REEL BASED CLOSURE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63/647,795 filed May 15, 2025, 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]Boots, such as work boots, snowboard boots, military boots, and the like, are often difficult to close about a wearer's leg and foot due to the relatively stiff materials and/or extra material layers that are employed in comparison with conventional footwear. It may also be difficult to make the boot comfortable to wear due to the use of these materials. Conventional closure devices that are employed to close boots include shoelaces and pull straps, but these devices often lack the necessary strength to properly close and tighten the boot about a wearer's leg and foot.

[0003]Described herein are components, systems, and devices that enable quick and easy closure of boots, other articles of footwear, or other articles in general. 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, especially footwear that may include rigid materials or otherwise be difficult to close.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004]The embodiments herein describe reel based closure devices that are usable to close and tighten an article. According to one aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a base having a recess, a housing coupled with the base, 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 reel based closure device also includes an automatic winding mechanism that is positioned in the recess of the base. The automatic winding mechanism is coupled with the base and the spool such that the automatic winding mechanism exerts or applies at least a temporary force on the spool to cause or effect an automatic winding of the tension member about the spool.

[0005]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a base having a recess, a housing coupled with the base, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a dial or knob that is operably coupled with the spool, and an automatic winding mechanism that is positioned in the recess and coupled with the spool to cause or effect at least a temporary automatic winding of the tension member about the spool.

[0006]According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a reel based closure device and attaching the reel based closure device to the article of footwear, in which the reel based closure device includes a base having a recess, a housing coupled with the base, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a dial or knob that is operably coupled with the spool, and an automatic winding mechanism that is positioned in the recess and coupled with the spool to cause or effect at least a temporary automatic winding of a tension member about the spool; and According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a base, a housing coupled with the base, 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 base is shaped and sized so that an upper portion of the base is insertable within an opening of a bottom end of the housing.

[0007]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a base, a housing coupled with the base, a spool, 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. The base is insertable within an opening of a bottom end of the housing.

[0008]According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a reel based closure device and attaching the reel based closure device to the article of footwear, in which the reel based closure device includes a base, a housing coupled with the base, a spool, 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. The base is insertable within an opening of a bottom end of the housing.

[0009]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 wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a pawl that is operably coupled with the spool to allow the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing while restricting rotation of the spool in a second direction within the housing. The reel based closure device further includes a boss that extends axially downward from the spool, the boss being configured to enable the pawl to be repositioned between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the pawl restricts the spool from rotating in the second direction and in the disengaged position, the pawl does not restrict the spool from rotating in the second direction.

[0010]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a housing, a spool, 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, and a pawl that is operably coupled with the spool to allow the spool to rotate in a first direction while restricting rotation of the spool in a second direction. The reel based closure device also includes a boss that extends axially downward from the spool. The boss is configured to enable the pawl to be repositioned between a position that restricts rotation of the spool in the second direction and a position that does not restrict rotation of the spool in the second direction.

[0011]According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a reel based closure device and attaching the reel based closure device to the article of footwear, in which the reel based closure device includes a housing, a spool, 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, a pawl that is operably coupled with the spool to allow the spool to rotate in a first direction while restricting rotation of the spool in a second direction, and a boss that extends axially downward from the spool. The boss is configured to enable the pawl to be repositioned between a position that restricts rotation of the spool in the second direction and a position that does not restrict rotation of the spool in the second direction; and

[0012]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a base, a housing coupled with the base, 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 is coupled with the base by rotating the housing into a coupled engagement with the base. The base includes an engagement feature that is formed on a side of the base and the housing includes an engagement feature that is formed on a side of the housing. Rotating the housing into the coupled engagement with the base causes the engagement feature of the base to engage with the engagement feature of the housing to lock the housing in position relative to the base.

[0013]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a base, a housing rotatably coupleable with the base, 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. The base includes an engagement feature and the housing includes an engagement feature. The engagement feature of the base is configured to engage the engagement feature of the housing upon a rotation of the housing relative to the base.

[0014]According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a reel based closure device and attaching the reel based closure device to the article of footwear, in which the reel based closure device includes a base, a housing rotatably coupleable with the base, 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. The base includes an engagement feature and the housing includes an engagement feature. The engagement feature of the base is configured to engage the engagement feature of the housing upon a rotation of the housing relative to the base.

[0015]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, 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, and a pawl disc that is operably coupled with the spool such that the spool is rotatable in a first direction within the housing while being restricted from rotating in a second direction within the housing. The pawl disc includes at least one pawl that engages teeth to enable rotation of the spool in the first direction while restricting rotation of the spool in the second direction and at least one stabilizer that engages with the dial or knob to stabilize the position of the dial or knob relative to the pawl disc.

[0016]According to another aspect, a reel based closure device for tensioning a tension member includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, 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, and a pawl disc that includes at least one pawl and at least one stabilizer that engages with the dial or knob to stabilize a position of the dial or knob relative to the pawl disc.

[0017]According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing a reel based closure device and attaching the reel based closure device to the article of footwear, in which the reel based closure device includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, 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, and a pawl disc that includes at least one pawl and at least one stabilizer that engages with the dial or knob to stabilize a position of the dial or knob relative to the pawl disc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0018]The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

[0019]FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a reel based closure device.

[0020]FIGS. 2-2A illustrate exploded perspective views of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIGS. 3A-B illustrate cross sectional views of various components of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIGS. 3C-F illustrate various views of a housing and base member of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIGS. 4A-B illustrate cross sectional views of the assembled reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0024]FIGS. 4C-E illustrate various views of a dial core of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIGS. 5A-B illustrate bottom views of a knob of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIGS. 6A-C illustrate various views a knob or dial core, drive component, and clutch plate of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIGS. 7A-B illustrate various views of a spool and gear mechanism of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIGS. 8A-C illustrate an attachment of a knob, housing and base member of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0029]FIGS. 9A-C illustrate a spool, automatic winding mechanism, and base plate of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0030]FIGS. 10A-B illustrate the knob, housing, base plate, and spool of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0031]FIGS. 11A-C illustrate an operation of one or more pawls and/or pawl disc of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0032]FIGS. 12A-E illustrate another operation of a pawl disc of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0033]FIGS. 12D-E illustrate an alternative pawl disc of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0034]FIGS. 13A-C illustrate an attachment of a knob and cap of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0035]FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative dial core of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0036]FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative drive component of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0037]FIG. 16 illustrates a base member of the reel based closure device of FIG. 1.

