Patent Publication Number: US-9408437-B2

Title: Reel based lacing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/098,276, filed Apr. 29, 2011, and titled REEL BASED LACING SYSTEM, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/330,129, filed Apr. 30, 2010, and titled REEL BASED LACING SYSTEM. Each of the references listed above are hereby incorporated by reference for all that they disclose. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiment disclosed herein relate to lacing or closure systems and their related components used alone or in combination in any variety of articles including footwear, closeable bags, protective gear, etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There exist a number of mechanisms and methods for tightening articles such as footwear. Nevertheless, there remains a need for improved devices and methods. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments, a reel for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The reel can include a housing having a plurality of housing teeth. The reel can include a spool supported by the housing, and the spool can be rotatable with respect to the housing. The spool can include a channel formed therein, and the channel can be configured to collect a lace therein to tighten the lacing system as the spool is rotated in a tightening direction. The channel can release lace therefrom to loosen the lacing system as the spool is rotated in a loosening direction. The reel can include a knob supported by the housing, and the knob can be rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob can be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate. The knob can include one or more pawls, and at least one of the one or more pawls can include a pawl beam and a pawl spring. The pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring can be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The pawl beam can include one or more pawl teeth configured to engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to the knob without transferring a substantial portion of the loosening force to the pawl spring. In some embodiments, the pawl beam and the pawl spring can be integrally formed (e.g., integrally molded). In some embodiments, the one or more pawl teeth can be displaced away from the housing teeth to the second position when the knob is twisted in the tightening direction to allow the knob and spool to rotate in the tightening direction. 
     In some embodiments, the housing teeth can extend in a radial direction, and the pawl beam can be radially movable between the first position and the second position, and the knob can be axially movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the knob is in the disengaged position, the spool can be permitted to rotate in the loosening direction. The one or more pawls can be configured to engage the housing teeth such that, when the loosening force is applied to the knob, the knob is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction without applying substantial force to the knob in the axial direction. 
     In some embodiments, a pawl is disclosed, and the pawl can include at least two pawl teeth configured to simultaneously engage at least two corresponding housing teeth such that a loosening force is distributed across multiple teeth to prevent rotation in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl beam can be configured to be urged toward the housing teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob. A loosening force can be applied to the knob by a user twisting the knob in the loosening direction or by tension on the lace coupled to the spool. The pawl beam can be configured to rotate radially about a pivot axis, and one or more of the pawl teeth can engage the housing teeth at a location that is radially outward from a tangent line extending from the pivot axis. The pawl teeth can have a surface configured to press against a surface of the housing teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob such that the pawl beam is urged towards the housing teeth when a loosening force is applied. The pawl beam can be prevented from moving to the second position unless the knob is rotated in the tightening direction to disengage the surface of the at least one pawl tooth from the surface of the housing tooth. A side of the pawl beam can be configured to abut against one or more tips of housing teeth that are not engaged by the one or more pawl teeth when a loosening force is applied to the knob and the pawl beam is urged toward the housing teeth to provide added support. 
     In some embodiments, a method of making a reel for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The method can include providing a housing, and the housing can include a plurality of housing teeth. The method can include placing a spool within the housing such that the spool is rotatable with respect to the housing. The spool can include a channel formed therein, and the channel can be configured to collect a lace therein to tighten the lacing system as the spool is rotated in a tightening direction. The channel can be configured to release lace therefrom to loosen the lacing system as the spool is rotated in a loosening direction. The method can include attaching a knob to the housing such that the knob is rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob can be coupled to the spool so that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate. The knob can include one or more pawls, and at least one of the one or more pawls can include a pawl beam and a pawl spring. The pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position and the pawl spring can be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The pawl beam can include one or more pawl teeth configured to engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the a loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to twist the knob in the loosening direction without transferring a substantial portion of the loosening force to the pawl spring. The one or more pawl teeth can be displaced away from the housing teeth to the second position when the knob is twisted in the tightening direction to allow the knob and spool to rotate in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl beam and the pawl spring can be integrally formed. 
     In some embodiments, a pawl for use with a reel in a lacing system is disclosed. The pawl can include a pawl beam having one or more pawl teeth configured to interface with housing teeth on a housing of the reel. The pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position. The pawl can include a pawl spring configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The one or more pawl teeth can engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the first position to prevent the pawl from moving in a loosening direction when a loosening force is applied to pawl without transferring a substantial portion of the loosening force to the pawl spring. The one or more pawl teeth can disengage from the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the second position to allow the pawls to move in a tightening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl beam and the pawl spring can be integrally formed. 
     In some embodiments, a reel for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The reel can include a housing comprising a plurality of housing teeth, and a spool supported by the housing such that the spool is rotatable with respect to the housing. The spool can include a channel formed therein, and the channel can be configured to collect a lace therein to tighten the lacing system as the spool is rotated in a tightening direction and to release lace therefrom to loosen the lacing system as the spool is rotated in a loosening direction. The reel can include a knob supported by the housing such that the knob is rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob can be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate. The knob can include one or more pawls configured to interface with the housing teeth, and at least one of the one or more pawls can include a flexible pawl arm attached to the knob at a first end and having one or more pawl teeth formed on a second end. The pawl arm can be configured to flex in a first direction as the knob is rotated in the tightening direction such that the one or more pawl teeth are displaced away from the housing teeth to allow the knob to rotate in the tightening direction. The pawl arm can be configured such that when a loosening force is applied to twist the knob in the loosening direction, the one or more pawl teeth engage the corresponding housing teeth to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction, and the loosening force causes the flexible pawl arm to flex in a second direction toward the housing teeth such that the flexible pawl arm abuts against the housing teeth to prevent the flexible pawl arm from buckling under the loosening force. 
     In some embodiments, a pawl is disclosed that includes a substantially rigid pawl beam and a flexible pawl spring. The pawl spring can be a flexible arm. In some embodiments, the pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring can be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The flexible arm can assume a less flexed position when the pawl beam is in the first position, and the flexible arm can assume a more flexed position when the pawl beam is in the second position. In some embodiments, the flexible arm can be less curved when in the more flexed position than when in the less flexed position. In some embodiments, the flexible arm can extend generally in the same direction as the pawl spring. In some embodiments, the pawl beam and the pawl spring can be integrally formed. 
     In some embodiments, a knob is disclosed that can be used with a reel in a lacing system. The knob can include one or more pawls. At least one of the one or more pawls can be coupled to the knob at a pivot axis. The at least one pawl can include a pawl beam configured to rotate about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position, and a pawl spring can bias the pawl beam toward the first position where the pawl beam engages housing teeth on the reel to prevent the knob from rotating in a loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl spring can extend from near the pivot axis in generally the same direction as the pawl beam. In some embodiments, the pawl spring can be a flexible arm. In some embodiments, the flexible arm can curve away from the pawl beam. The pawl spring can be integrally formed with the pawl beam. 
     In some embodiments, a reel for use in a lacing system is disclosed. The reel can include a housing having a plurality of housing teeth. The reel can include a spool supported by the housing, and the spool can be rotatable with respect to the housing. The reel can include a knob supported by the housing, and the knob can be rotatable with respect to the housing. The knob can be coupled to the spool such that rotation of the knob causes the spool to also rotate. The knob can include one or more pawls, and at least one of the one or more pawls can include a substantially rigid pawl beam and a pawl spring. The pawl beam can be movable between a first position and a second position, and the pawl spring can be configured to bias the pawl beam toward the first position. The pawl beam can include one or more pawl teeth configured to engage the housing teeth when the pawl beam is in the first position to prevent the knob from rotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the one or more pawl teeth can be movable away from the housing teeth to the second position when the knob to allow the knob and spool to rotate in the tightening direction. The substantially rigid pawl beam can be configured to withstand the loosening force. The pawl beam and the pawl spring can be integrally formed in some embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be discussed in detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the inventions are not limited to the subject matter illustrated in the figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system in use with a sport shoe. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the reel from the lacing system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is another exploded perspective view of the reel of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the reel of  FIG. 3  with the knob member shown in a disengaged position drawn in normal lines, and with the knob member in an engaged position shown drawn in dotted lines. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the base member from the reel of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional side view of the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10A  is perspective view of the spool member from the reel of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spool member. 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 13A  is a cross sectional view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A  shown with a lace secured thereto in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 13B  is a cross sectional view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A  shown with a lace secured thereto in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A  showing a lace being secured to the spool member in a third configuration. 
