Patent Publication Number: US-11638466-B2

Title: Systems and methods for an improved rotary closure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional application that claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/153,486 filed Feb. 25, 2021, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an improved rotary closure for a shoe and a method of assembling the improved rotary closure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Previous efforts in rotary closure systems to lace a shoe, while being securely latched, can have inherent flaws such as the tendency to become locked into a de-tensioning position or become jammed when rotated too far in an incorrect rotational direction. Previous rotary closure designs included housings that fully encapsulate a spool, which can cause tensioning elements to become tangled inside the open housing and can sometimes obstruct rotation of the spool. Further, if a mistake is made during assembly or components are misaligned, one risks damaging the rotary closure by attempting to open and realign components of the rotary closure. 
     It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an illustration showing an exploded view of various components of a first embodiment of an improved rotary closure featuring an open spool housing and a closed flange; 
         FIG.  2    is an illustration showing an assembled view of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an illustration showing a section view of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are a series of illustrations showing a bottom perspective view of a subassembly of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    prior to and following engagement of a spool with the subassembly; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  are a series of illustrations showing top perspective, bottom perspective, and top plan views of the flange of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    defining a solid flange floor; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are a series of illustrations showing top perspective, bottom perspective, and top plan views of the open spool housing of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    defining an open configuration; 
         FIG.  6 D  is an illustration showing an enlarged view showing a plurality of teeth of the open spool housing of  FIG.  6 A  taken along circle  6 D- 6 D of  FIG.  6 C ; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  are a series of illustrations showing top perspective, bottom perspective, top plan and side views of the spool of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  are a series of illustrations showing first top perspective, second top perspective, bottom plan, top plan and side views of a first embodiment of an index spring of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    defining a dead-stop element that prevents over-counterrotation of the index spring; 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are top and bottom perspective views showing the dial of  FIG.  1    having an integral latching extension; 
         FIG.  10 A  is an illustration showing a bottom perspective view of an assembled dial of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    in a neutral position; 
         FIGS.  10 B and  10 C  are respective illustrations showing the index spring and dial of  FIG.  25    in a first “rotating” position with a pawl of the index spring being rotated forward towards a post of the dial, and a second “stop” position in which the index spring is rotated forward towards a post of the dial until a tension spring of the index spring rides over the island of the dial; 
         FIG.  10 D  is an illustration showing the index spring of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1    disposed within the open housing of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  are respective illustrations showing the index spring, spool and dial of  FIG.  1    in a first “rotating” position with a pawl of the index spring being rotated forward towards a post of the dial and capturing an extension of the spool, and a second “stop” position in which the index spring is rotated forward towards a post of the dial until a tension spring of the index spring rides over the island of the dial and the pawl spring is released from the extension of the spool; 
         FIG.  12    is an illustration showing an exploded view of various components of a second embodiment of an improved rotary closure featuring an open spool housing and a closed flange; 
         FIG.  13    is an illustration showing an assembled view of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is an illustration showing a section view of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12    taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIGS.  15 A and  15 B  are a series of illustrations showing a bottom perspective view of a subassembly of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12    prior to and after engagement of a spool with the subassembly; 
         FIGS.  16 A and  16 B  are a series of illustrations showing a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of an open spool housing of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  are a series of illustrations showing a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a spool of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIGS.  18 A- 18 D  are a series of illustrations showing top perspective, side, top plan and bottom plan views of an alternative index spring of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIGS.  19 A- 19 D  are a series of illustrations showing top perspective, top plan, bottom plan and side views of a second alternative dial of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  20    is an illustration showing a perspective view of a decorative disc of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIGS.  21 A and  21 B  are a series of illustrations showing to perspective and side views of a cover element of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  22    is an illustration showing a bottom perspective view of an assembled dial of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIGS.  23 A and  23 B  are a series of illustrations showing operation of the second embodiment of the index spring and the second embodiment of the dial of the second embodiment of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12    in a first “spool tightening” state and a second “spool release” state; and 
         FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  are a series of illustrations showing operation of the spool with the second embodiment of the index spring of the second embodiment of the rotary closure of  FIG.  12    in a first “spool tightening” state and a second “spool release” state. 
         FIGS.  25 A- 25 D  are a series of illustrations showing top perspective, bottom perspective, bottom plan and top plan views of an alternate third dial of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  26 A- 26 C  are a series of illustrations showing bottom perspective, top perspective, and bottom plan views of a cover element featuring a bifurcated latching extension of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  26 D  is an illustration showing a section view of the cover element taken along line  26 D- 26 D of  FIG.  26 C ; and 
         FIG.  27    is an illustration showing a perspective view of a fourth alternative dial for use with the first embodiment of the rotary closure of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the view of the drawings. The headings used in the figures do not limit the scope of the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of a rotary closure including an open housing that provides an increased spool capacity and reduces jamming of a tensioning element that is to be repeatedly tensioned and de-tensioned around the spool. The open housing defines an open spool passage that engages a dial of the rotary closure and partially encapsulates the spool, thereby allowing the use of a taller spool to increase spool capacity. The open housing enables access to an underside of the spool and defines a pair of open arches that allow passage of the tensioning element outside of the open housing to reduce a chance and severity of jamming of the tensioning element. The open housing further enables manufacturers to assemble the dial, an index spring and the open housing in a snap-fit engagement as a subassembly, thus allowing the manufacturer to ensure that the dial, index spring and the open housing are working properly prior to full assembly of the rotary closure. The spool and associated tensioning element can thereafter be coupled with the subassembly. The spool includes a distal-most keyway to latch the subassembly with the spool in an assembled state through insertion of a latching extension of the dial that engages the distal-most keyway of the spool. The subassembly and spool can then be engaged with a flange, which can in some embodiments be stitched into a shoe or another item. In some embodiments, the rotary closure includes an improved index spring that prevents jamming during counter-rotation of the dial of the rotary closure through inclusion of a “dead-stop” feature integral to a body of the index spring that contacts an island of the dial when the dial is counter-rotated to prevent the dial from being counter-rotated too far, thus preventing unintentional disengagement of the dial from the index spring. The examples shown herein for various embodiments of the rotary closure are suitable for a right-handed wearer or when it is otherwise most convenient to wind the dial in a clockwise direction. However, a rotary closure according to the embodiments herein could also be manufactured in an orientation suitable for a left-handed wearer or when it is otherwise most convenient to wind the dial in a counterclockwise direction. Referring to the drawings, embodiments of a rotary closure for a shoe are illustrated and generally indicated as  100  and  200  in  FIGS.  1 - 27   . 