[0038]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 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

[0039]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.

[0040]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, boots, such as snowboard boots, work boots, ski boots, utility boots, military boots, and the like (hereinafter boots), are typically made of multiple layers and/or heavier or more rigid materials. These boots require a substantial amount of closure force to tighten about a wearer's foot. Conventional reel based closure devices, and other devices, may not be suited to tighten boots about a wearer'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 boot may not be designed to handle the required tension.

[0041]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 boots, the reel based closure devices may also be employed to close and tighten various other articles, such as 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 boots, although it should be realized that this description is equally applicable to various other articles.

[0042]The reel based closure device is typically attached to the exterior of the boot, such as about the tongue or on a side of the boot, and is used to tighten the exterior of the boot about a wearer's leg and/or foot. The reel based closure device is configured to tension a lace or tension member that is guided about the boot via one or more guide members, which may be rigid components that are made of plastic or other materials, such as those incorporated by reference herein. In other embodiments, the one or more guide members may be made of flexible or soft components, such as fabric materials.

[0043]The reel based closure device typically includes a knob or dial that may be grasped and rotated by a wearer. 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 boot about a wearer's foot by constricting the exterior and any internal components (i.e., a liner, etc.) about the wearer's foot. In some instances, the boot may include multiple reel based closure devices that are arranged to close and tighten different areas or portions of the boot.

[0044]Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is an assembled perspective view of a reel based closure device 100. FIGS. 2-2A illustrate exploded perspective views of the reel based closure device 100. The reel based closure device 100 of FIG. 2A is essentially identical to that of FIG. 2 except that the reel based closure device 100 includes an alternative pawl disc 250a and an alternative knob or dial core 230b. In some instances, the alternative pawl disc 250a or the alternative knob or dial core 230b may be used with the reel based closure device 100 of FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A-13C 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.

[0045]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 the boot (not shown) via mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, molding, or using any other fastening technique. In a specific embodiment, the base member 102 may include a sew flange that extends partly or fully around a perimeter of the base member 102. The sew flange allows the base member 102 to be stitched to an exterior of the boot, or to any other portion of the boot, such as the liner.

[0046]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, the housing 202 includes radially outward protruding ribs 320 (see FIG. 3C) that are positionable under corresponding flanges or lips 104 of the base member 102. Specifically, to attach the housing 202 to the base member 102, the outward protruding ribs 320 are inserted through channels 106 formed in base member 102 and the housing 202 is rotated to position the outward protruding ribs 320 under the flanges or lips 104. The housing 202 also includes a lower ring or lip 322 that at least partially, and in some embodiments fully, surrounds a periphery of the housing 202. When the outward protruding ribs 320 are rotated under the flanges or lips 104, the flanges or lips 104 are positioned between the lower ring or lip 322 and the outward protruding ribs 320. In some embodiments, the flanges or lips 104 are constructed so that they resiliently flex or bend upon impact of an object with the housing 202, which allows the outward protruding ribs 320 to displace from the flanges or lips 104 so that the housing detaches from the base member 102. In this way, breakage of the housing may be prevented.

[0047]FIG. 8A illustrates the housing 202 being rotated relative to the base member 102 to attach or couple the housing 202 with the base member 102. Specifically, the left hand image illustrates an uncoupled state of the housing 202 and base member 102. This state corresponds to when the outward protruding ribs 320 of the housing 202 are inserted through channels 106 of the base member 102, but prior to rotation of the housing 202 relative to the base member 102. The right hand image shows the housing being rotated (e.g., counterclockwise) into a coupled state. In the coupled state, the outward protruding ribs 320 of the housing 202 are rotated into position below the flanges or lips 104 of the base member 102.

[0048]To facilitate rotation of the housing 202 about the base member 102, the housing 202 may include a planar or flat side or portion 111 that may be grasped by a wearer or secured with a housing fixation tool (not shown). In some embodiments, opposing sides of the housing 202 may include a flat side or portion 111 (see FIG. 3D). The flat side or portion 111 enables the wearer to more easily rotate the housing from the uncoupled position into the coupled position. The base member 102 may also include a correspondingly sized and shaped flat side or portion 105 that aligns with the flat side or portion 111 of the housing 202 when the housing is rotated into the coupled position.

[0049]To maintain the housing 202 in the coupled position, the base member 102 includes a housing engagement feature, such as a key or teeth 103 (hereinafter key 103) that are formed on the side of the base member 102. In some instances, the base member 102 includes a single key 103 positioned on one side of the base member 102, such as near lace ports for the tension member. Stated differently, the key 103 may be the only key 103 that the base member 102 includes that engages the housing 202. In other instances, the base member 102 may include multiple keys 103, such as a pair of keys that are positioned diametrically opposite one another. The key 103 may be positioned or formed on a cylindrical lip of the base member 102. The key 103 engages with correspondingly shaped teeth 205 that are formed on the side of the housing 202, typically near or adjacent the flat side 111. The teeth 205 and flat side 111 may be formed in a cylindrical lip or skirt that extends substantially around a periphery of the housing 202. Engagement of the key 103 and teeth 205 locks the housing 202 in position relative to the base member 102 and thereby fixedly attaches or couples the housing 202 to the base member 102.