         FIG. 13D  is a perspective view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A  showing the lace 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the spool member of  FIG. 10A  shown disposed in the housing of the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the knob member from the reel of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 16  is another exploded perspective view of the knob member from  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a pawl from the knob member of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is another perspective view of the pawl from the  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the pawls of  FIG. 15  disposed in the knob core of  FIG. 15 , with the pawls configured to engage the housing teeth of the housing. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the pawls of  FIG. 15  shown engaged with the housing teeth on the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the pawls of  FIG. 15  shown displaced radially inwardly as the knob member is rotated in the tightening direction. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the spring bushing, fastener, and knob spring of  FIG. 15  shown assembled with the knob core of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 23A  is an exploded view of the reel of  FIG. 4  shown in an engaged configuration. 
         FIG. 23B  is a cross sectional view of the reel of  FIG. 4  shown in an engaged configuration. 
         FIG. 24A  is an exploded view of the reel of  FIG. 4  shown in a disengaged configuration. 
         FIG. 24B  is a cross sectional view of the reel of  FIG. 4  shown in a disengaged configuration. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member that can be used in place of the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 26  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a knob core. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lacing system  100  used for tightening a sport shoe  102 . The sport shoe can be a running shoe, a basketball shoe, and ice skating boot, or snow boarding boot, or any other suitable footwear that can be tightened around a wearer&#39;s foot. The lacing system  100  can be used to close or tighten various other articles, such as, for example, a belt, a hat, a glove, snow board bindings, a medical brace, or a bag. The lacing system can include a reel  104 , a lace  106 , and one or more lace guides  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the reel  104  can be attached to the tongue  110  of the shoe. Various other configurations are possible. For example, the reel  104  can be attached to a side of the sport shoe  102 , which can be advantageous for shoes in which the shoe sides  112   a - b  are designed to be drawn closely together when tightened leaving only a small portion of the tongue  110  exposed. The reel  104  can also be attached to the back of the shoe  102 , and a portion of the lace  106  can pass through the shoe  102  on either side of the wearer&#39;s ankle such that the lace  106  can be engaged with the reel  104  when back-mounted. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lacing system  200  that can be similar to the lacing system  100 , or any other lacing system described herein. The lacing system can include a reel  204  which can be similar to the reel  104 , or any other reel described herein.  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the reel  204 .  FIG. 4  is another exploded perspective view of the reel  204 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4 , the reel  204  can include a base member  214 , a spool member  216 , and a knob member  218 . The base member can include a housing  220  and a mounting flange  222 . The housing  220  can include a plurality of housing teeth  224 , which can extend radially inwardly. The housing  220  can include lace holes  226   a - b  that allow the lace  206  to enter the housing  220 . 
     The spool member  216  can be disposed within the housing  220  such that the spool member  216  is rotatable about an axis  228  with respect to the housing  220 . The lace  206  can be secured to the spool member  216  such that when the spool member  216  rotates in a tightening direction (shown by arrow A) the lace  206  is drawn into the housing  220  and is wound around the channel  230  formed in the spool member  216 , and when the spool member  216  rotates in a loosening direction (shown by arrow B) the lace  206  unwinds from the channel  230  of the spool member  216  and exits the housing  220  via the lace holes  226   a - b . The spool member  216  can also include spool teeth  232  formed thereon. It will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified such that rotation in the direction shown by arrow B will tighten the lacing system and such that rotation in the direction shown by arrow A will loosen the lacing system. 
     The knob member  218  can be attached to the housing  220  such that the knob member  218  can rotate about the axis  228  with respect to the housing  220 . The knob member  218  can include knob teeth  234  that can be configured to mate with the spool teeth  232  to couple the knob member  218  to the spool member  216  such that rotation of the knob member  218  in the tightening direction causes the spool member  216  to also rotate in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the rotation of the knob member  218  in the loosening direction can also cause the spool member  216  to rotate in the loosening direction. The knob member  218  can also include one or more pawls  236  which can be biased radially outwardly so as to mate with the housing teeth  224 . The pawls  236  and housing teeth  224  can be configured so that the housing teeth  224  can displace the pawls  236  radially inwardly when the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction, thereby allowing the knob member  218  to rotate in the tightening direction. The pawls  236  and the housing teeth  224  can also be configured so that they engage one another when force is applied to twist the knob member  218  in the loosening direction, thereby preventing the knob member  218  from rotating in the loosening direction. 
     Thus, the reel  204  can provide a one-way tightening system configured to allow the user to rotate the knob member  218  in the tightening direction, which causes the spool member  216  to rotate in the tightening direction, which in turn causes the lace  206  to be drawn into the housing  220  via the lace holes  226   a - b . As the lace  206  is drawn into the housing  220  the lacing system  200  can tighten, causing the lace guide  208  to be drawn in the direction toward the reel  204  (shown by arrow C in  FIG. 2 ). Although the lacing system  200  is shown with a single lace guide  208 , any other suitable number of lace guides can be used. 
     In some embodiments, the knob member  218  can be axially movable along the axis  228  between a first or engaged position and a second or disengaged position.  FIG. 5  is a side view of the reel  204  showing the knob member  218  in the disengaged position drawn in normal lines and showing the knob member  218  in the engaged position outlined in dotted lines. When in the engaged position, the spool teeth  232  can engage with the knob teeth  234  to couple the knob member  218  to the spool member  216  as described above. Also, when in the engaged position, the pawls  236  can engage with the housing teeth  224  to allow the knob member  218  to rotate in the tightening direction while preventing the knob member  218  from rotating in the loosening direction, as discussed above. 
     When in the disengaged position, the knob member  218  can be positioned axially further away from the base member  214  by a distance  238  that is sufficient to cause the knob teeth  234  to lift away from and disengage the spool teeth  232  so that the spool member  216  is decoupled from the knob member  218  and the spool member  216  is free to rotate separately from the knob member  218 . Thus, the lace  206  can be withdrawn from the housing  220  as the spool member  216  rotates in the loosening direction causing the lacing system  200  to loosen. When in the disengaged position, the pawls  236  of the knob member  218  can be lifted away from the housing teeth  224  such that they disengage and the knob member  218  is free to rotate in the both the tightening and loosening direction without restriction. In some embodiments, when the knob member  218  is transitioned to the disengaged position, the knob teeth  234  disengage from the spool teeth  232  and the pawls  236  also disengage from the housing teeth  224 . In some embodiments, when the knob member  218  is transitioned to the disengaged position, the knob teeth  234  disengage from the spool teeth  232  while the pawls  236  continue to engage the housing teeth  224 . In some embodiments, when the knob member  218  is transitioned to the disengaged position, the knob teeth  234  continue to engage the spool teeth  232  but the pawls  236  disengage from the housing teeth  224 . 
     The distance  238  between the engaged and disengaged positions of the knob member  318  can be at least about 1 mm and/or no more than about 3 mm, and can be about 2.25 mm in some embodiments, although distances outside these ranges can also be used. In some embodiments, the distance  238  can be approximately the same, or slightly greater than, the height of the spool teeth  232 , the height of the knob teeth  234 , the height of the housing teeth  224 , and/or the height of the pawls  236 . 
     In some embodiments, because the pawls  236  engage the housing teeth  224  in a radial direction while the knob member  218  is movable between the engaged and disengaged positioned in the axial direction, the reel  204  can be resistant to accidental disengagement. When the knob member is in the engaged position, and a force is applied to attempt to twist the knob member  218  in the loosening direction, or lace is pulled tightly causing the spool member  218  to attempt to twist in the loosening direction, the force is applied to the pawls  236  as they engage the housing teeth  224 . Because the pawls  236  are configured to be displaced radially, not axially, substantially none of the force applied to the pawls  236  is transferred in the axial direction. Therefore, the reel  204  can resist higher tightening pressure than some reels in which knob pawls engage housing teeth in the axial direction. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the base member  214 .  FIG. 7  is a top view of the base member  214 .  FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the base member  214 .  FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the base member  214 . The base member  214  a mounting flange  222  which can be mounted onto the outside structure of an article of footwear or other article, or the mounting flange  222  can be mounted underneath an outer structure of the article so that at least a portion of the mounting flange  222  is hidden from view. The mounting flange  222  can be secured to the article by stitching, or in any other suitable manner such as using an adhesive, or using rivets, etc. The mounting flange  222  can be contoured to fit a particular portion of the article (e.g., the back of a shoe), or the mounting flange can be flexible to fit a variety of shapes. The mounting flange  222  can extend fully or partially around the circumference of the housing  220 . The mounting flange  222  can be somewhat resilient to accommodate the flexing of the article during use. In some embodiments, the mounting flange  222  can be omitted, and the base member  214  or housing  220  can be mounted to the article by a screw or rivet or other fastener. For example, a threaded portion of the base member  214  or housing  220  can be threaded into a corresponding threaded connector on the article. In some embodiments, the mounting flange  222  is connected to the article and the reel  204  is subsequently attached to the flange  222 . 
