is fixed to rotate with the upper clutch component 544, rotation of the rotation limiter 546 is prohibited, and therefore rotation of the upper clutch component 544 is prohibited.

[0165] Further reference to the continuous slack arrangement, as the rotation limiter 546 moves toward the knob 502 by the full axial distance, the lower part of the rotation limiter teeth 560 engages with the inner surface of the knob 502. This engagement prevents the rotation limiter 546 from moving upward toward the knob 502. Since the upper clutch component 544 is axially coupled to the rotation limiter 546, the upper clutch component 544 is also prevented from moving axially upward toward the knob 502 toward the spool 508. As the upper clutch component 544 moves downward by the full axial distance, the lower surface of the upper clutch component 544 contacts the upper surface of the lower clutch component 542, so the lower clutch component 542 is also prevented from moving axially upward toward the spool 508. Thus, the lower clutch teeth 552 are prevented from engaging with the spool teeth 540. The cord tightening system 500 will remain in this state until operated by the user, as will be described later. Therefore, the spool 508 is rotatable relative to the lower clutch component 542 and to all members of the lacing system 500 until the lacing system 500 is operated by the user.

[0166] Referring here to Figures 6A to 6C, a guide 600 is shown that can be attached to an article to guide a string or tension member (hereinafter referred to as "tension member") along a path along the article. The guide 600 is formed from a flexible webbing piece and includes a first end region 604, a second end region 606, and a central region 602 located between the first and second end regions 604, 606. The guide 600 is generally made of a flexible material such as woven webbing made from polyester, nylon, or any other suitable material or mixture of materials. The guide 600 is designed to reduce friction between the tension member (not shown) and the inner surface of the guide 600 as the tension member slides or moves along the inner surface of the guide 600. The reduced friction is achieved by placing a low-friction material on a portion of the inner surface of the guide 600.

[0167] As tension is applied to the tension member, the first end region 604 and the second end region 606 may bend or bend slightly to create a slightly curved path for the tension member. The central region 602 helps to hold the first end region 604 and the second end region 606 separately, preventing the guide 600 from being bundled together under load from the tension member. The central region 602 can prevent binding without the use of rigid material, which may be undesirable in certain applications.

[0168] The guide 600 can be formed from one or more woven materials and can be attached to a shoe or other article (not shown) by stitching, adhesive, rivets, mechanical fasteners, or by any other suitable method. As shown in Figure 6C, the guide 600 may be a strip of woven material folded to produce a loop 620. The opposite ends 624 of the woven material strip can be sewn together so that the loop 620 can be attached to a shoe or other article. For example, the loop 620 can be sewn to a shoe so that the loop 620 is fixed to the shoe so that it generally faces inward toward the center of the shoe. An aperture 622 is formed at the upper end of the loop 620 into which a tension member is inserted so that the tension member connects with the guide 600.

[0169] In some embodiments, the guide 600 may have a width between 10 mm and 45 mm, although widths outside this range may also be used. The first end region 604 may have a width W2, and the second end region 606 may have a width W3. The first and second end regions 604, 606 may have the same widths W2, W3, or different widths as desired. The widths W2, W3 of the first and / or second end regions 604, 606 may be between approximately 1 mm and 15 mm, more commonly between approximately 2 mm and 10 mm, or between approximately 3 mm and 7 mm. The central region 602 may have a width W1 between 15 mm and 43 mm, more commonly between approximately 15 mm and 40 mm, or between approximately 20 mm and 35 mm. The guide 600 may have different thicknesses depending on the required strength and durability of the guide 600, but may have a thickness T1 of approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more commonly between approximately 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the central region 602 may be thicker than the first and / or second distal regions 604, 606.

[0170] As briefly described above, the guide 600 is designed to provide a low-friction and durable sliding surface for the tensile member to move during tension. To provide a low-friction surface, the first end region 604 and the second end region include a low-friction material 612 (see Figure 6B), which is exemplified as an end region with a dark appearance in Figure 6A. The central region 602 does not include the low-friction material 612, and as a result, the central region 602 has a lighter appearance in Figure 6A. Various low-friction materials can be used in the first and second end regions 604, 606 to provide a low-friction surface 612. The first and second end regions 604, 606 can use the same low-friction material, different low-friction materials, or a combination of different low-friction materials, as needed. In certain embodiments, the low-friction material 612 used in the first and / or second end regions 604, 606 may be a polytetrafluoroethylene material, such as a material marketed under the trade name Teflon®.