       FIGS.  1 - 4 B  illustrate a first embodiment of a rotary closure  100 . As shown, the rotary closure  100  includes a dial  105  for rotation of a spool  103  and an improved index spring  104  for controlling a direction of rotation of the spool  103 , which are latched together by a latching extension  189 . The rotary closure  100  includes an open housing  102  that engages the index spring  104  and the dial  105  and further defines an open spool passage  124  in which the spool  103  can be partially encapsulated. To assemble the rotary closure  100 , the index spring  104  is first coupled with the dial  105 , which are in turn coupled with the open housing  102  in a snap-fit engagement to form a subassembly  101  illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . The spool  103  can then be disposed within the open spool passage  124  of the open housing  102  and coupled with a latching extension  189  associated with the dial  105 , as illustrated in  FIG.  4 B . When assembled, the dial  105  operatively engages the index spring  104  and the spool  103  to rotate the spool  103  within the open housing  102  in a first rotational direction Q ( FIGS.  10 B and  10 C ) to tension the tensioning element around the spool, and a second rotational direction R to de-tension the tensioning element. As shown in  FIG.  3   , the dial  105  includes or is otherwise directly associated with the latching extension  189  configured for insertion through a distal-most keyway  135  of the spool  103  to engage the spool  103  within the subassembly  101 . When assembled, the components of the subassembly  101  and the spool  103  are aligned along a common center axis A. The assembled spool  103  and subassembly  101  including the dial  105 , index spring  104 , and open housing  102  may then be coupled to a flange  106  ( FIGS.  1 - 3   ), which is secured along an exterior portion of a shoe (not shown) to complete assembly. In some embodiments, the dial  105  is configured for engagement with a cover  107  that provides a smooth surface to the assembled rotary closure  100 . In some embodiments, the cover  107  can include a logo or other indicia. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , in some embodiments the flange  106  is configured to couple the assembled components of the rotary closure  100  to a shoe or another item by engagement with the open housing  102  ( FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments, the flange  106  defines a closed body  108  having a circular shape with a bowed cross section forming a flange floor  116  on one side that is configured to engage the open housing  102  during assembly. The closed body  108  of the flange encloses an underside of the spool  103  and couples with the open housing  102  such that the spool  103  is collectively enclosed between the dial  105 , the open housing  102  and the flange  106 . This is in opposition to previous iterations of a rotary closure that included a closed housing that provided complete separation between the flange and a spool and only encapsulated the spool between the dial and the closed housing. Further, the closed body defines a first flange wall  111  and an opposite second flange wall  112  that envelop the open housing  102 , and a rim  113  that extends beyond the first and opposite second flange walls  111  and  112 . The first flange wall  111  and the opposite second flange wall  112  collectively define a first flange window  119 A and an opposite second flange window  119 B for passage of a tensioning element when assembled. The flange floor  116  of the flange  106  forms a plurality of seats  115 A-D that accept a plurality of respective shoulders  129 A-D ( FIG.  6 B ) of the open housing  102  and a central depression  114  to accommodate a latching element  190  of the bifurcated latching extension  189 . In some embodiments, the central depression  114  defines a ring  147  surrounding a central protrusion  148  within the central depression  114 . The central protrusion  148  is configured to engage between a first leg  192  and a second leg  193  ( FIG.  3   ) of the latching extension  189  to bias the first and second legs  192  and  193  apart and prevent the latching extension  189  from disengaging from the spool  103 . The flange  106  further includes a first retention member  109  formed opposite a second retention member  110  configured to couple opposite sides of the open housing  102  to the flange  106 . In some embodiments, the first and second retention members  109  and  110  form first and second tang portions  117  and  118 , respectively, at the free ends thereof. The first and second tang portions  117  and  118  are configured to couple with the open housing  102  in a snap fit engagement. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  illustrate the open housing  102  for the rotary closure  100 . In some embodiments, the open housing  102  forms a generally circular body  120  defining the open spool passage  124  for receipt and rotation of the spool  103 . The circular body  120  defines a circular inner wall  121  formed coaxially within a circular outer wall  122 . As shown, the circular outer wall  122  defines a circumferential flange  128  around an exterior of the circular outer wall  122  which is configured for engagement with the dial  105 ; such an engagement is illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . The circular outer wall  122  also defines a plurality of teeth  123  along an interior of the circular outer wall  122  that are configured for engagement with the index spring  104 . The circular inner wall  121  forms a channel  125  between the circular outer wall  122  and the circular inner wall  121  for receipt of the index spring  104 , an engagement that is illustrated in  FIG.  10 D . The open spool passage  124  is defined though the center of the open housing  102 ; a diameter of the open spool passage  124  enables placement and free rotation of the spool  103  within the open spool passage  124 . As further shown in  FIG.  4 B , the open spool passage  124  partially encapsulates the spool  103  and permits access to an underside of the spool  103  while the spool  103  is disposed within the open housing  102 . The open spool passage  124  of the open housing  102  allows the use of a taller spool  103  within the rotary closure  100  by eliminating unnecessary volume within the open housing  102 . The plurality of teeth  123  of the open housing  102  are configured to operatively engage a first index spring arm  153  and a second index spring arm  154  of the index spring  104  ( FIGS.  8 A- 8 E ) as the dial  105 , index spring  104  and spool  103  are caused to incrementally rotate in a first rotational direction Q while the tensioning elements are being tightened around the spool  103 . The plurality of teeth  123  of the open housing  102  are angled to prevent counter-rotation of the index spring  104  in a second rotational direction R within the open housing  102 , an operation which will be described in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  6 B , the open housing  102  defines a pair of opposing arcuate plateaus  139  formed on an underside of the channel  125  that seat within the flange floor  116  of the flange  106  ( FIG.  4   ) and also partially encapsulate the spool  103 . The pair of opposing arcuate plateaus  139  include a first arcuate plateau  139 A and a second arcuate plateau  139 B. The first arcuate plateau  139 A defines a first shoulder  129 A at a first end of the first arcuate plateau  139 A and a second shoulder  129 B defined at a second end of the first arcuate plateau  139 A. Similarly, the second arcuate plateau  139 B defines a third shoulder  129 C at a first end of the second arcuate plateau  139 B and a fourth shoulder  129 D defined at a second end of the second arcuate plateau  139 B. As shown, the first arcuate plateau  139 A defines a first midsection  142 A between the first shoulder  129 A and the second shoulder  129 B that collectively form a first closed slot  127 A configured for engagement with a first retention member  109  of the flange  106  during assembly of the rotary closure  100 . Similarly, the second arcuate plateau  139 B defines a second midsection  142 B between the third shoulder  129 C and the fourth shoulder  129 D that collectively define a second closed slot  127 B configured for engagement with a second retention member  110  of the flange  106  during assembly of the rotary closure  100 . 