[0050]The flat side or portion 111 is arranged on the housing 202 so that when the housing 202 is inserted within the base member 102, and prior to rotating the housing 202 into a coupled engagement with the base member 102, the key 103 is positioned radially outward of the planar or flat side 111. The planar or flat side 111 enables the housing 202 to be inserted within the base member 120 without the key 103 contacting the housing 202, which may not be easily achieved or possible if the housing 202 did not include the planar or flat side 111, such as when the housing 202 includes a skirt or lip that is cylindrical. Positioning the planar or flat side 111 of the housing 202 immediately adjacent to the teeth 204 enables the teeth 205 to be rotated into a coupled engagement with the key 103 of the base member 102 without the key 103 contacting the housing 202. Specifically, as the housing 202 is rotated into the coupled engagement with the base member 102, the key 103 slides or moves relative to the planar or flat side 111 and does not contact the housing 202 due to the planar or flat side 111. This may not be possible if the teeth 205 were formed in a circular or cylindrical lip or skirt of the housing 202 since the circular or cylindrical lip or skirt would contact the key 103.

[0051]The housing 202 may be detached from the base member 102 by counter rotating the housing 202 with the use of a tool, such as the housing fixation tool or using the knob 302 as described herein. In some embodiments, the key 103 may be accessed with the housing fixation tool, or another tool, to urge the key 103 away from the teeth 205 and thereby allow counter rotation of the housing 202 about the base member 102.

[0052]FIG. 8B illustrates that the knob 302 and housing 202 may be designed to allow the wearer to easily rotate the housing 202 into and/or out of engagement with the base member as previously described. To enable this rotation, the knob 302 includes one or more projections 304 as described herein. One of the projections, or each of the projections, includes upward facing teeth 304a that may be in the shape. The housing 202 may include an annular rib 209 as described herein. One or more portions of the annular rib 209 may include downward facing teeth 209a that are shaped and sized to correspond with the upward facing teeth 304a of the knob 302. As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the knob 302 may be pulled axially upward relative to the housing 202 so that the upward facing teeth 304a of the knob 302 engage the downward facing teeth 209a of the housing 202. With the upward facing teeth 304a and the downward facing teeth 209a engaged, the knob 302 may be rotated, which causes the housing 202 to rotate in a similar manner and direction. The housing 202 may be rotated into the coupled and/or uncoupled position as described herein.

[0053]As illustrated in FIGS. 2-2A, a base plate or base 120 (hereinafter base plate 120) is positionable between the base member 102 and the housing 202. The base plate 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 base plate 120 is positionable within an interior region of the base member 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the shape and size of the base plate 120 corresponds with the shape and size of the bottom end of the housing 202. Specifically, the bottom end of the base plate 120 is roughly cylindrical in shape and is sized so that an upper portion of the base plate 120 is insertable within a circular opening of the bottom end of the housing 202. To attach the base plate 120 to the housing 202, the base plate 120 includes upward extending tabs 126 that snap into corresponding slots 326 that are formed in a cylindrical wall of a lower end of the housing 202. The upward extending tabs 126 include a radially outward extending nub that snaps or clips into a corresponding slot 326, which fastens the base plate 120 to the housing 202. The upward extending tabs 126 are designed to flex radially inward toward a center of the base plate 120 after the base plate 120 and housing 202 are coaxially aligned and the upper end of the base plate 120 is inserted within the lower end of the housing 202.

[0054]A bottom end of the housing 202 includes one or more recesses or windows 324 (hereinafter window(s) 324) within which the outward extending nubs of the tabs 126 are positioned prior to inserting the outward extending nubs into the slots 326 of the housing 202. The window(s) 324 extend a distance circumferentially around the bottom end of the housing 202 that corresponds to a length of one or more slots 326. For example, in FIG. 3C, a length of the window 324 corresponds to, or is slightly larger than, the length of two of the slots 326. This enables the outward extending nubs to be fully positioned within the window 324 prior to insertion into the slot 326. An uppermost end of the base plate 120 is positioned within the lower most portion of the housing 202 when the outward extending nubs are positioned within the windows 324.

[0055]Positioning the outward extending nubs of the tabs 126 within the windows 324 so that the upper most end of the base plate 120 is positioned within the lower most portion of the housing 202 allows the planetary gears 142 positioned atop the spool 130 to engage with the ring gear 208 prior to full insertion of the base plate 120 within the housing 202. This facilitates assembly of the base plate 120, spool 130, gear mechanism (140, 142), and other components with the housing 202.

[0056]The base plate 120 also includes a lower lip or ledge 128 that is configured to engage a lower most edge or lip 328 of the housing 202. In some embodiments, opposing sides of the base plate 120 may include a lower lip or ledge 128 as illustrated in FIG. 3D. In such embodiments, one of the lips or ledges 128 may be smaller than the other lip or ledge 128. Engagement of the lip or ledge 128 with a corresponding edge or lip 328 of the housing 202 prevents external forces from pressing the base plate 120 farther into the housing 202, which maintains an overall height of the closure device 100. Stated differently, as external axial forces are imparted on the base plate 120, the lip or ledge 128 is forced upward into contact with the edge or lip 328 of the housing 202. Engagement of these two components prevents further movement of the base plate 120 relative to the housing 202.

[0057]FIGS. 3E-F illustrate windows or ports, 330 and 332, that are formed into the lower most portion of the housing 202 on opposing sides of the housing 202. The windows or ports, 330 and 332, allow the tension member to enter an interior of the housing 202 from the exterior so that the tension member may access the spool 130 for tensioning as described herein. In some embodiments, the size of the windows or ports, 330 and 332, may vary on the opposing sides. Specifically, a first window 330 may have a circumferential length that is substantially smaller than a second window 332 positioned on the opposite side of the housing 202. The circumferential length of the first window 330 may be half the length of the circumferential length of the second window 332. A width or height of the windows or ports, 330 and 332, may be roughly the same.