[0171] The central region 602 does not experience frictional engagement with the tensile member to the same extent as the first and second end regions 604 and 606, and therefore does not contain the low-friction material 612. For example, the first and second end regions 604 and 606 engage with the tensile member when it enters and exits the guide 600, and therefore the first and second end regions 604 and 606 are the main parts of the guide 600 responsible for changing the path of the tensile member. Consequently, most of the force applied to the tensile member from the guide 600 is concentrated in or near the first and second end regions 604 and 606. Thus, most of the friction or drag experienced by the tensile member is due to frictional engagement with the first and second end regions 604 and 606. Placing the low-friction material 612 mainly or alone on the first and second end regions 604 and 606 would significantly reduce friction between the tensile member and the guide 600. While some additional friction reduction can be achieved by placing a low-friction material 612 in the central region 602 of the guide 600, the friction reduction is often minor and does not justify the cost or manufacturing burden associated with producing such a configuration, especially when the low-friction material is substantially more expensive than the material used elsewhere in the guide 600. The low-friction material 612 in the guide 600 significantly reduces wear on both the tensile member and the guide 600. Preferably, the central region 602 has sufficient strength to resist the bending of the guide 600 into buckling, and thus maintains the degree of separation between the first and second end regions 604, 606.

[0172] The low-friction material 612 is generally positioned on the first and second end regions 604 and 606 so as to extend along the entire length of the guide 600 and along the entire widths W2 and W3 of the first and second end regions 604 and 606. However, in some embodiments, the low-friction material 612 can extend only along a portion of the longitudinal length of the guide 600 and / or only along a portion of the widths W2 and W3 of the first and second end regions 604 and 606. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6B, the low-friction material 612 can be positioned on only one side or one surface of the guide body 610. Specifically, the low-friction material 612 can be positioned only on the inner surface of the guide body 610, and not on the outer surface of the guide body 610. Thus, the guide 600 can be composed of or formed from multiple material parts or segments.

[0173] The guide body 610 can be composed of a first material which can be formed from one or more woven materials as described above. In certain embodiments, the guide body 610 can be composed of a nylon material. The low-friction material 612 is positioned in the first and / or second end regions 604, 606 and is bonded to the guide body 610 so as to face the inner surface or surface of the guide body 610. Thus, the central region 602 of the guide body 610 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the guide body 610 in the first and / or second end regions 604, 606, and the material of the guide body 610 covers the low-friction material 612 and surrounds the low-friction material 612 inside the loop 620 formed in the guide 600. Since the guide body 610 covers the low-friction material 612, the material of the guide body 610 extends from the first end region 604 to the second end region 606 on the outer surface of the guide 600. In contrast, the material of the guide body 610 extends only to the central region 602 on the inner surface of the guide 600. Covering the low-friction material 612 with the material of the guide body 610 can make the guide 600 appear more uniform, reduce manufacturing costs, and reinforce the low-friction material 612, among other things.

[0174] The thickness T1 of the guide 600 can be maintained essentially uniformly across the width of the guide 600, or it can vary between the first and second end regions 604, 606 as desired. The low-friction material 612 can have a thickness T2 between 10% and 80% of the thickness T1 of the guide 600, more commonly between 15% and 60%, or between 20% and 40% of the thickness T1 of the guide 600. The low-friction material 612 can be bonded to the guide body 610 in various ways. For example, the low-friction material 612 may be woven into the guide body 610 during the formation of the guide 600. In another embodiment, the low-friction material 612 can be formed separately from the guide body 610 and bonded to recesses formed in the first and second end regions 604, 606 of the guide body 610. Various other means or bonding or attaching the low-friction material 612 to the guide body 610 can also be employed. Figure 6B shows a low-friction material 612 placed only on the inner or outer surface of the guide body 610, but in some embodiments, the low-friction material 612 can be placed on both the inner or outer surface of the guide body 610 or on both the outer surface of the guide body 610. The low-friction material 612 on the inner and outer surfaces may be separated by strips or material of the guide body 610, or may be uniform strips or segments of material forming the first and / or second end regions 604, 606 of the guide 600. The low-friction material 612 may have material properties similar to the material used in the guide body 610, or may have different material properties, such as increased stiffness or increased flexibility, if desired.

[0175] While several embodiments and various component arrangements are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and / or combinations of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, changed, and adjusted. For example, in any of the embodiments described, the component arrangement may be adjusted or rearranged, and / or various described components may be used in any embodiment not currently described or used. Therefore, it should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific configurations and / or component structures described herein.

