EP4255247A1

EP4255247A1 - Reel based closure device

Info

Publication number: EP4255247A1
Application number: EP21901552.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Pollack; Randon KRUSE; Eric Irwin; Daniel Hipwood; Mark CLEMENTI; Brendan Hoskens; Erik SUOMI; Charles Clay CORBETT; Geoff GLOCERI; Ryan WESSON; Eric WHEWELL; Jeffrey GAY; Taylor James Ditallo; Cody HENDERSON; Erik Anders Swanson
Original assignee: Boa Technology Inc
Current assignee: Boa Technology Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-04
Filing date: 2021-12-03
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Also published as: KR20230112712A; WO2022120205A1; CN116829020A; JP2023553009A; US20220175089A1

Abstract

A boot, such as a ski boot, may include a lower portion or shell that is configured to accommodate a foot and an upper portion or cuff that extends upward from the lower portion and that is configured to accommodate a lower leg of a wearer. The boot may also include a tightening system that is coupled with the lower portion of the boot in order to close and tighten the lower portion about the foot. The tightening system includes a reel based closure device and a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tensioning of the tension member. The tightening system also includes a plurality of guide members that route or direct the tension member along a path and a terminal member that is fixedly coupled with the tension member.

Description

REEL BASED CLOSURE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application Number 63/121,732, filed December 4, 2020, entitled “Reel Based Closure Device,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Snow skiing, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and telemark skiing, is a popular winter recreational activity or sport around the world. Equipment that is used in skiing includes boots, skis and bindings that attach the boots to the skis. Ski boots, such as alpine ski boots, typically have exterior shells that are made of rigid materials, such as various rigid polymers. The exterior shells are often difficult to close about a user’s leg and foot due to the rigid polymer materials that are employed. It is also often difficult to make the ski boot comfortable due to the rigid materials that are employed. A proper balance between comfort and fit is desired in ski boots, but may be difficult to achieve due the use of rigid materials and other design constraints. Conventional closure devices that are employed to close ski boots often tighten the ski boot in relatively large increments or steps, which may add a degree of complexity in achieving a proper balance between fit and comfort. Described herein are components, systems, and devices that enable quick and easy closure of ski boot, other boots, or articles of footwear. The components, systems, and devices balance comfort and fit in tightening articles of footwear about a wearer’s foot. The components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and tighten various other non-footwear related articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] Described herein are components, systems, and devices that enable quick and easy closure of ski boot, other boots, or articles of footwear. The components, systems, and devices balance comfort and fit in tightening articles of footwear about a wearer’s foot. The components, systems, and devices may also be used to close and tighten various other non-footwear related articles.

[0004] According to one aspect, a ski boot includes a rigid exterior shell having a lower shell and an upper cuff. The lower shell that is configured to couple with a ski binding and to accommodate a foot of a wearer. The upper cuff is pivotally coupled with the lower shell and is configured to accommodate a lower leg of the wearer. A tightening system is coupled with the lower shell. The tightening system includes a reel based closure device that is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to the upper cuff. The tightening system may be the sole tightening device that is attached to the lower shell. Stated differently, the lower shell may not include any other tightening devices that close and tighten the lower shell about the wearer’s foot.

[0005] A tension member is operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tightening of the tension member and thereby closes and tightens the lower shell about the wearer’s foot. A first guide is positioned on a first side of an opening of the lower shell and a second guide is positioned on a second side of the opening of the lower shell. A terminal member is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to a toe box. The first guide and the second guide route or direct the tension member along a path about the lower shell across the opening and to the terminal member. A distal end of the tension member is fixedly coupled with the terminal member, which secure the tension member to the ski boot.

[0006] The first guide may be a long guide having a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than a lateral width of the guide. A proximal end of the long guide may be attached to the lower shell near a sole of the lower shell while a distal end of the long guide is positioned near the opening. The distal end of the long guide may engage the tension member. The second guide may be a short guide have a longitudinal length that is substantially shorter than the longitudinal length of the long guide. In such arrangements, the tightening system may also include a third guide that is positioned on the first side of an opening of the lower shell. The third guide may also be a long guide and have a configuration similar to the first guide. The first guide, second guide, and third guide may be arranged about the lower shell so that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path.

[0007] A housing of the reel based closure device may include a single entry port or aperture for the tension member. Stated differently, the may not include any other entry port or aperture for the tension member other than the single entry port/aperture. The housing of the reel based closure device may be detachably coupleable, via a spring member, to a base member that is fixed to the ski boot. The reel based closure device may include a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force. The reel based closure device may also be configured to incrementally loosen the tension member based on a first operation of the reel based closure device and to fully loosen the tension member based on a second operation of the reel based closure device. The second operation of the reel based closure device is typically different than the first operation of the reel based closure device.

[0008] The terminal member includes a lock component that is configured to engage the tension member and disengage the tension member. When the lock component is engaged with the tension member, the lock component fixedly couples the tension member to the terminal member. When the lock component is disengaged from the tension member, the lock component allows the tension member to be removed from the terminal member. The terminal member may be configured so that when the tension member is coupled with the lock component, the tension member is positioned within a channel that wraps around a thru hole of a coupling bolt that secure the terminal member to the ski boot.

[0009] According to another aspect, a long guide for routing or directing a tension member about an article includes a main body having a lateral width, a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than the lateral width, and a channel that is formed in a distal end of the main body. The channel is shaped and sized so that the tension member is insertable through the channel. The long guide also includes a reinforcement member that is coupled with the main body. The reinforcement member supports or reinforces the channel formed in the distal end of the main body. The reinforcement member may extend from a proximal end of the main body to the channel formed in the distal end of the main body. The channel may be formed in a guide segment that is disposed within a looped end of the reinforcement member. The guide segment may extend between opposing sides of the main body so as to be accessible to the tension member.

[0010] According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, and a dial or knob that is operably coupled with the spool so that a rotation of the dial or knob effects a rotation of the spool in a tightening direction to thereby wind the tension member about the spool. The housing may be detachably coupleable, via a spring member, with a base member that is affixable to an article. The reel based closure device may include a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force of the dial or knob, and/or the reel based closure device may be configured to incrementally loosen the tension member based on a first operation of the dial/knob and to fully loosen the tension member based on a second operation of the dial/knob. The housing may only include one lace port or opening for the tension member.

[0011] According to another aspect, a boot includes a lower portion that is configured to accommodate a foot and an upper portion that extends upward from the lower portion and that is configured to accommodate a lower leg, The boot also includes a tightening system that is coupled with the lower portion. The tightening system includes a reel based closure device and a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tensioning of the tension member. The tightening system also includes a plurality of guide members that route or direct the tension member along a path and a terminal member that is fixedly coupled with a distal end of the tension member.

[0012] The plurality of guide members may include a first guide and a third guide that are positioned on a first side of the boot and a second guide that is positioned on a second side of the boot opposite the first side. The first guide and the third guide may each have a longitudinal length that is greater than a longitudinal length of the second guide. The first guide, second guide, and third guide may be arranged about the boot so that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path. The second guide may include an open channel within which the tension member is removably positioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled perspective view of a reel based closure device.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate cross-sectional exploded views of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIGs. 4A-5B illustrate cross-sectional assembled views of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIGs. 6A-6B illustrate several components of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1 and, more specifically, relative movement between the several components.

[0019] FIG. 6C illustrates a clutch plate positioned within a housing of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a gear mechanism of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a housing and base member of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIGs. 9A-9D illustrate attachment of the housing and base member of FIG. 8.

[0023] FIGs. 10A-10B illustrate the base member and a coupling component of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 10C illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the housing and a spool of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1. [0025] FIGs. 11A-11B illustrate a function of various components of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1 in controlling a rotation of a spool.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a ski boot having the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a lace path and guide configuration that may be employed on the ski boot of FIG. 12.

[0028] FIGs. 14A-14C illustrate a long guide that may be employed on the ski boot of FIG. 12.

[0029] FIGs. 15A-15E illustrate a terminal member that may be employed on the ski boot of FIG. 12.

[0030] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0032] The embodiments herein describe reel based closure devices that are usable to close and tighten an article. The reel based closure devices may be especially useful in closing and tightening articles that require a substantial amount of lace tension. For example, alpine or ski boots (hereinafter ski boots) are typically made of rigid plastic materials that require a substantial amount of closure force to tighten about a user’s foot. Conventional reel based closure devices, and other devices, may not be suited to tighten ski boots about a user’s foot because the reel based closure device may not be designed to output a needed torque. In addition, the tension member or lace that is used with the ski boot may not be designed to handle the required tension.

[0033] The reel based closure devices described herein are better able to achieve high torque outputs and may be paired with a tension member or lace that is designed to withstand higher tension loads. As such, the reel based closure devices may be well suited to close and tighten articles that require substantial closure forces. In addition to tightening ski boots, the reel based closure devices may also be employed to close and tighten various other articles, such as snowboard boots, military boots, shoes, packs, bags, and the like. In addition, the reel based closure device may also be used to close and tighten various articles that do not require high levels of closure forces. In such instances, the reel based closure device may be used unmodified, or one or more components of the reel based closure device may be modified or altered to enable use for another application. For ease in describing the embodiments herein, the reel based closure device will be generally described as being used to close and/or tighten ski boots, although it should be realized that this description is equally applicable to various other articles.