[0058]The different sized windows or ports, 330 and 332, enables the housing 202 to be used with multiple different base member 102. For example, in some embodiments, the base member 102 may have lace ports that are positioned on opposing sides of the base member 102 (e.g., see FIG. 2). In such embodiments, the tension member may be routed through the two windows or ports, 330 and 332, positioned on opposing sides of the housing 202. In other embodiments, the base member 102 may have lace ports that are positioned on the same side of the base member 102 (e.g., see FIG. 16). In such embodiments, two portions of the tension member may be routed through the second window 332, which is larger in size. Thus, the same housing 202 may be used with a variety of differently configured base members.

[0059]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 is configured to rotate within the interior of the housing 202 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with minimal frictional engagement between the two components. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-C, in some embodiments, a bottom end of the spool 130 includes or defines a cylindrical recess within which an automatic winding mechanism is positioned. The cylindrical recess is defined by an annular wall 210 that extends nearly fully around a circumference of the bottom end of the spool 130. In some embodiments, the annular wall 210 may extend fully around the circumference of the spool 130, however, the annular wall 210 typically extends so that a gap is formed between opposing ends of the annular wall 210. A coupling wall or protrusion 104 (hereinafter coupling wall 104) is positioned within the gap between the opposing ends of the annular wall 210. The coupling wall 104 is configured to attach or couple with an outer end 184 of a spiral spring 180. Specifically, the outer end 184 of the spiral spring 180 is positioned around the coupling wall 104 so that a distal most end of the spiral spring 180 engages with an interior surface of the annular wall 210. The annular wall 210 has a thickness that corresponds to the thickness of the spiral spring 180 or is slightly larger than the spiral spring's thickness, which enables the spiral spring 180 to be positioned within the cylindrical recess on the bottom of the spool 130.

[0060]The bottom end of the spool 130 is insertable within a recess of the base plate 120. When the bottom end of the spool 130 is inserted within the recess of the base plate 120, the spiral spring 180 is contained or confined between the base plate 120 and spool 130. An inner end 182 of the spiral spring 180 is attachable to fixation boss 124 that extends upward from an axial center of the base plate 120. The fixation boss 124 may include one or more hooked ends that engage a corresponding hooked portion or end of the spiral spring's inner end 182. In this manner, the inner end 182 of the spiral spring 180 is constrained in position about the base plate 120 while the outer end 184 of the spiral spring 180 is able to rotate with the spool 130 and relative to the base plate 120. In this manner, the spiral spring may be wound or unwound as the spool 130 is rotated and the tension member is tensioned or loosened. Particularly, the spiral spring 180 may be wound into a tensioned state as the tension member is loosened, such as by the wearer pulling the tension member out of the closure device to remove their foot from a boot. The tensioned state of the spiral spring 180 exerts or effects a winding force to be exerted on the spool 130, which causes an automatic winding of the tension member about the spool 130 as the wearer releases the tension member. The automatic winding of the tension member may be achieved until an appreciable tension force is exerted on the tension member, after which the knob 302 may be used to further tension the tension member. Additional details of an automatic winding mechanism are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,261, entitled “Reel Based Closure System,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0061]Referring to FIGS. 10A-B, the base plate 120 and housing 202 are designed to minimize friction between these components and the spool 130 as the spool is rotated in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. To minimize friction, the base plate 120 includes ribs 122 that contact the annular wall 210. The ribs are formed of radially inward extending points or protrusions that are positioned between valleys or depressions. The points or protrusions and valleys or depressions are formed in a wavelike pattern. The ribs 122 may extend fully around an inner circumference of the base plate 120 or may be formed on one or more sections or the base plate 120. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 120 includes four rib portions or sections that are spaced equidistant from one another. Each rib section includes three ribs 122, although more or fewer ribs and rib sections may be employed as desired or required. The ribs 122 of the rib sections contact the annular wall, which reduces frictional engagement between the annular wall 210 and base plate 120. To further reduce friction, the ribs 122 and/or annular wall 210 may be made from, or coated with, a low friction material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, teflon, and the like.

[0062]As illustrated in FIG. 10B, an upper flange 131 of the spool 130 is similarly designed to contact a lower portion of the teeth of the ring gear 208. As described herein, the teeth of the ring gear 208 are longer than the teeth of the planetary gears 142, which helps ensure that the planetary gears 142 and ring gear 208 remain engaged even when the spool 130 rotates slightly within the interior of the housing 202. The diameter of the upper flange 131 of the spool 130 is sized slightly smaller than the diameter of the ring gear 208 so that the upper flange 131 is able to be positioned within the ring gear 131. The extended length of the ring gear 131 enables the upper flange 131 to be positioned within the ring gear 208 even when the planetary gears 142 are engaged with the ring gear 208. The teeth of the ring gear 208 function as ribs that minimize frictional engagement of the spool 130 and housing 202, similar to the ribs 122 of the base plate 120. Positioning of the upper flange 131 within the ring gear 208 also ensures that the planetary gears 142 remain engaged with the ring gear 208 even when the spool 130 is slightly rotated within the housing 202.

[0063]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). In some embodiments, 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. In other embodiments, the tension member may wind about the central channel 133 in multiple stacks or windings.

[0064]A boss 234 extends axially downward from the bottom surface of a knob or dial core 230 (hereinafter dial core 230). When the closure device 100 is assembled, the boss 234 protrudes axially downward through a central opening 156 of the drive component 150. The dial core 230 is constructed so that the boss 234 extends downward from a recess 241 in the center of the dial core 230. The formation of the recess 241 results in an upper surface of the dial core 230 having or forming a protrusion 239, which is typically cylindrical in shape. The formation of the recess 241 in the dial core 230 from which the boss 234 extends, or the use of a separate boss 260, allows a length of the boss 234 to be substantially shorter than a similarly constructed boss that would extend downward from a bottom surface of the dial core 230. Specifically, positioning the boss 234 within the recess 241 allows the boss 234 to flex or spring radially inward and outward due to a longer arm or finger length of the bass 234. An upper end of each arm or finger of the boss 234 may be radiused or curved from the protrusion to minimize stress and/or increase the flexibility of the boss 234.