[0176] Furthermore, it should be understood that any features and any viable combinations of elements disclosed herein are also deemed to be disclosed. Moreover, whenever features are not discussed in relation to embodiments of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will be informed that certain embodiments of the invention can implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby providing support for negative limitations.

[0177] While several embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, many well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention.

[0178] Where a range of values ​​is provided, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, it is understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of that range is specifically disclosed to one-tenth of the lower limit unit. This includes each smaller range between any specified value or intermediate value in a given range and other specified or intermediate values ​​in the corresponding given range. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included in or excluded from the range, and each range in which neither or both are included in the smaller range is also included in the invention, and here the restrictions specifically excluded from a particular range apply. Where a described range includes one or both of the restrictions, it also includes the range excluding one or both of the included restrictions.

[0179] As used herein and in the appended claims, one of the singular forms ("a," "an," and "the") includes multiple referents unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "process" includes multiple such processes, and a reference to "apparatus" includes one or more apparatuses and their equivalents known to those skilled in the art.

[0180] Furthermore, as used herein and in the following claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” are intended to specify the presence of the mentioned feature, integer, component, or step, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, actions, or groups. Examples of the present invention are shown below. (Example 1) In a reel-type closure device for fastening articles, A housing having an internal area, A spool disposed within the inner region of the housing, wherein the spool is rotatable in a first direction within the inner region so that a tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction within the inner region so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool; The spool and the housing, and a knob operably connected to the spool and rotatable in a tightening direction to rotate the spool in a first direction to wind the tension member around the spool, and rotatable in a loosening direction to rotate the spool in a second direction to unwind the tension member from around the spool; and A rotational control component operably coupled to the knob and configured to prevent accidental loosening of the tension member by restricting the rotation of the knob in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction; A reel-type closure device including (Example 2) The reel-type closure device according to Example 1, wherein the rotation control component is configured such that the knob engages with the rotation control component only when the knob is rotated in the loosening direction. (Example 3) The reel-type closure device according to Example 1, wherein the rotation control component is a bias spring that engages with the knob when the knob rotates in the loosening direction. (Example 4) The bias spring is an arm that engages with an axial extension projection of the knob, and the axial extension projection biases the arm radially when sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction, as described in Example 3 of the reel-type closure device. (Example 5) The reel-type closure device according to Example 4, wherein the distal end of the arm engages with the axial extension projection of the knob, and the proximal end of the arm is attached to a knob core that engages with a claw disc including one or more claws that engage with the teeth of the reel-type closure device, the engagement of the teeth with the one or more claws locks the claw disc and the knob core in a rotational position relative to the knob, and locks the spool in a rotational position relative to the housing. (Example 6) The reel-type closure device according to Example 5, wherein, in order to enable the spool to rotate in the second direction, a first portion of the axial extension projection of the knob contacts one or more claws of the claw disc, and the one or more claws are configured to separate from the teeth of the reel-type closure device, and the first portion of the axial extension projection cannot contact the one or more claws until the arm is radially biased by a second portion of the axial direct projection. (Example 7) The reel-type closure device according to Example 6, wherein the first portion of the axial extension projection includes an inclined or tapered surface that engages with one or more claws, and the second portion of the axial extension projection also includes an inclined or tapered surface that engages with the arm, and the inclined or tapered surface of the first portion has a different inclination or taper angle than the inclined or tapered surface of the second portion. (Example 8) The reel-type closure device described in Example 1, A tension member guide, The first material and, The tensile member guide includes a second material having a lateral width smaller than the lateral width of the first material, A footwear article characterized in that the second material is formed from a material with less friction than the first material, and the second material is located on the inner surface of a loop or channel formed within the tension member guide and is bonded to the first material so as to be in direct contact with the tension member. (Example 9) A housing having an internal area, A spool disposed within the inner region of the housing, wherein the spool is rotatable in a first direction so that the tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction so that the tension member is unwound from around the spool, The knob is operably connected to the spool such that it is rotatable in a tightening direction to rotate the spool in the first direction and rotatable in a loosening direction to rotate the spool in the second direction. A rotation control component operably coupled to the knob and preventing the knob from rotating in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob. A reel-type closure