[0034] The reel based closure device is typically attached to the exterior of the ski boot, such as the shell, and is used to tighten the exterior of the ski boot about a user’s leg and/or foot. The reel based closure device is configured to tension a lace or tension member that is guided about the ski boot via one or more guide members, which may be rigid components that are made of plastic or other materials, such as those described herein. In other embodiments, the one or more guide members may be made of flexible or soft components, such as fabric materials.

[0035] The reel based closure device typically includes a knob or dial that may be grasped and rotated by a user. The knob or dial is commonly coupled with a spool around which the tension member or lace is wound in response to rotation of the knob or dial in a tightening direction. Rotation of the tension member or lace around the spool tensions the tension member or lace, which tightens the ski boot about a user’s foot by constricting the shell and any internal components (i.e., a liner, etc.) about the user’s foot.

[0036] The reel based closure device may replace traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems that are currently used on ski boots to tighten the ski boot about a user’s foot. In some embodiments, the reel based closure device may be used in combination with a traditional buckle or other tightening system. Likewise, the ski boot may include multiple reel based closure devices that are arranged to close and tighten different areas or portions of the ski boot.

[0037] The reel based closure devices are significantly easier to operate than traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems. As such, user’s may prefer to use a reel based closure device in tightening a ski boot. In addition, reel based closure devices may offer incremental degrees of tightening and loosening of the ski boot in comparison with traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems. For example, traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems often include a limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth, steps, racks, and the like) that are used in tightening the ski boot. For example, traditional buckles often employ 5 to 10 teeth on a rack within which an engagement pin is positioned to tighten the ski boot. The engagement pin is moved proximally or distally about the rack and positioned within a proximal or distal tooth in order to increase or decrease the tightness of the ski boot about the foot. The limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth) results in the ski boot being tightened or loosened by greater amounts or degrees and thus, it may be difficult to achieve a desired fit.

[0038] In contrast, the reel based closure device may be capable of tightening and/or loosening the ski boot by significantly smaller incremental amounts or degrees. For example, if a minor increase in tightness is desired, the knob of the reel based closure device may be rotated by a quarter turn, an eighth of a turn, or less to slightly increase the tension in the tension member. The slight increase in the tension member’s tension normally results in a slight increase in the tightness or constriction of the ski boot about the user’s foot. This incremental adjustment of the ski boot’s tightness may allow a desired fit of the ski boot to be easily achieved.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is an assembled perspective view of a reel based closure device 100. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the reel based closure device 100. FIGs. 3A-1 IB illustrate various views of the components of the reel based closure device 100. Reference will be made throughout this disclosure to the various Figures illustrating the reel based closure device 100.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a base member or bayonet 102 that is designed to attach to a housing 202 of the reel based closure device 100. The base member 102 is designed to be attached to a ski boot shell (not shown) via mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, molding, or using any other fastening technique. In a specific embodiment, the base member 102 may include one or more apertures 103 (see FIG. 8) that allow a bolt, rivet, screw, or other mechanical fastener to attach the base member 102 to a ski boot shell. The base member 102 is illustrated as including three apertures 103, although more or fewer apertures 103 may be employed.

[0041] The base member 102 is commonly a rigid material that is designed to withstand impact from external objects without breaking. In a specific embodiment, the base member 102 may be made of glass filled nylon, although various other rigid materials may alternatively be used. The base member 102 is designed to couple with the housing 202 in a manner that allows the housing 202 to be detached or removed from the base member 102. Various methods of attaching the housing 202 to the base member 102 may be employed, but in the illustrated embodiment, a spring member is used to fasten and couple the housing 202 to the base member 102. The spring member is designed to flex upon impact of an object with the housing 202 to allow the housing to detach from the base member 102 and thereby prevent breaking of the base member 102 and/or housing 202.

[0042] In some embodiments, the spring member may be a split ring or c-spring 210. The base member 102 includes one or more arcuate or curved axial extending members 104 (see FIGs. 9A- D) that define a recess or groove within which the c-spring 210 is positioned when the housing 202 is attached to the base member 102. The housing 202 similarly includes a groove 260 (see FIG. 3B & 8) that houses the c-spring 210. The groove 260 of the housing 202 is shaped and sized so that the c-spring 210 fits securely within the groove 260. The groove 260 is defined by an upper annular lip or ring 262 and one or more radially protruding members 264. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the one or more radially protruding member 264 of the housing 202 are shaped and sized so that they are insertable within openings 105 between opposing pairs of axially extending members 104. The base member 102 includes recesses 108 on the circumferential edge that correspond to the shape and size of the radially protruding members 264. When the housing 202 is coupled with the base member 102, the radially protruding members 264 are positioned within the recesses 108, which enables the groove of the base member 102 to be aligned with the groove 260 of the housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 includes three radially protruding members 264 and the base member includes three axially extending members 104, although more or fewer of such features may be employed as desired.

[0043] The radially protruding members 264 and/or annular lip 262 extend radially outward from the housing 202 so that when the housing 202 is coupled with the base member 102, a distal edge of the radially protruding members 264 and/or annular lip 262 is roughly aligned with a distal end of the base member 102. In this manner, the housing 202 and base member 102 may visually appear to seamlessly integrate with one another. To further secure the c-spring 210 to the housing, a lace port 266 of the housing 202 may include a pair of circumferentially extending apertures (not shown) that are positioned on opposing ends of the groove 260. The pair of circumferentially extending apertures are shaped and sized so that the opposing ends of the C-spring may be positioned within the apertures.

[0044] The c-spring 210 is designed to flex radially to enable the housing 202 to be attached and detached from the base member 102. For example, as illustrated in FIGs. 9A-B, to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, the c-spring 210 is flexed so that the diameter of the c-spring is widened and is able to be fit over the axially extending members 104 and within the groove of the base member 102. Widening of the c-spring’ s diameter likewise enables the c-spring 210 to be fit within the groove 260 of the housing 202. [0045] In order to allow the housing 202 to be detached from the base member 102, the axial extending members 104 are designed so that the c-spring 210 may deflect out of the groove. Specifically, the axial extending members 104 are curved near a top end 106 so that the diameter of the top end 106 of the axial extending members 104 is greater than a diameter of the axial extending members’ groove. The greater diameter top end 106 of the axially extending member 104 helps secure the c-spring 210 within the groove while the curved or arcuate design enables the c-spring 210 to be easily flexed out of the groove. When an upward force is exerted on the housing 202, such as upon the housing 202 striking an object or upon application of a housing removal tool, the c-spring 210 is forced upward within the base member’s groove. As illustrated in FIGs. 9C-D, the curved inner surface of the axially extending members 104 functions as a ramp and causes the c-spring 210 to flex radially outward as the c-spring 210 and housing 202 move axially upward relative to the base member 102. If the force is sufficiently strong, the c-spring 210 will flex sufficiently and will move out of the groove as shown in FIG. 9D, which detaches the housing 202 from the base member 102 and enables the housing 202 to be moved upward and out of contact with the base member 102. The force that is required to release or detach the housing 202 from the base member 102 may be varied by altering the angel of the inner surface of the axially extending members 104 and/or the stiffness of the c-spring.

[0046] To detach the housing 202 from the base member 102, the base member is designed to function with a housing removal tool. Specifically, the housing includes a support 109 for the lace exit component 160. The support 109 is shaped and sized in accordance with the lace exit component 160 in order to reinforce the lace exit component 160. A radially extending groove 107 is formed in the support 109, which enables a housing removal tool (not shown), such as a small flat head screw driver, to be inserted along the groove 107 and under the housing 202. With the housing removal tool positioned within the groove 107 and under the housing 202, the housing removal tool may apply an upward force on the housing 202 to detach the housing 202 from the base member 102.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a coupling component or member 120 is positionable between the base member 102 and the housing 202. The coupling component 120 is designed to attach to a bottom end of the housing 202 and is shaped and sized so that a bottom end of the coupling component 120 is positionable within an interior region of the base member 102. As illustrated in FIGs. 10A-B, the shape and size of the coupling component 120 corresponds with the shape and size of the bottom end of the housing 202. Specifically, the bottom end of the coupling component 120 is roughly circular in shape and is sized so that the coupling component 120 is insertable within a circular opening of the bottom end of the housing 202. To attach the coupling component 120 to the housing 202, the coupling component 120 includes upward extending tabs 128 that snap into corresponding slots 205 that are forward on the bottom end of the housing 202. The upward extending tabs 128 includes a radially outward extending nub that snaps or clips into a recess within a corresponding slot 205, which fastens the coupling component 120 to the housing 202. The coupling component 120 is illustrated as including two tabs 128, although more or fewer tabs may be employed as desired. A front portion of the coupling component includes radially extending nubs that fit within corresponding features on the housing 202. The nubs aid in alignment and securement of the coupling component 120 about the housing 202. The bottom end of the coupling component also includes one or more apertures (not labeled) that correspond in size and orientation to the apertures 103 in the base member 102. The apertures in the coupling component 120 allow the coupling component to be fit over a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt) that is inserted within the apertures 103 of the base member 102, which reduces an overall height of the reel based closure device 100. The coupling component 120 also includes one or more lace apertures 126, which are alignable with lace ports 136 in a spool 130 to enable easy coupling of the tension member with the spool 130 as described herein.