[0065]As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the boss 234 includes a pair of fingers that are separated by a gap. The boss 234, 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. 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.

[0066]FIG. 4E illustrates an alternative dial core 230b that may be used in place of the dial core 230 in any of the embodiments described herein. The alternative dial core 230b may be beneficial to use because it is designed so that the boss 260 is a separate piece or component from the dial core 230b, which allows the dial core 230b and boss 260 to be made from different materials. For example, the dial core 230b may be made from a durable material that is able to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement of the teeth 232 while the boss 260 is made from a material that is designed for repeated elastic loading.

[0067]The alternative dial core 230b differs mainly or only in the separation of the boss 260 and thus, the other features of the alternative dial core 230b are the same as the dial core described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numerals are used in identifying similar features of the two dial cores and the description provided herein is equally applicable to both components. For brevity, the description of those features is omitted in describing the alternative dial core 230b (hereinafter dial core 230b). The dial core 230b includes a plurality of circumferentially shaped walls 239b that extend upward from an upper surface of the dial core 230b. The walls 239b surround a central opening or thru hole 241b within which the boss 260 is inserted. The boss 260 extends axially downward from the bottom surface of the dial core 230b when inserted through the opening 241b. The boss 260 engages the drive component 150 and functions as described herein.

[0068]The boss 260 includes a cap 262 positioned on an upper end of the boss 260 and a pair of fingers 268 that extend axially downward from the cap 262. The pair of fingers 268 are separated by a gap, similar to the boss 234 of the other dial core 230. The pair of fingers 268 function to enable the dial core 230b to be moved axially upward and downward relative to the housing 202 as described herein to enable the tension member to be fully loosened. The pair of fingers 268 flex or spring radially inward and outward and may have a radiused or curved upper end to minimize stress and/or increase the flexibility of the pair of fingers 268. The cap 262 includes at least one opening 264 and often multiple openings 264, such as the pair of openings 264 illustrated in FIG. 4E. The openings 264 are sized, shaped, and positioned about the cap 262 so that the walls 239b are insertable into the openings 264. When the walls 239b are inserted into the openings 264, the cap 262 and walls 239b may have an appearance similar to the cylindrical projection 239 of the other dial core 230. To achieve the cylindrical appearance, an outer diameter of the cap 262 is typically equivalent to an outer diameter defined by the walls 239b. A height of the cap 262 is also typically equivalent to the height of the walls 239b.

[0069]Inner surfaces of the cap 262 adjacent the opening 264 include fixation features or members 266 (hereinafter fixation members 266), such as triangular or prism shaped projections. The fixation members 266 are designed so that as the walls 239b are inserted into the openings 264, the fixation members 266 plastically deform, thereby causing or inducing an interference fit between the dial core 230b and the boss 260. In this manner, the boss 260 is fixedly secured or attached to the dial core 230b. The attachment of the boss 260 and dial core 230b may be such that after attachment, the dial core 230b and boss 260 function and appear essentially the same as the other dial core 230.

[0070]In some embodiments, a reinforcement spring 270 is coupled with the boss 260 to reinforce the pair of arms 268. Specifically, the reinforcement spring 270 is inserted within the slot or gap 243 that separates the pair of fingers 268. The reinforcement spring 270 typically includes one or more thru holes, or other features, that enable the reinforcement spring 270 to be fixed in position about the pair of fingers 268. The reinforcement spring 270 is configured to bias the pair of fingers 268 radially outward to support and maintain the dial core 230b in the axially upward or downward position relative to the housing 202 as described herein.

[0071]As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-B, the boss 234 is designed to cooperate with the drive component 150 to support and maintain the dial core 230 in either the engaged position or the disengaged position. Specifically, the bottom end of the boss 234 supports and maintains the dial core 230 and/or knob 302 in the engaged and disengaged positions via an annular projection or member 235. 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.

[0072]The annular projection 235 has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of a central opening 156 of the drive component 150, which causes the annular projection 235 to interfere with and impede upward and downward movement of the dial core 230 relative to the drive component 150. Specifically, the annular projection 235 is designed to move above and below the central opening 156 of the drive component 150 to maintain the dial core 230 in the disengaged or engaged position. The size and shape of the central opening 156 of the drive component 150 interferes with and impedes this upward and downward movement of the annular projection 235. While the size and shape of the central opening 156 impedes axial movement of the annular projection 256 and dial core 230, the central opening 156 does not prevent axial movement of the annular projection 256 and dial core 230 due to the ability of the boss's fingers to displace or flex radially inward.

[0073]Specifically, as the annular projection 235 is moved axially about the central opening 156, the pair of fingers of the boss 234 flex inward toward one another, which allows the annular projection 235 of the boss 234 to be moved axially upward or downward about the drive component 150 and central opening 156. After the dial core 230 is moved axially upward or downward, the pair of fingers of the boss 234 resiliently flex outward to resume an un-deflected configuration above or below the central opening 156 of the drive component 150. The position of the boss's annular projection 235 above or below the central opening 156 supports and maintains the dial core 230 and/or knob 302 in either the engaged or disengaged position. As illustrated in FIG. 4D, in some embodiments the slot or gap 243 that separates the fingers of the boss 234 extends through the projection 239 to the upper surface of the dial core 230. Stated differently, the slot or gap 243 extends from a distal end of the fingers and entirely through the projection 239. Extension of the slot or gap 243 in this manner lowers the stress that is induced on the fingers as they are flexed repeatedly due to axial movement of the dial core. In addition, the slot or gap 243 through the protrusion 239 could have a width W1 that is wider or greater than a width W2 of the fingers. The greater width W1 of slot or gap 243 reduces the stress or load that is applied to the fingers of the boss 234. In some instances, the width W1 of the slot or gap 243 may be 10% to 50% larger than the width W2 of boss 243, although the width W1 of the slot or gap 243 is more commonly 15% to 40% greater or 20% to 35% greater.