     The first and second arcuate plateaus  139 A and  139 B collectively define a first open arch  126 A and a second open arch  126 B configured for passage of one or more lacing (tensioning) elements (not shown) between an interior of the open spool passage  124  and an exterior of the open housing  102 . Specifically, the first shoulder  129 A of the first arcuate plateau  139 A and the third shoulder  129 C of the second arcuate plateau  139 B collectively form the first open arch  126 A. Similarly, the second shoulder  129 B of the first arcuate plateau  139 A and the fourth shoulder  129 D of the second arcuate plateau  139 B collectively form the second open arch  126 B. Referring briefly back to  FIG.  4 B , when assembled, the first and second open arches  126 A and  126 B enable access the tensioning element (not shown) and the spool  103  while the spool  103  is coupled within the open housing  102 . The first and second open arches  126 A and  126 B result in a lesser likelihood that the tensioning element will become jammed, especially with both tensioning and de-tensioning functionalities required of the rotary closure  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , the spool  103  controls the operation of a tensioning element (not shown) such as a cable or wire, used to lace a shoe (not shown) by operation of the rotary closure  100  which is seated within the open spool passage  124  of housing  102  (as shown in  FIG.  4 B ). In some embodiments, the spool  103  includes a body  130  forming a spool base  132  and a spool flange  131  that collectively define a neck  134  and an extension  133  that extends axially from the spool flange  131 . The neck  134  is configured to receive the tensioning element which is to be wound around the neck  134 . The extension  133  forms a plurality of curved teeth  136  that collectively form a plurality of recesses  140  in juxtaposition between respective ridges  141  formed circumferentially around the peripheral edge  137  of extension  133  for engagement with the index spring  104  ( FIGS.  8 A- 8 E ). The curved teeth  136  are configured to operatively engage a pawl member  152  of the index spring  104  for turning the spool  103  in the first rotational direction Q, essentially “catching” the spool  103  and forcing the spool  103  to rotate in the rotational direction Q with the dial  105  and index spring  104 . The spool  103  defines a distal-most keyway  135  running axially through the body  130  of the spool  103  configured for engagement with the latching extension  189  of the dial  105 ; the engagement of which is illustrated in  FIG.  4 B . As shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  7 A and  7 B , the distal-most keyway  135  is formed axially through the spool body  130  to permit passage of the latching element  190  of the latching extension  189  through the distal-most keyway  135 . The distal-most keyway  135  defines a spool shoulder  138  at the spool base  132  for engagement with the latching element  190  of the latching extension  189  such that as the latching extension  189  is inserted through the distal-most keyway  135 , the latching element  190  couples with the spool shoulder  138 . In particular, as is further discussed below, the first and second legs  192  and  193  of the latching element  190  are configured for insertion through the distal-most keyway  135  and engagement with the spool shoulder  138  such that the first and second tangs  194  and  195  ( FIG.  9 B ) defined by the first and second legs  192  and  193  are pushed apart, preventing disengagement of the spool  103  from the latching extension  189 . As further shown, in some embodiments the body  130  of the spool  103  defines a first window  144  and a second window  145 . Structurally, the first and second windows  144  and  145  are configured to allow passage of the tensioning element to secure the tensioning element to the body  130  of the spool  103  while the tensioning element is being wound around the spool  103  during operation of the rotary closure  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 E , the index spring  104  includes a body  150  having a center portion  155  forming a first lateral arm  161  and an opposite second lateral arm  162 . The second lateral arm  162  defines a pivot element  160  that couples the pawl member  152  of the index spring  104  to the second lateral arm  162  such that the pawl member  152  pivots or rotates about a pivot axis B defined by pivot element  160 . In some embodiments, the pawl member  152  defines a proximal portion  165  and an opposite distal portion  166  in which the distal portion  166  forms a first ridge  167  and a second ridge  168  with a pawl recess  169  defined between the first and second ridges  167  and  168 . In operation, the pawl member  152  is operatively engaged with the extension  133  ( FIG.  6 A ) of the spool  103  to control rotation of the spool  103 , essentially “catching” the spool  103  and forcing the spool  103  to rotate in the first rotational direction Q with the subassembly  101  when winding the tensioning element around the spool  103 . For example, the pawl recess  169  of the pawl member  152  is configured to engage a respective ridge  141  of the extension  133  such that the spool  103  is caught and rotated in the first rotational direction Q of the spool  103  is controlled by the pawl member  152 . The index spring  104  includes a first index spring arm  153  and second index spring arm  154  which are each configured to incrementally engage the plurality of teeth  123  ( FIGS.  6 A and  6 D ) of the open housing  102  as the dial  105  is rotated in the first rotational direction Q by the user. The first and second index spring arms  153  and  154  allow rotation of the index spring  104  in the first rotational direction Q within the open housing  102 , but prevent counter-rotation in the second rotational direction R within the open housing  102 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the index spring  104  further includes a tension spring  156  having a terminal end portion  157  that contacts an island  182  of the dial  105  ( FIGS.  9 B- 10 C ) and provides tactile feedback to a user to communicate that the index spring  104  is releasing the spool  103 . As specifically shown in  FIGS.  8 A,  10 C and  11 B , the index spring  104  further includes a dead-stop element  163  protruding from the body  150  and first lateral arm  161  and associated with the tension spring  156  and configured to contact an island  182  of the dial  105  when rotated in the second rotational direction R to prevent over-counterrotation of the dial  105  relative to the index spring  104 . The index spring  104  further includes an elongated protrusion  164  associated with the body  150  and the pawl member  152  for engagement with a post  181  of the dial  105 , preventing over-counter-rotation of the dial  105  relative to the index spring  104 . As further shown, the index spring  104  defines a keyway  158  axially through the central portion of the index spring  104  along the common center axis A that, when assembled, is coaxially aligned with the distal-most keyway  135  of the spool  103 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 A- 11 B , the dial  105  provides a means for actuating the rotary closure  100  through manual rotation of the dial  105  indefinitely in the first rotational direction Q and limitedly in the opposite second rotational direction R. In some embodiments, the dial  105  includes a body  176  defining an exterior surface  177  and an interior surface  178 . In some embodiments, the exterior surface  177  forms a gripping surface  183  configured for gripping by the hand of the user when rotating the dial  105 . As specifically shown in  FIG.  9 B , the dial  105  includes one or more engagement elements  185  for engagement with the circumferential flange  128  of the open housing  102  to encapsulate the index spring  104  and form the subassembly  101  of  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . Further, the dial  105  defines the latching extension  189  that enables coupling of the spool  103  to the subassembly  101 . In the example of  FIG.  1   , the dial  105  can be configured for engagement with the cover  107 . 
