Patent Publication Number: US-10772384-B2

Title: System and methods for minimizing dynamic lace movement

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/622,719 filed Jan. 26, 2018, entitled “System and Methods for Minimizing Dynamic Lace Movement;” Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/534,105 filed Jul. 18, 2017, entitled “Alternative Boot Closure System;” and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/562,161 filed Sep. 22, 2017, entitled “Variable Footwear Configurations.” The entire disclosure of all of the aforementioned Provisional U.S. Patent Applications are hereby incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is related to reel based closure devices for various articles, such as braces, medical devices, shoes, clothing, apparel, and the like. Such articles typically include some closure system, which allows the article to be placed about a body part and closed or tightened about the body part. The closure systems are typically used to maintain or secure the article about the body part. For example, shoes are typically placed over an individual&#39;s foot and a shoelace is tensioned and tied to close and secure the shoe about the foot. Conventional closure systems have been modified in an effort to increase the fit and/or comfort of the article about the body part. For example, shoe lacing configurations and/or patterns have been modified in an attempt to increase the fit and/or comfort of wearing shoes. Conventional closure systems have also been modified in an effort to decrease the time in which an article may be closed and secured about the body part. These modifications have resulted in the use of various pull cords, straps, and tensioning devices that enable the article to be quickly closed and secured to the foot. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments herein describe reel based closure devices that may be used with an article, such as footwear, to close and tighten the article, such as tightening the footwear about a user&#39;s foot. In some of the embodiments described herein, the reel based closure device, and/or another component of a lacing system, may be configured to minimize dynamic movement of a tension member or lace within the system. According to one aspect, a reel based closure device includes a housing component, a spool, and a tightening component. The housing component includes a bottom member that has a channel that is defined in a bottom surface of the bottom member. the housing component also includes a cylindrical wall that extends upward from the bottom member to define an interior region of the housing component. The spool is rotatably positioned within the interior region of the housing component. The spool is configured so that a tension member is windable about the spool. The tightening component is rotatably coupled with the housing component and is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind the tension member about the spool. The channel of the bottom member is configured so that the tension member is routed from the housing component and through the channel and so that tension member crosses itself within the channel. 
     The reel based closure device may also include a base component that is releasably coupleable with the bottom member of the housing component to attach the reel based closure device with an article. The base component may include an aperture that is aligned with the channel of the bottom member when the housing component is coupled with the base component. The aperture may enable the tension member to be routed from the housing component to the channel of the bottom member. The channel of the bottom member may be a U-shaped channel and the U-shaped channel may extend from a first side of the bottom member to a second side of the bottom member. Opposing sides of the U-shaped channel have an arcuate or curved shape. The channel may be configured so that at the crossing of the tension member, the tension member is compressed between a surface of the channel and a material of an article that the reel based closure is coupled with. The channel may be made of a material that frictionally engages with the tension member. 
     According to another aspect, a reel based closure device includes a housing component, a spool, and a tightening component. The housing component has an interior region within which one or more components of the reel based closure device are positioned, such as the spool. The spool is rotatably positioned within the interior region of the housing component and is configured so that a tension member is windable about the spool. The tightening component is rotatably coupled with the housing component and is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind the tension member about the spool. The housing component is configured so that the tension member is routed from the housing component axially below the housing component&#39;s interior region to a lace path of the tension member. 
     In one embodiment, the housing component includes a channel through which the tension member is inserted to route the tension member axially below the housing component&#39;s interior region. The channel may be defined or formed on a bottom surface of the housing component. In some embodiments, the channel is a U-shaped channel that is defined or formed on the bottom surface of the housing component. The U-shaped channel may extend from a first side of the housing component to a second side of the housing component. Opposing sides of the U-shaped channel may have an arcuate or curved shape. The reel based closure device may further include a base component that is releasably coupleable with the housing component to attach the reel based closure device with an article. The base component typically includes an aperture that is aligned with the channel of the housing component so that when the housing component is coupled with the base component, the tension member is insertable through the base component&#39;s aperture to the channel of the housing component. 
     According to another aspect, a method of assembling a reel based closure device includes providing a housing component that includes a bottom member and an exterior wall that extends upward from the bottom member to define an interior region of the housing component. The bottom member includes a channel that is defined or formed on or within a bottom surface of the bottom member. The channel is configured so that a tension member is positionable within the channel to route the tension member axially below the interior region of the housing component. The method also includes inserting a spool within the interior region of the housing component and coupling a tightening component with the housing component. The spool is configured so that the tension member is windable about the spool and the tightening component is configured so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind the tension member about the spool. 
     In some embodiments, the method also includes attaching the reel based closure device to a shoe. The method may further include coupling the housing component with a base component that is attached to a shoe to releasably coupleable the housing component with the shoe. The base component may include an aperture that is aligned with the channel of the housing component when the housing component is coupled with the base component. In such instances, the method may also include inserting the tension member through the aperture of the base component and through the channel of the housing component. The channel may be a U-shaped channel that is defined or formed on or within the bottom surface of the housing component. The U-shaped channel may extend from a first side of the housing component to a second side of the housing component. Opposing sides of the U-shaped channel have an arcuate or curved shape. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures: 
         FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate an embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 3A-C  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 4A-B  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 9A-E  illustrate another embodiment of a lace guide configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in footwear. 
         FIGS. 10A-B  illustrate an embodiment of footwear that is configured to allow easy entry/exit for a user&#39;s foot. 
         FIGS. 11A-B  illustrate another embodiment of footwear that is configured to allow easy entry/exit for a user&#39;s foot. 
         FIGS. 12A-B  illustrate an embodiment of footwear that includes a lace path having a square or D-shaped configuration. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of footwear that is configured to allow easy entry/exit for a user&#39;s foot and that includes multiple tightening components. 
         FIGS. 14A-B  illustrate an embodiment of footwear in which a lace path is designed to ensure a more even or uniform tensioning and tightening of the footwear along an edge of a flap of the footwear. 
         FIGS. 15A-B  illustrate another embodiment of footwear in which a lace path is designed to ensure a more even or uniform tensioning and tightening of the footwear along an edge of a flap of the footwear. 
         FIGS. 16-17  illustrate footwear that is configured so that a tension or fit of the footwear about a user&#39;s foot may be quickly and easily adjusted. 
         FIGS. 18A-B  illustrate alternative means of coupling a strap with a side of a footwear. 
         FIGS. 19A-B  illustrate other alternative means of coupling a strap with a side of a footwear. 
         FIGS. 20A-C  illustrate an embodiment in which a reel based closure device is coupled with a plurality of straps so that operation of the reel based closure device simultaneously tensions each of the straps. 
         FIGS. 21A-B  illustrate an embodiment in which an adjustability of a footwear&#39;s fit is constrained to pre-designated or defined areas. 
         FIGS. 22A-B  illustrate an embodiment in which a separate tensioning panel or member is attached to footwear. 
         FIGS. 23A-C  illustrate an embodiment similar to  FIGS. 22A-B  except that a tensioning panel includes additional panel members. 
         FIGS. 24A-B  illustrate a tensioning panel similar to those of  FIGS. 22A-B  and  FIGS. 23A-C  except that the tensioning panel includes six separate and individual panel members. 
         FIGS. 25A-B  illustrate embodiments of straps that may be employed to visually indicate a level of tension that is imposed on the strap due to operation of a tensioning mechanism. 
         FIGS. 26A-C  illustrate an embodiment of a strap that is designed to distribute a force that is imposed on an article due to tensioning of a lace or tension member. 
         FIGS. 27A-C  illustrate an embodiment of footwear that is constructed so that the means of closing and tightening the footwear, via a reel based closure device, are built or manufactured into the footwear. 
         FIGS. 28A-B  illustrate another embodiment of footwear that is constructed so that the means of closing and tightening the footwear, via a reel based closure device, are built or manufactured into the footwear. 
         FIGS. 29A-C  illustrate an embodiment of footwear that is constructed so that the means of closing and tightening the footwear, via a reel based closure device, are built or manufactured into the footwear. 
         FIGS. 30A-B  illustrate a means of forming panels on footwear. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a method of assembling a reel based closure device. 
     
    
    
     In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     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. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein provide footwear configurations that may be employed to minimize the amount of “dynamic movement” of a lower friction lace or tension member about an article. The lower friction lace or tension member that is described herein is typically used in reel based closure devices or systems, but may also be used in other tensioning systems, such as pull-cord systems, automated or motorized closure systems, and the like. The lower friction lace or tension members of such systems may beneficially allow the article to be easily closed and/or tightened, but may easily slip or move after such tightening, which in some instances is not desired. 
     The term dynamic movement as used herein refers to the ability of the lace or tension member to shift and move between zones of the article. The lace or tension members is an elongate structure that is typically or cord, rope, wire, or other similar material that is capable of being tensioned, often to close and/or tighten the article. The disclosure herein focuses primarily on the configuration of “lace guides” or lace routing configurations that are able to minimize the dynamic movement of the lace or tension member (hereinafter tension member) about the article. A lace guide is a component that is positioned about the article and that is employed to direct or route the tension member about a path along the article. Common lace guides include eyelets, hooks, bosses, looped material segments, or other components about which the tension member may be positioned. In a particular embodiment, the lace guide may be a component that includes a channel within which the tension member is positioned. The lace guide may be formed of various plastic and/or metallic materials. The minimization of the dynamic movement in the system may be due to the introduction of additional lace guides that frictionally engage with the tension member to prevent movement of the tension member about the article. The position of the lace guides in the system may further increase the frictional engagement of the tension member with the lace guides, thereby reducing the ability of the tension member to move about the article. 
     The embodiments described herein that are directed to reducing dynamic lace movement are particularly useful in footwear (e.g., boots and shoes), and particularly in footwear that includes a high ankle or cuff. In footwear, the lower friction tension member may move between the ankle portion of the footwear and the toe portion of the footwear due to movement of the user&#39;s foot within the footwear. For example, walking or running in the footwear may cause the lower leg and ankle to press against the ankle portion of the footwear, which may increase the tension in tension member near the ankle. The increased tension in the tension member may cause the tension member to move or slide within the lace guides, which may cause the ankle portion of the footwear to open or widen and may simultaneously cause the toe portion to constrict about the user&#39;s toes. This dynamic movement of the tension member may be more pronounced when the footwear includes a high ankle or cuff because the high ankle or cuff is fit around the lower leg. The dynamic movement of the tension member may result in the user feeling like the footwear is not fully tightened or closed about the foot. 