[0048] A boss 125 extends axially upward from the bottom end of the coupling component 120. When the coupling component is attached to the housing 202, the boss 125 protrudes axially upward into the interior region of the housing 202. The boss 125 includes a pair of fingers that are separated by a gap. The boss 125, and more specifically the pair of fingers, function to enable a dial core 230 to be moved axially upward and downward relative to the housing 202. A reinforcement spring 122 is positioned in the gap between the pair of fingers and is used to strengthen and reinforce the pair of fingers. The reinforcement spring 122 aids in resiliently deflecting the pair of fingers as a dial core 230 is moved axially upward and downward about the boss 125. The reinforcement spring 122 may stiffen the pair of fingers and prevent the pair of fingers from plastically deforming due to extended use of the closure device 100. The reinforcement spring 122 includes an aperture that engages with a small projection on the inner surface of the pair of fingers. Engagement of the aperture and projection locks or retains the reinforcement spring 122 in position relative to the pair of fingers.

[0049] The spool 130 is positionable within the bottom end of the housing 202, typically by inserting the spool 130 within the housing’s open bottom end. The spool 130 includes a central aperture 132 through which the boss 125 of the coupling component 120 is inserted. The spool 130 is configured to rotate around the boss 125 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with minimal frictional engagement between the two components. A gear mechanism (140, 142), drive component 150, and dial core 230 are also typically configured to rotate around the boss 125 in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. The spool 130 includes a channel 133 within which the tension member (not shown) is wound as the spool 130 is rotated in a tightening direction (e.g., clockwise). The tension member is similarly unwound from about the central channel 133 as the spool 130 is rotated in a loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The central channel 133 has a width that is slightly larger than the width of the tension member, which ensures that the tension member is wound about the central channel 133 as a “single stack”, meaning that the wound tension member forms a single layer within the channel 133. The single stack winding of the tension member constrains vertical forces that the tension member might develop if it was coiled onto the spool in an uncontrolled manner and protects the tension member from damaging itself during the winding process. Given the substantial tension forces that the closure device 100 is capable of generating, winding the tension member about the spool 130 in an uncontrolled manner may cause excessive kinking and/or damage of the tension member.

[0050] As briefly mentioned above, the dial core 230 is axially moveable with respect to the housing 202. Movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202 enables the tension member to be fully loosened, which means that the spool 130 is able to rotate in the loosening direction in a relatively unrestrained manner. The “fully loosening” feature is an optional feature that may be omitted in some embodiments of the closure device 100. To enable full loosening of the tension member, the closure device 100 is designed to move or transition between an engaged state or position in which the dial core 230 is operationally coupled with the spool 130 and a disengaged state or position in which the dial core 230 is operationally decoupled from the spool 130. The transition between the two states is achieved via axial movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202. Axial movement of the dial core 230 relative to the housing 202 is commonly achieved via pulling axially upward on the knob 302. However, in other embodiments, the dial core 230 may be moved axially upward via a counter rotation of the knob 302 or via operation of a button (not shown), lever mechanism (not shown), clamp (not shown), and the like. In such embodiments, to move the dial core 230 axially upward, the knob 302 and dial core 230 may include cammed, ramped, or sloped surfaces, or another mechanism, that moves the dial core 230 axially upward as the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction or as the button, lever mechanism, etc. are operated.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGs. 4A-B, the boss 125 is designed to cooperate with the dial core 230 to support and maintain the dial core 230 in either the engaged position or the disengaged position. Specifically, the top end of the boss 125 supports and maintains the dial core 230 and/or knob 302 in the engaged and disengaged positions via an annular projection or member 124. In one embodiment, the engaged position is illustrated in FIG. 4A while the disengaged position is illustrated in FIG. 4B. In the engaged position, the dial core 230 is engaged with the clutch plate 220, which enables forces to be transferred between these two components as described herein. In the disengaged position, the dial core 230 is disengaged from the clutch plate 220, which allows the spool 130 to “free wheel” or spin freely in the loosening direction within the housing 202. Similarly, in the disengaged position, one or more pawls 240 may be disengaged from teeth 204 that are formed on, or otherwise coupled with, the housing 202. In other embodiments, the one or more pawls 240 may remained engaged with the teeth 204 in the disengaged position.

[0052] The annular projection 124 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of a central opening 234 of the dial core 230, which causes the annular projection 124 to interfere with and impede upward and downward movement of the dial core 230 about the top end of the boss 125. While the annular projection 124 impedes axial movement of the dial core 230, the annular projection 124 does not prevent axial movement of the dial core 230 due to the ability of the boss’s fingers to displace or flex radially inward. As the dial core 230 is moved axially about the annular projection 124, the pair of fingers flex inward toward one another, which allows the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 to be is moved axially upward or downward about and over the annular projection 124. After the dial core 230 is moved axially upward or downward about the annular projection 124, the pair of fingers resiliently flex outward to resume an un-deflected configuration. In operation, the central opening 234 of the dial core 230 is positioned above or below the annular projection 124, which supports and maintains the dial core 230 and/or knob 302 in either the engaged or disengaged position. The reinforcement spring 122 increases the stiffness of the boss 125 and reduces fatigue on the boss 125 due to repeated movement of the dial core 230 about the annular projection 124.

[0053] The knob 302 is coupled to the housing 202 by axially aligning the knob 302 and the housing 202 and by snapping the knob 302 atop an annular flange or rib 209 of the housing 202. Specifically, an inner wall or surface of the knob 302 includes one or more projections 304, or a radial lip, that snaps over the annular rib 209 of the housing 202 as the knob 302 is pressed and moved axially downward relative to the housing. The projections 304 of the knob 302 define an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the annular rib 209. As such, in coupling the knob 302 with the housing 202, the inner wall of the knob 302 must flex outward to some degree and/or the housing 202 must flex inward to some degree to allow the knob 302 to be moved axially downward about and snap over the housing 202. After the knob 302 is moved axially downward, the projections 304 are positioned axially below the annular rib 209 of the housing 202. Due to the interference between the projections 304 and the annular rib 209, uncoupling of the knob 302 from the housing 202 via axially upward movement of the knob 302 is prevented or significantly impeded. Uncoupling of the knob 302 from the housing 202 may further be impeded by designing the annular rib 209 and/or projections 304 so that they do not naturally deflect outward as the knob 302 is forced upward relative to the housing 202. Additional details of the coupling of the dial core 230, knob 302, and housing 202 are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/991,788, filed January 8, 2016, entitled “Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0054] The housing 202 includes an annular ring or lip 206 that is disposed on an inner wall. The annular ring 206 functions as a partition and divides the housing 202 into an upper half and a lower half. The annular ring 206 is configured so that some of the components that are positioned in the lower half of the housing 202 contact and engage a bottom surface of the annular ring 206 and so that some of the components positioned in the upper half contact and engage an upper surface of the annular ring 206. The components that are positioned in the lower half of the housing 202 include the coupling component 120, spool 130, gear mechanism (140, 142), and drive component 150. The components that are positioned in the upper half of the housing 202 include a clutch plate 220, dial core 230, one or more pawls 240, and pawl disc 250. The annular ring 206 blocks or impedes these components from moving into the other half of the housing 202.

[0055] The gear mechanism (140, 142) is operably coupled with the spool 130. The gear mechanism (140, 142) increases the mechanical advantage of the closure device 100, which increases the torque output of the closure device 100 and increases the tension forces that the closure device 100 is capable of generating. The gear mechanism includes a sun gear 140, a plurality of planetary gears 142, and a ring gear 208. The ring gear 208 may include teeth that are formed on the inner wall of the housing 202 below the annular ring 206 or the ring gear 208 may be a separate component that is coupled with the lower half of the housing 202 (e.g., press fit, keyed, etc.). As illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 7, the sun gear 140 is coaxially aligned with and rests atop the spool 130 while each of the planetary gears 142 is rotatably positioned on a boss 134 that extends axially upward from an upper surface of the spool 130. The sun gear 140 is axially taller than the planetary gears 142 so that the upper portion of the sun gear 140 matingly engages with spline teeth 154 that are formed on a lower inner cylindrical wall of the drive component 150. The spline teeth 154 extend axially downward from an annular ring that is formed or positioned within the drive component 150.

[0056] As the drive component 150 is rotated in the tightening direction due to a rotation of the knob 302, the drive component 150 transfers rotational forces to the sun gear 140 due to mating engagement of the sun gear 140 and spline teeth 154, which causes the sun gear 140 to rotate in the tightening direction. Rotation of the sun gear 140 likewise causes the planetary gears 142 to rotate about the spool’s bosses 134, which causes the planetary gears 142 to move in the tightening direction within the housing 202 due to engagement of the planetary gears 142 and the ring gear 208. Movement of the planetary gears 142 in the tightening direction causes the spool 130 to rotate in the tightening direction due to the engagement of the planetary gears 142 and the spool’s bosses 134.