     In some embodiments, the interior surface  178  of the dial  105  forms the island  182 , which is a protrusion from the interior surface  178 . The island  182  defines a first rounded end  172 , a second squared end  173  and a textured outer edge  174 . In the embodiment shown, an inner edge  175  of the island  182  follows an outline of the center portion  155  of the index spring  104 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  10 B and  11 A , as the dial  105  is rotated in the first rotational direction Q, the first rounded end  172  of the island  182  contacts the proximal portion  165  of the pawl member  152  of the index spring  104  and rotates the distal portion  166  of the pawl member  152  towards the center of the body  150  of the index spring  104 . Conversely, when rotated in the opposite second rotational direction R relative to the index spring  104  as in  FIGS.  10 C and  11 B , the tension spring  156  rides over the textured outer edge  174  until the dead-stop element  163  contacts the second squared end  173  of the island  182  and prevents further rotation of the dial  105  in the second rotational direction R. This communicates to the user when the index spring  104  has released the spool  103  for de-tensioning by providing tactile feedback, also allows the user to know when to stop turning the dial  105  in the second rotational direction R. Once the tension spring  156  has ridden over the textured outer edge  174  of the island  182 , further rotation of the dial  105  in the second rotational direction R is prevented when the island  182  contacts the dead-stop element  163  of the index spring  104 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  10 C and  11 B , the spool  103  is released and allowed to freely counter-rotate when the dial  105  is rotated in the second rotational direction R. During rotation in the second rotational direction R, the post  181  of the dial  105  contacts the pawl member  152  and causes the pawl member  152  to pivot away from the common center axis A to release the extension  133  of the spool  103  from the pawl member  152 . As shown, the elongated protrusion  164  extends from the body  150  of the index spring  104  and contacts the post  181  as the pawl member  152  is rotated away from the extension  133  of the spool  103  by the post  181  of the dial  105 . This further prevents excessive counter-rotation of the dial  105  in the second rotational direction R relative to the index spring  104  and housing  102  and prevents the pawl recess  169  of the pawl member  152  from fully engaging the post  181  when in the configuration of  FIG.  11 B . As further shown, the interior surface  178  of the dial  105  defines a curved recess  180  and provides clearance for the pivot element  160  of the index spring  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  9 B , the dial  105  includes the latching extension  189  that extends from the interior surface  178 . The latching extension  189  is configured for insertion through a coaxial alignment of respective keyways  135  and  158  of the spool  103  and index spring  104 . In the embodiments of  FIGS.  3 ,  9 A and  8 B , the dial  105  and latching extension  189  are integral with one another, however an embodiment featuring an alternative dial  305  with a separate latching extension  389  that is integral with a cover  307  that couples with the dial  305  is further illustrated in  FIGS.  25 A- 26 D . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 B and  9 B , the latching extension  189  includes the latching element  190  defined at a distal free end of the latching extension  189 . In some embodiments, the latching element  190  is bifurcated; in particular, the latching element  190  defines the first leg  192  and the opposite second leg  193 . Each first and second leg  192  and  193  includes a respective first and second tang  194  and  195 . The first and second tangs  194  and  195  cause the first and second legs  192  and  193  to be forced together when inserted into the distal-most keyway  135  of the spool  103 . The first and second legs  192  and  193  of the latching element  190  are tensioned such that when the latching element  190  is inserted through the distal-most keyway  135 , the latching element  190  engages with the spool shoulder  138  such that the first and second tangs  194  and  195  defined by the first and second legs  192  and  193  are pushed apart, preventing disengagement of the spool  103  from the latching extension  189 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 C and  11 B , when the dial  105  is rotated in the second direction R to release the spool  103 , the dead-stop element  163  contacts the second squared end  173  of the island  182  of the dial  105  such that further counter rotation of the dial  105  relative to the index spring  104  is prevented. Tactile feedback is provided to the user when counter-rotation of the dial  105  causes the tension spring  156  to ride up over the textured outer edge  174  of the island  182  of the dial  105 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  10 B and  11 A , when the dial  105  is rotated in the first rotational direction Q relative to the index spring  104 , the proximal portion  165  of the pawl member  152  contacts the first rounded end  172  of the island  182  of the dial  105  and is consequently rotated about the pivot axis B such that the opposite distal portion  166  of the pawl member  152  is rotated inward towards the common center axis A. This causes the index spring  104  to rotate with the dial  105  in the rotational direction Q about the common center axis A that aligns with the latching extension  189 . As rotation in the first rotational direction Q continues, the pawl recess  169  of the pawl member  152  catches a curved tooth  136  of the extension  133  and forces the spool  103  to rotate with the index spring  104  and dial  105  in the rotational direction Q to wind the tensioning element around the spool  103 . 
     The index spring  104  further includes the elongated protrusion  164  associated with the pawl member  152  for preventing over-counter-rotation of the index spring  104  in the rotational direction R relative to the dial. When the index spring  104  is rotated in the rotational direction R and the tension spring  156  rides up over the island of the dial  105 , the opposite distal portion  166  of the pawl member  152  contacts the post  181  of the dial  105  and is rotated away from the keyway  158 . This “rotating away” action causes the pawl member  152  to fully disengage from the extension  133  of the spool  103  and allows the spool  103  to counter-rotate freely to loosen tensioning elements. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4 B , in one method of assembly of the rotary closure  100 , the open housing  102  allows manufacturers to assemble the dial  105 , the index spring  104  and the open housing  102  together in a snap-fit engagement as the subassembly  101 . The subassembly  101  enables a manufacturer to ensure that the dial  105 , index spring  104  and the open housing  102  are working properly prior to full assembly of the rotary closure  100 . The spool  103  and associated tensioning element (not shown) can thereafter be coupled with the subassembly  101  either by the manufacturer or by a consumer. The formation of the subassembly  101  also enables the consumer to remove and/or replace the spool  103  in case of jamming or to replace the tensioning element without complete disassembly of the open housing  102  from the dial  105  and the index spring  104 , thus reducing a likelihood of destruction of the rotary closure  100 . 