     Other embodiments described herein provide alternative closure systems, mechanisms, and/or configurations for improving the fit and comfort of footwear, such as a boot. Specifically, the alternative closure systems/configurations improve the ease of entry into and/or exit from the footwear. For example, an individual may find it difficult to enter or exit a boot having a relatively tall ankle portion or a tight fitting collar. An alternative closure mechanism situated, for example, on the medial side of the boot can allow the collar of the boot to expand and provide for quick and easy entry or exit from the boot. The alternative closure systems/configurations also provide additional opportunities for adjusting the tightness or fit of at least one portion of footwear. For example, the alternative closure system can be affixed with specific lacing configurations that enable a user to adjust the tightness or comfort and fit of one or more specific regions of the footwear. 
     In some embodiments the alternative closure systems/configurations may enable the collar and/or ankle portion of the footwear to expand or open up. Expansion may be accomplished by use of an opening and a flap located on a side and/or a back of the footwear. For example, the medial side of a boot may have an opening and flap that overlaps the ankle portion. The opening and flap allow expansion of the ankle section, which may otherwise be constrictive and difficult to fit about a foot. The opening and flap may minimize the difficulty in donning the footwear by enabling the ankle portion to open up and expand. The alternative closure system may be positioned about the opening and flap to enable a user to quickly and conveniently close and secure the footwear about a user&#39;s foot. 
     In one embodiment, the alternative closure system may be a reel based system for tightening a lace or tension member that is routed or guided about a lace path that spans at least a portion of the opening of the footwear. The lace path may include a bottom end that is positioned near a sole of the footwear, a top end that is positioned opposite the bottom end, and a mid-portion that is roughly equidistant from the top end and the bottom end. The reel based system includes a tensioning mechanism and a plurality of guide members that are coupled with the footwear. The reel based system also includes a lace or tension member that is operationally coupled with the tensioning mechanism and that is routed about the footwear along the lace path via a plurality of guide members. The lace includes a first portion and a second portion that may each be operationally coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that operation of the tensioning mechanism simultaneously tensions both the first portion and the second portion. In other embodiments, the first portion of the lace may be operationally coupled with the tensioning mechanism while the second portion of the lace is terminated or coupled with the footwear or another component. In such embodiment, operation of the tensioning mechanism only directly tensions the first portion of the lace and not the second portion of the lace. 
     Other embodiments described herein provide footwear configurations that may be quickly and easily varied to provide a desired fit about a user&#39;s foot. In particular, the position and/or orientation of various components of the footwear may be quickly and easily adjusted to vary the fit of the footwear about the user&#39;s foot. In some instances, the fit of the footwear may be adjusted to provide a desired level of support or comfort, such as when the user in engaging in a sporting event, outdoor activity, leisure activity, and the like. In other instances, the fit and/or configuration of the footwear may be adjusted to determine an optimal placement of one or more components and/or how the placement of one or more components may affect the fit and/or functionality of the shoe. 
     In many of the embodiments, the footwear is closed and/or tightened via a tensioning mechanism and a lace or tension member. The footwear typically includes one or more guides or components (hereinafter guides) that route or direct the tension member or lace (hereinafter lace) about a path of the footwear, such as along the footwear&#39;s tongue. The lace is tensioned via operation of the tightening mechanism. Tensioning of the lace causes the article to close and/or tighten about the user&#39;s foot. Specifically, the lace may be routed along and across an opening of the footwear so that tensioning of the lace urges one side of the opening toward an opposite side of the opening in order to close and tighten the footwear about the foot. 
     The guide is generally positioned near the opening of the footwear, such as on opposing sides of an eyestay, and directs, routes, or guides the lace along and/or across the opening. The guide may be made of a low friction material that minimizes frictional engagement of the lace and guide. In some instances, the guides may be formed of a fabric or webbing type materials that is folded over to form a loop and/or made of one or more plastic or rigid materials. 
     As briefly described above, the lace is tensioned via operation of the tensioning mechanism. In a specific embodiment, the tensioning mechanism is a reel based closure system. The reel based closure system includes a knob that may be grasped and rotated by a user to tension the lace. Exemplary embodiments of reel based closure devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/098,276, filed Apr. 29, 2011, titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/328,521, filed Jul. 10, 2014, titled “Closure Devices Including Incremental Release Mechanisms and Methods Therefor,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/623,362, filed Nov. 20, 2009, titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     In another embodiment, the tensioning mechanism may be a motorized device or mechanism that tensions the tension member or lace. An exemplary embodiment of a motorized mechanism that may be used to tension the lace is further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/015,807, filed Aug. 30, 2013, titled “Motorized Tensioning System for Medical Braces and Devices”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     In yet other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism may be a pull cord type device that is configured to be grasped and pulled by a user to tension the lace. Exemplary pull cord devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/166,799, filed Jan. 28, 2014, and titled “Lace Fixation Assembly and System”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. For ease is describing the various embodiments herein, the tensioning mechanism will be referred to generally as a “reel assembly” or “reel based closure device”. 
     In some embodiments, multiple alternative systems may be employed to allow the user to customize the tightness and fit of the footwear, such as for comfort. Specifically, multiple reel based systems may be used to tighten and secure different portions or regions of the boot. For example, a user may desire that the ankle portion of the footwear be relatively loose in comparison with a calf or toe portion of the footwear. The use of multiple separate reel based enable these separate portions of the footwear to be differentially tightened, thereby provided a customizable and desired fit of the footwear. In other embodiments, the alternative closure system may be used in addition to traditional laces, or another closure system, that is positioned on the front of the footwear. 
     For convenience in describing the various embodiments, the remainder of the description will focus on the article typically being an article of footwear, although it should be realized that the configurations and/or other aspects described herein may be equally applicable to other articles, such as bags, boots, packs, helmets, jackets, articles of clothing or apparel, and the like. 
     Having describe various aspects of the embodiments generally, additional features and aspects will be readily recognized with reference to the description of the various drawings provided herein below. 
     Dynamic Lace Movement Minimization 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-B , illustrated is a shoe or footwear  100  that includes a high ankle or upper cuff  102  and a toe portion or forefoot  104 . The footwear  100  also includes a reel based closure device  110  that is operably coupled with a tension member  112  so that operation of the reel based closure device  110  (e.g., rotation of a knob) causes the tension member  112  to be tension, such as by winding the tension member  112  about an internal spool (not shown) of the reel based closure device  110 . The tension member  112  is routed or directed about a path along the footwear  100  via lace guides that are positioned on opposing sides of an opening of the footwear  100 . The lace guides include lower lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104  and upper lace guides,  114  and  116 , that are positioned near the upper cuff  102 . 
     As described previously, when a user walks or runs in conventional high ankle footwear, the lower leg typically presses against the upper cuff, which may increase the tension in the tension member near the upper cuff. The increased tension in the tension member may cause the tension member to move or slide within the lace guides, which may cause upper cuff to widen and the forefoot to constrict about the user&#39;s toes. When the lower leg ceases to press against the upper cuff, the upper cuff may relax and close or constrict while the forefoot opens or widens to some degree. The result may be a constant constriction and opening of different portions of the footwear (e.g., the upper cuff and forefoot) about a user&#39;s foot, which may be somewhat uncomfortable and/or irritating to the user. 
     The configuration of the footwear  100  of  FIGS. 1A-B  minimizes this dynamic movement of the tension member  112 , which results in significantly less constriction and opening of the footwear  100  about the foot. In particular, the footwear  100  employs a lace guide configuration in the upper cuff  102  that adds friction into the system and thereby minimizes movement, shifting, or sliding of the tension member  112  about the footwear  100 . The lace guide configuration includes a first lace guide pair  114  and a second lace guide pair  116  that are each positioned on opposing sides of the reel based closure device  110  and on opposing eyestay edges of an upper of the footwear  100 . The first lace guide pair  114  and second lace guide pair  116  have a stacked configuration, which means that the second lace guide pair  116  is positioned directly laterally on the side of the first lace guide pair  114 . The first lace guide pair  114  typically has a longitudinal length that is greater than the second lace guide pair  116 , which ensures that the positioning of the first lace guide pair  114  in front of the second lace guide pair  116  does not interfere with the tension member  112  being accessible to the second lace guide pair  116 . In some embodiments, the first lace guide pair  114  and second lace guide pair  116  may be separated components while in other embodiments the first lace guide pair  114  and second lace guide pair  116  may be a unitary or single component. 
     In routing the tension member  112  about the lace path, the tension member  112  exits the reel based closure device  110  near a bottom end that is positioned closer to the forefoot  104 . The tension member  112  is then routed through the first lace guide pair  114  and then immediately to the second lace guide pair  116 . The tension member  112  is routed from the second lace guide pair  116  to the forefoot  104  via the lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104 . The reel based closure device  110  is oriented so that the lace exits are near the forefoot  104  to ensure that when the tension member  112  exits the second lace guide pair  116 , the tension member  112  is positioned near the forefoot  104  rather than at the top of the upper cuff  102 . 
     The use of the first lace guide pair  114  and second lace guide pair  116  adds an additional friction element to the system, which helps reduce movement or sliding of the tension member  112  due to the increased frictional engagement of the tension member  112  with the lace guides. In addition, the stacked configuration of the first lace guide pair  114  and second lace guide pair  116  results in the tension member  112  opposing opening or widening of the upper cuff  102  since the tension force is directed essentially opposite of a force that would widen the upper cuff  102 . The multiple crossings of the tension member  112  about the upper cuff  102  also increases or amplifies the tension force in the upper cuff  102 , which aids in keeping the upper cuff  102  closed and tightened about the lower leg. The stacked configuration of the first lace guide pair  114  and second lace guide pair  116  also results in a more tortuous path of the tension member  112 , which renders the opening or widening of the upper cuff  102  more difficult. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-B , illustrated is another embodiment of lace guide configurations that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  employs the use of a second lace guide pair  122 , but the second lace guide pair  122  is not in a stacked configuration with the first lace guide pair  120 . Rather, the first lace guide pair  120  is positioned near the top end of the upper cuff  102  while the second lace guide pair  122  is positioned closer to the forefoot  104 . The second lace guide pair  122  is also positioned on the footwear&#39;s tongue  126  rather on the eyestay edge of the upper. The footwear  100  also employs a third lace guide pair  124  that is positioned on the eyestay edge of the upper closer to the forefoot  104  that the second lace guide pair  122 . 