[0057] In some embodiments, the gear mechanism (140, 142) may be omitted. In such embodiments, the drive component 150 may directly interface with the spool 130 in order to transfer rotational forces to the spool 130. It may be desirable to omit the gear mechanism when the end application of the closure device 100 does not require substantial tension forces and torque output. Removal of the gear mechanism may enable the closure device 100 to be axially smaller, which may be preferred in some embodiments. The drive component 150 may directly interface with the spool 130 via axially oriented teeth, spline teeth, and the like.

[0058] The drive component 150 functions to transfer forces from the components that are positioned above the annular ring 206 (i.e., the clutch plate 220, knob 302, etc.) to the components that are positioned below the annular ring 206 (i.e., the spool 130, gear mechanism, etc.). To enable transferring of forces, the drive component 150 is operationally coupled with the clutch plate 220. The drive component 150 includes an outward facing spline 152 that is positioned on an upper surface of the drive component 150. The spline 152 couples with corresponding teeth 224 on the clutch plate 220. Engagement of the spline 152 and teeth 224 allows torque to be transmitted through the clutch plate 220 and drive component 150 to the gear mechanism (140, 142) and spool 130.

[0059] In one embodiment, the drive component 150 and clutch plate 220 are assembled together via a snap fit coupling. Specifically, one or more radially outward extending tabs (not numbered) are positioned between a pair of teeth of the drive component’s spline 152. The one or more radially outward extending tabs are positioned above a corresponding tooth 224 of the clutch plate 220 when the clutch plate 220 is coupled with the drive component 150. The clutch plate 220 is snap fit coupled with the drive component 150 by coaxially aligning the clutch plate 220 and drive component 150 and by pressing the clutch plate 220 axially downward and onto the drive component 150. The two components deflect to some degree as the clutch plate 220 is pressed axially downward onto the drive component 150 and as one or more of the clutch component’ s teeth 224 move past the corresponding outward extending tabs. Once assembled, the one or more radially outward extending tabs contact the corresponding teeth 224 as the clutch plate 220 is moved axially upward relative to the drive component 150, which prevents uncoupling of the two components.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the drive component 150 is positioned below the annular ring

206 while the clutch plate 220 is positioned above the annular ring 206. When these two components are coupled together, the annular ring 206 is sandwiched between the two components, which essentially locks the housing 202, the clutch plate 220, and the drive component 150 together. The clutch plate 220 is designed to engage a top surface of the annular ring 206 in order to prevent a rotation of the spool 130 in the loosening direction once a tension in the tension member is decreased to a tension threshold or below the tension threshold. The tension threshold is commonly at or near a point in which minimal tension, or no tension, is present in the tension member. This point typically corresponds to a point in which the tension member has been fully unwound from about the spool 130. Preventing rotation of the spool 130 in the loosening direction once the tension member is at or near a zero tension threshold prevents back winding of the tension member about the spool 130, which prevents kinking or entangling of the tension member about the spool 130.

[0061] As illustrated in FIGs. 3B and 6C, the housing’s annular ring 206 includes a plurality of depressions or teeth 207 (hereinafter depressions 207) that are arranged, and evenly spaced, circumferentially around the annular ring 206. The depressions 207 are configured to engage corresponding nubs or teeth 226 (hereinafter nubs 226) that are positioned circumferentially around, and evenly spaced, on an outer edge or ring of the clutch plate 220. When the nubs 226 engage the depressions 207 on the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 202 and annular ring 206. Engagement of the nubs 226 and the depressions

207 locks the clutch plate 220 in position relative to the annular ring 206. The spool 130 is also prevented from rotating within the housing 202 due to the coupling of the drive component 150 with the spool 130 and the coupling of the clutch plate 220 with the drive component 150 as described herein.

[0062] To engage the annular ring 206, the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward within the interior of the housing 202. The clutch plate 220 is designed to move downward within the housing 202 only when the tension in the tension member reaches the tension threshold or decreases beyond the tension threshold. The nubs 226 and the depressions 207 are disengaged when the clutch plate 220 is in an axially raised position, which position is illustrated in FIGs. 4A, 5 A, and 6B. As shown in the images, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 is positioned above the annular ring 206 and thus, the nubs 226 and the depressions 207 are disengaged, which allows the spool 130 to rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions. After the nubs 226 and the depressions 207 engage, further rotation of the spool 130 in the loosening and tightening directions is prevented.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGs. 5A and 6B, the clutch plate 220 is maintained in the axially raised position due to engagement of the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230. Specifically, the clutch plate 220 includes upper teeth 222 that engage with axial teeth 232 of the dial core 230. The clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 extend axially upward from an upper surface of the clutch plate 220 while the axial teeth 232 of the dial core 230 extend downward from a lower surface of the dial core 230. The clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 and the dial core’s axial teeth 232 may include a slight taper or sloped configuration that biases the clutch plate 220 axially upward when the teeth are engaged. Tension in the tension member facilitates in engagement of the clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 and the dial core’s axial teeth 232 by biasing the clutch plate 220 toward rotation in the loosening direction via the spool 130 and drive component 150. The clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 and the dial core’s axial teeth 232 remain engaged until the tension in the tension member reaches or exceeds the tension threshold, after which point the tension member no longer biases the clutch plate 220 toward rotation in the loosening direction. As the tension in the tension member is reduced to near the tension threshold, the engagement of the clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 and the dial core’s axial teeth 232 begins to reduce, which allows the clutch plate 220 to begin to slide axially downward relative to the dial core 230 as illustrated in FIG. 6 A.

[0064] At some point near the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 will slide downward and into engagement with the annular ring 206, which prevents further rotation of the clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and spool 130 as described herein. For simplicity in illustrating the various components, the annular ring 206 is omitted from FIG. 6A. However, it should be realized that the position of the clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and dial core 230 in FIG. 6A corresponds to a position in which the clutch plate 220 would be engaged with the annular ring 206. The clutch plate 220 is also able to move axially downward when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward as illustrated in FIGs. 4B and 5B. Axially upward movement of the dial core 230 forces the clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 and the dial core’s axial teeth 232 to disengage. The clutch plate 220 is prevented from moving upward with the dial core 230 due to engagement of the drive component’s one or more radially outward extending tabs and corresponding teeth 224 of the clutch plate 220. Disengagement of the clutch plate 220 and the dial core 230 as illustrated in FIGs. 4B and 5B allows the spool 130 to “free wheel” or spin freely in the loosening direction within the housing 202 because the clutch plate 220 and dial core 230 are not rotationally locked or coupled together. [0065] In some embodiments, the nubs 226 and depressions 207 may be designed so that they do not immediately engage when the clutch plate 220 moves axially downward and into contact with the annular ring 206. This configuration may allow the spool 130 to spin freely in the loosening direction when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward. For example, when the dial core 230 is moved axially upward as described herein, the clutch plate 220 is no longer engaged with the dial core 230 and thus, the clutch plate 220 is able to move axially downward into contact with the annular ring 206. In such instances, the clutch plate 220 may contact the annular ring 206 even when tension remains in the tension member. To enable the spool 130 to spin freely in the loosening direction when the clutch plate 220 contacts the annular ring 206, the nubs 226 and depressions 207 may not engage in the locking manner described above. Rather, the nubs 226 and depressions 207 may be designed so that the nubs 226 ramp or move out of the depressions 207 as the spool 130 rotates in the loosening direction, which prevents the spool 130 from being rotationally locked to the housing 202. More specifically, the nubs 226 and depressions 207 may have a rounded or angled shape, which allows the nubs 226 to ramp or move out of engagement with the depressions 207. In such instances, the nubs 226 and depressions 207 are still able to engage when the knob 302 is rotated in a loosening direction and the tension member is near the tension threshold. In such instances, the dial core 230 pushes or forces the clutch plate 220 downwards, which forces the nubs 226 and depressions 207 to remain locked or engaged together and thereby prevents the clutch plate 220 and spool 130 from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0066] To enable axial movement of the clutch plate 220 about the drive component 150, the drive component’s spline 152 and the clutch plate’s teeth 224 are configured to allow for such axial movement as illustrated in FIGs. 6A and 6B. Specifically, the drive component’s spline teeth are axially elongated in comparison with the clutch plate’s teeth 224, which allows the shorter clutch plate’s teeth 224 to slide axially within channels or grooves formed between the spline teeth.

[0067] After engagement of the nubs 226 and the depressions 207, the closure device 100 is configured so that the knob 302 is rotatable in the loosening direction without affecting rotation of the spool 130. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, a rear surface of the dial core’s axial teeth 232 and a rear surface of the clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 are oppositely sloped or ramped so that a rotation of the dial core in the loosening direction causes the rear surfaces to engage and causes the dial core 230 to skip over the clutch plate 220, which pushes or forces the clutch plate 220 downwards as previously described. As further illustrated in FIG. 6A, the dial core’s axial teeth 232 and the clutch plate’s upper teeth 222 slightly overlap when the dial core 230 is in the axially lowered position so that a rotation of the dial core 230 in the tightening direction (via the knob 302) causes the dial core 230 and clutch plate 220 to reengage, which pulls or biases the clutch plate 220 into the axially raised position illustrated in FIG. 6B and allows the spool 130 to be rotated in the tightening and loosening directions. The dial core 230 and clutch plate 220 reengage due to the clutch plate 220 resisting rotation in the tightening direction due to tension in the tension member and/or engagement of the clutch plate’s nubs 226 with the annular ring’s depressions 207.