     The housing  220  can be attached to, or integrally formed with, the mounting flange  222  and can extend upward therefrom, as illustrated. The housing  220  can include an outer wall  240  that surrounds a depression  242 , which can be substantially circular in shape. A shaft  244  can extend axially upwardly from the base of the depression  242 , and the shaft  244  can be aligned substantially coaxially with the depression  242 . The shaft  244  can include a step  245  or beveled portion where the shaft  244  meets the base of the depression  242 . The shaft  244  can include a bore  246  in the center thereof which can facilitate the securing of the knob member  218  to the housing  220 . The bore  246  can be threaded or otherwise configured to axially secure a fastener that is inserted therein. The shaft  244  can form a supporting surface about which the spool member  216  can rotate. 
     The outer wall  240  of the housing  220  can be substantially cylindrical in shape and can be substantially coaxial with the shaft  244 . The inner surface of the outer wall  240  can include a lower portion  248 , and an upper portion  250 . The lower portion  248  can be generally smooth and can include a step  251  or beveled portion where the outer wall  240  meets the base of the depression  242 . The lower portion  248  can include one or more lace openings  252   a - b  which can be in connected to the lace holes  226   a - b  by lace channels  254   a - b  so that the lace  206  can pass through the housing  220  and enter the depression  242 . As can best be seen in  FIG. 9 , a lower portion of the lace channels  254   a - b  nearest to the lace holes  226   a - b  can be closed while an upper portion of the lace channels  254   a - b  nearest to the lace openings  252   a - b  can be open at the top. Also, the lace channels  254   a - b  and/or the lace openings  252   a - b  can be in connected to openings  256   a - b  formed in the base of the housing  220 . The openings  256   a - b  and the open tops of the lace channels  254   a - b  can provide access to the lace  206  during use and installation, and can also provide an exit pathway for water or other material that may enter the depression  242  during use, and can facilitate the molding of the lace channels  254   a - b  when the base member  214  is made of few components (e.g., a single integrated piece). 
     The housing  220  can include housing teeth  224  that extend radially inwardly from the upper portion  250  of the outer wall  240 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes 36 housing teeth  224 , but any other suitable number of housing teeth  224  can be used. As can best be seen in  FIG. 7 , each of the housing teeth  224  can include a first side  258  and a second side  260 . The first side  258  can be shorter than the second side  260 , and in some embodiments, the first side  258  can be about half as long as the second side  260 . In some embodiments, the first side  258  of the housing teeth  224  can be at least about 0.5 mm long and/or no more than about 1.0 mm long, and can be about 0.85 mm long, and the second side can be at least about 1.0 mm long and/or no more than about 2.0 mm long, and can be about 1.75 mm long. Other dimensions outside of these specific ranges are also possible. The first side  258  of the housing teeth  224  can be angled away from a line that points directly radially inwardly by and angle  262  that can be at least about 5° and/or at most about 15°, and can be about 10° in some embodiments. The second side  260  of the housing teeth  224  can be angled away from a line that points directly radially inwardly by an angle  264  that can be at least about 45° and/or no more than about 65°, and can be about 55° in some embodiments. Other angles outside these specially identified ranges are also possible. In some embodiments, the transition between housing teeth  224  and between the first and second sides  258 ,  260  of the housing teeth  224  can be curved, but hard edged transitions can also be used. The housing teeth  224  can be configured to interface with the pawls  236  as discussed in greater detail below. The housing teeth  224  can include angled top surfaces  266  to facilitate the transition of the pawls  236  from the disengaged to engaged positions as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The base member  214  can include one or more guard pieces  268  that can extend axially upwardly further than the outer wall  240  of the housing  220  such that the guard piece  268  can function to cover a portion of the knob member  218  when the knob member  218  is attached to the housing  220 . In some embodiments, the guard piece  268  can be omitted. In some embodiments, the reel  204  can be disposed within a recess of the article such that a portion of the article itself extends to cover a portion of the knob member  218 . The guard  268 , or portion of the article functioning as a guard, can protect the knob member  218  and can reduce the occurrence of accidental disengagement of the knob member  218 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the spool member  216 .  FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the spool member  216 .  FIG. 12  is a side view of the spool member  216 .  FIG. 13A-B  are a cross sectional bottom views of the spool member  216  with the lace  206  attached thereto.  FIG. 14  is a top view of the spool member  216  disposed within the housing  220 . 
     The spool member  216  can include an upper flange  270  and a lower flange  272  with a substantially cylindrical wall  274  formed therebetween. The outer surface of the wall  274 , the bottom surface of the upper flange  270 , and the top surface of the lower flange  272  can form a channel  230  for collecting the lace  206  as it is wound around the spool member  216 . The inner surface of the wall  274  can surround a depression  276  formed in the bottom of the spool member  216 . A central opening  278  can extend through the ceiling of the depression. As can best be seen in  FIG. 14 , when the spool member  216  is disposed within the depression  242  of the housing  220 , the shaft  244  can pass through the central opening  278  of the spool member  216 . The step  245  or beveled edge at the bottom of the shaft  244  can be received into the depression  276  formed in the bottom of the spool member  216 . The lower flange  272  can be formed slightly smaller than the upper flange  270  (as can best be seen in  FIG. 12 ) so that the lower flange  272  can fit inside the step  251  or beveled edge at the edge of the depression  242 , and to facilitate removal and/or installation of the spool member  216  from/into the housing  220  with the lace  206  attached. Thus, in some embodiments, the bottom surface of the lower flange  272  can sit flush against the base of the depression  242 . In some embodiments, a portion of the housing  220  can be configured to contact a portion of the spool member  216  to maintain the bottom surface of the lower flange  272  a small distance from the base of the depression to reduce the amount of friction as the spool member  216  rotates. When the spool member  216  is fully inserted into the depression  242  of the housing  220 , the top surface of the upper flange  270  can substantially align with the top of the lower portion  248  of the outer wall  240  such that the upper flange  270  does not overlap the housing teeth  224 . 
     Spool teeth  232  can be formed on the top surface of the spool member  216 . In the illustrated embodiment, 12 spool teeth  232  are shown, but any other suitable number of spool teeth  232  can be used. Each of the spool teeth  232  can include a first side  280  and a second side  282 . The first side  280  can be substantially vertical in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first side can be angled by at least about 5° and/or by no more than about 15°, and in some embodiments by about 10° from the vertical plane. The second side  282  can be angled by at least about 35° and/or by no more than about 55°, and in some embodiments by about 45° from the vertical plane. The first side  280  can be at least about 1.5 mm long and/or no more than about 2.5 mm long, and can be about 2.0 mm long. The second side can be at least about 2.5 mm long and/or no more than about 3.5 mm long, and can be about 3.0 mm long. Dimensions and angles outside the identified ranges can also be used. The spool teeth  232  can be configured to interface with the knob teeth  234  as discussed in greater detail herein. 
     In some embodiments, one or more cutouts  281   a - b  can be formed in the upper flange  270  of the spool member  216 . Also, in some embodiments, the upper flange  270  and/or the lower flange can be substantially circular in shape, but can have one or more flattened edges  283   a - d . The cutouts  281   a - b  and/or the flattened edges  283   a - d  can facilitate the removal of the spool member  216  from the housing  220  (e.g., when replacing the lace  206 ). A screwdriver or other tool can be inserted between the spool member  216  and the housing  220  wall and the spool member  216  can be pried out of the housing  220 . Many variations are possible. For example,  FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a spool member  216 ′ which is similar to the spool member  216  in many respects, except that the upper flange  270 ′ and the lower flange  272 ′ of the spool member  216 ′ do not have flattened edges  283   a - d . Thus, the upper flange  270 ′ and the lower flange  272 ′ can be substantially circular in shape. In some embodiments, the upper flange  270 ′ can include cutouts  281   a ′ and  281   b ′ which can facilitate the removal of the spool member  216 ′ from the housing  220 . In some embodiments, the flanges  270 ′ and  272 ′ that do not include flattened edges  283   a - d  can prevent the lace  206  from becoming trapped or wedged in the gaps formed between the housing  220  and the flattened edges  283   a - d , especially when a relatively thin lace is used. 
     The depth of the channel  230  can be at least about 1.5 mm and/or no more than about 2.5 mm, and in some cases can be about 2.0 mm. The channel  230  can have a width that is at least about 3.0 mm and/or no more than about 4.0 mm, and in some cases can be about 3.5 mm. The outer surface of the wall  274  can have a diameter of at least about 10 mm and/or no more than about 20 mm, and can be in some cases about 14 mm. Dimensions outside the given ranges are also possible. The lace  206  can be generally small enough in diameter that the cannel  230  can hold at least about 300 mm of lace and/or no more than about 600 mm of lace, and in some embodiments about 450 mm of lace, although the spool member  216  and lace  206  can be configured to hold amounts of lace outside these given ranges. 