     The tension member  112  is routed from the reel based closure device  110  to the first lace guide pair  120 . The lace is routed from the first lace guide pair  120  to the second lace guide pair  122  positioned on the footwear&#39;s tongue  126  and is then routed from the second lace guide pair  122  to the third lace guide pair  124 . The tension member  112  is routed from the third lace guide pair  124  to the lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104 . The use of the first lace guide pair  120 , the second lace guide pair  122 , and the third lace guide pair  124  provides a tortuous path for the tension member  112 , which increases the frictional engagement of the tension member and thereby reduces movement, shifting, or sliding of the tension member  112  about the footwear  100 . The positioning of the second lace guide pair  122  on the footwear&#39;s tongue  126  may also counteract some of the forces that cause the upper cuff  102  to open or widen. For example, as the tension member  112  is tensioned and the upper cuff  102  begins to widen, the lace guide pair  122  may press the tongue  126  inward and against the user&#39;s lower leg, which may result in a sensation of the fit of the footwear  100  being relatively unchanged. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-B , the lace exits of the reel based closure device  110  may be positioned near the top of the upper cuff  102  to increase the path of the tension member  112  about the footwear  100 , which may increase the frictional engagement of the tension member  112  within the system. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-C , illustrated is another embodiment of a configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  includes a panel  130  that is positioned over the upper cuff  102  of the footwear  100 . The panel  130  may be free floating atop the upper cuff  102  or may be fixed to the upper cuff  102  as desired. The reel based closure device  110  is positioned on the front surface of the panel  130  and the panel  130  includes lace guides that couple with the tension member  112 . Specifically, a strap  132  is attached to the medial and lateral sides of the panel  130  and is fixed to the medial and lateral sides of the footwear  100  as shown in  FIGS. 3B-C . The straps  132  are positioned through D-rings  137  that are fixed or anchored to the footwear  100  via stitching  138  or another means of coupling. 
     The straps  132  are moveable or slidable within the D-rings  137  so that tensioning of the tension member  112  causes the distal end of each strap  132  to move toward the footwear&#39;s tongue, which causes the panel  130  to move rearward and against the user&#39;s lower leg. The distal end of each strap  132  includes an elongate lace guide  134  that directs the tension member  112  from the reel based closure device toward the forefoot  104  of the footwear. The term “elongate” means that the lace guide  134  has a width and lace channel that is substantially longer than a typical lace guide, such as the lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104 . The elongate lace guide  134  is attached to the distal end of the straps  132  by forming a loop in the distal end of the straps  132  and attaching the strap to itself. Various other means of coupling may be used to attach the elongate lace guide  134  to the strap  132 . 
     The panel  130  also includes a pull tab or guide  136  that is positioned on a portion of the panel  130  that protrudes or extends toward the forefoot  104  of the footwear  100 . The pull tab or guide  136  is positioned on the panel  130  so that it is roughly centered in relation to the footwear&#39;s tongue. The pull tab or guide  136  may be formed of a plastic component or formed from folding a fabric material to form a loop. The tension member  112  is positioned through a channel that is formed in the pull tab or guide  136 . The channel guides or directs the tension member  112  from the panel  130  and to the guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104 . The pull tab or guide  136  is also arranged so that it may be easily grasped by a user&#39;s fingers to pull the panel  130  away from the upper cuff  102  of the footwear  100 , which aids in opening the footwear  100 . 
     The panel  130  and strap  132  help close the upper cuff  102  around the lower leg and keep it from opening as the footwear  100  is flexed forward due to the user walking and the lower leg contacting the upper cuff  102 . The closure of the upper cuff  102  about the lower leg is due mainly to the straps  132  being positioned around the collar of the footwear  100 . The straps  132  may aid in minimizing dynamic movement of the tension member  112  by adding an additional friction element in the system. The straps  132  may be made of a material with an increased frictional coefficient so that the panel  130  frictionally engages with itself and thereby helps minimize shifting of the components of the footwear. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-B , illustrated is another embodiment of a configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  includes a pair of looped webbing or fabric guides  142  that are positioned in the upper cuff  102  above the reel based closure device  110 . The footwear configuration is similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 2A  except that the fabric guides  142  are disposed above the reel based closure device  110  rather than below the device  110 . The tension member  112  is routed from the reel based closure device  110  to a first lace guide  140  and is routed therefrom to the fabric guide  142 . From the fabric guide, the tension member  112  is routed to a second lace guide  144  and then is routed to the forefoot  104  via the guides  118 . The use of the fabric guide  142  above the reel based closure device  110  provides a tortuous path for the tension member  112 , which increases the frictional engagement of the tension member and thereby reduces movement, shifting, or sliding of the tension member  112  about the footwear  100 . The positioning of the fabric guides  142  on the footwear&#39;s tongue and within the upper cuff  102  may also counteract some of the forces that cause the upper cuff  102  to open or widen, such as by pressing the tongue  126  inward and against the user&#39;s lower leg when the tension member  112  is tensioned. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-B , illustrated is another embodiment of a configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  includes a panel  150  that is positioned atop the tongue and within the upper cuff  102 . The Reel based closure device  110  is positioned on the panel  150 . A proximal side  154  is fixed to the footwear  100  while a distal side is foldable over the footwear&#39;s tongue. An upper portion of the tension member  112  is routed from the reel based closure device  110  to a guide member  152  that is positioned within the upper cuff  102 . The tension member  112  is routed from the guide member  152  and underneath the panel  150  to the guides  118  positioned near the forefoot  104 . A lower portion of the tension member  112  is routed from the reel based closure device  110  to a uppermost lace guide  118 . 
     When the tension member  112  is tensioned, the panel  150  is pulled toward and typically into contact with the guide member  152 . The panel  150  presses the footwear&#39;s tongue against a user&#39;s lower leg and also pinches or compresses the tension member  112  that is routed underneath the panel  150 . The compression or pinching of the tension member  112  by the panel  150  may increase the frictional engagement of the tension member with the footwear  100  and thereby minimize dynamic movement or shifting of the tension member  112 . The panel  150  also reduces the “crossings” of the tension member  112  across the tongue that can pull open when the user flexes their lower leg forward. The crossings of the tension member  112  are reduced because the proximal side  154  of the panel is fixed or locked to footwear  100  and the length of the tension member  112  between the free end of the panel  150  and the guide member  152  is minimized, which helps keep the upper cuff  102  closed when the footwear  100  is flexed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-B , illustrated is another embodiment of a configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  includes a panel or strap  160  that is positioned in the upper cuff  102  of the footwear  100 . The panel  160  is fixed on a proximal end  164  to the footwear  100  while a distal end of the panel  160  is removably coupleable with the footwear  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the panel  160  includes a hook and loop type fastener (e.g., Velcro®) that couples with a corresponding hook and loop type fastener  162  that is positioned on the upper cuff  102  of the footwear  100 . In other embodiments, the distal end of the panel  160  may include other means of fastening the panel  160  to the upper cuff  102 , such as zippers, buttons, magnets, snaps, buckles, and the like. 
     The coupling means (e.g., hook and loop fastener  162 ) couple the panel  160  to the upper cuff  102  independent of the tension member  112  and thus, tensioning of the tension member  112  does not affect the coupling of the panel  160 . In this manner, the panel  160  remains tightened around the user&#39;s leg regardless of if the footwear  100  is flexed and/or if the lower leg is pressed outward against the tongue. The reel based closure device  110  may be positioned on the panel  160  as illustrated or may be positioned elsewhere on the footwear  100  as desired. The tension member  112  is routed from the reel based closure device  110  to the lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104  of the footwear  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-B , illustrated is another embodiment of a configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  includes a fastener, or fasteners, that are positioned on the exterior surface of the footwear&#39;s tongue  170  and that engage with the footwear&#39;s upper to keep the tongue  170  from moving outward as the user&#39;s lower leg presses against the tongue  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, a first edge  171  and a second edge  172  of the tongue  170  include hook and loop type fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) that couple with corresponding hook and loop type fasteners positioned on corresponding inner edges of the footwear&#39;s upper. In other embodiments, the first edge  171  and the second edge  172  of the tongue  170  may include other means of fastening the tongue  170  to the footwear&#39;s upper, such as zippers, buttons, magnets, snaps, buckles, and the like. 
     The coupling means (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) secure the tongue  170  to the footwear&#39;s upper independent of the tension member  112  and thus, tensioning of the tension member  112  does not affect the coupling of the tongue  170  and upper. In this manner, the tongue  170  remains secure around the user&#39;s leg regardless of if the footwear  100  is flexed and/or if the lower leg is pressed outward against the tongue  170 . The reel based closure device  110  may be positioned on a side of the footwear  100  as illustrated or may be positioned elsewhere as desired. The tension member  112  is routed from the reel based closure device  110 , across the upper cuff  102 , and to the lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104  of the footwear  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-C , illustrated is another embodiment of a configuration that may be employed to reduce dynamic lace movement in the footwear  100 . In particular, the footwear  100  includes a lace guide  182  that is positioned around a heel or collar  180  of the footwear  100 . The lace guide  182  directs, routes, or guides a portion of the tension member  112  from the reel based closure device  110  and around the heel or collar  180  to an upper lace guide  184  that is positioned in the upper cuff  102  of the footwear  102 . The positioning of the lace guide  182  around the heel or collar  180  minimizes dynamic movement of the tension member  112  by increasing the frictional engagement of the tension member  112  with the footwear  100  and/or by providing a force that cinches the heel or collar  180  about the lower leg. An increase in tension of the tension member  112  may result in some cinching or tightening of the heel/collar  180  about the lower leg, which may offset some of the widening or opening of the footwear  100  in response to flexing of the footwear  100  and/or movement of the lower leg within the footwear. 
     The tension member  112  is routed from the upper lace guide  184  to the lower lace guides  118  that are positioned near the forefoot  104 . In some embodiments, the lace guide  182  may be formed or, or include, a segment of tubing that is disposed around a portion of the heel or collar  180 . The tubing segment may be formed of various fabric or plastic based materials. In other embodiments, a non-tubing lace guide may be employed to route or direct the tension member around the heel/collar  180  of the footwear  100 . 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the footwear may include a component that is positioned on or near the tongue that aids in locking or securing the tension member  112  to the footwear&#39;s tongue, or any other part of the footwear. The dynamic movement or shifting of the lace may be greatly minimized or prevented with the use of a component that locks or secures the tension member  112  in this manner since the tension member  112  in the forefoot  104  and in the upper cuff  102  is essentially locked or fixed in place. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-E , illustrated is a reel based closure device  110  that is configured so that a tension member  112  is routed axially below the interior region of the reel based closure device&#39;s housing component. The tension member  112  is routed in this manner so that the lace frictionally engages with itself and/or with the housing component to minimize dynamic movement or shifting of the tension member as described herein. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9C-E , the reel based closure device  110  includes a housing component  110   a  that includes an interior region within which one or more components of the reel based closure device  110  are positioned. The components that may be positioned within the interior region of the housing include a spool (not shown), a pawl disc or component (not shown), and/or any of the other components that are described herein or that are described in the applications that are incorporated by reference herein. In regards to the spool, the spool is rotatably positioned within the interior region of the housing component  110   a  so that the spool may be rotated via operation of a knob or tightening component  110   b  and thereby wind the tension member  112  about the spool. 