     The subassembly  101  is first assembled by coupling the index spring  104  with the dial  105 . In one embodiment of the index spring  104 , the pivot element  160  of the index spring  104  should align with the curved recess  180  of the dial  105 . Inserting the latching extension  189  the keyway  158  of the index spring  104  secures the index spring  104  to the dial  105 . The open housing  102  is coupled with the dial  105  by snapping the circumferential flange  128  of the open housing  102  to the interior surface  178  of the dial  105  by the one or more engagement elements  185  of the dial  105  as discussed above and as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . Following formation of the subassembly  101 , the spool  103  can be coupled with the subassembly  101  by insertion of the latching extension  189  of the dial  105  through the distal-most keyway  135  of the spool  103  until the latching element  190  is secured with the spool shoulder  138  of the spool  103  as shown in  FIG.  4 B . The subassembly  101  and spool  103  can then be coupled with the flange  106  by snapping the first retention member  109  and opposite second retention member  110  of the flange  106  into the opposing first and second closed slots  127 A and  127 B of the open housing  102 . In some embodiments, the flange  106  can be stitched into a shoe (not shown) or can be present on another device that requires tightening of a tensioning element such as a container. 
     Some examples shown for rotary closure  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 11 B  ( FIGS.  10 A- 10 C,  11 A and  11 B  in particular), are from an underside perspective of the dial  105  and show the first rotational direction Q indicating a counterclockwise rotational direction and the opposite second rotational direction R indicating a clockwise direction. Note that if the dial  105  shown in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C,  11 A and  11 B  were to be turned with the exterior side  177  facing the viewer as would be the case when being wound by the user, the first rotational direction Q would indicate a clockwise rotational direction and the opposite second rotational direction R would indicate a counterclockwise direction. To wind the rotary closure  100 , the user rotates the dial in the first rotational direction Q which is clockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure  100  of  FIG.  2   . To release the rotary closure  100 , the user rotates the dial in the opposite second rotational direction R which is counterclockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure  100  of  FIG.  2   . In other words, for a right-handed rotary closure such as rotary closure  100  in an assembled position such that the viewer is facing the exterior side  177  of the dial  105 , first rotational direction Q=clockwise and opposite second rotational direction R=counterclockwise. 
     However, it should be noted that the rotary closure  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 11 B  could also be oriented suitable for a left-handed wearer or when it is otherwise most convenient to wind the dial in a counterclockwise direction. In the case of a “left-handed” orientation, to wind the rotary closure, the user would rotate the dial in the first rotational direction Q which would be counterclockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure. To release the left-handed rotary closure, the user would rotate the dial in the opposite second rotational direction R which would be clockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure. In other words, for a left-handed rotary closure analogous to but mirrored from rotary closure  100  in an assembled position such that the viewer is facing the exterior side of the dial, first rotational direction Q=counterclockwise and opposite second rotational direction R=clockwise. 
     A left-handed rotary closure following the rotary closure  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 11 B  would include the same components but completely mirrored across the vertical axis, including a flange analogous to flange  106 , a dial analogous to dial  105 , an index spring analogous to index spring  104 , a spool analogous to spool  103 , and a housing analogous to housing  102 . However, given that the first and opposite second directions of rotation Q and R for a left-handed rotary closure are reversed relative to their illustrated counterparts, the components of the of the left-handed rotary closure including directions of involved teeth, springs and pawl components of the housing and index spring are mirrored across the vertical axis. 
     For instance, the plurality of teeth  123  of the housing  102  of the “right-handed” orientation shown in  FIG.  10 D  point in a first direction to “catch” and prevent rotation of the catch spring  154  of the index spring  104  in the opposite second rotational direction R, which is R=counterclockwise in the illustrated example. However, as the rotary closure  100  could hypothetically be manufactured in the opposite orientation, the plurality of teeth of the housing of a “left-handed” orientation would point in an opposite direction from the plurality of teeth  123  of  FIG.  10 D  to “catch” and prevent rotation of a catch spring of the index spring in the opposite second rotational direction R, which would be R=clockwise in the case of the left-handed example. The catch spring of the left-handed rotary closure would also be mirrored such that the catch spring points in the opposite direction relative to the catch spring  154  of the right-handed rotary closure  100 . 
     This “mirrored” orientation would apply to the index spring, the housing, the dial, and the spool of the left-handed rotary closure, to enable a user to wind the left-handed rotary closure through counterclockwise revolution of the dial and to release the spool of the left-handed rotary closure through clockwise revolution of the dial; i.e. where first rotational direction Q=counterclockwise and where opposite second rotational direction R=clockwise. 
     A second embodiment of the rotary closure  200  is further described herein and illustrated in  FIGS.  12 - 24 B  that includes an open housing  202  similar to the open housing  102  of the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100 . The rotary closure  200  includes an alternate index spring  204  and a corresponding alternate dial  205  that provides an alternative cam-actuated mechanism for tensioning and de-tensioning a spool  203 . Similarly, to assemble the rotary closure  200 , the index spring  204  is coupled with the dial  205 , which is in turn coupled with the open housing  202  in a snap-fit engagement to form a subassembly  201  illustrated in  FIG.  15 A  that is analogous to the subassembly  101  of the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100  shown in  FIG.  4 A . A spool  203 , analogous to and including all components of spool  103  of  FIGS.  1 ,  3  and  4 B , can then be disposed within an open spool passage  224  of the open housing  202  and engaged with a latching extension  289  of the dial  205 . When assembled, the components of the subassembly  201  and the spool  203  are aligned along a common center axis A. The assembled spool  203  and subassembly  201  including the dial  205 , index spring  204 , and open housing  202  may then be coupled to a flange  206  (analogous to and including all components of flange  106  of  FIG.  1   ), which is secured along an exterior portion of a shoe (not shown) or another item such as a container that may require tightening of a tensioning element. As shown in  FIG.  14   , when assembled, the subassembly  201  and flange  206  encapsulate the spool  203  between a flange floor  216  of the flange  206 , the open spool passage  224  and the dial  205 . The spool  203  includes a distal-most keyway  235  defining a spool shoulder  238  at a spool base  232  for engagement with a latching element  287  of the latching extension  289  such that as the latching extension  289  is inserted through the distal-most keyway  235 , the latching element  287  couples with the spool shoulder  238 . 
     The spool  203  is disposed within the open housing  202  and is operatively associated with the dial  205  that includes a cam path  280 , and an improved index spring  204  located between the spool  203  and the dial  205  that operates with the cam path  280  of the dial to control a direction of rotation of the spool  203 . The dial  205  is operable for rotation in a first rotational direction Q or an opposite second rotational direction R about the common center axis A. The index spring  204 , in association with the dial  205 , is operable to assume a first “spool winding” state or a second “spool release” state which control the direction of rotation of the spool  203 . 