[0068] In some embodiments, the clutch plate’s nubs 226 and the annular ring’s depressions 207 may be replaced by other frictional components, such as a rubber type gasket or material, abrasive materials, tacky materials, and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the clutch plate’s nubs 226 may be axially recessed from a bottom surface of the clutch plate 220, which allows the clutch plate 220 to sit lower about the annular ring 206. For example, the nubs 226 may be formed or positioned on a circumferential ring or edge that is axially recessed from a bottom surface of the clutch plate 220. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 may be roughly aligned with the bottom surface of the annular ring 206 and/or the bottom surface of the clutch plate 220 may contact the upper surface of the drive component 150 when the clutch plate’s nubs 226 engage with the annular ring’s depressions 207.

[0069] The dial core 230 is configured to couple with the knob 302, typically via a snap fit coupling. In some embodiments, the knob 302 includes axially extending tabs 310 that are configured to couple with corresponding edges or lips 238 of the dial core 230. The tabs 310 each include a radially inward lip 312 that is shaped and sized to fit under a corresponding edge 238 of the dial core 230 (see FIG. 4A). The tabs 310 are resilient, which enables the tabs to snap into engagement with the dial core’s edges 238. The tabs 310 are also sufficiently strong so that axially upward forces imparted on the knob 302 (e.g., a user pulling the knob axially upward) are transferred to the dial core 230 and cause the dial core 230 to move axially upward with the knob 302. As such, the knob 302 and dial core 230 essentially move as a single component.

[0070] The tabs’ inward lips 312 couple with the dial core’s edges 238 in a manner that allows the knob 302 to rotate about the dial core 230 to some degree, which enables the knob 302 to be rotated in the loosening direction to incrementally loosen tension as described below. To enable the relative movement of the knob 302, the dial core’s edges 238 are sized slightly larger than the tabs’ inward lips 312. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the dial core’s edges 238 are formed by recessing a peripheral edge of the dial core 230, which creates a slot within which the tabs 310 are positioned. The tabs 310 have a circumferential width that is less than a circumferential width of the corresponding slot, which allows the tabs 310 to rotate within the slot to some degree. The tabs 310 may have a radial width that corresponds to a width of the recess so that when the tabs 310 are coupled with the dial core’s edges 238, an outer surface of the tabs 310 roughly aligns with the outer surface of the dial core 230. In one embodiment, the knob 302 includes four tabs 310 and the dial core 230 includes four edges 238, although more or fewer tabs 310 and edges 238 may be employed as desired. The tabs 310 and edges 238 of the dial core are typically positioned immediately adjacent a corresponding pawl 240, which enables the tabs 310 to engage the pawls 240, although the position of the tabs 310 and edges 238 may be varied as desired. With the dial core 230 attached to the knob 302, the one or more pawls 240, and pawl disc 250 are sandwiched between the knob 302 and dial core 230.

[0071] The closure device 100 includes a lace exit component 160 that is separate from the housing 202 and that assembles to the housing 202. The separation of the lace exit component 160 from the housing 202 allows the lace exit component 160 to be formed of a low friction and abrasion resistant material while a high strength and impact resistant material is used for the housing 202. For example, the housing 202 may be made of a high impact material that is less abrasion resistant while the lace exit component 160 is made a high abrasion resistant material that is less impact resistant. The abrasion resistant material allows the lace exit component 160 to function with tension members that are designed to withstand higher tensile loads. The lace exit component 160 allows such tension members to repeatedly slide over surfaces of the component without experiencing excessive wearing. As illustrated in FIG. 10 A, the lace exit component 160 includes a key 164 that is designed to fit within a corresponding slot 166 in the housing 202. The key 164 may be tabs that extend outward from a main body of the lace exit component 160. The lace exit component 160 may be attached to the housing 202 by positioning the lace exit component 160 below the housing and sliding the key 164 axially upward into the corresponding slot 166 in the housing 202. The lace exit component 160 includes a lace channel 162 within which the tension member is positioned so that the tension member is able to access the spool 130 within the housing 202. The lace exit component 160 is shaped and sized to correspond with the support 109 of the base member 102.

[0072] As illustrated in FIGs. 10A-B, the coupling component 120 includes one or more lace apertures 126 that are alignable with a lace port 136 in a spool 130. Alignment of the lace aperture 126 with the spool’s lace port 136 enables easy coupling of the tension member with the spool 130. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, the spool 130 is alignable within the interior of the housing 202 so that a channel 137 of the spool 130 aligns with the lace channel 162 of the lace exit component 160. When the spool’s channel 137 is aligned with the lace exit component’s lace channel 162, a tension member may be inserted within the lace exit component’s lace channel 162 and through the spool’s channel 137. A distal end of the spool’s channel 137 forms an opening 138, which is designed to direct the tension member downward and through the lace port 136. Insertion of the tension member through the spool’s channel 137 and through the lace port 136 causes the tension member to extend outward from the bottom end of the spool 130. With the tension member extending beyond the bottom end of the spool 130, a knot may be tied in the tension member, or a separate component may be attached to the tension member, so that retraction of the tension member causes the distal end of the tension member to engage with the spool’s opening 138 and prevents retraction of the tension member through the opening 138. In this manner, the tension member may be easily coupled with the spool 130.

[0073] Alignment of the coupling component’s lace aperture 126 with the spool’s lace port 136 allows the tension member to extend through the spool 130 and through the coupling component 120 so the knot may be tied in the tension member, or the separate component may be attached to the tension member, without requiring the coupling component 120 to be detached from the spool 130. In some embodiments, the spool 130 may include a single lace port 136 while the coupling component 120 includes a pair of lace apertures 126. This design enables a single coupling component 120 to be used with a spool 130 regardless of if the lace port 136 is positioned on a left or right hand side of the spool 130, which configuration may be employed dependent on if the spool 130 is designed to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise tightening direction. FIG. 10C illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the spool 130 and thus, the channel 137 is illustrated as being on an opposite side of the spool 130 from the lace port 136. The lace port 136 may be formed in the spool’s channel 133 by forming a semi-circular groove in a top flange or bottom flange of the spool 130, or in both flanges of the spool 130. The semi-circular groove may guide or direct the tension member toward the opening 138 as the tension member is inserted through the lace exit component’s lace channel 162.

[0074] Referring now to FIGs. 11 A-B, the coupling of the one or more pawls 240, the pawl disc 250, and the dial core 230 is illustrated. The function of the one or more pawls 240, pawl disc 250, and knob 302 in controlling the rotation of the spool 130 is also illustrated. To facilitate in coupling the one or more pawls 240 with the dial core 230, the dial core 230 includes one or more drive bosses 236 that extend axially upward from a top surface of the dial core 230. Each drive boss 236 includes a recess 237 that is shaped and sized to accommodate a proximal end 244 of the one or more pawls 240. The recess 237 is designed so that each pawl 240 is able to rotate in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction atop the dial core 230. In a specific embodiment, the recess 237 and the proximal end 244 of the pawl 240 are each semicircular in shape. The proximal end 244 of the pawl 240 may engage or contact a wall of the recess 237 so that forces or loads exerted on the pawl 240 are transferred to the drive boss 236. In this manner, each drive boss 236 supports and reinforces a corresponding pawl 240. [0075] The dial core 230 also includes one or more pivot bosses 231 that extend axially upward from the top surface of the dial core 230. Each pivot boss 231 couples with a corresponding pawl 240 by inserting the pivot boss 231 within an aperture positioned on the proximal end of the corresponding pawl 240. Coupling of a pawl 240 with a pivot boss 231 enable the pawl 240 to pivot or rotate about the pivot boss 231. In some embodiments, the one or more pawls 240 may be integrated with the dial core 230. In such embodiments, the one or more pawls 240 are typically configured so that they are moveable or rotatable about the dial core 230. For instance, the one or more pawls 240 may be compliant mechanisms and/or may be coupled with one or more compliant members or mechanisms.

[0076] The pawl disc 250 is coupled with the dial core 230 by aligning recesses 254 of the pawl disc 250 with corresponding keyed protrusions 233 of the dial core 230. The pawl disc 250 may then be pressed downward atop the dial core 230 so that the keyed protrusions 233 snap into the corresponding recesses 254. In some embodiments, the pawl disc 250 may be integrated with the dial core 230 and/or one or more pawls 240. In such embodiments, the pawl disc 250 should be configured to bias the one or more pawls 240 outward as described herein. Separation of the one or more pawls 240, pawl disc 250, and/or dial core 230 allows each component to be made of a different material, which may enable the components to be optimized for a particular purpose. For example, the one or more pawls 240 may be made of a high stiffness material that is able withstand higher forces while a soft spring like material is used for the pawl disc 250 to actuate or bias the one or more pawls 240. The dial core 230 may be made of a material that is suited for supporting and reinforcing the pawl disc 250 and one or more pawls 240.