device including (Example 10) The reel-type closure device according to Example 9, wherein the rotation control component is configured such that the knob engages with the rotation control component only when the knob is rotated in the loosening direction. (Example 11) The reel-type closure device according to Example 9, wherein the rotation control component is a bias spring that engages with the knob when the knob is rotated in the loosening direction. (Example 12) The reel-type closure device according to Example 11, wherein the bias spring is an arm that engages with an axial extension projection of the knob, and the axial extension projection biases the arm radially when the knob rotates in the loosening direction. (Example 13) The reel-type closure device according to Example 12, wherein the distal end of the arm engages with the axial extension projection of the knob, and the proximal end of the arm is attached to a knob core that engages with a claw disc including one or more claws that engage with housing teeth, the engagement of the housing teeth with the one or more claws locks the claw disc and the knob core in a rotational position relative to the knob, and locks the spool in a rotational position relative to the housing. (Example 14) The reel-type closure device according to Example 13, wherein the first portion of the axial extension projection of the knob is configured to contact one or more claws of the claw disc and separate the one or more claws from the housing teeth, and the second portion of the axial extension projection of the knob is configured to contact the arm and bias the arm radially. (Example 15) The first portion of the axial extension projection includes an inclined or tapered surface that engages with one or more claws, and the second portion of the axial extension projection also includes an inclined or tapered surface that engages with the arm, wherein the first portion has a different inclination or taper angle than the second portion, in a reel-type closure device of Example 14. (Example 16) The reel-type closure device described in Example 9, A tension member guide, First material, The tensile member guide includes a second material having a lateral width smaller than the lateral width of the first material, A footwear article characterized in that the second material is formed from a material with less friction than the first material, and the second material is located on the inner surface of a loop or channel formed within the tension member guide and is combined with the first material so as to be in direct contact with the tension member. (Example 17) In a method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, A step of providing a reel-type closure device, The aforementioned reel-type closure device, A housing having an internal area, A spool positioned within the inner region of the housing, The spool and the housing are operably coupled, and the knob is rotatable in a tightening direction to rotate the spool in a first direction to wind the tension member around the spool, and rotatable in a loosening direction to rotate the spool in a second direction to unwind the tension member from around the spool, A rotational control component operably coupled to the knob and configured to prevent accidental loosening of the tension member by restricting the rotation of the knob in the loosening direction until sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction; Steps including, The steps of connecting the reel-type closure device to an article and A method for combining a reel-type closure device with an article, including the following. (Example 18) A method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, as described in Example 17, wherein the rotation control component is configured such that the knob engages with the rotation control component only when the knob is rotated in the loosening direction. (Example 19) A method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, as described in Example 17, wherein the rotation control component is a bias spring that engages with the knob when the knob rotates in the loosening direction. (Example 20) A method of combining the reel-type closure device described in Example 19 with an article, wherein the bias spring is an arm that engages with an axial extension projection of the knob, and the axial extension projection biases the arm radially when sufficient rotational force is applied to the knob in the loosening direction. (Example 21) A method of combining the reel-type closure device according to Example 20 with an article, wherein the distal end of the arm engages with the axial extension projection of the knob, and the proximal end of the arm is attached to a claw disc including one or more claws that engage with the teeth of the reel-type closure device, the engagement of the teeth with the one or more claws locking the claw disc in a rotational position relative to the knob and locking the spool in a rotational position relative to the housing. (Example 22) A method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, as described in Example 21, wherein the first portion of the axial extension projection of the knob contacts one or more claws of the claw disc, separating the one or more claws from the teeth of the reel-type closure device, and the first portion of the axial extension projection is unable to contact the one or more claws until the arm is radially biased by the second portion of the axial direct projection. (Example 23) A reel-type closure device for fastening articles, A housing having an internal area A spool disposed within the inner region of the housing, wherein the spool is rotatable in a first direction within the inner region such that a tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction within the inner region such that the tension member is unwound from around the spool. The spool and the housing are operably coupled to a knob that can be operated to rotate the spool in a first direction within the inner region of the housing to wind the tension member around the spool, A seat component releasably coupled to the lower end of the housing, the seat component including a spool engagement feature configured to engage with the lower end of the spool as the tension of the tension member decreases. Includes, The engagement between the lower end of the spool and the spool engagement feature portion constitutes a reel-type closure device that prevents the spool from rotating in the second direction. (Example 24) The reel-type closure device according to Example 23, wherein the seat component