     As illustrated, the open housing  202  and spool  203  of the second embodiment of the rotary closure  200  are very similar to their respective counterparts, open housing  102  and spool  103  of the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100 . However, notable additions to the open housing  202  and spool  203  that were not shown in the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100  are the inclusion of additional centering features. As shown in  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B , a spool flange  231  of the spool  203  (analogous to spool flange  131  of spool  103  of  FIG.  7 A ) further includes a centering ridge  243  that enables alignment of the spool  202  within the open spool passage  224  of the open housing  204 .  FIGS.  16 A and  16 B  show a circular inner wall  221  of the open housing  202  (analogous to circular inner wall  121  of the open housing  102  of  FIG.  6 A ) further including an inner centering flange  271  that engages the centering ridge  243  of the spool  203  which enables the spool  203  to reliably seat within the open housing  202 . It should be noted that the above centering features (centering ridge  243  and inner centering flange  271 ) could also be applied to open housing  102  and spool  103  of the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100 . 
       FIGS.  16 A and  16 B  illustrate the open housing  202  for the rotary closure  100 . In some embodiments, similar to that of the open housing  102  of  FIGS.  6 A- 6 D , the open housing  202  forms a generally circular body  220  defining the open spool passage  224  for receipt and rotation of the spool  203 . The circular body  220  defines the circular inner wall  221  formed coaxially within a circular outer wall  222 . As shown, the circular outer wall  222  defines the circumferential flange  228  around an exterior of the circular outer wall  222  which is configured for engagement with the dial  205 ; such an engagement is illustrated in  FIG.  15   . The circular outer wall  222  also defines a plurality of teeth  223  along an interior of the circular outer wall  222  that are configured for engagement with the index spring  204 . The circular inner wall  221  forms a channel  225  between the circular outer wall  222  and the circular inner wall  221  for receipt of the index spring  204  ( FIGS.  18 A- 18 D ). The open spool passage  224  is defined though the center of the open housing  202 ; a diameter of the open spool passage  224  enables placement and free rotation of the spool  203  within the open spool passage  224 . As further shown in  FIG.  15 B , the open spool passage  224  partially encapsulates the spool  203  and permits access to an underside of the spool  203  while the spool  203  is disposed within the open housing  202 . The open spool passage  224  of the open housing  202  allows the use of a taller spool  203  within the rotary closure  200  by eliminating unnecessary volume within the open housing  202 . The plurality of teeth  223  of the open housing  202  are configured to operatively engage catch springs  253  of the index spring  204  as the dial  205 , index spring  204  and spool  203  are caused to incrementally rotate in a first rotational direction Q while the tensioning elements are being tightened around the spool  203 . The plurality of teeth  223  of the open housing  202  are angled to prevent counter-rotation of the index spring  204  in a second rotational direction R within the open housing  202 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  16 B , the open housing  202  defines a pair of opposing arcuate plateaus  239  formed on an underside of the channel  225  that seat within the flange floor  216  of the flange  206  ( FIG.  14   ) and also partially encapsulate the spool  203 . The pair of opposing arcuate plateaus  239  include a first arcuate plateau  239 A and a second arcuate plateau  239 B. The first arcuate plateau  239 A defines a first shoulder  229 A at a first end of the first arcuate plateau  239 A and a second shoulder  229 B defined at a second end of the first arcuate plateau  239 A. Similarly, the second arcuate plateau  239 B defines a third shoulder  229 C at a first end of the second arcuate plateau  239 B and a fourth shoulder  229 D defined at a second end of the second arcuate plateau  239 B. As shown, the first arcuate plateau  239 A defines a first midsection  242 A between the first shoulder  229 A and the second shoulder  229 B that collectively form a first closed slot  227 A configured for engagement with a first retention member  209  ( FIG.  14   ) of the flange  206  during assembly of the rotary closure  200 . Similarly, the second arcuate plateau  239 B defines a second midsection  242 B between the third shoulder  229 C and the fourth shoulder  229 D that collectively define a second closed slot  227 B configured for engagement with a second retention member  210  of the flange  206  during assembly of the rotary closure  100 . 
     The first and second arcuate plateaus  239 A and  239 B collectively define a first open arch  226 A and a second open arch  226 B configured for passage of one or more lacing (tensioning) elements (not shown) between an interior of the open spool passage  224  and an exterior of the open housing  202 . Specifically, the first shoulder  229 A of the first arcuate plateau  239 A and the third shoulder  229 C of the second arcuate plateau  239 B collectively form the first open arch  226 A. Similarly, the second shoulder  229 B of the first arcuate plateau  239 A and the fourth shoulder  229 D of the second arcuate plateau  239 B collectively form the second open arch  226 B. Referring briefly back to  FIG.  15 B , when assembled, the first and second open arches  226 A and  226 B enable access the tensioning element (not shown) and the spool  203  while the spool  203  is coupled within the open housing  202 . The first and second open arches  226 A and  226 B result in a lesser likelihood that the tensioning element will become jammed, especially with both tensioning and de-tensioning functionalities required of the rotary closure  200 . 
       FIGS.  18 A- 18 D  demonstrate the index spring  204  that engages the cam path  280  of the dial  205  to control rotation of the spool  203 . The index spring  204  defines a generally circular spring body  250  defining a keyway  258  for insertion of the latching extension  289  of the dial  205 . Further, the index spring  204  defines a pawl spring  251  (in the embodiment shown, a pair of pawl springs  251 ) located interior to the circular spring body  250 . The pawl spring  251  is configurable in two states: (1) a first default state of the pawl spring  251  which engages the spool  203  for rotating the spool  203  in the first direction Q and prevents back-rotation of the spool  203  in the second direction R; and (2) a second tensioned state in which the dial  205  actuates the pawl spring  251  away from the common center axis A and releases the spool  203 , allowing the spool  203  to rotate in the second direction R. As illustrated, the pawl spring  251  includes a cam follower  256  that extends from the pawl spring  251  and engages the cam path  280  of the dial  205 . The pawl spring  251  includes the pawl member  252  at a distal portion of the pawl spring  251  in association with the cam follower  256 . When the pawl spring  251  is in the first default state of  FIGS.  23 A and  24 A , the pawl spring  251  directly engages one or more curved teeth  236  of an extension  233  of the spool  203  to force rotation of the spool  203  in the first rotational direction Q and to prevent back-rotation of the spool  203  in the second rotational direction R. In the first default state, the cam follower  256  of the pawl spring  251  is located at a first “spool winding” portion  281  along the cam path  280  of the dial  205 . The pair of pawl springs  251  of the index spring  204  engage the spool  203  at two points rather than a single point (as is the case of index spring  104  of  FIG.  1   ) to increase the strength of engagement when tightening the tensioning element. This also provides a balanced force against the spool  203  and within the rotary closure  200  as a whole instead of driving the spool  203  with only one engagement point. 