[0077] The pawl disc 250 includes one or more arms 252 that extends outward from a main body of the pawl disc 250. The one or more arms 252 are flexible and are positioned atop the dial core 230 so that a distal end of each arm 252 is positioned against a rear surface of a corresponding pawl 240. The arms 252 are configured to provide a biasing force that presses or biases the pawls 240 toward engagement with the teeth 204 that are formed on, or otherwise coupled with, the housing 202. More specifically, the arms 252 bias the pawls 240 so that the pawls rotate about the pivot bosses 231 into engagement with the teeth 204. In this manner, the pawl disc 250 functions as a spring that presses or biases the pawls 240 toward engagement with the teeth 204.

[0078] Each pawl 240 includes one or more teeth 242 that are positioned on a distal end of the pawl 240. The one or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized so that they are engageable with the teeth 204 of the closure device 100. More specifically, the one or more teeth 242 are shaped and sized so that they are able to fit within a tooth, or within teeth, of the closure device 100. Engagement of the one or more pawls’ teeth 242 and the closure device’s teeth 204 prevents rotation of the dial core 230 in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 11 A). Specifically, when the pawls 240 are engaged with the teeth 204 and a force is applied to the dial core 230 in the loosening direction (via the tension member and spool 130), the one or more pawls 240 are oriented and coupled with the dial core 230 in a manner that does not allow the one or more pawls 240 to rotate. As such, the one or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204, which prevents rotation of the dial core 230 in the tightening direction.

[0079] The spool 130 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction due to the engagement of the dial core 230 with the clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and spool 130 as described herein. Due to the biasing force of the pawl disc 250, the pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204 until the pawls 240 are moved out of engagement with the teeth 204 due to upward movement of the dial core 230 or rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction. In addition, the biasing force of the pawl disc 250 causes the one or more pawls 240 to automatically reengage the teeth 204 when the dial core 230 is moved axially downward or when rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction is ceased.

[0080] To rotate the spool 130 in the tightening direction, the tabs 310 are configured to engage the drive boss 236 of the dial core. Specifically, the tabs 310 extend axially downward from the knob 302 and are positioned so that when the knob 302 is coupled with the housing 202 in the engaged position, each tab 310 is adjacent a drive boss 236 and is between a pawl 240 and the teeth 204. As illustrated in FIG. 11 A, when the knob 302 is rotated in the tightening direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 11 A), a proximal end of each tab 310 contacts a distal surface of a drive boss 236. Engagement of the tabs 310 and drive bosses 236 causes rotational forces to be transferred from the knob 302 to the dial core 230 as the knob 302 is rotated in the tightening direction, which causes the dial core 230 to rotate in the tightening direction. Rotation of the dial core 230 in the tightening direction causes the spool 130 to also rotate in the tightening direction due to engagement of the dial core 230 clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and spool 130 as described herein. The orientation of the one or more pawls 240 atop the dial core 230 causes the one or more pawls 240 to deflect inward and skip over the teeth 204 as the dial core 230 is rotated in the tightening direction. The pawl disc 250 causes the one or more pawls 240 to spring outward as the one or more pawls 240 skip over the teeth 204.

[0081] The tabs 310 are further configured to allow the dial core 230 to be incrementally rotated in the loosening direction. Specifically, as the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 1 IB), each tab 310 rotates within the interior of the housing 202 so that a distal surface of each tab 310 contacts and engages the distal end of a corresponding pawl 240. Further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the tab 310 to push, pivot, or rotate the corresponding pawl 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204. Disengagement of the one or more pawls 240 and the teeth 204 momentarily unlocks the dial core 230 from the housing 202, which allows the dial core 230 to momentarily or incrementally rotate in the loosening direction responsive to a force in the loosening direction from the spool 130 and tension member. More specifically, tension loads or forces in the tension member are imparted on the spool 130, which are transferred to the clutch plate 220 and dial core 230 due to the engagement of those components with the spool 130. The tension loads cause the dial core 230 to rotate in the loosening direction when the dial core 230 is unlocked from the housing 202.

[0082] As the dial core 230 rotates in the loosening direction, each tab 310 disengages a corresponding pawl 240 and pivots or rotates back into engagement with the teeth 204 due to the biasing force from the pawl disc 250. The one or more pawls 240 remain engaged with the teeth 204 until further rotation of the knob 302 in the loosening direction causes the tabs 310 to push, pivot, or rotate the pawls 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204 again. In this manner, the dial core 230 and spool 130 may be incrementally rotated in loosening direction to loosen or lessen the tension in the tension member.

[0083] The incremental engagement and disengagement of the pawls 240 and tabs 310 to enable rotation of the spool 130 and dial core 230 in the loosening direction may be referred to as “sweeping” the pawls 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204. To facilitate in “sweeping” the pawls 240 out of engagement with the teeth 204, each pawl 240 may include an nub or tab 246 that extends slightly outward from a surface of the pawl 240. The distal end of each tab 310 may also include an angled or ramped surface. The angled or ramped surface of each tab 310 engages with the nub or tab 246 of each pawl 240 and applies a gradually increasing force to the pawl 240, which reduces stress and wear on the two components. In some embodiments, the angled or ramped surface may only be formed on an upper portion of each tab 310. In such embodiments, the lower portion of each tab 310 may include the radially inward lip 312 that is shaped and sized to fit under a corresponding edge 238 of the dial core 230.

[0084] The degree or amount of each loosening step may be equivalent to a distance between each tooth 204 or a distance between multiple teeth as desired. As described herein, when the tension in the tension member is near the tension threshold, the clutch plate 220 will slide downward and into engagement with the annular ring 206, which prevents further rotation of the clutch plate 220, drive component 150, and spool 130. When the clutch plate 220 engages with the annular ring 206, further rotation of the dial core 230 and knob 302 in the loosening direction is possible due to the configuration of the dial core 230 and clutch plate 220.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure device 100 may include four pawls 240, four tabs 310, and four arms 252. This configuration may be ideal for generating high torque and accommodating high tension loads. In other embodiments, more or fewer components may be employed based on a particular application or need, or based on a desired torque output.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 12, illustrated is a ski boot 400 that includes the closure device 100 described above. The closure device 100 may be ideal for tensioning the ski boot 400 since it is able to output high torque and generate high tension loads, which are typically required to close and tighten a ski boot about a user’s foot. The ski boot 400 includes a unique long guide 410 that is designed to accommodate high tension loads and facilitate in closing and tightening of the ski boot’s shell. The long guide 410 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGs. 14A-C. FIG. 13 illustrates a lace path and guide configuration that may be employed on the ski boot 400 of FIG. 12. Specifically, the guide configuration includes a plurality of long guides 410 and one or more shorter guides 460 that are positioned between a pair of long guides 410. The closure device 100 is positioned at a top of the lace path and a tension member 450 is routed from the closure device 100 along the lace path via the plurality of long guides 410 and the one or more shorter guides 460. The tension member 450 terminates at a distal end of the lace path via a terminal member or terminating end component 470. The termination of the distal end of the tension member 450 enables the closure device 100 to generate greater tension forces in the tension member 450.

[0087] The lace path may extend across an opening between two shells of the ski boot 400. In some embodiments, the plurality of long guides 410 may be positioned on one shell while the one or more shorter guides 460 are positioned on an opposite shell. The one or more shorter guides 460 may be riveted or mechanically fastened to the ski boot 400 while a distal end of the longer guides 410 is attached to the ski boot. The one or more shorter guides 460 may have an open channel or end within which the tension member 450 is positioned while the longer guides 410 include a closed channel through with the tension member 450 is positioned. The tension member may be removed or withdrawn from the open channel of the one or more shorter guides 460 to allow the ski boot 400 to be more easily removed from about the foot.

[0088] Referring to FIGs. 14A-C, the longer guide 410 is made of multiple components. Specifically, the longer guide 410 includes an exterior shell or body 412 and a reinforcement component 420. The exterior shell 412 houses the reinforcement component 420. The longer guide 410 enables the guide to be attached on a side of the ski boot 400, typically near a sole of the ski boot, while the distal end that engages the tension member 450 is positioned closure to an opening of the ski boot 400. This configuration helps the guide 410 wrap over the shell and facilitates in properly closing the shell about the foot.

[0089] The reinforcement component 420 enables the guide 410 to withstand high tension loads without breaking or cracking. The reinforcement component 420 also enables the exterior shell 412 to be made of a low friction material, which may not be able to withstand the tension forces that are imparted on the tension member 450. The exterior shell 412 and reinforcement component 420 each extend from a proximal end of the guide 410 to a distal end of the guide 410. A proximal end of the exterior shell 412 and reinforcement component 420 include an aperture 416 that allows a rivet or other mechanical fastener to attach the guide 410 to the ski boot 400. The reinforcement component 420 is formed of a material strip that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the guide 410. The material strip may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum, or another material that is able to withstand high tensile loads, such as a fabric material, carbon fiber material, rigid polymer material, and the like.