     The lace or cable can have a diameter of at least about 0.5 mm and/or no more than about 1.5 mm, and in some embodiments the diameter can be about 0.75 mm or 1.0 mm, although diameters outside these ranges can also be used. The lace  206  can be a highly lubricious cable or fiber having a low modulus of elasticity and a high tensile strength. In some embodiments, the cable can have multiple strands of material woven together. While any suitable lace can be used, some embodiments can utilize a lace formed from extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fibers. One example of a suitable lace material is sold under the trade name SPECTRA™, manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township, N.J. The extended chain, high modulus polyethylene fibers advantageously have a high strength to weight ratio, are cut resistant, and have very low elasticity. One preferred lace made of this material is tightly woven. The tight weave provides added stiffness to the completed lace. The additional stiffness provided by the weave offers enhanced pushability, such that the lace is easily threaded (e.g., into the reel  204 ). Additionally, in some embodiments, the lace can be formed from a molded monofilament polymer. In some embodiments, the lace can be made from woven steel with or without a polymer or other lubrication coating. 
     One or more ends of the lace  206  can be secured to the spool member  216 . In some embodiments, the lace  206  can be removably or fixedly attached to the spool member  216 . In some embodiments, the lace  206  can be threaded through a hole formed in the spool member  216  and a knot can be formed in the end of the lace  206 , or an anchoring member can be attached thereto, to prevent the end from being pulled back through the hole. In some embodiments, the lace  206  can be tied to a portion of the spool member  216 . The lace can also be secured to the spool member  216  by an adhesive any other suitable manner. In some embodiments, the lace  206  is secured to the spool member  216  by weaving the lace  206  through a series of openings that cause the lace  206  to turn at such angles so as to produce sufficient friction to prevent the lace  206  from being dislodged from the spool member  216 . In some embodiments, the lace  206  wraps over itself so that the lace  206  tightens on itself when pulled. In some embodiments, only one end of the lace  206  is secured to the spool member  216 , with the other end of the lace  206  being secured to the base member  214  or to the article being tightened. 
     The spool member  216  can include a first set of lace holes  284   a ,  286   a ,  288   a  which can be configured to secure a first end of the lace  206 . In some embodiments, a second set of lace holes  284   b ,  286   b ,  288   b  can be used to secure the second end of the lace  206 . Lace guides  290   a - b  can also be formed in the depression  276  to facilitate the securing of the lace  206  to the spool member  216 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13A , a first end of the lace  206  can pass through the lace hole  284   a  into the depression  276 . The lace guide  290   a  can direct the lace  206  toward the lace hole  286   a , and in some embodiments, the lace guide  290   a  can be positioned such that the lace  206  is wedged between the lace guide  290   a  and a portion  292   a  of the wall  274  between the holes  284   a  and  286   a . The lace  206  can exit the depression  276  through the lace hole  286   a  and then turn an angle of approximately 180° to reenter the depression through the lace hole  288   a . In some embodiments, the tip of the first end of the lace  206  can be tucked into the opposing lace guide  290   b  to prevent the tip from moving about within the depression  276  and interfering with the rotation of the spool member  216 . In some embodiments, the amount of lace  206  that passes through the lace holes  284   a ,  286   a ,  288   a  can be configured so that only a small portion of the lace  206  reenters the depression  276  through the hole  288   a  so that the tip is not tucked into the opposing lace guide  290   b . The second end of the lace  206  can be secured to the spool member  216  by the lace holes  284   a ,  286   b ,  288   b , and the lace guide  290   b , and the portion  292   b  of the wall  274  in like manner. 
     Other lace securing configurations are possible. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13B , the first end of the lace  206  passes through the lace hole  284   a  to enter the depression  276 . The lace guide  290  can direct the lace  206  toward the lace hole  288   b , and the lace guide  290   a  can be configured such that the lace  206  is wedged between the lace guide  290   a  and the portion  294   a  of the wall adjacent to the lace hole  284   a . The lace  206  can pass through the lace hole  288   b  and then turn an angle of approximately 180° to reenter the depression  276  through the lace hole  286   b . The second end of the lace  206  can be secured to the spool member  216  by the lace holes  284   b ,  288   a ,  286   a , and the lace guide  290   b  and the portion  294   b  of the wall  274  in like manner. 
       FIGS. 13C and 13D  illustrate another manner in which the lace  206  can be secured to the spool member  216 . As shown in  FIG. 13C , the end of the lace  216  is threaded through the lace hole  284   a  into the depression  276 , then through the lace hole  286   a  out of the depression  276 , and then through the lace hole  288   a  back into the depression  276 . The end of the lace  206  can then be passed through the loop in the lace formed between the lace holes  284   a ,  286   a , as shown in  FIG. 13C . The lace  206  can then be tightened so that the lace crosses under itself as shown in  FIG. 13D . For example, the loose end of the lace  206  can be held with one hand while pulling the loop formed between the lace holes  284   a  and  286   a  to remove the slack from the loop formed between the lace holes  286   a  and  288   a . Then the slack in the loop formed between the lace holes  284   a  and  286   a  can be pulled out of the depression  276  through the lace hole  284   a  until the lace tightens down on itself. Thus, once tightened, the lace  206  bears down on itself more tightly when it is pulled, thereby preventing the lace  206  from disengaging from the spool member  216 . 
     The lace can pass over the top of the portion of the loop that is closest to the lace hole  288   a  and then under the portion of the loop that is furthest from the lace hole  288   a , as shown. Then, when the lace is tightened, the loose end of the lace  206  can be directed generally toward the base of the depression  276 , rather than being directed generally out from the depression  276  as would be the case if the lace were threaded over the top of the portion of the loop furthest from the lace hole  288   a . By biasing the loose end of the lace toward the base of the depression  276 , the loose end of the lace can be prevented from interfering with the insertion of the spool member  216  into the housing  220 . The lace guide  190   a  can be positioned to keep the loose end of the lace  206  positioned near the periphery of the depression  276  so that the loose end of the lace  206  does not enter the central opening  278  or otherwise interfere with the spool member  216  being inserted into the housing  220 . 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the knob member  218 .  FIG. 16  is another exploded perspective view of the knob member  218 . The knob member can include a knob core  296 , pawls  236 , a spring bushing  298 , a fastener  300 , a knob spring  302 , a knob cover  304 , and a knob grip  306 . 
     The knob core  296  can be generally disc-shaped. The knob core  296  can include knob teeth  234  formed on the bottom surface thereof. In the illustrated embodiment 12 knob teeth  234  are shown, but any other suitable number of knob teeth  234  can be used. In some embodiments, the same number of knob teeth  234  and spool teeth  232  can be used, and the knob teeth  234  can be shaped similar to, or the same as, the spool teeth  232 , except that that the knob teeth  234  are oriented in the opposite direction so that the knob teeth  234  can engage the spool teeth  232 . Accordingly, the dimensions described above in connection with the spool teeth  232  can also apply to the knob teeth  234 . When the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction, the first sides  308  of the knob teeth  234  can press against the first sides  280  of the spool teeth  232  to drive the spool member  216  in the tightening direction. When a lace  206  is tightened around the spool member  216  applying a force to the spool member  216  to cause it to tend to twist in the loosening direction, the second sides  282  of the spool teeth  232  can bear against the second sides  310  of the knob teeth  234  so that the force is transferred to the knob member  218  to cause it to tend to twist in the loosening direction. As will be discussed below, the force can cause the pawls  236  to engage with the housing teeth  224  to prevent the knob member  218  and the spool member  216  from rotating in the loosening direction, thereby maintaining the lace  206  in the tightened configuration. 
     The knob core  296  can include features to facilitate the securing of the knob cover  304  thereto. The knob core  296  can include notches  312  formed in the top surface thereof near the periphery of the knob core  296 . Protrusions  314  can extend radially outwardly from the periphery of the knob core  296  at locations below the notches  312 . The knob core  296  can include a central opening  316  through the center thereof, which can be configured to accept the spring bushing  298 . A top portion of the central opening  316  can be wider than a lower portion of the central opening  316  forming a step  318  therein. The knob core  296  can also include features to facilitate the securing of the knob spring thereto, including, for example, a wide engagement tab  320  and a narrow engagement tab  322 . 