     The pawl spring  251  is also operable for disengagement from the extension  233  of the spool  203  in the second tensioned state of  FIGS.  23 B and  24 B . The pawl spring  251  is transitioned into the second tensioned state by counter-rotation of the dial  205  in the second direction R. As the dial  205  is rotated in the second direction R, the cam path  280  forces the cam follower  256  of the pawl spring  251  outward and away from the common center axis A and the spool  203 . This action releases the spool  203  and enables the spool  203  to rotate freely within the open spool passage  224  of the open housing  204  without influence from the pawl spring  251 . As shown, in the second tensioned state, the cam follower  256  of the pawl spring  251  is located at a second “spool release” portion  282  along the cam path  280  of the dial  205 . The circular spring body  250  of the index spring  204  defines a cam follower pocket  257  for each respective pawl spring  251  to tuck into as the pawl spring  251  is actuated away from the common center axis A. 
     Additionally, the index spring  204  also includes a catch spring  253  (in the embodiment shown, a pair of catch springs  253 ) oriented along an outer edge  255  of the circular spring body  250  of the index spring  204 . The catch spring  253  engages the open housing  202  to prevent back-rotation of the index spring  204  in the second direction R. As shown, the catch spring  253  includes a plurality of tangs  254  that engage a plurality of teeth  223  of the open housing  202  as the index spring  204  is rotated in the first direction Q but prevent counter-rotation in the second direction R. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  18 C , the catch spring  253  is oriented outward and away from the common center axis A. When engaged within a housing channel  225  of the open housing  202  and when rotated in the first direction Q, the catch spring  253  is forced inward towards the common center axis A by the plurality of teeth  223  of the open housing  202 , and then snaps back outward away from the common center axis A to engage the teeth  223  of the open housing  202  at an advanced radial position along the housing channel  225  of the open housing  202 . The index spring  204 , particularly the pawl spring  251  and the catch spring  253 , are comprised of a material that tensions when deformed and returns to its original position when released. In a primary embodiment, the index spring  204  is comprised of a plastic material such as Delrin. 
       FIGS.  19 A- 19 D  illustrate the dial component  205  that provides the cam path  280  for engagement with the second embodiment of the index spring  204 . The dial  205  defines a generally circular body  276  having an exterior surface  277  that defines a gripping surface  283  and an opposite interior surface  278  that defines the cam path  280 . The cam path  280  engages the cam follower  256  of the index spring  204  and controls the state of the pawl spring  251 . The dial  205  is rotatable in the first direction Q or the opposite second direction R. The cam path  280  includes the first “spool winding” portion  281  that positions the cam follower  256  in the first default state ( FIG.  23 A ) of the pawl spring  251  in which the cam follower  256  and pawl spring  251  are positioned inward towards the common center axis A. When the cam follower  256  of the pawl spring  251  is within the first “spool winding” portion  281  of the cam path  280 , the pawl spring  251  engages the extension  233  of the spool  203 . Rotation of the dial  205  in the first rotational direction Q while the cam follower  256  is within the first “spool winding” portion  281  of the cam path  280  results in rotation of the spool  203  in the first rotational direction Q. 
     The cam path  280  further includes the second “spool release” portion  282  that positions the cam follower  256  in the second tensioned state ( FIG.  23 B ) of the pawl spring  251  as a result of the dial  205  rotating in the second rotational direction Q. While the cam follower  256  is positioned within the second “spool release” portion  282  of the cam path  280 , the cam follower  256  and pawl spring  251  are directed outward and away from the common center axis A. When the cam follower  256  of the pawl spring  251  is positioned within the second “spool release” portion  282  of the cam path  280 , the pawl spring  251  releases the extension  233  of the spool  203 . The cam follower  256  can be returned to the first “spool winding” portion  281  of the cam path  280  by releasing the dial  205  and allowing the pawl spring  251  to de-tension back into the first default state of  FIG.  23 A  in which the pawl spring  251  contacts the spool  203 . 
     Further, in some embodiments as shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the dial  205  can include or otherwise couple with a cover  207  ( FIGS.  21 A and  21 B ) that encapsulates a decorative disc  299  ( FIG.  20   ) against the dial  205 . The cover  207  can be comprised of a clear plastic material so as to display the decorative disc  299 , which can include printed indicia. With this arrangement, customized dials  205  can be provided that can be decorated with a logo such as for a sports team or company. The cover  207  can include one or more cover tangs  288  for engagement with respective cover engagement points  284  defined by an exterior surface  277  of the dial  205 . As shown, the dial  205  can include one or more cover engagement points  284  for coupling with the cover  207 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  12 - 15 B , in one method of assembly of the rotary closure  200 , the open housing  202  enables manufacturers to assemble the dial  205 , the index spring  204  and the open housing  202  together in a snap-fit engagement as the subassembly  201 . The subassembly  201  allows a manufacturer to ensure that the dial  205 , index spring  204  and the open housing  202  are working properly prior to full assembly of the rotary closure  200 . The spool  203  and associated tensioning element (not shown) can thereafter be coupled with the subassembly  201  either by the manufacturer or by a consumer. The formation of the subassembly  201  also enables the consumer to remove and/or replace the spool  203  in case of jamming or to replace the tensioning element without complete disassembly of the open housing  202  from the dial  205  and the index spring  204 , thus reducing a likelihood of destruction of the rotary closure  200 . 
     The subassembly  201  is first assembled by coupling the index spring  204  with the dial  205 . In one embodiment of the index spring  204 , the cam followers  256  of the index spring  204  should align with the cam paths  280  of the dial  205 . Further, the latching extension  289  is inserted through the keyway  258  of the index spring  204 . The open housing  202  is coupled with the dial  205  by snapping a circumferential flange  228  of the open housing  202  to the interior surface  278  of the dial  205  by one or more engagement elements  285  of the dial  205  as illustrated in  FIG.  15 A . Following formation of the subassembly  201 , the spool  203  can be coupled with the subassembly  201  by insertion of the latching extension  289  of the dial  205  through the distal-most keyway  235  of the spool  203  until the latching element  290  is secured with a shoulder  238  of the spool  203  as shown in  FIG.  15 B . The subassembly  201  and spool  203  can then be coupled with the flange  206  by snapping a first retention member  209  and an opposite second retention member  210  of the flange  206  into opposing first and second closed slots  227 A and  227 B of the open housing  202 . In some embodiments, the flange  206  can be stitched into a shoe (not shown) or can be present on another device that requires tightening of a tensioning element such as a container. 