includes an axial boss or projection extending axially upward through the central aperture of the spool and within the inner region of the housing. (Example 25) The reel-type closure device according to Example 24, wherein the axial boss or projection is operably coupled to the knob so that the knob moves axially relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, in which position the knob is operable so that the spool rotates in a first direction within the inner region of the housing, and in which position the knob is separated from the spool so that the spool can rotate freely in a second direction within the inner region of the housing. (Example 26) The aforementioned spool engagement feature portion is teeth; Apertures spaced apart in the circumferential direction; Rubber gasket; Abrasive material; or A reel-type closure device according to Example 23, comprising an adhesive material. (Example 27) The reel-type closure device according to Example 26, wherein the spool engagement feature includes a circumferentially spaced aperture that engages with teeth located at the lower end of the spool. (Example 28) The reel-type closure device according to Example 23, wherein the seat component includes one or more radially extending arms that releasably engage with the lower end of the housing in order to releasably connect the lower end of the housing to the seat component. (Example 29) The reel-type closure device according to Example 28, wherein the seat component includes a plurality of radially extending fingers fixed to the aperture at the lower end of the housing for rotatably locking the seat component relative to the housing. (Example 30) The reel-type closure device according to Example 28, wherein the radial extension arm includes an axial upward extension extending upward along the outside of the housing, the axial upward extension including a tab that snap-fits with a recess on the outside of the housing. (Example 31) The reel-type closure device according to Example 23 further includes a pair of axial extension arms configured to bend radially inward relative to each other, and the reel-type closure device further includes a flexible reinforcing component inserted between the pair of axial extension arms. (Example 32) In a method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, A step of providing a reel-type closure device, The aforementioned reel-type closure device, A housing having an inner region, A spool disposed within the inner region of the housing, The spool and the housing are operably coupled to a knob that can be operated to rotate the spool in a first direction within the inner region of the housing to wind a tension member around the spool, A seat component releasably coupled to the lower end of the housing, wherein the seat component includes a spool engagement feature configured to engage with the lower end of the spool as the tension of the tension member decreases. Steps including, The steps include combining the reel-type closure device with an article. Includes, The engagement between the lower end of the spool and the spool engagement feature is a method of combining an article with a reel-type closure device that prevents the spool from rotating in a second direction in which the tension member is unwound from around the spool. (Example 33) A method of combining a reel-type closure device according to Example 32 with an article, wherein the sheet component includes an axial boss or projection extending axially upward through the central aperture of the spool and within the inner region of the housing. (Example 34) A method of combining a reel-type closure device according to Example 33 with an article, wherein the axial boss or projection is operably coupled to the knob so that the knob moves axially relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, in which case the knob is operable so that the spool rotates in a first direction within the inner region of the housing, and in which case the knob is separated from the spool so that the spool can rotate freely in a second direction within the inner region of the housing. (Example 35) The aforementioned spool engagement feature portion is teeth; Apertures spaced apart in the circumferential direction; Rubber gasket; Abrasive material; or A method of combining an article with a reel-type closure device, as described in Example 32, which includes an adhesive material. (Example 36) A method of combining a reel-type closure device according to Example 35 with an article, wherein the spool engagement feature includes a circumferentially spaced aperture that engages with teeth located at the lower end of the spool. (Example 37) A method of combining an article with a reel-type closure device as described in Example 32, wherein the seat component includes one or more radially extending arms that releasably engage with the lower end of the housing in order to releasably connect the lower end of the housing to the seat component. (Example 38) A method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, as described in Example 37, wherein the seat component includes a plurality of radially extending fingers fixed to an aperture on the lower end of the housing for rotatably locking the seat component relative to the housing. (Example 39) A method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, as described in Example 37, wherein the radial extension arm includes an axial upward extension extending upward along the outside of the housing, the axial upward extension including a tab that snap-fits with a recess on the outside of the housing. (Example 40) In a reel-type closure device for fastening articles, A housing with an internal area; A spool disposed within the inner region of the housing, wherein the spool is rotatable in a first direction within the inner region such that a tension member is wound around the spool, and is rotatable in a second direction within the inner region such that the tension member is unwound from around the spool; A knob operably coupled to the spool and operable to rotate the spool in a first direction within the inner region of the housing to wind a tension member around the spool; and A reel-type closure device comprising: a bias component disposed within the inner region of the housing and operably engaged with the spool so that the spool can move axially within the inner region of the housing, wherein the bias component is configured to bias the spool axially and operably engage with the knob. (Example 41) The reel-type closure device according to Example 40, wherein the spool includes an outer