     In most embodiments, the housing component  110   a  includes a bottom member and a wall that extends upward from the bottom member. The wall is typically cylindrical and the bottom member and wall define the interior region of the housing component  110   a . The tightening component or knob  110   b  (hereinafter knob  110   b ) is rotatably coupled with the housing component  110   a  and operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the knob  110   b  causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind the tension member about the spool. The housing component  110   a  is configured so that the tension member  112  is routed axially below the housing component&#39;s interior region and to a lace path that is positioned along an opening of an article, such as a show as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . The tension member  112  may be routed axially below the housing component interior region via tubing that is positioned within or axially below the bottom member or via a channel that is formed within or below the bottom member. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9E , a channel  197  may be formed or defined in a bottom surface of the bottom member. The channel  197  extends axially upward from a bottom surface of the bottom member so that a channel is formed between the bottom member and an upper surface of an article (e.g., a shoe&#39;s upper or tongue) when the reel based closure device  110  is attached to the article. The channel  197  is typically about 10-50 mm wide and more commonly about 20-40 mm wide. In a specific embodiment, the channel  197  has a width of approximately 30 mm. The channel  197  also typically extends from one side of the housing component  110   a  to the opposite side of the housing component  110   a  so that when the reel based closure device  110  is attached to the article, the channel  197  extends entirely through, and typically underneath, the housing component  110   a . Stated differently, when the reel based closure device  110  is attached to the article, the channel  197  typically extends between opposing sides of the housing component  110   a , which allows the tension member  112  to be inserted entirely through the reel based device  110  below the housing component&#39;s interior region. 
     The channel  197  typically also has a depth of between 1 and 4 mm, and more commonly between 2 and 3 mm. In a specific embodiment, the depth of the channel  197  is approximately 2 mm. The depth of the channel  197  is measured from the bottom surface of the bottom member and axially upward from the bottom surface. The depth is sufficient to enable the tension member  112  to be inserted through the channel  197 , but is shallow or small enough so that the tension member  112  frictionally engages with itself within the channel  197 , or frictionally engages with the channel itself. In some embodiments, the channel  197  or the housing component  110   a  is made of a material that increases the frictional engagement of the tension member  112  with the channel  197 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9C , the tension member  112  is inserted through the channel  197  so that the tension member  112  crosses itself at a point  198  within the channel  197 . Specifically, a first portion  112   a  of the tension member  112  is routed form the housing component  110   a  and around a first guide  192 . The first tension member portion  112   a  is routed from the first guide  192  and through the channel  197 . The first tension member portion  112   a  is routed from the channel  197  and toward a lace path via a second guide  193 . Similarly, a second portion  112   b  of the tension member  112  is routed form the housing component  110   a  and around a first guide  192 . The second tension member portion  112   b  is routed from the first guide  192  and through the channel  197 . The second tension member portion  112   b  is routed from the channel  197  and toward a lace path via a second guide  193 . The first tension member portion  112   a  crosses the second tension member portion  112   b  at point  198  within the channel  197 . The first tension member portion  112   a  frictionally engages with the second tension member portion  112   b  at point  198 , which minimizes movement of the first tension member portion  112   a  relative to the second tension member portion  112   b  and thereby minimizes dynamic movement of the tension member  112  as described herein. 
     The depth of the channel  197  may be configured so that at the tension member crossing point  198 , the combined thickness of the first tension member portion  112   a  and the second tension member portion  112   b  is approximately equal to or thicker than the depth of the channel  197 . In such embodiments, the channel  197  may effectively pinch or squeeze the first tension member portion  112   a  and the second tension member portion  112   b  at point  198  between the bottom surface of the bottom member and an outer material of the article that the reel based closure device  110  is attached to. The pinching or squeezing of the first tension member portion  112   a  and the second tension member portion  112   b  at point  198  may further reduce relative movement of the tension member portions and thereby further reduce dynamic movement of the tension member  112  within the system. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9E , the channel  197  is typically U-shaped and opposing sides or walls  195  of the U-shaped channel typically have an arcuate or curved shape. The arcuate or curved walls  195  allow the tension member  112  to slide within the channel  197  without overly abraiding or wearing on the walls  195 . In this manner, the tension member  112  does not prematurely fall due to sliding of the tension member through the channel  197 . The U-shaped channel typically extends between opposing sides of the housing component  110   a.    
     The reel based closure device  110  may also include a base component  196  or bayonet that is configured to releasably couple with the housing component  110   a . The base component  196  includes a relatively large flange or surface that is configured to allow the base component  196  to be easily attached to the article via stitching, adhesive bonding, RF or other welding, mechanical fastening, and the like. After the base component  196  is attached to the article, the housing component  196  may be coupled with the base component  196  to attach the reel based closure device  110  to the article. The reel based closure device  110  may be subsequently detached or removed from the base component  196  for inspection, replacement, etc. In some embodiments, the base component  196  may be integrally formed or attached to the housing component  110   a  as desired. 
     The base component  196  includes an aperture  194  that aligns with the channel  197  of the housing component  110   a  when the housing component  110   a  is coupled with the base component  196 . The aperture  194  allows the tension member  112  to be routed from the housing component  110   a , through the base component&#39;s aperture  194 , and through the channel  197  of the housing component  110   a . The aperture  194  may have a width that corresponds to the width of the channel  197  or is typically larger than the channel  197 . This arrangement helps ensure that the tension member  112  does not abrade or wear on the aperture  194 , which may cause premature failure of the tension member  112 . Coupling of the base component  196  and the housing component  110   a  may be achieved via the configuration described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/836,475, filed Dec. 8, 2017 and titled “Reel Based Closure System,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Alternative Closure Systems, Mechanisms, and/or Configurations for Footwear 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10A , illustrated is an embodiment of a shoe  200  that is configured to allow easy entry/exit for a user&#39;s foot. This is achieved, in part, by positioning the alternative closure system about the shoe  200  so that it tensions and pulls a flap closed about an ankle portion of the shoe  200 . In addition to the alternative closure system, the shoe  200  may also include traditional laces or a reel based closure system (see  FIG. 11B ) on the front of the shoe  200  in a traditional location for laces (i.e., about a tongue of the shoe). The use of traditional laces, a reel based closure system, and/or other shoe closure device (e.g., Velcro®) may be employed on any of the embodiments described and illustrated herein. The shoe  200  includes a reel assembly  202  that is positioned on a side of the shoe  200 . In some embodiments, the reel assembly  202  include walls or members  203  that function to shield or protect the reel assembly&#39;s knob from contact with external objects by blocking or preventing the external objects from contacting the knob. The reel assembly  202  is operably coupled with a lace  204  so that rotation of the knob causes the lace to be tensioned. As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , one end of the lace  204  is attached to the reel assembly  202  while the opposite end of the lace  204  is attached to a lower portion of the shoe  200 . As such, operation of the reel assembly  202  tensions only a single end of the lace  204 . 
     The reel assembly  202  is positioned on the back or heel of the shoe  200 , however it may also be positioned elsewhere on the shoe  200  as desired—e.g., on the medial side, lateral side, or on the tongue of the shoe  200 . The reel assembly  202  may be sewn onto the shoe  200  or may be heat welded, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the sole of the shoe  200 . If the reel assembly  202  is located at or near the top of the shoe  200 , then the non-sewing alternatives may be preferable to avoid compressing or altering the shape of the collar of the shoe  200 . 
     The lace  204 , typically traverses the opening or discontinuity in the ankle portion of the shoe  200  and when tensioned, will draw a flap  208  over the opening or discontinuity to tighten or secure the shoe  200  about a user&#39;s ankle. The flap  208  may begin at the top of the shoe  200  and continue either partially or fully to the sole  206  of the shoe  200 . The flap  208  may be substantially vertical, however the flap  208  may curve or become partially horizontal towards the bottom of the shoe  200  to follow the natural contours of the shoe  200  and/or foot. Tightening of the shoe  200  about the ankle is accomplished by tensioning the lace  204  via the reel assembly  202 . Since the lace  204  is routed along opposing sides of the opening via several guides  210  traversing between the flap  208  and the remainder of the shoe, tensioning of the lace  204  causes the shoe  200  to constrict about the user&#39;s ankle. The guides  210  may include channels or lumens about which the lace  204  slides. In some embodiments the guides  210  may be tubing through which the lace  204  is inserted. The guides  210  may be sewn onto, adhered, or otherwise affixed in the various locations along the opening of the shoe  200 . Alternatively, the guides may be mounted within the outsole or midsole of the shoe  200 . There may be any number of guides  210  between the reel assembly  202  and the attachment point at the sole  206 , as well as many different lace configurations or paths. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10A , the lace  204  begins at the reel assembly  202  at the back of the shoe and traverses along the opening via multiple guides  210  that are attached on opposing sides of the flap  208 . The lace  204  terminates and is anchored, affixed, or otherwise attached, either permanently or removably, to the body of the shoe  200  near the sole  206 . 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a shoe  220  having an alternative closure system that is similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 10A . The main difference between  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B  is that instead one of the guides  210  is replaced with a strap  222  having a guide portion  224  through which the lace  214  is routed. The strap  222  is attached to the shoe  220  on the lateral side of the shoe  220  and extends across the front of the shoe  220  to a location near an edge of the flap. The strap  222  may be made of a textile, plastic, or other such durable material suitable for shoe construction. The use of the strap  222  changes how the shoe  212  tightens in response to tensioning of the lace  214 . In some embodiments any and/or all of the guides  221  may be replaced with a similar strap. The guide portion  224  may be affixed to the strap  222  in a manner similar to the guides  221 ; namely via sewing, adhesive, heat welding, or other such attachment means. Alternatively, the guide portion  224  may be integrally formed with, or internal to, the strap  222 , for example by folding a distal end of the strap  222  and affixing the distal end to create a loop for the guide portion  224 . 