     The examples shown for rotary closure  200  in  FIGS.  13 ,  23 A and  23 B  from a top perspective of the dial  205  show the first rotational direction Q indicating a clockwise rotational direction and the opposite second rotational direction R indicating a counterclockwise direction. To wind the rotary closure  200 , the user rotates the dial in the first rotational direction Q which is clockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure  200  of  FIG.  13   . To release the rotary closure  200 , the user rotates the dial in the opposite second rotational direction R which is counterclockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure  200  of  FIG.  13   . In other words, for a right-handed rotary closure such as rotary closure  200  in an assembled position such that the viewer is facing the exterior side  277  ( FIG.  19 B ) of the dial  205 , first rotational direction Q=clockwise and opposite second rotational direction R=counterclockwise. 
     However, it should be noted that the rotary closure  200  of  FIGS.  12 - 24 B  could also be in an orientation suitable for a left-handed wearer or when it is otherwise most convenient to wind the dial in a counterclockwise direction. In the case of a “left-handed” orientation, to wind the rotary closure, the user would rotate the dial in the first rotational direction Q which would be counterclockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure. To release the left-handed rotary closure, the user would rotate the dial in the opposite second rotational direction R which would be clockwise from the perspective of the assembled rotary closure. In other words, for a left-handed rotary closure analogous to but mirrored from rotary closure  200  in an assembled position such that the viewer is facing the exterior side of the dial, first rotational direction Q=counterclockwise and opposite second rotational direction R=clockwise. 
     A left-handed rotary closure following the rotary closure  200  of  FIGS.  12 - 24 B  would include the same components but completely mirrored across the vertical axis, including a flange analogous to flange  206 , a dial analogous to dial  205 , an index spring analogous to index spring  204 , a spool analogous to spool  203 , and a housing analogous to housing  202 . However, given that the first and opposite second directions of rotation Q and R for a left-handed rotary closure are reversed relative to their illustrated counterparts, the components of the of the left-handed rotary closure including directions of involved teeth, springs and pawl components of the housing and index spring are mirrored across the vertical axis. 
     For instance, the plurality of teeth  223  of the housing  202  of the “right-handed” orientation shown in  FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  point in a first direction to “catch” and prevent rotation of the catch spring  254  of the index spring  204  in the opposite second rotational direction R, which is R=counterclockwise in the illustrated example. However, as the rotary closure  200  could hypothetically be manufactured in the opposite orientation, the plurality of teeth of the housing of a “left-handed” orientation would point in an opposite direction from the plurality of teeth  223  of  FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  to “catch” and prevent rotation of a catch spring of the index spring in the opposite second rotational direction R, which would be R=clockwise in the case of the left-handed example. The catch springs of the left-handed rotary closure would also be mirrored such that the catch spring points in the opposite direction relative to the catch spring  254  of the right-handed rotary closure  200 . 
     This “mirrored” orientation would apply to the index spring, the housing, the dial, and the spool of the left-handed rotary closure, to enable a user to wind the left-handed rotary closure through counterclockwise revolution of the dial and to release the spool of the left-handed rotary closure through clockwise revolution of the dial; i.e. where first rotational direction Q=counterclockwise and where opposite second rotational direction R=clockwise. 
     In some embodiments, such as in the embodiment of  FIGS.  25 A- 26 D , an alternate dial  305  for use with components of the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100  is presented. In particular, the dial  305  and a corresponding latching extension  389  are not integral with one another and the latching extension  389  extends from an inner face  387  of a cover  307  which is configured for engagement with an exterior surface  377  of the dial  305 . The dial  305  defines a keyway  379  through a center of the dial  305  which is configured for coaxial alignment with an index spring keyway  158  ( FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  of rotary closure  100 ) and a spool keyway  135  ( FIG.  7 A- 7 D  of rotary closure  100 ) for insertion of the latching extension  389  through the dial keyway  379 . The dial  305  is further configured to receive an inner face  387  of a cover  307  and includes a plurality of cover engagement points  384  for engagement of the dial  305  with a respective plurality of tangs  388  of the cover  307 . In some embodiments, the latching extension  389  extends from the inner face  387  of the cover  307  and is inserted through the coaxially aligned keyway  379  of the dial, keyway  158  of the index spring  104  and distal-most keyway  135  of the spool  103  until the latching element  390  is secured with the spool shoulder  138  of the spool  103  for partial assembly of the rotary closure  100 . 
     In some embodiments, similar to that of the dial  105 , the interior surface  378  of the dial  305  forms an island  382 , which is a protrusion from the interior surface  378 . The island  382  defines a first rounded end  372 , a second squared end  373  and a textured outer edge  374 . As the dial  305  is rotated in the first rotational direction Q, the first rounded end  372  of the island  382  contacts the proximal portion  165  of the pawl member  152  of the index spring  104  ( FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  of rotary closure  100 ) and rotates the distal portion  166  of the pawl member  152  towards the center of the body  150  of the index spring  104 . Conversely, when rotated in the opposite second rotational direction R relative to the index spring  104 , the tension spring  156  rides over the textured outer edge  374  until the dead-stop element  163  of the spring  104  contacts the second squared end  373  of the island  382  and prevents further rotation of the dial  305  in the second rotational direction R. This communicates to the user when the index spring  104  has released the spool  103  for de-tensioning by providing tactile feedback, also allows the user to know when to stop turning the dial  305  in the second rotational direction R. Once the tension spring  156  has ridden over the textured outer edge  374  of the island  382 , further rotation of the dial  305  in the second rotational direction R is prevented when the island  382  contacts the dead-stop element  163  of the index spring  104 . 
     In a further embodiment, a dial  405  ( FIG.  27   ) is shown for use with components of the first embodiment of the rotary closure  100  including an alternative gripping surface  483 . In some embodiments of the dial  405 , an exterior surface  477  of the dial  405  includes one or more engagement points to receive the gripping surface  483 . In some embodiments, the gripping surface  483  is manufactured from or otherwise includes a grippable material such as rubber, silicon, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the gripping surface  483  is removable from the dial  405 . 
     It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and teachings of this invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.