[0090] The material strip is folded to form a looped end 422. The folded material strip results in the reinforcement component 420 having an upper and lower segment that each extend from the looped end 422 to the proximal end of the guide. The upper and lower segments may each include the aperture 416 and may each be coupled with the ski boot shell. The upper and lower segments are typically positioned in contact with one another from the proximal end to the looped end 422 of the reinforcement component 420, although in some embodiments, the upper and lower segments may be separated by the exterior shell 412 or another material.

[0091] The exterior shell 412 includes a guide segment 415 that is disposed within the looped end 422 of the reinforcement component 420. The guide segment 415 extends between opposing sides of the exterior shell 412. The distal end of the exterior shell and the guide segment 415 include a channel 414 through which the tension member 450 is positioned. The guide segment 415 is made of a lower friction material than the reinforcement component 420, which minimizes frictional engagement of the guide 410 and tension member. When the guide 410 is tensioned by the tension member 450, the guide segment 415 presses against the looped end 422 of the reinforcement component 420. In this manner, some or all of the tension load in the guide segment 415 is transferred from the exterior shell 412 to the reinforcement component 420, which is better able to handle the high tension loads that are generated from the closure device 100. The tension in the looped end 422 is transferred to the proximal end of the guide 410 via the upper and lower segments of the reinforcement component’s material strip and is ultimately transferred to the shell of the ski boot 400 due to the mechanical fastener anchoring the long guide 410 to the shell. The tension forces pull the opposing shells together and pull the ski boot closed over the user’s foot. The long guide 410 is also pressed downward atop the shell, which further closes and tightens the shell about the user’s foot.

[0092] The exterior shell 412 commonly surrounds the reinforcement component 420. For example, the exterior shell 412 may cover the opposing sides of the reinforcement component 420, although in other embodiments one or both sides of the reinforcement component 420 may be exposed. The exterior shell 412 may also include a distal most end that is positioned distally of the looped end 422. The distal most end of the exterior shell 412 may allow the tension member 450 to transition into and out of the channel 414 in a minimal frictional manner. For example, opposing sides of the exterior shell’s distal most end may be arcuate or curved and provide a smooth transition radius that eliminates sharp corners that may damage the tension member 450 or cause undue pressure on the guide segment 415 and/or looped end 422. In some embodiments, the opposing sides of the exterior shell’s distal most end may have a radius of between 40 and 50 mm to provide a smooth transition for the tension member 450. The distal most end may also cover the looped end 422 and prevent the looped end from contacting surrounding objects.

[0093] In some embodiments, the exterior shell 412 may include one or more openings 418 through which the reinforcement component 420 is visible. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the exterior shell 412 includes two open section through which the looped end 422 and upper segment are visible. The distal most open section may enable the reinforcement component 420 to be easily coupled with the exterior shell 412 by allowing the upper and lower segments to be separated and placed around the guide segment 415. The upper and lower segments may then be moved proximally until the looped end 422 is positioned around the guide segment 415. In other embodiments, the looped end 422 and/or upper and lower segments may be covered by the exterior shell 412 so that the reinforcement component 420 is not visible. The upper and lower segments may also be positioned on a bottom end or surface of the exterior shell 412 so that the lower segment contacts the shell of the ski boot 400. In other embodiments, the upper and lower segments may be disposed or enclosed within the exterior shell 412 as desired.

[0094] The exterior shell 412 may include a pair of openings 418 that are separated by a material bridge as illustrated in FIGs. 14A-B, or the exterior shell 412 may include a single opening 418 as illustrated in FIG. 14C. The material bridge that separates the pair or openings may function to keep the upper and lower segments of the reinforcement component 420 in contact. In some embodiments, the long guide 410 may have a length of between 40 and 80 mm and more commonly a length of between 50 and 70 mm. The long guide may likewise have a width of between 15 and 35 mm and more commonly a width of between 20 and 30 mm. In a specific embodiment, the long guide may have a length of approximately 60 mm and a width of approximately 25 mm. The long guide 410 may be curved about its longitudinal length to help the long guide engage and contact an upper surface of the ski boot’s shell. The shorter guide 460 may have a width that corresponds to the width of the long guide and a length that is shorter than the width of the shorter guide 460. The shorter guide 460 may not require a reinforcement component since the mechanical fastener is positioned distally of the tension member 450.

[0095] Referring to FIGs. 15A-E, illustrated is an embodiment of a terminal member or terminating end component 470 (hereinafter terminal member 470) that is designed to attach to the distal end of the tension member 450 and to attach to the ski boot 400, or any other article, in order to fixedly couple or attach the tension member 450 to the ski boot 400 or article. For ease in describing the terminal member 470, reference will be made to the terminal member 470 attaching to a ski boot 400, although it should be recognized that the terminal member 470 may be coupled with any desired article.

[0096] The terminal member 470 is able to attach and detach from the ski boot 400, which enables the terminal member 470 to be quickly and easily replaced if the tension member 450 fails, or for any other reason. The terminal member 470 includes a main body 502 having an inner cavity 510 and thru hole 508. The thru hole 508 is positioned on a proximal end of the main body 502 and is shaped and sized so that a bolt 480 or other mechanical fastening device may be inserted through the thru hole 508 and attached to the ski boot 400. An upper portion of the thru hole 508 may be recessed from an upper surface of the main body 502. The recessed portion of the thru hole 508 may have a wider diameter than the remainder of the thru hole 508 to allow the bolt 480 to be recessed relative to the upper surface of the main body 502 and thereby reduce a profile of the terminal member 470 when attached to the ski boot 400.

[0097] The main body 502 also includes a lace port or aperture 504 through which the tension member 450 is inserted as described herein below. The lace aperture 504 is positioned on a distal end of the main body 502 opposite the thru hole 508. When the terminal member 470 is attached to the ski boot 400, the lace aperture 504 is positioned so that an opening of the lace aperture 504 faces the lace path of the tension member 450. The main body 502 further includes an aperture 506 that enables a tool (not shown) to access a lock component 550 that is positioned within the cavity 510 of the main body 502. The tool, which may be a screw driver or other device, is insertable within the aperture 506 to engage the lock component 550 and induce a locking force on the tension member 450 or release the locking force that is induced on the tension member 450. The locking force that is imparted or exerted on the tension member 450, via the lock component 550, is sufficient to lock, or fixedly attach, the tension member 450 to the terminal member 470. The aperture 506 is typically positioned on a sides of the main body 502 roughly perpendicular to the lace aperture 504; however, the aperture 506 may be positioned elsewhere about the main body 502 as desired. Positioning of the aperture 506 on the side of the main body 502 roughly perpendicular to the lace aperture 504 may be preferred because it allows the user to easily access the aperture 506 when the terminal member 470 is fixedly secured to the ski boot 400, via bolt 480, without interference by the tension member 450 or other components of the ski boot 400.

[0098] FIG. 15C illustrates a bottom view of the terminal member 470. The cavity 510 formed in the main body 502 is evident in FIG. 15C. In some embodiments, the cavity 510 has an L- shaped configuration to prevent the lock component 550 from being inserted within the cavity 510 in an incorrect orientation. Specifically, the main body 502 includes an elbow 514 that protrudes into a corner or portion of the cavity 510 so that the cavity 510 has an L-shaped profile when viewed from a bottom end, as in FIG. 15C. A secondary cavity 512 is also defined in the bottom portion of the main body 502 near the lace aperture 504. The secondary cavity 512 extends from the cavity 510 and forms a small pocket or recess in the distal end of the main body 502. As described herein below, the distal end of the tension member 450 is positioned within the secondary cavity 512 when the tension member is coupled with the terminal member 470 and lock component 550.

[0099] A channel 520 is formed in the proximal end of the main body 502. The channel 520 extends from the cavity 510 and around the thru hole 508. The channel 520 is shaped and sized to correspond with a diameter of the tension member 450. More specifically, the channel 520 has a width and depth that is greater than the diameter of the tension member 450, which allows the tension member 450 to be fully positioned within the channel 520 and wrapped around the bolt 480 that is positioned through the thru hole 508. In some embodiments, a wall 522 extends from the cavity 510 to the thru hole 508, or adjacent to the thru hole 508, in order to divide a distal portion of the channel 520 between the cavity 510 and thru hole 508 into first and second sections (shown in FIG. 15E as separate channels positioned laterally adjacent one another). The wall 522 may function to route or guide the tension member 450 as it is inserted through the channel 520 and lock component 550. In some embodiments, an arrow or other symbol may be formed on a surface of the channel 520. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrow is formed in the channel 520 around the thru hole 508. The arrow may visibly indicate a direction that the tension member 450 is to be routed through the lock component 550 and channel 520. [0100] FIG. 15C illustrates the lock component 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the terminal member 470. The lock component 550 may include an L-shaped profile that mirrors the L-shaped profile of the cavity 510. Specifically, an elbow 559 may be formed in the lock component 550 that matches the elbow 514 of the cavity 510 to enable the lock component 550 to be inserted within the L-shaped cavity 510. The L-shaped cavity 510 and lock component 550 ensures that the lock component 550 is always properly or correctly inserted within the cavity 510 by preventing the lock component 550 from being inserted within the cavity 510 unless it is properly oriented and aligned with the cavity 510. Proper and correct insertion of the lock component 550 may be important to ensure that the tension member 450 is insertable through the lock component 550 in a manner that does not kink or damage the tension member 450. For example, the lock component 550 includes a lace entry aperture 552 that coaxially aligns with the lace aperture 504 of the main body 502 when the lock component 550 is inserted within the cavity 510. If the lock component 550 is not properly inserted within the cavity 510, the lace entry aperture 552 may be misaligned with the lace aperture 504 of the main body 502, which may kink or damage the tension member 450 upon tensioning of the tension member 450 or assembly of the terminal member 470 about the ski boot 400.