       FIG. 11A  is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 10B  except that the reel assembly  232  is centrally located on the side of the shoe  230 , and both ends of the lace  234  are operationally attached or coupled to the reel assembly  232 . The reel assembly  232  is located midway up the extended ankle of the shoe  230  so that the lace path has a lace configuration that promotes a more even or uniform tightening of the lace  234  along the entire lace path. For example, a typical lace experiences frictional losses due to routing of the lace through the various guides positioned along the lace path. The frictional losses often result in a lower lace tension as the lace gets farther or more remote from the reel assembly. The central location of the reel assembly  232  of  FIG. 11A  helps promote more even tightening of the lace  234  by compensating or accounting for frictional losses due to routing of the lace  234  through the various guides  231 . In particular, the central positioning of the reel assembly  232  helps to ensure that the lace  234  remains relatively close to the reel assembly  232  along the entire length of the lace path. For example, the lace  234  is immediately routed to the top and bottom of the lace path, which ensure that the lace tension at the top and bottom of the lace path is the greatest. By ensuring that the portions of the lace  234  that experience the greatest tension are immediately routed to the top and bottom of the lace path, the lace  234  will tighten the flap  238  against the upper ankle portion more evenly or uniformly. The guides  231  shown in  FIG. 11A  may be textile or fabric guides, such as a loop sewn into a small piece of strapping or webbing that is sewn onto the shoe. Alternatively, the guides may be a loop sewn into one end of a longer strap that is positioned within or atop the shoe  230 . For example, the guide  231  may be attached to the medial side of the shoe  230  and routed across the front of the shoe to the lateral side of the shoe  230 , either over the top of the shoe or between one or more layers of the shoe upper assembly. These straps may function similarly to the strap  222  of  FIG. 10B . 
     The lace path of  FIG. 11A  is shown having an overlapping figure-eight style, in which the lace  234  exits the reel assembly  232  and traverses between various guides  231  positioned on opposing sides of the flap  238 . Though the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11A  has five total guides  231 —i.e., three guides located on one side of the flap  238  and a pair of guides directly above and below the reel assembly  232 —other embodiments may have additional or fewer guides while maintaining the criss-crossing figure-eight lace path and centrally located reel assembly  232  illustrated in  FIG. 11A . 
       FIG. 11B  is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 11A , in that  FIG. 11B  employes a centrally located reel assembly  242  that provides even or uniform tightening of the shoe despite frictional losses associated with routing the lace  244  through multiple guides  241 .  FIG. 11B  displays a lace path in which the lace  244  crosses itself as it is routed along an opening of the shoe  240 . Specifically, the lace  244  is routed from the reel assembly  242  to a pair of guides  241  that are positioned near an edge of the flap  248 . The lace is then routed back across the opening and underneath the lace  244  near the reel assembly  242 .  FIG. 11B  additionally displays a traditional shoelace  246  disposed on the front of the shoe over the tongue or gusset of the shoe  240 . Though not pictured here, as described above, other traditional closure mechanisms (e.g., Velcro straps, an additional reel assembly, etc.) may be used in this and any embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the shoelace  246  or other closure mechanism may be used for aesthetic purposes so that the shoe  240  has a more traditional appearance. In other embodiments, the shoelace  246  or closure mechanism may be functional and employed to additionally tighten the shoe  240 . In such embodiment, the shoelace  246  may be the primary means or mode of closing and tightening the shoe  240  and the reel assembly  242  may be used as a secondary closure system. 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates a lace path having a square or D-shaped configuration. The reel assembly  252  is illustrated as being positioned near a top or upper end of the shoe  250 , although the reel assembly  252  may be positioned elsewhere on the shoe  250 , such as lower on the shoe  250  or toward a front or back of the shoe  250 . The illustrated embodiment employs a single guide  256  that is used to route the lace  254 , although in other embodiments multiple guides may be used. Alternatively, the guide  251  may not be present in some embodiments of the invention so that the lace  254  defines a triangular shape between the reel assembly  252  and the guide  256 . The reel assembly  252  may be attached or connected to the shoe through any method described herein or otherwise known in the art. 
     The guide  256  of  FIG. 12A  is pictured as a partially enclosed u-shaped tubular design through which the lace  254  travels. The guide  256  may have one or more openings  255  that allow debris or other material to escape the guide  256  and prevent additional friction on the lace  254 . The guide  256  may be positioned so that it primarily aligns with the edge of the flap  258  or is offset from the edge of the flap  258 . In this configuration, the reel assembly  252  becomes difficult to tension when the guide  256  is in a vertical position with the flap  258  fully tightened. This results in the flap  258  bottoming out, or returning to an identical position each time the shoe  250  is worn providing an identical fit and tightness for the user. To further achieve a desired “bottoming out” of the system, the tensioning power or ability of the reel assembly  252  may be selected so that the reel assembly  252  is not further operable to tension the lace after the desired lace tension is achieved. 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates an embodiment that is similar to  FIG. 12A , except that the guide  266  is open on one side to allow the lace  264  to be removed completely from the guide  266 .  FIG. 12B  further illustrates the lace  264  being removed from the guide  266 . Specifically,  FIG. 12B , step A, shows the shoe  260  with the lace  264  positioned within the guide  266 . In this position, the reel assembly  262  may be operated to tension the lace  264  and thereby close or pull the flap  268  secure about a user&#39;s ankle.  FIG. 12B , step B, shows the shoe  260  with the tension in the lace  264  loosened such that the lace  264  is able to be partially removed from the guide  266 . To remove the lace  264 , a rear surface of portion of the guide  266  is open so that the lace  264  may be withdrawn from a channel of the guide  266  through the opening.  FIG. 12B , step C, illustrates the reel assembly  262  with the lace  264  fully loosened so that the lace  264  may be easily removed and uncoupled from the guide  266 . Removing the lace  264  from the guide  266  allows the flap  268  to open or to be pulled towards the front or toe of the shoe to allow easy donning/doffing of the shoe. The other lace guides described herein may have open rear surfaces that allow the lace to be removed as illustrated in  FIG. 12B . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of a shoe  270  that includes multiple alternative closure systems. Specifically, the shoe  270  features a first reel assembly  272  that is positioned on the shoe  270  in a manner similar to the reel assembly  232  of  FIG. 11A . The lace  274  passes through guides  271  in a figure-eight pattern about a path that extends only along a lower portion of the flap  278 . The lace path of the lace  274  may differ from the figure-eight pattern illustrated in  FIG. 13  while extending only along the lower portion of the flap  278 . A second reel assembly  275  is positioned on an upper portion of the flap  278 . The second reel assembly  275  is operably with a lace  277  and a single guide  276  that are positioned on the upper portion of the flap  278 . The second reel assembly  275  is employed to tighten the upper portion of the flap  278  independently of the first reel assembly  272 . This embodiment allows for independent and differential tensioning or tightening of the upper and lower portions of the shoe  270 , which allows the user to customize the fit of the shoe  270  to their preference. The differential or zonal tightening of the shoe  270  in  FIG. 13  can be accomplished through use of either multiple reel assemblies, such as reel assemblies  272  and  275 , or through use of a single reel assembly with multiple laces routed through different zones of the shoe and traversing differing numbers of guides. The guides,  271  and  276 , illustrated in  FIG. 13  may be any of the guides and/or straps described herein. 
       FIG. 14A  illustrates an embodiment in which the path of the lace  284  is designed to ensure a more even or uniform tensioning and tightening of the shoe  280  along the entire edge of the flap  288 . The reel assembly  282  is positioned near the top of the shoe  280 , although the reel assembly  282  may be positioned elsewhere on the shoe, such as near the middle or bottom of the ankle portion of the shoe  280 . The guides  281  of the embodiment of  FIG. 14A  are tubes which have a u-shape configuration, though other tube configurations may be employed. The guides  281  may either be attached to the surface of the shoe  280 , using any method described above, or may positioned under one or more layers of the shoe  280  so that the guide  281  is essentially not visible from the exterior surface of the shoe  280 . 
     The lace path of  FIG. 14A  is designed to provide an even or uniform tenstioning through the use of a sequenced or spiral configuration. An upper portion of the lace  284  is routed directly from the reel assembly  282  at the top of the shoe into a first guide  281  that immediately routes or directs the lace  284  to the bottom of the lace path. The lace  284  then traverses across the opening to a guide  281  that is positioned near the back of the shoe  280 , which guide  281  routes or directs the lace  284  to a mid-point of the lace path below the reel assembly  282 . 
     A lower portion of the lace  284  is routed directly from the reel assembly  282  to a second guide  281  that also immediately routes or directs the lace  284  to the bottom of the lace path. The lace  284  then traverses across the opening to a guide  281  that routes or directs the lace  284  to the mid-point of the lace path below the reel assembly  282 . The upper and lower portions of the lace  284  intersect or meet at the mid-point of the lace path. This lace path configuration provides a more even tensioning and tightening of the shoe  280  by minimizing the amount of frictional loss that the lace  284  experiences as it is routed from the top of the lace path to the bottom of the lace path. Specifically, by directing or routing each lace from the reel assembly  282  to the bottom of the lace path, the frictional loss in the lace is minimized and the lace tension is more uniformly distributed along the opening. 
       FIG. 14B  illustrates an embodiment similar to  FIG. 14A , except that the sequential or spiral lace path is used as described to close or tighten the front of the shoe  290 . In this embodiment of the invention, rather than the guides  291  being located on the flap and rear portion of the shoe  290 , the guides are positioned on the medial and lateral sides of the tongue  298  of the shoe to guide the lace  294  about the opposing sides of the tongue. The reel assembly  292  is likewise located on the side of the shoe  290 , near the front of the shoe  290  rather than the rear as illustrated in  FIG. 14A . The lace path provides a more even and uniform tensioning or tightening of the shoe  290  along the shoe&#39;s tongue. Though a particular arrangement for the sequential lacing has been described herein, further modifications of the lace path may be employed that incorporate additional guides or fewer guides while maintaining the principle of equalizing the tension across an opening of the shoe  290  between the top and bottom end of the lace path. 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates another embodiment of a sequential or spiral lace path. The lace path configuration of  FIG. 15A  may provide quicker tensioning and tightening around the throat or collar  307  of the shoe  230 . In this embodiment, the reel assembly  232  is positioned on the side, or at the back of the shoe  230 , optionally at the top or the bottom of the shoe  230 . The reel assembly  232  may be attached to the shoe  230  using any of the methods described above, and may be used in concert with one or more other reel assemblies on the shoe  230 . The path of the lace configuration begins at the reel assembly  232  and proceeds in an diagonally downward direction towards the front of the shoe  230  onto the flap  238 . The path then traverses back from the flap  238  toward the back of the shoe  230  before continuing in an upward diagonal direction towards the front of the shoe  230 . The diagonally upward and diagonally downward directed laces criss-cross as illustrated. The laces are directed via guide members  306 , which in some embodiments may be formed of sections of tubing. As illustrated, an upper portion of the lace  234  is routed along an outer perimeter of the lace path while a lower portion of the lace is routed along an inner perimeter of the lace path. The lace  234  may be routed via tubular guides  306 , or via any other type of guide described herein. 