member and an inner member, the inner member being coupled to the outer member so as to be axially movable relative to the outer member, and the inner member and the outer member being locked so as to be rotatable relative to each other. (Example 42) The reel-type closure device according to Example 41, wherein the inner member is operably coupled to the bias component and is axially biased so as to engage with a knob core that couples with the knob. (Example 43) The reel-type closure device according to Example 41, wherein the bias component is a coil spring aligned coaxially with the inner member and positioned within the aperture of the inner member. (Example 44) The reel-type closure device according to Example 41, wherein the inner member is configured to be biased axially downward when the knob rotates in the loosening direction after the tension of the tension member has decreased to or above a tension threshold. (Example 45) The reel-type closure device according to Example 41, wherein the outer member is configured to engage with the bottom surface of the housing as the tension of the tension member decreases, and the engagement of the outer member with the bottom surface of the housing prevents the outer member and the inner member from rotating in a second direction. (Example 46) The bottom surface of the housing can be detachably coupled to the lower end of the housing, as described in Example 45, for a reel-type closure device. (Example 47) The reel-type closure device according to Example 45, wherein the outer member includes a plurality of axial extension teeth that engage with corresponding teeth or apertures on the bottom surface of the housing. (Example 48) In a method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, The step is to provide a reel-type closure device, The aforementioned reel-type closure device, Housing with an internal region; A spool positioned within the inner region of the housing; A knob operably coupled to the spool and operable to rotate the spool within the inner region of the housing so that a tension member is wound around the spool; and A bias component positioned within the inner region of the housing and operably engaged with the spool so that the spool can move axially within the inner region of the housing; The step of providing a reel-type closure device including; and, The step includes connecting the reel-type closure device to an article, A method of combining an article with a reel-type closure device, the bias component being configured to axially bias the spool and operably engage with the knob. (Example 49) A method of combining a reel-type closure device according to Example 48 with an article, wherein the spool includes an outer member and an inner member, the inner member being coupled to the outer member so as to be axially movable relative to the outer member, and the inner member and the outer member being locked so as to be rotatable relative to each other. (Example 50) A method of combining a reel-type closure device according to Example 49 with an article, wherein the inner member is operably coupled to the bias component and is axially biased so that the inner member engages with a knob core that couples with the knob. (Example 51) A method of combining the reel-type closure device according to Example 49 with an article, wherein the bias component is a coil spring aligned coaxially with the inner member and positioned within the aperture of the inner member. (Example 52) A method of combining the reel-type closure device according to Example 49 with an article, wherein the inner member is configured to be biased axially downward when the knob rotates in the loosening direction after the tension of the tension member has decreased to or above the tension threshold. (Example 53) A method of combining the reel-type closure device described in Example 49 with an article, wherein the outer member is configured to engage with the bottom surface of the housing as the tension of the tension member decreases, and the engagement of the outer member with the bottom surface of the housing prevents the outer member and the inner member from rotating in a second direction. (Example 54) A method of combining a reel-type closure device with an article, as described in Example 53, wherein the bottom surface of the housing can be detachably coupled to the lower end of the housing. (Example 55) A method of combining a reel-type closure device according to Example 53 with an article, wherein the outer member includes a plurality of axially extending teeth that engage with corresponding teeth or apertures on the bottom surface of the housing. (Example 56) In a reel-type closure system for fastening items, A housing with an internal region and multiple housing teeth; Tension member; A spool having multiple spool teeth, rotatably positioned within the inner region of the housing; knob; A clutch mechanism positioned axially above the spool and configured to operably connect the spool and the knob, The aforementioned clutch mechanism is A plurality of clutch teeth configured to operably engage with the spool teeth; and, A clutch mechanism including a plurality of disc teeth configured to engage with the housing teeth to prevent the spool from rotating in a second direction; and, A coupling component that engages with the aforementioned clutch mechanism, The aforementioned coupling component is The clutch mechanism is operably coupled to the spool, The rotation of the knob in the first direction causes the spool to rotate in the first direction within the inner region of the housing, and the tension member to wrap around the spool; and The rotation of the knob in the second direction allows the spool to rotate in the second direction within the inner region of the housing, thereby moving the tension member to a first position where it is gradually unwound from around the spool; and, A coupling component that holds the clutch mechanism in a second position where the clutch mechanism is separated from the spool, the spool rotates freely in the second direction within the inner region of the housing, and the tension member is unwound from around the spool; A reel-type closure system including [specific feature]. (Example 57) The aforementioned clutch mechanism is; A face clutch including a plurality of clutch teeth operably coupled to the spool; A knob core positioned axially on the face clutch, the knob core being configured to be operably coupled to the distal end of the coupling component to hold the clutch mechanism in the first or second position; and, A reel-type closure system according