     The knob core  296  can also include pawl depressions  324 , configured to accept the corresponding pawls  236 . The pawl depressions  324  can be generally shaped similarly to the pawls  236 , but can be somewhat larger than the pawls  236  to allow the pawls  236  to pivot and move within the pawl depressions  324  during operation, as is described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The pawl depressions  324  can include pawl openings  326  formed in a portion of the base and/or side thereof to allow a portion of the pawls (e.g., the pawl teeth) to extend through the knob core  296  (as can be seen in the assembled knob member  218  shown in  FIG. 4 ) and interface with the housing teeth  224 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are perspective views of a pawl  236 . The pawl  236  can include a pawl base  328 , a pawl beam  330 , and a pawl spring  332 . The pawl base  328  can be configured to interface with the knob core  296  and/or the knob cover  304  so that the pawl  236  can pivot about an axis  334 . A pivot tab  336  can extend upward from the pawl base  328  along the axis  334 . The pivot tab  336  can be substantially cylindrical in shape and can be coaxial with the axis  334 . A flange  337  can extend out from one side of the pawl base  328 , and the flange  337  can facilitate the pivoting of the pawl  236 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in some embodiments, the pawl beam  330 , the pawl spring  332 , and other components of the pawl  236  can be integrally formed (e.g., molded) as a single piece. 
     The pawl beam  330  can be formed of a material, thickness, and length such that the pawl beam  330  is substantially rigid and does not flex as the pawl  236  is displaced by the housing teeth  224  when the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction. One or more pawl teeth  338   a - b  can be positioned near the end of the pawl beam  330  opposite the pawl base  328 . In the embodiment shown, two pawl teeth  338   a - b  are used, but any other suitable number of pawl teeth  338   a - b  can be used instead. The pawl teeth  338   a - b , and in some cases the entire pawl beam  330 , can have an angled or beveled bottom surface  339  which can facilitate the transition of the knob member  218  from the disengaged position to the engaged position, as is discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein. The pawl beam  330  can include a step  340  formed where the end of the pawl beam  330  extends lower than the rest of the pawl  236 . The downward extending portion of the pawl beam can be configured to extend through, or into, the pawl opening  326  formed in the pawl depression  324  of the knob core  296 . 
     The pawl base  328  can include an end surface  328   a  configured to engage surface  324   a  of pawl depression  324  (as can be seen in  FIG. 19 ). In some embodiments, as pressure is applied to one or more pawl teeth  338 , the load can be transferred through pawl beam  330  to the engagement of end surface  328   a  and surface  324   a . In some embodiments, as the pawl  236  pivots radially outwardly about the axis  334 , the end surface  328   a  of the pawl base  328  can abut against the surface  324   a  of the pawl depression  324 , thereby limiting the distance that the pawl  326  can pivot radially outwardly. For example, the pawl  236  can be permitted to pivot radially outwardly enough to engage the housing teeth  224 , but not significantly further. This can relieve pressure off of the pawls  236  when a loosening force is applied to the knob member  218 , which can produce a component of force urging the pawls  236  radially outward, as discussed below. The interface between the surfaces  328   a  and  324   a  can also limit the radial movement of the pawls  236  when the knob member  218  is in the disengaged position, thereby keeping the pawls  236  radially inward enough that the knob member  218  can be pressed to the engaged position without substantial interference from the pawls  236 . In some embodiments, pawl  236  is positioned in pawl depression  324  and is generally trapped between the knob cover  304  and the knob core  296 . As explained below, top tabs  384  can engage pivot tab  336  to inhibit axial movement of the pawl  236 . Similarly, beam tabs  385  extending downward from knob cover  304  can engage the upper surface of the pawl beam  330  to inhibit axial movement thereof. 
     The pawl spring  332  can be a cantilever or arch spring as shown in the illustrated embodiment, but any other suitable type of spring can be used. The pawl spring  332  can extend out from the pawl base  328  in the same general direction as the pawl beam  330 . The pawl spring  332  can be curved away from the pawl beam  330 . A generally cylindrically shaped end piece  342  can be formed at the end of the pawl spring. The pawl spring  332  can be made of a material, thickness, and length such that the pawl spring  332  is resiliently flexible so that it flexes as the pawl  236  is displaced by the housing teeth  224  when the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction. The pawl spring  332  is shown in the relaxed position in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . In some embodiments, the pawl beam  330  and the pawl spring  332  are independently formed and then coupled to form the pawl  236 . Thus, pawl beam  330  and pawl spring  332  need not be formed of the same material. For example, a metal pawl beam  330  may be advantageous because of its relatively high strength to thickness ratio while it may be advantageous to use a plastic pawl spring  332 . In some embodiments, the same material may be used in each, even when the beam pawl beam  330  and the pawl spring  332  are separately formed. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 17-18 , the pawl spring  332  and the pawl beam  330  can be integrally formed of the same material as a single piece, thereby simplifying the manufacturing and assembly cost and complexity. In some embodiments, different springs may be used than that shown in the illustrated embodiments. For example, a metal or plastic leaf spring or a wire coiled spring may be used in some applications. 
     Because the pawl beam  330  and pawl spring  332  are separate portions, the pawl spring  332  can be altered to be more easily flexible (e.g., by making the pawl spring  332  thinner) without reducing the amount of force the pawl beam  330  is able to withstand as the knob member  218  is twisted in the loosening direction. Likewise, the pawl beam  330  can be altered so that it can withstand greater force applied to the knob  218  in the loosening direction (e.g., by making the pawl beam  330  thicker) without making the pawl spring  332  less flexible. Thus, the pawl  236  can be tuned to a desired level of flexibility and strength. For example, a pawl  236  can be configured to withstand large amounts of force when the knob member  218  is twisted in the loosening direction while also being easily radially displaceable when the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the force applied to the pawl  236  when the knob member  218  is twisted in the loosening direction is born by the pawl beam  330  and substantially none of the force is born by the pawl spring  332 . This configuration can be advantageous over embodiments in which a pawl includes a load bearing beam that also flexes to displace the pawl (e.g., during tightening), because the load bearing capability of the flexible pawl is reduced as the pawl is made more flexible, and the flexibility of the pawl is reduced as the beam is made to withstand higher forces. Thus, when using the flexible beam pawl, a sufficient amount of loosening force can cause the pawl beam to buckle, thereby compromising the lacing system. However, when using the pawls  236 , the pawl beam  330  can be configured to be substantially rigid even when a relatively large loosening force is applied, and the pawl spring  332  can be configured to allow the pawl beam  330  to pivot easily when a tightening force is applied. 
       FIG. 19  is a top view showing the pawls  236  positioned inside of the pawl depressions  324  of the knob core  296 . Although the housing  220  is not shown in  FIG. 19 , the pawls  236  are shown in the position where the pawl teeth  338   a - b  are engaged with the housing teeth  224 .  FIG. 20  is a top view showing the base member  214  and the pawls  236  in the same position as in  FIG. 19  with the pawl teeth  338   a - b  engaged with the housing teeth  224 .  FIG. 21  is a top view of the base member  214  and the pawls  236  in a displaced configuration as the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction. The elements of the knob member  218 , other than the pawls  236 , and the spool member  216  are omitted from the view shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  for simplicity. 
     In some embodiments, the pawl springs  332  can be partially flexed to a position that is less curved than the relaxed position when inserted into the pawl depressions  324 . The flexed pawl springs  332  can cause the pawls  236  to tend to pivot so that the pawl beams  330  are biased radially outwardly and so that the pawl teeth  338   a - b  bear radially outwardly against the housing teeth  224 . When the knob member  218  is twisted in the loosening direction (shown by arrow B) the first sides  344   a - b  of the pawl teeth  338   a - b  can bear against the first sides  258  of the housing teeth  224  to prevent the knob member  218  from rotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawl depressions  324  can be configured to receive the pawls  236  without the pawl springs  332  needing to be partially flexed. Thus, in some embodiments, the pawl springs  332  can be in the relaxed position when the pawl beams  330  are engaged with the housing teeth  224  to prevent the knob  218  from loosening. When the pawl beams  330  are displaced away from the housing teeth  224 , the pawl springs  332  can transition from a relaxed to a flexed state such that the pawl beams  330  are biased toward the housing teeth  224 . Also, as shown for example in  FIG. 20 , in some embodiments, one or more of the pawl teeth  338   a - b  can engaged the housing teeth  224  at locations that are radially outside a tangent line that extends from the pivot axis  334  of the pawl  236 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , the pawl tooth  338   b  can engage the corresponding housing tooth  224  at a location on a line that is angled radially outward from the tangent line C by an angle  345  that is at least about 5° and/or less than or equal to about 15°, and can be about 10° in some embodiments. Thus, when a loosening force is applied to the knob member  218  (shown by arrow B), a component of the force is directed to urge the pawl  236  to pivot radially outwardly. Thus, as more loosening force is applied to the knob member  218 , the pawl teeth  338   a - b  are urged to engage the housing teeth  224  more firmly. This can prevent the pawls  236  from unintentionally disengaging from the housing teeth  224  when a large loosening force is applied. As the pawl  236  is urged radially outward, the pawl beam can abut against the tips of one or more housing teeth  224  not engaged by the pawl teeth  338   a - b , which can prevent the pawl beam  330  from buckling outwardly and can transfer some of the loosening force into the housing. As discussed above, the surface  328   a  of the pawl base  328  can abut against the surface  324   a  of the pawl depression  324 , thereby limiting the amount that the pawl  236  can rotate radially outwardly. 