[0101] The lace entry aperture 552 is formed on a distal side of the lock component 550. A lace exit aperture 554 is formed on a proximal side of the lock component 550 opposite the lace entry aperture 552. A channel or lumen extends between the lace entry aperture 552 and the lace exit aperture 554, which enables the tension member to be inserted fully through the lock component 550 between the lace entry aperture 552 and the lace exit aperture 554. When the lock component 550 is positioned within the cavity 510, the lace exit aperture 554 aligns with a first section of the channel 520.

[0102] A second lace entry aperture 556 is formed on the proximal side of the lock component 550 while a second lace exit aperture 558 is formed on the distal side of the lock component 550 opposite the second lace entry aperture 556. When the lock component 550 is positioned within the cavity 510, the second lace entry aperture 556 is aligned with a second section of the channel 520 while the second lace exit aperture 558 is aligned with the secondary cavity 512. A channel or lumen extends between the second lace entry aperture 556 and the second lace exit aperture 558, which enables the tension member to be inserted fully through the lock component 550 between the second section of the channel 520 and the secondary cavity 512.

[0103] FIG. 15D illustrates a side view of the main body 502 and, more specifically, illustrates the tool access aperture 506. The aperture 506 is formed in the main body 502 so that it extends from the cavity 510 to an exterior surface of the main body 502. As briefly described above, a tool may be inserted through the aperture 506 to engage the lock component 550 positioned within the cavity 510 of the main body. The tool may be used to lock or unlock the tension member 450 from engagement with the lock component 550, which fixedly couples the tension member 450 to the terminal member 470 or releases the tension member 450 therefrom. In a specific embodiment, the tool may access a set screw (not shown) that is threaded into a main body of lock component 550. The tool may rotate the set screw into increased or decreased frictional engagement with the tension member 450. The set screw may exert a clamping or compressional force on the tension member 450 to lock the tension member 450 within the main body of the lock component 550 and thereby fixedly attach the tension member 450 to the terminal member 470. More specifically, rotation of the set screw may move the set screw toward or away from the channel or lumen between the second lace entry aperture 556 and the second lace exit aperture 558, which may compress the tension member 450 within this channel or lumen. In some embodiments, a component or material, such as a nylon patch, may be positioned between the tension member 450 and the distal end of the set screw in order to minimize or eliminate unwanted damage to the tension member 450 from the set screw.

[0104] To fixedly couple or secure the tension member 450 with the lock component 550, the tension member 450 is inserted through the lace aperture 504 of the main body 502 and through the lace entry aperture 552 of the lock component 550. The tension member 450 is then inserted through the channel between the lace entry aperture 552 and lace exit aperture 554 until the tension member 450 extends from the lace exit aperture 554. The tension member 450 is then curved around the thru hole 508 within the channel 520 following the arrow formed or defined on the surface of the channel 520. In some embodiments, the wall 522 may be angled to help guide or deflect the tension member 450 toward the channel 520 upon exiting the lace exit aperture 554. The tension member 450 is then inserted through the second lace entry aperture 556 and through the respective channel until the tension member 450 extends from the second lace exit aperture 558. Upon exiting the second lace exit aperture 558, the distal end of the tension member 450 is positioned within the secondary cavity 512. The set screw may then be engaged, via the tool inserted through the tool access aperture 506, to lock the tension member 450 within the lock component 550. Detachment of the tension member 450 from the lock component 550 may be achieved by accessing the set screw, via the tool inserted through the tool access aperture 506, and rotating the set screw toward an unlocked position. The tension member 450 may then be removed from the lock component 550 and terminal member 470. All of the above processes may be performed while the terminal member 470 is attached to a ski boot 400. [0105] While several embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and/or combination of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, changed, adjusted, and the like. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged and/or the various described components may be employed in any of the embodiments in which they are not currently described or employed. As such, it should be realized that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangement and/or component structures described herein.

[0106] In addition, it is to be understood that any workable combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. Additionally, any time a feature is not discussed with regard in an embodiment in this disclosure, a person of skill in the art is hereby put on notice that some embodiments of the invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby providing support for negative claim limitations.

[0107] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0108] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

[0109] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a process” includes a plurality of such processes and reference to “the device” includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. [0110] Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A ski boot comprising: a rigid exterior shell comprising: a lower shell that is configured to couple with a ski binding, the lower shell being configured to accommodate a foot; an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell, the upper cuff being configured to accommodate a lower leg; a tightening system coupled with the lower shell, the tightening system including: a single reel based closure device that is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to the upper cuff; a tension member operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tightening of the tension member; a first guide that is positioned on a first side of an opening of the lower shell; a second guide that is positioned on a second side of the opening of the lower shell; and a terminal member that is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to a toe box; wherein the first guide and the second guide route or direct the tension member along a path about the lower shell across the opening and to the terminal member; and wherein a distal end of the tension member is fixedly coupled with the terminal member.

2. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the first guide is a long guide having a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than a lateral width, and wherein the long guide has a proximal end that is attached to the lower shell near a sole of the lower shell and a distal end that is positioned near the opening and that engages the tension member.

3. The ski boot of claim 2, wherein the second guide is a short guide have a longitudinal length that is substantially shorter than the longitudinal length of the long guide.

4. The ski boot of claim 3, wherein the tightening system further comprises a third guide that is positioned on the first side of an opening of the lower shell, the third guide being a long guide have a configuration similar to the first guide, wherein the first guide, second guide,

33 and third guide are arranged about the lower shell so that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path.

5. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein a housing of the reel based closure device includes a single entry port or aperture for the tension member.

6. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the reel based closure device includes a housing that is detachably coupleable, via a spring member, with a base member that is fixed to the ski boot.

7. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the reel based closure device includes a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force, and wherein the reel based closure device is configured to incrementally loosen the tension member based on a first operation and to fully loosen the tension member based on a second operation.

8. The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the terminal member comprises a lock component that is configured to engage the tension member and disengage the tension member, wherein when engaged with the tension member, the lock component fixedly couples the tension member to the terminal member, and wherein when disengaged from the tension member, the lock component allows the tension member to be removed from the terminal member.

9. The ski boot of claim 8, wherein the terminal member is configured so that when the tension member is coupled with the lock component, the tension member is positioned within a channel that wraps around a thru hole of a coupling bolt.

10. A long guide for routing or directing a tension member about an article, the long guide comprising: a main body having: a lateral width; a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than the lateral width; and a channel formed in a distal end of the main body, the channel being shaped and sized so that the tension member is insertable through the channel.

11. The long guide of claim 10, further comprising a reinforcement member that is coupled with the main body, wherein the reinforcement member supports or reinforces the channel formed in the distal end of the main body.

34

12. The long guide of claim 11, wherein the reinforcement member extends from a proximal end of the main body to the channel formed in the distal end of the main body.

13. The long guide of claim 11, wherein the channel is formed in a guide segment that is disposed within a looped end of the reinforcement member, wherein the guide segment extends between opposing sides of the main body so as to be accessible to the tension member.

14. A reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member, the reel based closure device comprising: a housing; a spool rotatably positioned within the housing; and a dial or knob that is operably coupled with the spool so that a rotation of the dial or knob effects a rotation of the spool in a tightening direction to thereby wind the tension member about the spool.

15. The reel based closure device of claim 14, wherein the housing is detachably coupleable, via a spring member, with a base member that is affixable to an article.

16. The reel based closure device of claim 14, wherein the reel based closure device includes a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force of the dial or knob, and wherein the reel based closure device is configured to incrementally loosen the tension member based on a first operation of the dial or knob and to fully loosen the tension member based on a second operation of the dial or knob.

17. The reel based closure device of claim 14, wherein the housing only includes one lace port for the tension member.

18. A boot comprising: a lower portion that is configured to accommodate a foot; an upper portion that extends upward from the lower portion and that is configured to accommodate a lower leg; and a tightening system that is coupled with the lower portion, the tightening system including: a reel based closure device; a tension member operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tensioning of the tension member; a plurality of guide members that route or direct the tension member along a path; and a terminal member; wherein a distal end of the tension member is fixedly coupled with the terminal member.

19. The boot of claim 18, wherein the plurality of guide members comprise: a first guide and a third guide that are positioned on a first side of the boot, and a second guide that is positioned on a second side of the boot opposite the first side, wherein the first guide and the third guide each have a longitudinal length that is greater than a longitudinal length of the second guide, and wherein the first guide, second guide, and third guide are arranged about the boot so that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path.

20. The boot of claim 19, wherein the second guide includes an open channel within which the tension member is removably positioned.