to Example 56, comprising a clutch disc disposed axially on the knob core, wherein the clutch disc includes a plurality of disc teeth, and the clutch disc is operably coupled with the face clutch. (Example 58) The reel-type closure system according to Example 57, wherein the plurality of disc teeth are operably engaged with the plurality of housing teeth to provide a one-way ratchet mechanism when the clutch mechanism is in the first position. (Example 59) A reel-type closure system according to Example 58, wherein the knob is operably coupled to the face clutch, and when the knob rotates in the first direction, a plurality of clutch teeth on the face clutch engage with a plurality of spool teeth so as to transmit rotational force from the knob to the spool, thereby rotating the spool in the first direction. (Example 60) A reel-type closure system according to Example 58, wherein the clutch disc and the knob core are operably coupled, and when the knob is rotated in the second direction, the plurality of disc teeth are separated from the housing teeth, allowing the clutch disc to rotate in the second direction, thereby enabling the spool to rotate in the second direction. (Example 61) The reel-type closure system according to Example 60, wherein the clutch disc includes one or more ramp teeth that can be positioned in corresponding recesses on the knob core, each recess includes an inclined surface that engages with one or more ramp teeth, and rotation of the knob in the two directions causes the one or more ramp teeth to slide along the inclined surface of the recess, thereby moving the clutch disc axially upward and disengaging the disc teeth from the housing teeth. (Example 62) In a tension member guide that can be coupled to footwear and is configured to guide or route a tension member along the path of the footwear, The first material is, and the previous first material is, Length in the longitudinal direction; and, Having a lateral width, the first material is folded along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member can be inserted, the loop or channel defining an inner surface adjacent to the portion where the tension member is located when inserted through the loop or channel, and further defining an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; and, A second material having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, wherein the transverse width of the second material is narrower than the transverse width of the first material; A tension member guide, wherein the second material is formed of a material with lower friction than the first material; and the second material is bonded to the first material and aligned longitudinally with the first material, and the second material is positioned on the inner surface of the loop or channel such that it is in direct contact with the tension member. (Example 63) The tensile member guide according to Example 62, wherein the longitudinal length of the second material is the same as the longitudinal length of the first material. (Example 64) The tension member guide according to Example 62, wherein the loop or channel includes a central portion and two ends located opposite the central portion, and the second material is located at one of the ends, and the second material is not present in the central portion of the loop or channel. (Example 65) The tensile member guide according to Example 64, wherein the second material is located at two ends and not in the central portion of the loop or channel, such that the second material is not present in the central portion of the loop or channel. (Example 66) The tension member guide according to Example 62, wherein the second material is located only on the inner surface of the loop or channel, such that the second material is not present on the outer surface of the loop or channel. (Example 67) The tension member guide according to Example 62, wherein the second material is located on the opposite side of the central portion of the loop or channel, and the first material is positioned in the central portion of the loop or channel, and the tension member is woven with the first material so as to contact both the first material and the second material on the inner surface of the loop or channel. (Example 68) A tensile member guide according to Example 62, wherein the first material is nylon and the second material is Teflon®. (Example 69) In a tensile member guide, The first material is, and the previous first material is, Length in the longitudinal direction; and, A first material having a lateral width, but which folds along its longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted; and, A second material having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction, wherein the transverse width of the second material is narrower than the transverse width of the first material; The second material is formed of a material with lower friction than the first material; and The second material is bonded to the first material and is positioned on the inner surface of the loop or channel as a tension member guide, such that the second material is in direct contact with the tension member. (Example 70) The tensile member guide according to Example 69, wherein the longitudinal length of the second material is the same as the longitudinal length of the first material. (Example 71) The tensile member guide according to Example 69, wherein the loop or channel includes a central portion and two ends located opposite the central portion, the second material is located at one of the ends, and the second material is not present in the central portion of the loop or channel. (Example 72) The tension member guide according to Example 71, wherein the second material is not located in the central portion of the loop or channel, but is located at the two ends of the loop or channel, such that the second material is not present in the central portion of the loop or channel. (Example 73) The tension member guide according to Example 69, wherein the second material is located only on the inner surface of the loop or channel such that the second material is not present on the outer surface of the loop or channel. (Example 74) A tension member guide woven with the first material according to Example 69, wherein the second material is located on the opposite side of the central portion of the loop or channel, and the first material is located in the central portion of the loop or channel. (Example 75) A tensile member guide according to Example 69, wherein the first material is nylon and the second material is Teflon®.