     In some embodiments, multiple pawl teeth  338   a - b  can be used so that the multiple pawl teeth  338   a - b  simultaneously engage multiple corresponding housing teeth  224  so that, when the knob member  218  is twisted in the loosening direction, the applied force is distributed across multiple teeth per pawl  236  to prevent the knob member  218  from rotating in the loosening direction. By distributing the force across multiple teeth, the housing teeth  224  and pawl teeth  338   a - b  can relatively small in size while still providing sufficient engagement surface area between the first sides  258  of the housing teeth  224  and the first sides  344   a - b  of the pawl teeth  338   a - b . For example, the engagement of two pawl teeth  338   a - b  with two consecutive housing teeth  224  as shown can provide substantially the same engagement surface area for resisting rotation in the loosening direction as a single pawl tooth and housing tooth of twice the size shown. As the size of the housing teeth  224  is reduced, the number of housing teeth  224  can increase, and the tightening resolution of the reel  204  can increase. When the knob member  218  is advanced by one housing tooth  224  in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A), the rotational distance that the knob member  218  travels is reduced as the size of the housing teeth  224  is reduced and the number of housing teeth  224  is increased. Thus, by using more, and smaller, housing teeth  224 , the tightening resolution of the reel  204  is increased so that the lacing system  200  can be tightened more precisely to the desired level of tightness. Also, as the size of the housing teeth  224  is reduced, the distance that the pawls  236  are displaced in the radially inward direction when the knob member  218  is tightened is also reduced, thereby making the knob member  218  easier to rotate in the tightening direction. It is important to note that, in some embodiments, because the multiple pawl teeth  338   a - b  are used, the knob member  218  can be easily rotated in the tightening direction while strongly resisting rotation in the loosening direction. Although two pawl teeth  338   a - b  are shown per pawl  236 , additional pawl teeth (e.g., three, four, five, or more) can be used, and, in some embodiments, a single pawl tooth can be used. As shown for example in  FIG. 20 , in some embodiments, one or more of the pawl teeth  338   a - b  and the housing teeth  224  can be configured to lock together when fully engaged, thereby preventing the pawl  236  from rotating radially inward unless the knob member  218  is moved in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A). The surface  258  of the housing tooth  224  and the surface  344   a  of the pawl tooth  338   a  can be form an angle  343  (e.g., by at least about 5° and/or by less than or equal to about 15°, or by about 10°) from a line D, which can be perpendicular to the tangent line C for the pivot axis  334  of the corresponding pawl  236 . The line D can be tangent to the arc tracked by the surface  344   a  of the pawl tooth  338   a  as it pivots radially inward. Since the surface  258  of the housing tooth  224  is angled towards the pawl beam  330 , the surface  334   a  can abut against the surface  258  when a force urges the surface  334   a  to move in the direction of arrow D. Thus, when the pawl tooth  338   a  fully engages the housing tooth  224  such that the surface  344   a  of the pawl tooth  338   a  abuts against the surface  258  of the housing tooth  224 , the pawl  236  is prevented from rotating in the radially inward direction because radially inward rotation would cause the surface  344   a  of the pawl tooth  338   a  to press more firmly against the surface  258  of the housing tooth  224 . The angled interface between the surfaces  258  and  344   a  can also provide a force on the pawl  236  in the radially outward direction when a loosening force is applied (shown by arrow B). To allow the pawl  236  to rotate radially inwardly, the pawl  236  can be shifted in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A) so that the surface  344   a  of the pawl tooth  338   a  disengages from the surface  258  of the housing tooth  224 . The other pawl teeth (e.g., pawl tooth  338   b ) can operate similar to the pawl tooth  338   a  to prevent unintentional disengagement of the pawls  236 . 
     When the knob member  218  is rotated in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A), the second sides  260  of the housing teeth  224  can slide along the second sides  346   a - b  of the pawl teeth  338   a - b , causing the pawls  236  to rotate about the pivot axis (e.g., about the pivot tab  336 ) so that the pawl beams  330  are displaced radially inwardly away from the housing teeth  224 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . As the pawls  236  rotate, the pawl springs  232  can be further flexed, for example to a position that is less curved, and the end piece  342  can slide along the wall of the pawl depression  224  that is further away from the pawl base  328 . The curved edge of the generally cylindrically shaped end piece  342  can provide a small contact area between the end piece  342  and the wall of the pawl depression  224  to reduce the amount of friction therebetween as the end piece  342  slides. Once the tips of the pawl teeth  338   a - b  pass the tips of the housing teeth  224 , the pawls  236  can snap radially outwardly to a position similar to that shown in  FIG. 20  except that the pawls  236  are advance by one housing tooth  224 , or one step, in the tightening direction. To tighten the lacing system  200 , the user can rotate the knob member  218  in the tightening direction by a desired amount, with the pawls  236  snapping back after each step to prevent rotation in the loosening direction. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the flanges  337  of the pawls  236  can extend radially outwardly past the tips of the housing teeth  224 , but the flanges  337  can be positioned near the tops of the pawls  236  where the flanges  337  do not contact the housing teeth  224 . Rather, the flanges  337  can contact a portion of the wall  325  of the pawl depressions  324 , as can be seen in  FIG. 19 . As the pawls  236  rotate, the flanges  337  can roll slightly against the wall of the pawl depressions  324  to facilitate the desired rotational displacement of the pawls  236 . The mating of flange  337  and wall portion  325  can also assist in maintaining the general radial and axial position of the pawl  236  in the pawl depression  324 . 
     The pawls  236  can be configured differently than as shown in the illustrated embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible arm of the pawl spring  332  can curve toward the pawl beam  330  (e.g., in the opposite direction as that shown in the illustrated embodiments), and a middle portion of the curved arm of the pawl spring  332  can ride along a wall of the corresponding depression  324 . In some embodiments, the curved arm can be configured so that it is more curved when in the more flexed position (e.g., when the pawl beam  330  is displaced away from the housing teeth  224 ) than when in the less flexed position (e.g., when the pawl beam  330  is engaged with the housing teeth  224 ). In some embodiments, the flexible arm can be attached to the pawl  236  at locations other than that shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the flexible arm of the pawl spring  332  can be extend from the end of the pawl beam  330  that is furthest from the pivot tab  336 . Other variations are possible. Also, in some embodiments, the pawl spring  332  can include a flexible arm that extends in generally the opposite direction as the pawl beam  330 , or generally radially inwardly, or in various other suitable directions so long as the pawl spring  332  can be flexed to bias the pawl beam  330  toward the housing teeth  224 . As discussed above, the pawl spring  332  can also be made from a leaf spring, or a coil spring, or any other suitable biasing member configured to bias the pawl beam  330  radially toward the housing teeth  224 . 
     Although various embodiments discussed herein include housing teeth  224  that extend radially inwardly and pawls  236  configured to be biased radially outwardly toward the housing teeth  224 , other configurations are possible. For example, the housing teeth  224  can extend radially outwardly. The housing teeth  224  can be formed, for example, on the outside surface of the shaft  244  or similar structure. In these embodiments, the pawls  236  can be configured to be biased radially inwardly toward the housing teeth  224 . In some embodiments it may be advantageous to position the housing teeth  224  nearer to the periphery of the reel  204  (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiments) so that the housing teeth  224  are disposed along a larger circumference so that more housing teeth  224  can be included, thereby increasing the tightening resolution (the number of teeth per revolution) of the reel  204 . 
       FIG. 22  is a top view of the knob core  296 , the spring bushing  298 , the fastener  300 , and the knob spring  302  in the assembled configurations. With reference now to  FIGS. 15, 16, and 22 , the spring bushing  298  can be generally cylindrical in shape and can have a central opening  348  formed through the center thereof. The outer surface of the spring busing  298  can be wider at a top portion  349  than at a bottom portion  351 , forming a step  350  which can be configured to abut against the step  318  formed in the central opening  316  of the knob core  296  when the spring bushing  298  is fully inserted into the central opening  316  of the knob core  296 . In the central opening  348  that passes through the center of the spring bushing  298 , the upper portion can be wider than a lower portion, to form a step  352 . 
     The head  354  of the fastener  300  can abut against the step  352  in the central opening of the spring bushing  298  when the fastener  300  is fully inserted into the central opening  348  of the spring bushing  298 . The fastener  300  can be a screw having a shaft  356  that includes threads  358  configured to engage the threads formed in the bore  246  formed in the shaft  244  of the housing. In some embodiments, the bore  246  can include a threaded metal insert or a plastic thread molded as part of the bore  246 . In some embodiments, the bore  246  does not have preformed threads, and the threads  358  of the fastener  30  can form the threads in the bore the first time that the fastener  300  is inserted into the bore  246 . The head  354  can include a notch  360 , which can be hexagonally or cross shaped, or otherwise configured to allow a screwdriver or other tool to turn the fastener  300 . In some embodiments, the knob member  218  can be coupled to the housing  220  in some other way, such as using a snap together fastener or rivet or ultrasonic welding. Other alternatives are possible. 