       FIG. 15B  is substantially the same as  FIG. 15A , with the exception that instead of placing the closure system on a side of the shoe, the reel assembly  312 , lace  314 , and guides  311  are all located on the front portion of the shoe surrounding the tongue  318 . Specifically, the reel assembly  312  is located on the lateral side of the shoe near the top and near the tongue  318 . The path that the lace  314  follows is substantially the same as  FIG. 15A , with an upper portion of the lace  314  routed along the perimeter or outside of the lace path and an inner portion of the lace  314  routed along an inner portion of the lace path. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 15B  may be used in conjunction with another closure system such as a reel system, traditional laces, or a zipper on the side of the boot. Additionally, there may be a second reel assembly and lace which serve to tighten a different region or portion of the shoe  231  than the system shown in  FIG. 15B . 
     Although the embodiments described herein have been illustrated employing manual reel based devices, it should be realized that various other tensioning mechanisms or devices may be used. For example, a pull cord device and/or motorized device may be employed to tension the lace as desired. In a specific embodiment, a motorized lace tensioning device may be concealed within or adjacent the sole of the shoe and the lace may be routed to the motorized lace tensioning device under one or more layers of the upper. 
     Footwear Component Adjustment and Variability 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , illustrated is a shoe or footwear  400  that includes an upper with a pair of eyestays  401  that are positioned on opposite sides of an opening of the shoe  400  (e.g., the shoe&#39;s tongue). The shoe is configured so that the tension or fit of the shoe about the user&#39;s foot may be quickly and easily adjusted. The adjustment of the shoe  400  is achieved via a strap  402  that is positioned across the opening and that extends between the opposing eyestays  401 . A proximal end of the strap is attached or fixed to one side of the shoe  400  (e.g., the medial side) while a distal end of the strap  402  is freely moveable and positionable about the shoe. The distal end of the strap  402  may be coupled or removably attached to an opposite side the shoe  400  (e.g., the lateral side) in one of multiple positions or orientations, which affects how the shoe  400  will close and/or tighten about the user&#39;s foot. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the strap  402  may be removably attached to the opposite of the shoe  400  in one of three distinct positions or zones, which are labeled “a”, “b”, and “c” in  FIG. 16 . Coupling of the distal end of the strap  402  to one of the respective zones (e.g., positions “a”, “b”, or “c”) is achieved via a fastener  406 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a hook and loop type fastener, such as those commonly sold under the brand name Velcro®. Although the fastener  406  is illustrated as being positioned in zone “c”, it should be realized that similar fasteners  406  are positioned in each of the other zones (i.e., positions “a” and “b”) to enable the distal end of the strap  402  to be coupled with those respective zones of the shoe  400 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , the distal end of the strap  402  is illustrated as being attached or coupled with a reel based closure device  404  via a length or segment of lace  405  that extends between the reel based closure device  404  and a distal tip or end of the strap  402 . As described above, the reel based closure device  404  is configured so that operation of the device causes the lace  405  to be tensioned, which in turn tensions the strap  402  and tightens the shoe  400  about the user&#39;s foot. To attach the distal end of the strap  402  to the shoe  400 , a rear or bottom surface of the reel based closure device  404  includes a corresponding hook and loop fastener (not shown) that enables the reel based closure device  404  to be coupled with the appropriate fastener  406  in the desired zone. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates that the distal end of the strap  402 , and the reel based closure device  404 , is attached to zone “a” of the shoe  400 . With the distal end of the strap  402  attached to zone “a”, the strap  402  extends across the opening or tongue of the shoe  400  near the shoe&#39;s collar. Thus, tensioning of the strap  402 , via the reel based closure device  404  and lace  405 , causes the shoe  400  to tighten or constrict to a greater degree about the shoe&#39;s collar in comparison with other portions of the shoe  400  (e.g., the toe box). Tensioning of the strap  402  in this manner causes the shoe  400  to constrict and tighten about the user&#39;s ankle to a greater degree than other portions of the shoe  400 . If a user desires to change the fit of the shoe  400 , and more specifically the manner in which the shoe constricts about the foot, the user may simply change the orientation or position of the strap  402  about the shoe  400 . For example,  FIG. 16  illustrates a second position of the strap  402  (i.e., in dashed lines) in which the distal end of the strap  402  is attached to zone “b” and in which the strap  402  extends across a mid-portion of the shoe  400 . Tensioning of the strap  402  in this position would cause the shoe  400  to tighten or constrict to a greater degree about the mid-portion of the shoe. Similarly, the distal end of the strap  402  may be attached to zone “c” so that the strap  402  extends across a lower portion of the shoe  400  nearer to the toe box. Tensioning of the strap  402  in this position would cause the shoe  400  to tighten or constrict to a greater degree about the lower portion of the shoe near the toe box in comparison with the shoe&#39;s collar. 
     The user may adjust the fit of the shoe  400  based on an activity that the user is engaging in, such as a sporting event, an outdoor activity (i.e., hiking ascent vs. descent), and the like, or the user may adjust the fit of the shoe  400  to achieve a desired comfort level. In other instances, the position of the strap  402  may be changed to visually and/or physically demonstrate how a configuration of the shoe  400  may be modified in order to determine an optimal placement of one or more shoe components in designing and/or manufacturing the shoe  400 . For example, it may be determined that the shoe  400  should include a single strap  402 , but the final or optimal placement of the strap  402  in relation to the shoe  400  may be unknown. In order to facilitate in this decision making process, the adjustability of the strap  402  may be employed so that a team of designers and/or engineers may quickly assess how the various strap orientations affect the fit and/or functionality of the shoe  400 . Once an optimal placement of the strap  402  has been determined, the shoe  400  may be constructed with the desired/selected strap placement. Similar rationales for the adjustable fit and/or visual/physical demonstration of the shoe configuration are applicable to the various other embodiments described and/or contemplated herein. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a concept similar to that of  FIG. 16  except that the distal end of the strap  410  is not coupled with a reel based closure device. Rather, the distal tip or end of the strap  410  is directly attached or coupled to the side of the shoe  400  in one of multiple positions or areas illustrated by zones “a”, “b”, and “c”. The configuration and use of the strap  410  is similar to that of  FIG. 16  except that the reel based closure device (not shown), or another tensioning mechanism, is position on the opposite side of the shoe or elsewhere on the shoe  400  as desired, such as on the shoe&#39;s heel or tongue. The distal end of the strap  410  is coupled with the shoe  400  via fasteners  412 , which in the illustrated embodiment are hook and loop type fasteners. The strap  410  is illustrated as being coupled with zone “a” of the shoe, but is also shown in dashed lines as being coupled with zones “b” and “c”. 
     In another embodiment, the concepts of  FIGS. 16 and 17  could be combined so that the reel based closure device  404  and the strap  410  are both movable between one or more positions along the eyestay of the shoe  400 . In such embodiments, the entire strap could be removed from the shoe  400  and both ends could be fastened to a desired fastener—i.e., the reel based closure device  404  could be attached to a desired fastener  406  and the strap  410  could be attached to a desired fastener  412 . In such instances, the entire orientation and positioning of the strap about the shoe  400  could be modified as desired. 
       FIGS. 18A-B  illustrate alternative means of coupling a strap with a side of a shoe  400 . In  FIG. 18A , the strap  420  includes a snap button  421  that is able to snap into engagement with a corresponding snap button  422   a - c  that is attached to the shoe and positioned within a respective zone. The snap button  421  may be uncoupled with one of the snap buttons,  422   a - c , and re-engaged with another snap button,  422   a - c , to change the position or orientation of the strap  420  about the shoe  400 .  FIG. 18B  likewise illustrates a strap  430  that includes a component  431  that is configured to releasably engage with a corresponding component  432   a - c  attached to the shoe and positioned within a desired zone. The components of the strap  430  and shoe  400  may be magnetic components, adhesive based components, and the like. 
       FIGS. 19A-B  illustrate other alternative means of coupling a strap with a side of a shoe  400 . In particular, the shoe  400  is made of an outer material  444  that may be mesh, woven, knitted, or any other material that is relatively open and/or porous. The reel based closure device  404  is attached to a side of the shoe  400  (or elsewhere as desired) and the lace  405  that is coupled with the reel based closure device  404  is coupled with an attachment component  440 , such as by inserting or threading the lace  405  through a looped proximal end of the attachment component  440 . The attachment component  440  includes a pair of hooks or grip members  442  that are configured to grip or couple with the outer material  444  of the shoe  400 . This design allows the component  440  to be pulled across an opening of the shoe  400 , such as the tongue, and attached to an opposite side of the shoe  400  as illustrated in  FIG. 19B . Subsequent operation of the reel based closure device  404  functions to tension the attachment component  440  and the opposite side of the shoe  400 , which closes and tightens the shoe about the user&#39;s foot. 
     Although not illustrated, in some embodiments the length of lace  405  between the reel based closure device  404  and the attachment component  440  may be replaced with a strap or other tensionable member, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 25A-26C . The design of the outer material  444  and the attachment component  440  enables the lace  405 , or a strap, to be positioned or oriented essentially anywhere in relation to the shoe  400  rather than the pre-designated zones (i.e., zones “a”, “b”, and “c”) of the previous figures. Thus, the fit of the shoe  400  may be customized to a greater degree with the design of  FIGS. 19A-B  in comparison with the previous figures. In other embodiments, the outer material  444  may extend over only a designated portion of the shoe  400  rather than essentially the entire outer surface, which may provide great latitude in customizing the fit of the shoe within a pre-designated area or range. 
       FIGS. 20A-C  illustrate an embodiment in which the reel based closure device  404  is coupled with a plurality of straps so that operation of the reel based closure device  404  simultaneously tensions each of the straps. Specifically, the reel based closure device  404  is coupled with the lace  405 , which is in turn coupled with a proximal guide  423 . The proximal guide  423  is attached or coupled with a proximal end of a first strap  502  and a proximal end of a second strap  504 . Operation of the reel based closure device  404  causes the first strap  502  and the second strap  504  to be simultaneously tensioned. 