Claims

1. A housing having an internal area, A spool disposed in the internal region of the housing, wherein the spool is rotatable in a tightening direction to wind a tension member around the spool and rotatable in a loosening direction to unwind the tension member from around the spool, A knob supported by the housing, which is operably coupled to the spool such that the spool rotates in the tightening direction by the rotation of the knob, Multiple teeth, A claw disc that is separate from the knob and the spool and can be detachably coupled to the knob and the spool, wherein the claw disc has a central base, a plurality of claw arms each connected to the central base, and a plurality of claws, each of the plurality of claws being integrally formed with the claw arm, the claw arm extending in a first direction from the central base, the claw extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the claw arm, the claw being able to move between an engaged position in which the claw engages with at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth and an unengaged position in which the claw disengages from the at least one tooth, and the claw arm being configured to bias the claw toward the engaged position, A reel-type system including, When the claw is in the engagement position, the spool is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction. Reel-type system.

2. The reel-type system according to claim 1, wherein the central base of the claw disc is an annular ring.

3. The reel-type system further includes a knob core that can be coupled to the claw disc to support or reinforce the claw disc, The reel-type system according to claim 2, wherein the annular ring has a shape and size that allows it to be mounted around the central aperture of the knob core.

4. The proximal end of each of the aforementioned claw arms is fixedly attached to the central base. Each of the aforementioned claw arms is curved from the proximal end to the pivot end, The reel-type system according to claim 1, wherein the claw extends from the pivot end in the second direction.

5. The reel-type system according to claim 1, wherein the claw disc has three claws.

6. The reel-type system according to claim 1, further comprising a knob core that is separate from the claw disc, coupled to the claw disc, and configured to support or reinforce the claw disc.

7. The reel-type system according to claim 6, wherein when the claw disc is coupled with the knob core, the distal end of each claw extends radially outward from the outer circumference or periphery of the knob core.

8. The reel-type system according to claim 6, wherein the knob core includes a support wall having a shape and size that supports or reinforces the pivot end of each of the plurality of claws.

9. The knob core can be snap-connected together with the knob. The reel-type system according to claim 6, wherein when the knob core is coupled with the knob, the claw disc is fitted between the knob and the knob core.

10. The reel-type system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are formed on the inner surface of the housing.

11. A housing having an internal area, A spool arranged in the internal region of the housing, A knob supported by the housing and operablely coupled to the spool such that the spool rotates within the internal region of the housing by the rotation of the knob, Multiple teeth, A pawl disc separated from the knob and the spool, the pawl disc having a central base, a plurality of pawl arms each connected to the central base, and a plurality of pawls, each of the plurality of pawls being integrally formed with the pawl arm, the pawl arm extending in a first direction from the central base, the pawl extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the pawl arm, and each of the plurality of pawls being able to engage with the plurality of teeth to lock or fix the spool in a rotational position relative to the housing, A knob core is separated from the claw disc, coupled to the claw disc, and configured to support or reinforce the claw disc. A reel-type system including, When the claw disc is coupled to the knob core, the distal end of each of the plurality of claws extends radially outward from the outer circumference or periphery of the knob core. Reel-type system.

12. The reel-type system according to claim 11, wherein the knob core includes a support wall having a shape and size that supports or reinforces each of the pivot ends of the plurality of claws.

13. The aforementioned support wall is semicircular, The reel-type system according to claim 12, wherein the support wall has a radius corresponding to the radius of each of the pivot ends of the plurality of claws, such that when a sufficient load is applied to the claw disc, each of the pivot ends of the plurality of claws contacts the support wall.

14. The reel-type system according to claim 11, wherein the knob core includes a pivot boss configured to connect with each of the pivot ends of the plurality of claws.

15. The reel-type system according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of claws' pivot ends includes an aperture for inserting the pivot boss of the knob core.

16. The knob core can be snap-connected together with the knob. The reel-type system according to claim 11, wherein when the knob core is coupled with the knob, the claw disc is fitted between the knob and the knob core.

17. The reel-type system according to claim 16, wherein the knob includes a plurality of axial extension tabs that snap together with the body of the knob core.

18. The reel-type system according to claim 17, wherein the distal end of each of the axial extension tabs includes a lip having a shape and size that is positioned within a recess or pocket formed or defined in the body of the knob core.

19. The reel-type system according to claim 18, wherein each of the recesses or pockets has a circumferential length greater than the circumferential width of each of the axial extension tabs, so that the knob can rotate relative to the knob core and the claw disc.

Images