[0074]Referring to FIG. 3A, 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 Ser. No. 14/991,788, filed Jan. 8, 2016, entitled “Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods,”the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0075]The housing 202 includes an annular ring or lip 206 that is disposed on an inner wall (see also FIG. 6C). 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 base plate 120, spool 130, gear mechanism (140, 142), and a lower flange of the 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, pawl disc 250, and an upper portion of the drive component 150. The annular ring 206 blocks or impedes these components from moving into the other half of the housing 202.

[0076]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. In some instances, the planetary gears 142 may be referred to as an engagement member that engages with a plurality of teeth operably coupled with the housing. In such embodiments, the plurality of teeth that are operably coupled with the housing may be the ring gear 208. In other instances, the term “engagement member” may refer to a pawl beam that includes one or more teeth as described herein. In such instances, the plurality of teeth that are operably coupled with the housing may be housing teeth or other teeth that the pawl engages with. For ease in describing the embodiment, the term planetary gears 142 will be used herein.

[0077]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 FIG. 7A, a cylindrical boss 136 extends upward from the upper flange 131 of the spool 130. The cylindrical boss 136 has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the sun gear 140. The cylindrical boss 136 functions as a hub for the sun gear 140, which promotes good gear meshing and alignment. The sun gear 140 is able to rotate about the cylindrical boss 136. 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 (see FIG. 3B). The spline teeth 154 extend axially downward from an annular ring that is formed or positioned within the drive component 150.

[0078]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.

[0079]As described herein, the ring gear teeth 208 are longer than the teeth of the planetary gears 142. The use of the extended ring gear teeth 208 reinforce the distal or bottom ends of the teeth 208, which allows the spool 130 to tilt under load without the planetary gears 142 losing contact with the ring gear teeth 208. The use of extended ring gear teeth 208 minimizes or eliminates bending moment and shear forces that may cause the bottom end of the ring gear teeth to break, shear, and/or deform. Stated differently, the extended ring gear teeth 208 may eliminate or reduce the bending moment that is induced on the teeth by the planetary gears 142 and thereby minimize or prevent problems associated therewith. In some embodiments, the ring gear teeth 208 may be between 30% and 60% longer than any one of, or all of, the teeth of the planetary gears 142. In other embodiments, the ring gear teeth 208 may be between 35% and 55% longer than any one of, or all of, the teeth of the planetary gears 142 or may be between 40% and 50% longer than any one or all of the teeth of the planetary gears 142. In a specific embodiment, the ring gear teeth 208 may be between 4.50 mm and 5.00 mm while the planetary gear is between 3.10 mm and 3.60 mm.

[0080]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.

[0081]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.

[0082]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.

[0083]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.

[0084]The drive component 150 is positioned below the housing's 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.

[0085]As illustrated in FIG. 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.

[0086]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 FIG. 4B. As shown in the image, 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.

[0087]As illustrated in 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. 6A.

[0088]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 FIG. 4B. 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 FIG. 4B 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.

[0089]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.

[0090]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.

[0091]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.

[0092]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.

[0093]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 (see FIG. 8B) that are configured to couple with corresponding edges or lips 238 (see FIG. 2) 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. 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 wearer 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.

[0094]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. 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. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, in one embodiment, the knob 302 includes three tabs 310 and the dial core 230 includes three edges 238, although more or fewer tabs 310 and edges 238 may be employed as desired.

[0095]As illustrated in FIG. 11A, 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. The function of the one or more pawls 240, pawl disc 250, and knob 302 in controlling the rotation of the spool 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 11A-B. 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.

[0096]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. More commonly, the one or more pawls are connected to or integrally formed with the pawl disc 250.

[0097]The pawl disc 250 is coupled with the dial core 230 by coaxially aligning a thru hole of the pawl disc 250 with the dial core's protrusion 239 and inserting the pawl disc 250 onto or over the protrusion 239. In some embodiments, the pawl disc 250 may be integrated with the dial core 230. The pawl disc 250 is configured to bias the one or more pawls 240 outward as described herein. In some embodiments, 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 is typically made of a material that is suited for supporting and reinforcing the pawl disc 250 and one or more pawls 240.

[0098]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. A distal end of each arm 252 is integrally formed with the proximal end 244 of each pawl 240 or is otherwise coupled thereto. 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. Each arm 252 includes a nub 259 that contacts and engages a support 258 that is formed in the top surface of the dial core 230. Engagement of the nub 259 and support 258 reinforces the arm 252 and prevents unwanted movement of the arm 252 atop the dial core 230. The reinforcement of the arm 252 also functions to provide a greater bias strength of the arm 252 to each of the pawls 240.

[0099]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. 11A). 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.

[0100]FIG. 12D illustrates an alternative pawl disc 250a that may be used in place of the pawl disc 250 in any of the embodiments described herein. The alternative pawl disc 250a (hereinafter pawl disc 250a) may be beneficial to use because it is designed to stabilize the knob 302 and thereby eliminate undesired pivoting or movement of the knob 302 and possible rattling of the knob 302. The pawl disc 250a differs mainly or only in the inclusion of stabilizers and thus, the other features of the pawl disc 250a are the same as the pawl disc 250 described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numerals are used in identifying similar features of the two pawl discs and the description provided herein is equally applicable to both components. For brevity, the description of those features is omitted in describing the pawl disc 250a.

[0101]The pawl disc 250a includes one or more arms 252 that extends outward from a main body of the pawl disc 250a. The distal end of each arm 252 is integrally formed with the proximal end 244 of each pawl 240 or is otherwise coupled thereto. The arms 252 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.