     The first strap  502  and the second strap  504  are each routed across an opening of the shoe  400 , such as across the shoe&#39;s tongue. As shown in  FIG. 20B , the first and second straps,  502  and  504 , are each routed through a guide or ring  505  that redirects or routes the respective strap back across the opening of the shoe  400 . A distal end of each of the straps,  502  and  504 , includes an attachment component that is able to couple with the side of the shoe. In particular, a distal end of the first strap  502  includes an attachment component  506  that includes a fastener or fastening member (e.g., hook and loop, magnet, button, pair or hooks or grips, etc.) that is able to attach to the side of the shoe  400  as described herein. The distal end of the second strap  504  likewise includes an attachment component  508  that is able to attach to the side of the shoe  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the shoe  400  may include a tightening area or region  510  within which the attachment components,  506  and  508 , are able to attach to the shoe  400 . The tightening region  510  may include a mesh material, Velcro® material, woven material, magnets, and the like, as described or contemplated herein to enable the attachment components,  506  and  508 , to attach or couple with the shoe  400 . In some instances, the attachment components,  506  and  508 , may not be able to attach or coupled with the shoe  400  outside of the tightening region  510 . As shown in  FIG. 20C , the distal ends of the respective straps,  502  and  504 , may be moved or positioned essentially anywhere within the tightening region  510  and attached to the side of the shoe, which affects how the shoe  400  will fit and/or tighten about the user&#39;s foot. For example, each of the straps,  502  and  504 , may tighten a different zone or portion of the shoe  400 , such as the first strap  502  tightening the shoe&#39;s collar while the second strap  504  tightens the shoe&#39;s toe box. The tightness of the shoe in these zones is affected by how the distal end of the respective strap,  502  or  504 , is positioned within the tightening region  510  and coupled with the shoe. 
     In some instances, the tightening region  510  may include discrete or individual coupling members  512  such as strips or sections of material to which the attachment components,  506  and  508 , may be attached. In this manner, the position of the distal end of the straps,  502  and  504 , may be limited to pre-designated attachment areas or orientations. In some instances, the straps,  502  and  504 , could be made of a flexible material that changes its visual appearance under tension, such as those described in relation to  FIGS. 25A-B . In such embodiments a level of tension that is applied in each zone via the straps,  502  and  504 , may be visually indicated. 
       FIGS. 21A-B  illustrate an embodiment in which the adjustability of the shoe&#39;s fit is constrained to pre-designated areas. Specifically, the shoe  400  includes multiple dedicated or pre-designated coupling zones,  532  and  534 , to which a strap  530  may be attached. The dedicated coupling zones,  532  and  534 , may be elongate strips or sections of a hook and loop type fastener material or another fastening material, such as magnets, adhesive based or tacky materials, and the like. The strap  530  includes a corresponding fastening material that enables the strap  530  to attach to one of the dedicated coupling zones,  532  or  534 . The use of the elongate strips of fastening material may enable a greater or stronger coupling of the strap  530  to the shoe, which may be desired when substantial forces are imposed on the foot and shoe. The reel based closure device  404  is attached to the lace  405 , which is in turn attached to the proximal end of the strap  530 .  FIG. 21B  illustrates the strap  530  being attached to an upper coupling zone  532  and to a lower coupling zone  534 . 
     An advantage of the dedicated coupling zones,  532  and  534 , is that the shoe  400  is still configured with the ability to adjust the fit or tightness of the shoe  400 , but the adjustability of the fit or tightness is simplified to a degree that may appeal to a greater number of people. Stated differently, the adjustability is not too complex so as to prevent an average person from utilizing or underutilizing the adjustability. The position or orientation of the dedicated coupling zones,  532  and  534 , about the shoe may be designed to provide or achieve a tightness or fit based on a given activity or event. For example, in hiking it may be desirable to tighten the shoe  400  nearer to the toe box during ascent and to tighten the shoe  400  nearer to the collar or ankle during descent in order to prevent the user&#39;s toes from striking the front of the shoe  400 . The dedicated zones,  532  and  534 , may be oriented about the shoe and configured to provide this desired fit and tightness and thus, the user may adjust the fit of the shoe  400  without engaging in an overly complex process. 
       FIGS. 22A-B  illustrate an embodiment in which a separate tensioning panel or member  600  is attached to the shoe  400 . The tensioning panel  600  includes a first member  602  and a second member  604  that are separated by a gap  603 . The reel based closure device  404  is positioned on the first member  602  and is coupled with the lace  405 , which is routed or directed across the gap  603  via one or more guides  606 . The tensioning panel  600  is configured to be removably coupled with the shoe  400 . Specifically, an inner edge of the first member  602  and the second member  604  includes a fastening material or component  612  that is able to attach or couple with an outer material  610  of the shoe  400 . The outer material  610  of the shoe  400  is positioned on both sides of the shoe  400 , typically near the sole, so that the tensioning panel  600  may be placed or positioned atop the shoe  400  with the inner edge of the first member  602  and the second member  604  contacting the outer material  610 , which causes the tensioning panel  600  to attach or couple with the shoe  400 . This placement of the tensioning panel  600  about the shoe  400  is illustrated in  FIG. 22B . Operation of the reel based closure device  404  causes the tensioning panel  600  to constrict atop and about the shoe  400 , which causes the shoe  400  to constrict or tighten about the foot. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 22B , the tensioning panel  600  may be moved laterally about the shoe  400  toward the heel or toe box as desired, which affects how the tensioning panel  600  causes the shoe  400  to constrict or tighten about the foot. In some embodiments, one side of the tensioning panel  600  (e.g., the second side  604 ) may be fixedly attached to a side of the shoe  400  while the other side of the tensioning panel  600  (e.g., the first side  602 ) is detached from, but coupleable to, the opposite side of the shoe  400 . An advantage of the separate tensioning panel  600  is that the panel may be removed for various reasons, such as replacing the panel with a different panel that is designed to provide a different fit and/or feel when tensioned. The tensioning panel  600  may also be replaced to provide a different aesthetic such as replacing hard and rigid plastic guides with softer more flexible fabric or woven guides. 
       FIGS. 23A-C  illustrate a similar embodiment except that the tensioning panel  630  includes additional panel members. Specifically, the tensioning panel  630  includes a first member  632 , a second member  634 , a third member  636 , a fourth member  638 . The first member  632  and the third member  636  are positioned on one side of the gap or opening  603  while the second member  634  and the fourth member  638  are positioned on an opposite side of the gap  603 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23B , when the tensioning panel  630  is positioned atop the shoe  400 , the first member  632  and the third member  636  are positioned on one side of the shoe  400  (e.g., lateral side) while the second member  634  and the fourth member  638  are positioned on the opposite side of the shoe  400  (e.g., medial side). 
     In one embodiment, each of the members (i.e.,  632 ,  634 ,  636 , and  638 ) include the fastening material or component  612  that is able to attach or couple with the outer material  610  of the shoe  400 . In such an embodiment, each of the members (i.e.,  632 ,  634 ,  636 , and  638 ) may be moved independently along the shoe  400  between the heel and toe box and coupled with the outer material  610  as desired. For example,  FIG. 23C  illustrates the third member  636  being repositioned about the outer material and shoe  400  while the first member  632 , the second member  634 , and the fourth member  638  remain attached to the outer material  610 . The tensioning panel  630  of  FIGS. 23A-C  provides a greater latitude or freedom in positioning and attaching the tensioning panel  630  to the shoe  400  in comparison with the tensioning panel  300  of  FIGS. 22A-B . 
     In other embodiments, one or more of the members (i.e.,  632 ,  634 ,  636 , or  638 ) may be fixedly attached to the shoe  400  while the other members are able to be moved and repositioned about the outer material  610  and shoe  400 . For example, the first member  632  and/or the second member  634  may be fixed or anchored to the shoe  400  while the third member  636  and/or the fourth member  638  are removably attachable to the shoe  400 , or vice versa. 
       FIGS. 24A-B  illustrate a similar tensioning panel  650  except that the tensioning panel  650  includes six separate and individual panel members. Specifically, the tensioning panel  650  includes a first member  651 , a third member  653 , and a fifth member  655  that are positioned on one side of the gap  603  and the shoe  400  and also include a second member  652 , a fourth member  654 , and a sixth member  656  that are positioned on an opposite side of the gap  603  and the shoe  400 . In one embodiment, each of the members ( 651 - 656 ) include the fastening material or component  612  that is able to attach or couple with the outer material  610  of the shoe  400  and as such, each of the members ( 651 - 656 ) may be moved independently from one another along the shoe  400  between the heel and toe and coupled with the outer material  610 . Thus, the tensioning panel  650  of  FIGS. 24A-B  provides an even greater latitude or freedom in attaching the tensioning panel  650  to the shoe  400  in comparison with the tensioning panels of  FIGS. 22A-23C . In other embodiments, one or more of the members ( 651 - 656 ) may be fixedly attached to the shoe  400  while the other members are able to be moved and repositioned about the outer material  610  and shoe  400 . 
       FIGS. 24A-B  also illustrate that the position of the reel based closure device  404  may be varied. Specifically, in  FIG. 24A  the reel based closure device  404  is positioned on the first member  651  whereas in  FIG. 24B  the reel based closure device  404  is attached to the shoe&#39;s tongue. The reel based closure device  404  may likewise be positioned elsewhere on the shoe  400 , such as on the heel of the shoe  400 , as desired. The differing placement of the reel based closure device  404  (e.g., tongue or heel placement) may similarly be employed in the tensioning panels of  FIGS. 22A-23C  as desired. 
       FIGS. 25A-B  illustrate embodiments of straps that may be employed to visually indicate a level of tension that is imposed on the strap due to operation of the reel based closure device  404 , or some other lace tensioning mechanism. The straps of  FIGS. 25A-B  may be used with any of the embodiments described or contemplated herein, or may be used with any other products or articles that require closure and/or tightening. 
     In  FIG. 25A , the strap  700  is illustrated in an un-tensioned or relaxed state (i.e., image “a”) and in a tensioned state (i.e., image “b”). The strap  700  includes indicia  702 , such as a plurality of relatively evenly spaced dots or markings. In the un-tensioned or relaxed state, the indicia  702  is broadly spaced apart. In the tensioned state, the indicia  702  is more tightly or densely packed or spaced, which may make the strap  700  appear slightly darker in color or provide some other visual signal. The visual signal that is provided by the strap  700 , such as due to the tightly or densely packed indicia  702 , correlates or corresponds to the tension that is imposed on the strap  700 . The visual signal may vary in accordance with the tension that is imposed on the strap  700 , such as the strap  700  becoming visually darker as the tension increases. A user may learn to recognize the visual signal and may correlate that signal with a given tension in the strap  700  and/or a given fit or tightness of the shoe  400  about the foot. In this manner, the user may tension the strap  700  until a given visual signal is produced, which would indicate that a desired fit or tightness of the shoe  400  has been achieved. 