     The knob spring  302  can include a pair of opposing engagement portions  362   a - b  which can be configured to engage the spring bushing  298 . A pair of end pieces  364   a - b  can extend approximately orthogonally from the engagement portions  362   a - b  in an inward direction. An interconnecting portion  368 , which can be shaped to follow the partial circumference of a circle, can be attached to the engagement portions  362   a - b  by curved connectors  370   a - b.    
     The knob spring  302  can be secured to the knob core  296 . The wide engagement tab  320  can be configured to fit between the curved connectors  370   a - b  of the knob spring  302 , and the narrow engagement tab  322  can be configured to fit between the end pieces  364   a - b  of the knob spring  302  to prevent the knob spring  302  from rotating or otherwise moving with respect to the knob core  296 . In some embodiments, the wide engagement tab  320  and/or the narrow engagement tab  322  can be configured to receive the knob spring  302  so that the knob spring  302  is maintained in a slightly flexed configuration with the curved connectors  370   a - b  bearing against the wide engagement tab  320  and/or the end pieces  364   a - b  bearing against the narrow engagement tab  322 . In some embodiments, the knob spring  302  can be prevented from moving axially by the knob cover  304  when it is attached to the knob core  296 . 
     The knob spring  302  can be configured such that the engagement portions  362   a - b  can be resiliently moved apart from one other to allow the upper wide portion  349  of the spring bushing  298  to pass between the engagement portions  362   a - b . The spring bushing  298  can be in a disengaged position, as shown in  FIG. 22 , where the spring bushing  298  is located below the engagement portions  362   a - b . In the engaged position, the upper wide portion  349  of the spring bushing  298  can be disposed above the engagement portions  362   a - b  of the knob spring  302 . The upper wide portion  349  of the spring bushing can be wider than the distance between the engagement portions  362   a - b  of the knob spring  302  to prevent the spring bushing from inadvertently transitioning between the engaged and disengaged positions. To transfer the spring bushing  298  from the engaged to the disengaged positions, a force can be applied, for example by pulling the knob member  218  in the axial direction away from the base member  214 , that causes the spring bushing  298  to press down against the engagement portions  362   a - b  causing the engagement portions  362   a - b  to resiliently separate from one another until the upper wide portion  359  of the spring bushing  298  passes between the engagement portions  362   a - b . To transfer the spring bushing  298  from the disengaged to the engaged positions, a force can be applied, for example by pushing the knob member  218  in the axial direction toward the base member  214 , that causes the spring bushing  298  to press up against the engagement portions  362   a - b  causing the engagement portions  362   a - b  to resiliently separate from one another until the upper wide portion  359  of the spring bushing  298  passes between the engagement portions  362   a - b.    
     Many variations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the engagement portions  362   a - b  can be maintained rigidly in place and the spring bushing  298  can be made from a resiliently compressible material so that the spring bushing  298  can transition between the engaged and disengaged positions by resiliently compressing and passing between the engagement portions  362   a - b . In some embodiments, the fastener  300  and the spring bushing  298  can be combined into a single piece. The knob spring  302  can assume a variety of other shapes and can be attached to the knob core  296  in a variety of other manners such that the engagement portions  262   a - b  are configured to resiliently flex away from one another. The spring bushing  298  can be formed in various other shapes than that shown in the illustrated embodiments. In some embodiments, the spring bushing  298  can be rotationally asymmetrical and can rotate with the knob core  296  and knob spring  302 . Thus, in some cases, the spring bushing  298  can have flat sides that engage the knob spring  302  along a line instead of just at a point. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the knob cover  304  can be generally disc shaped. The knob cover  304  can have a domed or generally frustoconical top wall  372  and a peripheral wall  374  with a cavity  376  formed therein. A central opening  378  can be formed at the center of the top wall  372  to allow a screwdriver or other tool to be inserted therethrough to engage the notch  360  on the fastener  300 . The knob cover  304  can include securing tabs  380  and notches  382  configured to engage the corresponding notches  312  and protrusions  314  on the knob core  196  to secure the knob cover  304  to the knob core  296  using a snap-fit connection. The knob cover  304  can be secured to the knob core  296  in various other ways such as using an adhesive, a threaded connection, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable manner. The knob cover  304  can be either fixedly or removably attached to the knob core  296 . When the knob cover  304  is attached to the knob core  296 , the pawls  236 , the spring bushing  298 , the fastener  300 , and the knob spring  302  can be enclosed therebetween. 
     Top tabs  384  can extend downward from the underside of the top wall  372  of the knob cover  304 . The top tabs  384  can align with the pivot tabs  336  of the pawls  236 , and the bottom surfaces of the top tabs  384  can contact, or nearly contact, the top surfaces of the pivot tabs  336  of the pawls  236  to thereby prevent the pawls from moving axially. Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the pivot tabs  336  of the pawls  236  can fit into bores formed in the knob cover  304  to secure the pawls  236  and allow the pawls  236  to pivot about the pivot tabs  336 . 
     A recess  386  can be formed at the center of the cavity  376 , and the recess  386  can be configured to receive the upper wide portion  349  of the spring bushing  298  when the spring bushing  298  is in the engaged position. 
     The peripheral wall  374  of the knob cover  304  can include notches  388  configured to receive corresponding tabs  390  formed on the inside surface of the knob grip  306 . The knob grip  306  can be generally doughnut shaped and can include raised portions  392  and/or depressions  394  on the outside surface to facilitate the gripping of the knob member  218 . In some embodiments, the knob grip  306  can be omitted or can be divided into intermittent portions disposed about the periphery of the knob cover  304 . Other variations are possible. 
     An opening  396  can be formed in a portion of the top wall  372  of the knob cover  304  to provide a view of some of the internal components of the reel  204  during use, or to provide an exit path for water or other foreign material to exit the reel  204 . In some embodiments, the opening  396  can be omitted. 
     As mentioned above, the knob member  218  can be axially movable between engaged and disengaged positions.  FIG. 23A  is an exploded view of the reel  204  with the knob member  218  in the engaged configuration.  FIG. 23B  is a cross sectional view of the reel  204  with the knob member  218  in the engaged configuration.  FIG. 24A  is an exploded view of the reel  204  with the knob member  218  in the disengaged configuration.  FIG. 24B  is a cross sectional view of the reel  204  with the knob member  218  in the disengaged configuration. The knob member  218  can be secured to the base member  214  by twisting the fastener  300  so that the threads  358  mate with corresponding threads in the bore  246  formed in the shaft  244 . In some embodiments, when the fastener  300  is sufficiently tightened, the portion of the shaft  244  that extends up past the spool member  216  can enter into a lower portion of the central opening  348  formed through the spring bushing  298 . The bottom edge  398  of the spring bushing  298  can abut against, or nearly contact, the annular region  400  inside of the spool teeth  232 . 
     When the knob member  218  is in the engaged position, as shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B , the spring bushing  298  and the fastener  300  can be maintained in an raised position by the knob spring  302 , as discussed above, so that the bottom edge  398  of the spring bushing  298  does not extend past the central opening  316  of the knob core  296 . Thus, the knob member  218  is maintained in the lower engaged position (shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 5 ), with the bottom of the knob core  296  abutting against, or in close proximity to, the top surface of the spool member  216 . Thus, when in the engaged position, the knob teeth  234  engage the spool teeth  232 , and the pawls  236  engage the housing teeth  224 . 
     When the knob member  218  is in the disengaged position, as shown in  FIGS. 24A and 24B , the spring bushing  298  and the fastener  300  can be maintained in a lowered position by the knob spring  302 , as discussed above, so that the bottom edge  398  of the spring bushing  298  extends past the central opening  316  of the knob core  296  by at least about 1.0 mm and/or by no more than about 3.0 mm, and in some embodiments by about 2.25 mm, although other configurations outside these ranges are also possible. Since the bottom edge  398  of the spring bushing  298  continued to abut against, or nearly contact, the annular region  400  of the spool member  216 , the knob member  218  is raised away from the spool member  216  and base member  214  by an amount (e.g., about 2.25 mm) sufficient to cause the knob teeth  234  to disengage from the spool teeth  232  and/or to cause the pawls  236  to disengage from the housing teeth  224 . In the embodiment shown, when the knob is in the disengaged position, the knob teeth  234  disengage from the spool teeth  232  and the pawls  236  also disengage from the housing teeth  224 . Thus, in the illustrated disengaged configuration the spool member  216  can be free to rotate in the loosening direction independent of the knob member  218  to loosen the lacing system  200 , and the knob member  218  can be free to rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions. 
     Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, when in the disengaged position, the knob teeth  234  can disengage from the spool teeth  232  while the pawls  236  continue to engage the housing teeth  224  (e.g., if the step  340  shown in  FIG. 17  were made larger so that the pawl teeth  338   a - b  extended further downward). In these embodiments, the knob member  218  can be impeded from rotating in the loosening direction even when in the disengaged position, but the spool member  216  can be free to rotate in the loosening direction independent of the knob member  218  to allow the lace  206  to be withdrawn to loosen the lacing system  200 . In some embodiments, when in the disengaged position, the knob teeth  234  can continue to engage the spool teeth  232  (e.g., if the knob teeth  234  and/or the spool teeth  232  were made taller than in the illustrated embodiments) while the pawls  236  can disengage from the housing teeth  224 . In these embodiments, the spool member  216  continues to be coupled to the knob member  218  even when in the disengaged position, but the knob member  218  and spool member  216  are permitted to rotated together in the loosening direction to release the lace  206  from the reel  204  to loosen the lacing system  200 . Other variations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the spool member  216  can be integrally formed with, or fixedly attached to, or removablly attached to the knob member  218 , and the spool teeth  232  and knob teeth  234  can be omitted. 
     As mentioned above, when in the disengaged position, the pawls  236  can be raised sufficiently to disengage from the housing teeth  224 . In some embodiments, because the pawls are biased radially outwardly by the pawl springs  232 , the pawls  236  can deflect radially outwardly so that portions of the bottom surfaces of the pawls  236  are positioned above portions of the top surfaces of the housing teeth  224 . Thus in some embodiments, when the knob member  218  is transitioned back to the engaged position, the pawls  236  must be deflected radially inwardly so that they can reengage with the housing teeth  224 . As also mentioned above, at least a portion of the top surfaces  266  of the housing teeth  224  can be angled or beveled and/or at least a portion of the bottom surfaces  339  of the pawls  236  can be angled or beveled, so that the downward pressure applied when the knob member is returned to the engaged position can cause the pawls  236  to deflect radially inwardly to facilitate the reengagement of the pawls  236  with the housing teeth  224 . In some embodiments, the pawl depressions  324  or other portions of the knob member  218 , can be configured to prevent the pawls  236  from deflecting radially outwardly past the radial position where the pawls  236  engage the housing teeth  224 , thereby reducing or eliminating the need to deflect the pawls  236  inwardly when transitioning the knob member  218  to the engaged position. 
     The knob member  218  can be transitioned from the engaged position to the disengaged position by pulling the knob member  218  axially away from the base member  214  with enough force to cause the spring bushing  298  to displace the knob spring  302  and pass therethrough. To transition the knob member  218  from the disengaged position to the engaged position the knob member  218  can be pushed in the axial direction toward the base member  214  with enough force to cause the spring bushing  298  to displace the knob spring  302  and pass therethrough. 
     The radial engagement of the pawls  236  with the housing teeth  224  can reduce or eliminate the occurrence of unintentionally transitioning the knob member  218  from the engaged to disengaged positions by applying force to tend to twist the knob member  218  in the loosening direction. If the lace  206  is pulled, it can impart a force tending to twist the spool member  216  in the loosening direction, and the force can be transferred to the knob  218  via the spool teeth  232  and knob teeth  234 , and the pawls  236  can distributed the force radially among a certain number of the housing teeth  224 . Because the pawls  236  engage the housing teeth radially, not axially, and because the pawls  236  are configured to be displaced radially (when tightening the reel  204 ), substantially none of the force is applied to the knob  218  in the axial direction. Thus, the radial pawls  236  do not impart any substantial force in the direction of the axial direction that would tend to separate the spool teeth  232  from the knob teeth  234  which can lead to unintentional disengagement of the knob member  218  and/or unintentional loosening of the spool member  216 . Thus, the reel  204  can be configured to withstand greater amounts of force applied to pull on the lace  206  or applied to try and twist the knob member  218  in the loosening direction without unintentionally causing the knob member  218  to disengage than a reel  204  in which the pawls axially engage the housing teeth and the pawls are configured to displace axially during tightening. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the force applied to the pawls  236  when the knob  218  is twisted in the loosening direction is born by the pawl beams  330  such that substantially none of the force is transferred to the pawl springs  332 . Thus, the pawl springs  332  can be configured to be easily flexible while the pawl beams  330  can be configured to be substantially rigid. Therefore, the pawls  236  can be configured to resist a relatively large amount of force applied to twist the knob member  218  in the loosening direction because that force is born by the rigid pawl beams  330 , while the pawls can also be configured to rotate radially when a relatively small force is applied to twist the knob member  218  in the tightening direction because that force is transferred to the flexible pawl springs  332 . 
     The components of the lacing systems described herein can be formed from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, plastic, carbon or other fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, steel, rubber, or any other suitable material or combination of such materials. In some embodiments, the base member  214 , spool member  216 , knob core  296 , pawls  236 , spring bushing  298 , knob cover  304 , lace guides, or any other suitable components described herein can be injection molded or otherwise formed from any suitable polymeric material, such as nylon, PVC or PET. Some of the components described herein can be formed from a lubricious plastic such as PTFE, or other material useful in reducing the friction between a lace and such components as desired. Additionally, some of the components described herein can be coated or layered with a lubricious material to reduce the friction with interacting components or parts. The fastener  300 , and the knob spring  302  can be made from a metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), but other materials can also be used such as plastics. The knob grip  306  can be formed from rubber, or latex, or silicon, or any other material to facilitate the gripping of the knob member  218 . 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a base member  414  which can be used in place of the base member  214  discussed above. The base member  414  can include a housing  420  and a mounting flange  422  and can be generally similar to the base member  214  described above, except that the lace holes  426   a - b  can be configured to direct the lace generally radially away from the base member  414  rather than axially away from the base member  214  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . Also, the lace holes  426   a - b  are placed generally on the same side of the base member  414 , rather than on opposite ends as in the base member  214  discussed above. Many variations are possible depending on the particular application to which the lacing system is applied. For example, in some embodiments, the base member can include only one lace hole and only one end of the lace can enter the housing and attach to the spool member. In these embodiments, the other end of the lace can attach to the base member or to the article being tightened. 
       FIG. 26  is a top view of another embodiment of a knob core  596  which can be used in a reel that can be similar in many ways to the reel  204  described herein. The knob core  596  can include pawls  536  which can be integrally formed with the knob core  596  to simplify construction and assembly of the reel. In other embodiments, the pawls  536  can be attached to the knob core  596  in any suitable manner. The pawls  536  can include pawl arms  532  which can be made of a material, thickness, and length so as to be flexible to allow the pawls  536  to be displaced radially inwardly by housing teeth as the knob core  596  is rotated in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A) in a manner similar to that described above. The pawls  536  can include pawl teeth  538   a - b  formed at the ends of the pawl arms  532 . In the illustrated embodiment two pawl teeth  538   a - b  are used per pawl  536 , but any other suitable number of pawl teeth  538   a - b  can be used. 
     When the knob core  596  is twisted in the loosening direction (shown by arrow B), the pawl teeth  538   a - b  can bear against housing teeth (not shown in  FIG. 26 ) to prevent the knob core  596  from rotating in the loosening direction. The force arrows drawn in  FIG. 26  illustrate the directions in which the force is distributed radially. As the pawl teeth  538   a - b  bear against the housing teeth, a force is applied from the pawl teeth  538   a - b  to the housing teeth as shown. The pawl arms  532  can be curved as shown so that, when the pawl teeth  538   a - b  bear against the housing teeth, the pawl arms  532  tend to flex or buckle radially outwardly as shown by arrows in  FIG. 26 . The pawls  536  can be configured such that the housing teeth abut against the pawl arms  532  such that, as the pawl arms  532  attempt to flex or buckle radially outwardly, they bear against the tips of the housing teeth, distribute the force radially to the housing teeth, and are prevented from buckling. In some embodiments, the housing teeth can substantially prevented the pawl arms  532  from moving radially outwardly. Because pawls  536  engage the housing teeth radially, not axially, and because the pawls  536  are configured to be displaced radially, not axially, during tightening, substantially none of the force applied when twisting in the loosening direction is applied axially thereby reducing or eliminating the occurrence of unintentional axial movement of the knob core  596  from the engaged position to the disengage position. 
     Although various embodiments of lacing systems are described herein, the various components, features, or other aspects of the embodiments of the lacing systems described herein can be combined or interchanged to form additional embodiments of lacing systems not explicitly described herein, all of which are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure. In addition, while a number of variations have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.