[0102]Engagement of the pawl or pawls 240 with the teeth enables rotation of the spool 130 in the tightening direction while restricting rotation of the spool 130 in the loosening direction. The pawl disc 250a also includes a stabilizer 257 that is configured to engage the knob 302 to stabilize a position of the knob 302 relative to the pawl disc 250a. In a specific embodiment, the stabilizer 257 is a stabilizing arm (hereinafter stabilizing arm 257) that extends outward from at least one of the arm 252. More commonly, each of the arms 252 includes a stabilizing arm 257 that extends outward from the respective arm 252. In other embodiments, the stabilizer may be a nub, protrusion, boss, or other feature that engages the knob 302.

[0103]The stabilizing arm 257 is typically integrally formed with the arm 252, such as via injection molding and the like. The stabilizing arms 257 are positioned radially inward of the pawls 240 and may extend from the arms 252 in the same direction as the pawls 240 as illustrated in FIG. 12D. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the pawl disc 250a includes an equal number of pawls 240 and stabilizing arms 257, and more specifically includes three pawls 240 and three stabilizing arms 257. The pawls 240 and stabilizing arms 257 are positioned equidistant around the pawl disc 250a. The stabilizing arm 257 may have a thicker proximal end that is attached to the arms 252 and may taper in thickness toward the distal end. The pawl disc 250a may also include a nub 259 that is positioned on the arm 252 and radially inward of the stabilizing arm 257.

[0104]FIG. 12E illustrates the pawl disc 250a coupled with the knob 302. More specifically, FIG. 12E illustrates the stabilizing arms 257 engaging the knob 302 in a manner that provides a stabilizing force to the knob 302. The knob 302 includes a nub or protrusion 315 (hereinafter nub 315) that is shaped, sized, and positioned so that the nub 315 contacts the stabilizing arm 257 when the pawl disc 250a is coupled with the knob 302. The nub 315 is has a polygon shape such as the pentagon shape shown in FIG. 12E. Regardless of the shape, the nub 315 is designed so that a flat or planar surface contacts the stabilizing arm 257, which allows the stabilizing arm 257 to slide or move along the flat of planar surface of the nub 315 as the knob 302 is rotated relative to the pawl disc 250a. The contact point of the nub 315 and stabilizing arm 257 is typically not a pointed surface in order to minimize friction and wear between the components.

[0105]The stabilizing arm 257 is designed so that it provides an outwardly directed force on the nub 315 regardless of the relative position of the pawl disc 250a and knob 302. The constant outwardly directed force stabilizes a positional relationship of the pawl disc 250a and knob 302. Stated differently, the knob 302 is not able to move or pivot relative to the pawl disc 250a about a central axis. Rather, the constant outwardly directed force of the stabilizing arm 257 constrains the relative movement of the knob 302 about the pawl disc 250a to a rotation about the central axis. This stabilization and movement constraint is enhanced when the pawl disc 250a includes a plurality of equidistant spaced stabilizing arms 257 and when the knob includes a corresponding number of nubs 315 as illustrated in FIG. 12E. Because the pawl disc 250a is fixedly secured to the dial core, 230 or 230a, which is in turn secured to the other components of the closure device 100 as described herein, the coupling of the knob 302 and pawl disc 250a via the stabilizing arm 257 fixedly secures the knob 302 to the closure device 100. Thus, the knob 302 is unable to move or pivot, or substantially impeded from moving or pivoting, about a central axis of the closure device 100. Rather, the knob is significantly constrained to a rotation about the central axis of the closure device 100. This constraint eliminates or substantially minimizes rattling of the closure device 100 as the knob 302 is unable to pivot or move in a manner that contacts components of the closure device 100 and thereby causes an annoying or distracting noise. The stabilizing arm 257 may constrain movement of the knob 302 in the manner described when the knob is in an axially raised position and in an axially lowered position. The knob 302 may or may not include the tabs 314 based on the desired performance of the closure device 100.

[0106]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. 11A). 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.

[0107]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.

[0108]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. 11B, when the knob 302 is rotated in the tightening direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 11A), 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 radially 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.

[0109]As illustrated in FIG. 11C, 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. 11A), 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 teeth 242 of the 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.

[0110]As the dial core 230 rotates in the loosening direction, each tab 310 disengages a corresponding pawl 240 and the pawl 240 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 teeth 242 of 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.

[0111]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.

[0112]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.

[0113]In the illustrated embodiment, the closure device 100 may include three pawls 240, three tabs 310, and three arms 252. This configuration may be ideal for generating sufficient torque and tension loads for the intended application, such as in snowboard or work boots. In other embodiments, more or fewer components may be employed based on a particular application or need, or based on a desired torque output.

[0114]Referring to FIG. 5B, in some embodiments it may be preferable to restring or prevent the incremental engagement and disengagement of the pawls 240 and tabs 310. In such embodiments, the closure device 100 would be limited to a full release feature only. To prevent the incremental engagement and disengagement of the pawls 240 and tabs 310, the knob 302 may include an additional set of tabs or protrusions 314 (hereinafter tabs 314). The tabs 314 may be positioned radially inward of the tabs 310 that engage the pawls 240. The tabs 314 may be evenly spaced circumferentially around an inner surface of the dial. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the tabs 314 are positioned on an opposite side of the drive boss 236 from the tabs 310. The tabs 314 may also be positioned immediately adjacent to the nub 259 of the arm 252 and support 258 of the dial core 230. The tabs 314 may be roughly rectangular in shape and sized similar to the tabs 310.

[0115]The use of the tabs 314 to prevent incremental engagement and disengagement of the pawls 240 and tabs 310 is illustrated in FIGS. 12B-C. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, when the knob 302 is rotated in the tightening direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 12B), the tabs 310 rotate into contact with the drive boss 236 as described herein. The tabs 314 also rotate in the clockwise direction along with the dial core 230, tabs 310, and other components of the closure device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 12C, when the knob 302 is rotated in the loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 12C), the tabs 314 rotate into contact with and engage the drive boss 236. Engagement of the tabs 314 and drive boss 236 prevents further rotation of the knob 302 and specifically prevents the tabs 310 from rotating into engagement with the pawls 240 as described herein. Because the tabs 310 are prevented from engaging the pawls 240, the tabs 310 are unable to “sweep” the pawls out of position and thus, the closure device 100 is unable to achieve an incremental loosening of the tension member.