     In  FIG. 25B , the strap  710  is also shown in an un-tensioned or relaxed state (i.e., image “a”) and in a tensioned state (i.e., image “b”). The strap  710  likewise includes indicia  712 , but the strap  710  is configured so that the indicia  712  is not visually apparent until the strap  710  is tensioned. For example, in the relaxed state (i.e., image “a”), the strap  710  may appear to be devoid of or otherwise lacking the indicia  712 . Stated differently, the indicia  712  may be hidden from view in the relaxed state. As the strap  710  is tensioned, however, the indicia  712  may become visually apparent as illustrated in image “b”. The indicia  712  may be a word, a phrase, a symbol, or any other desired object that becomes visible as the strap  710  is tensioned. The indicia  712  may be marked or etched on the strap  710  so that as the material of the strap  710  is relaxed and more tightly packed/spaced, the indicia  712  is not visible. As the material stretches and becomes less dense, the markings or etching may align and appear visible to the user. As with the strap  700  of  FIG. 25A , the user may correlate the indicia with a given tension in the strap  710  and/or tightness or fit of the shoe  400 . 
       FIGS. 26A-C  illustrate another embodiment of a strap that may be used with any of the embodiments described or contemplated herein, or may be used with any other products or articles that require closure and/or tightening. The strap of  FIGS. 26A-C  is designed to distribute a force that is imposed on the shoe  400  or other article due to tensioning the lace  405 . In particular, when the lace  405  or a strap is positioned atop a shoe  400 , the lace  405  or strap may impose a downward force onto the shoe, which a user may feel pressing on the top of their foot. The downward force may be relatively uncomfortable and/or irritating, especially when the lace is tensioned to a significant degree. The strap of  FIGS. 26A-C  helps alleviate these potential issues by distributing the force across a greater area of the shoe  400 . The straps distribute the force across a greater area by flexing laterally outward as the lace  405  is tensioned. 
     For example,  FIG. 26A  illustrate the strap in which the lace  405  is in a relaxed or un-tensioned state. The strap includes a proximal end  711  and a distal end  713  with a woven material  714  that is disposed there between. The lace  405  is disposed within the woven material  714 , which forms a channel or tunnel through which the lace  405  is inserted. The lace  405  is operationally coupled with the reel based closure device  404  and with the distal end  713  of the strap so that tensioning of the lace  405  causes the distal end  713  of the strap to move toward the proximal end  711 . The woven material  714  is woven so that as the distal end  713  of the strap moves toward the proximal end  711 , the woven material  714  flexes or moves laterally outward.  FIG. 26B  illustrates the strap in which the lace  405  is in a tensioned state and in which the distal end  713  of the strap has moved toward the proximal end  711 . As a result of this movement, the woven material  714  is flexed or moved laterally outward so that the strap has a greater lateral width in comparison with that of  FIG. 26A . In some instances, the woven material  714  may have a bulging appearance toward the center of the strap. The woven material  714  may have a helically wound braid or any other weave that results in the material flexing or moving laterally outward as the lace  405  is tensioned. The material that is used in the woven portion of the strap may be relatively rigid to resist buckling from the compressive forces that are imparted on the woven material  714  as the distal end  713  of the strap moves toward the proximal end  711 . 
     The greater lateral width of the strap that is due to the flexing or widening of the woven material  714  results in woven material  714  having a greater surface area atop the shoe  400 . As a result, any downward forces that are imposed on the shoe  400  from the strap due to tensioning of the lace  405  are distributed over a greater surface area of the shoe  400 , which results in the forces being less concentrated on any given area or portion of the shoe and the underlying foot.  FIG. 26C  illustrates a positioning of the strap atop and across the shoe  400 . 
     It should be noted that any of the designs described herein may be employed with other means of tightening a shoe, such as conventional shoe laces, pull cords, reel based closure systems, and the like. In such embodiments, the tension adjustment components and systems described and contemplated herein may be employed to essentially adjust or vary the fit of the shoe after a primary means (e.g., shoe lace, pull cord, reel based closure systems, etc.) of closing and tightening the shoe has been employed. 
       FIGS. 27A-29C  illustrate shoes that are constructed so that the means of closing and tightening the shoe via a reel based closure device are built or manufactured into the shoe. The embodiments of  FIGS. 27A-29C  are different than conventional shoes in which separate components are attached to the shoe after manufacture in order to enable the shoe to be closed and tightened via a reel based closure device. In  FIGS. 27A-C  the shoe  800  includes a panel  804  that is constructed from the shoe&#39;s upper  802 . Stated differently, the upper  802  is designed and formed so that the panel  804  is an integral part of the upper  802 . In conventional shoes, the panel  804  would be a separate component that is stitched, adhered, welded, mechanically fastened, or otherwise attached to the upper  802  after manufacture of the shoe  800 . With the panel  804  integrally formed with the upper  802 , the fit of the shoe  800  about the foot may be improved and/or the process of the manufacturing the shoe  800  may be improved. 
     The panel  804  is operationally coupled with the reel based closure device  404  via lace  405  that extends from the reel based closure device  404  to a distal end of the panel  804 . The panel  804  may include a pair of apertures  806 , a channel, or any other feature that allows the distal end of the panel  804  to be attached to the lace  405 . As the lace  405  is tensioned via the reel based closure device  404 , the panel  804  is also tensioned, which closes and/or tightens the shoe  800  about the user&#39;s foot.  FIG. 27C  illustrates an exemplary pattern of the upper  802  that may be used to form the upper  802  with the integrated panel  804 . The pattern includes a first material pattern  810 , a second material pattern  812 , and a third material pattern  814 . The first material pattern  810  includes the panel  804  and may be positioned on the medial side of the foot when the pattern  810  is attached to the other patterns to form the shoe  800 . The second material pattern  812  may be positioned on the lateral side of the foot when attached to the first material pattern  810  in forming the shoe  800 . The third material pattern  814  attaches to the first material pattern  810  and the second material pattern  812  to form the heel of the shoe  800 . 
       FIGS. 28A-B  illustrate another shoe  820  that includes a panel  824  that is built or integrated into the upper  822 . The panel  824  is positioned about the shoe  820  similar to the panel  804  of  FIGS. 27A-C  and similar material patterns may be used in constructing the shoe  820 . The main difference in the shoe  820  of  FIGS. 28A-B  is that the panel  824  includes multiple guides  826  that allow the lace  405  to traverse multiple times between the shoe&#39;s sole and the distal end of the panel  824 . The guides  826  may be made of soft materials, such as loops of fabric, in order to eliminate or reduce the rigid components that are positioned on the shoe, which may be uncomfortable to the user. 
       FIGS. 29A-C  illustrate another shoe  830  that includes a pair of panels that are built or integrated into the upper  832 . Specifically, the shoe  830  includes a first panel  834  that is integrated into the upper  832  in a manner similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 27A-C . The first panel  834  is positioned across the top of the shoe  830  and is used to close and tighten the shoe about the top of the foot. The upper  832  also includes a second panel  838  that is wrapped around the heel of the shoe  830 . The second panel  838  is used to constrict the shoe  830  about the ankle. The reel based closure device  404  is illustrated as being positioned on the distal end of the first panel  834 , although in other embodiments the reel based closure device  404  may be positioned elsewhere on the shoe  830 . The upper  832  includes guides  836  that route or direct the lace  405  from the reel based closure device  404  to the second panel  838  and to other parts of the upper  832 . Operation of the reel based closure device  404  causes the first panel  834  and the second panel  838  to constrict about the foot, thereby tightening the shoe about the foot. 
       FIG. 29C  illustrates an exemplary pattern of the upper  832  that may be used to form the upper  832  with the integrated first and second panels,  834  and  838 . The pattern includes a first material pattern  840  and a second material pattern  842 . The second material pattern  842  includes the first panel  834  and the second panel  838 . When coupled with the first material pattern  840 , the first panel  834  is positioned atop the shoe  830  and the second panel  838  is disposed around the heel as illustrated in  FIGS. 29A-B . When coupled together, the first material pattern  840  may be positioned on the medial side of the shoe  830  while the second material pattern  842  is positioned on the lateral side of the shoe  830 . 
       FIGS. 30A-B  illustrate another means of forming panels on a shoe  850 . In particular, the embodiments illustrate how portions of the shoe  850  may be rendered stiffer in comparison with other portions of the shoe to enable the stiffer portions to function more as a panel or strap that closes and/or tightens the shoe  850  about the foot. In particular, the shoe  850  may be made of a relatively soft and flexible material. The soft and flexible material may be more difficult to properly tension than a more rigid material and thus, in order to facilitate in tensioning the shoe  850 , one or more portions of the shoe may be rendered more stiff or rigid. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the shoe  850  has a configuration similar to that of  FIGS. 29A-C  in which a first panel  834  and a second panel  838  are integrated into the upper  832 . Since the material is soft and flexible, however, tensioning of the first and second panels may be more difficult without increasing the stiffness of one or both of these panels. To increase the stiffness, a more rigid or less flexible material is overlaid and bonded to the upper  832 . For example, to increase the stiffness of the second panel  838 , a more rigid material  856  is overlaid and bonded to the second panel  838  via heat welding, adhesive bonding, and the like. The stiffer material overlay  856  allows the second panel  838  to be more easily tensioned via the lace and reel based closure device  404  than an unaltered second panel  838 . The upper  832  may include additional material overlays as desired. For example, a stiffer material overlay  852  may be positioned near and/or over the toe box to increase the stiffness of this portion of the shoe. The stiffer material overlay  852  may extend to the guides  836  that route or direct the lace  405  to reinforce the coupling of the guides  836  with the shoe. An additional material overlay  854  may be attached to a portion of the first panel  834  to increase the stiffness and/or reinforce the first panel  834  as desired. More or fewer portions of the upper  832  may be stiffened via material overlays as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 31 , illustrated is a method  900  of assembling a reel based closure device. At block  902 , a housing component is provided. As described herein, the reel based closure device includes a bottom member and an exterior wall that extends upward from the bottom member to define an interior region of the housing component. The bottom member typically includes a channel that is defined or formed on or within a bottom surface of the bottom member. The channel is configured so that a tension member is positionable within the channel to route the tension member axially below the interior region of the housing component. The channel may be a U-shaped channel that is defined or formed on the bottom surface of the housing component. The U-shaped channel may extend from a first side of the housing component to a second side of the housing component. Opposing sides of the U-shaped channel may have an arcuate or curved shape. 
     At block  904 , a spool is inserted within the interior region of the housing component. The spool is configured so that the tension member is windable about the spool. At block  906 , a tightening component is coupled with the housing component. The tightening component is configured so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing component to wind the tension member about the spool. 
     In some embodiments, the method also includes attaching the reel based closure device to a shoe. The method may further include coupling the housing component with a base component that is attached to a shoe to releasably coupleable the housing component with the shoe. The base component may include an aperture that is aligned with the channel of the housing component when the housing component is coupled with the base component. In such embodiments, the method may additionally include inserting the tension member through the aperture of the base component and through the channel of the housing component. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.