[0116]Referring now to FIGS. 13A-C, illustrated is an embodiment of the knob 302 and a detachable cap 340 that may be coupled with the knob 302. The detachable cap 340 allows for various designs to be used with the knob 302. The detachable cap 340 includes a central plug or boss 344 (hereinafter plug 344) that is designed to be snapped through a thru hole 348 positioned on an upper surface of the knob 302. The thru hole 348 and plug 344 are centrally positioned about an axis of the knob 302 and detachable cap 340. The plug 344 is sized slightly larger than the thru hole 348 so that when the plug 344 is snapped through the thru hole 348, the larger plug 344 impedes or restricts retraction of the plug 344 through the thru hole 348. The plug 344 may have an annular channel or recess within which the sides of the thru hole 348 are positioned when the components are coupled together. In some embodiments, the thru hole 328 may have a square shape while the plug 344 has a cylindrical shape. The mismatched shape of the plug 344 and thru hole 348 further increases the engagement of the plug 344 and thru hole 348 and thereby impedes retraction of the plug 344 after the detachable cap 340 is coupled with the knob 302. The plug 344 may be positioned within a cylindrical recess in the detachable cap 340. In such embodiments, the thru hole 348 may be formed in a protrusion that is positioned within a recessed area on the to surface of the knob 302. The cylindrical recess of the detachable cap 340 may provide an area for the top of the thru hole's protrusion to rest or be positioned within when the detachable cap 340 is coupled with the knob 302.

[0117]The detachable cap 340 also includes a plurality of lips 342 that are configured to be positioned within corresponding recesses 346 of the knob 302. Each of the lips 342 includes a channel (not shown) that snaps over an edge of a corresponding recess 346. In some embodiments, the lips 342 are arranged so that the channel is outward facing, which means that the channel is open to an exterior side of the detachable cap 340. In other embodiments, the channel may be inward facing, meaning that the channel faces the axis of the detachable cap 340. The edge of each recess 346 may similarly be constructed so that edge is slightly thinner in the area that the lip 342 attaches with. The thinner edge portion may be formed on an exterior of the recess 346 or on an interior depending on which direction the channel of the lip 342 faces. The lips 342 are equally spaced circumferentially around the detachable cap 340 and are typically positioned near an exterior edge of the detachable cap 340. In some embodiments, the detachable cap 340 may have an annular recess immediately adjacent to the lips 342. The annular recess may increase the size of the channel of the lips 342.

[0118]As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the upper surface of the knob 302 may be axially offset from a top most portion of the knob 302. Stated differently, the upper surface of the knob 302 may be axially lower or retracted from a top most portion of the knob 302. Recessing the upper surface of the knob 302 in this manner allows the edges of the detachable cap 340 to be relatively flush with the top most portion of the knob 302 when the detachable cap 340 is coupled with the knob 302.

[0119]Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative dial core 230a is illustrated. The alternative dial core 230a is substantially the same as the dial core 230 previously described and thus, the description of the dial core 230 is equally applicable to the alternative dial core 230a, but is omitted for brevity purposes. The alternative dial core 230a differs from the previously described dial core in that the pawl disc 250 and pawls 240 are integrally formed with the alternative dial core 230a so that these components form a single component or piece. Specifically, the alternative dial core 230a includes a pawl 240a that is formed on the exterior edge of the alternative dial core 230a. The pawl 240a includes one or more teeth and an arm that biases the one or more teeth radially outward as previously described. In some embodiments, a distal end of the pawl 240a may include a tab 245 that is configured for coupling with an edge of the alternative dial core 230a, which may be useful during assembly of the closure device 100. The alternative dial core 230a may reduce a part count of the closure device 100 and may be used in place of the previously described dial core 230.

[0120]FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative drive component 150a that is substantially similar to the previously described drive component 150. Thus, for brevity a full description of the alternative dial core 230a is omitted, although the description of the drive component 150 and clutch plate 220 provided herein is equally applicable to the alternative dial core 230a. The alternative dial core 230a is a combination of the dial core 230 and clutch plate 220 described herein. In the alternative dial core 230a, these components have been integrated into a single component. Unlike the previously described dial core 230 and clutch plate 220, the clutch plate portion 220a of the alternative dial core 230a is not able to axially separate from the dial core portion due to the components being integrally formed into a single component or piece. In addition, the clutch plate portion 220a may have a slightly smaller diameter to allow the clutch plate portion 220a to be inserted through the housing's annular ring 206. The alternative drive component 150a may be used in the closure device 100 as a replacement for the dial core 230 and clutch plate 220 to reduce part count. The alternative drive component 150a may be ideal for closure devices that only offer a full release option.

[0121]FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative base member 102a that may be used in the closure device 100 in place of the previously described base member 102. The alternative base member 102a is substantially similar to the previously described base member 102 and thus, for brevity a full description of the alternative base member 102a is omitted, although the description of the base member 102 provided herein is equally applicable to the alternative base member 102a. The alternative base member 102a differs from the previously described base member 202 mainly in the position of the lace ports 207 for the tension member. In the alternative base member 102a, the lace ports 207 are both positioned on the same side of the base member's body, whereas in the previously described base member 102, the lace ports are positioned on opposing sides of the base member's body. The alternative base member 102a may be ideal for use in situations where the tension member is intended to be routed from the closure device 100 in a more parallel manner, such as when the closure device is positioned on a side of a snowboard or work boot. In comparison, the previously described base member 102 may be ideal for use in situations where the tension member is intended to be routed from opposing sides of the closure device 100, such as when the closure device 100 is positioned on the tongue of a snowboard or work boot.

[0122]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.

[0123]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.

[0124]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.

[0125]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.

[0126]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.

[0127]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.