Patent Description:
Various types of lacing systems are known from the prior art, e.g., from <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The embodiments described herein provide lacing systems that are particularly designed and suited for closing and tightening larger articles of footwear, such as snowboard boots, work boots, fashion boots, athletic boots, and the like. The embodiments enable closure and tightening of multiple zones of the footwear with at least one reel based closure device and often a plurality of reel based closure devices. The embodiments provide enhanced fit, comfort, and/or performance for the articles of footwear.

According to one aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes at least one reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear. The at least one reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear.

In some instances that do not form part of the claimed invention, the at least one reel based closure device consists of a single reel based closure device. The single reel based closure device may be coupled with the upper portion of the footwear and may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with at least one strap positioned in the upper portion, the mid-portion, or the lower portion of the footwear. The tension member may also be coupled with at least one panel that is positioned in the upper portion, the mid-portion, or the lower portion of the footwear.

In other instances, the at least one reel based closure device consists of a first reel based closure device and a second reel based closure device. In such instances, the first reel based closure device may be configured to effect closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the second reel based closure device may be configured to effect closure or tightening of the other two of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion. The first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device typically do not close or tension the same portion of zone of the footwear. In a specific example, the footwear may be a snowboard boot.

According to another aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are coupled with the footwear. The plurality of reel based closure devices are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear. Each reel based closure device is independently operable and each reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of a different one of the upper portion, the lower portion, the mid-portion, or a combination thereof.

In some instances, the plurality of reel based closure devices consists of a first reel based closure device and a second reel based closure device. In such instances, the first reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the second reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the other two of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion. The first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device typically do not close or tension the same portion of zone of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device may be coupled with or positioned within the upper portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a first tension member and the second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a second tension member, in which the first tension member and/or the second tension member has a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear. The first reel based closure device may have a different torque output than the second reel based closure device.

In other instances, the plurality of reel based closure devices includes a first reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, a second reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the mid-portion portion, and a third reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the lower portion. In a specific example, the footwear is a snowboard boot.

According to another aspect , a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes, or consists of, a first reel based closure device, a second reel based closure device, and a third reel based closure device. The first reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion of the footwear, the second reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear, and the third reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of the lower portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are independently operable to effect differential closure or tightening of the respective upper portion, lower portion, or mid-portion of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device may be coupled with a panel that extends at least partially across an opening of the upper portion of the footwear. The second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a strap that, upon tensioning, effects closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear. At least a portion of the strap may be positioned under an exterior shell of the footwear. The third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a panel that extends at least partially over an opening of the lower portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device may be coupled with, or positioned within, the upper portion of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a first tension member, the second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a second tension member, and the third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a third tension member. The first tension member, the second tension member, and/or the third tension member may have a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear. In a specific example, the footwear may be a snowboard boot.

According to the claimed invention, a footwear closure system includes a boot having an upper portion and a lower portion. The boot closure system also includes a first reel based closure device that is coupled with the upper portion of the boot, a second reel based closure device that is coupled with the upper portion of the boot, and a third reel based closure device that is coupled with the upper portion of the boot. The first reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of a first zone of the boot, the second reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of a second zone of the boot, and, the third reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of a third zone of the boot.

In some instances, the first zone may be the upper portion of the boot. In such instances, the first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is routed or guided across an opening of the upper portion of the boot. The second zone may be a mid-portion of the boot that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a strap that, upon tensioning, effects closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the boot. At least a portion of the strap may be positioned under an exterior shell of the boot. The third zone may be the lower portion of the boot. The third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is routed or guided across an opening of the lower portion of the boot.

The first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a first tension member, the second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a second tension member, and the third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a third tension member. The first tension member, the second tension member, and/or the third tension member may have a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the boot. In a specific example, the boot is a snowboard boot.

According to embodiments of the invention, the upper portion may be a cuff that is positionable about a wearer's leg, the lower portion may be positionable over a wearer's foot, and the boot may comprise a heel portion that is positionable about a wearer's heel, and a strap that is coupled with the boot and positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion of the boot. The boot closure system also includes a first tension member that is operationally coupled with the first reel based closure device, and at least one first guide member that is coupled with the boot and that is configured to route or guide the first tension member along the upper portion or cuff of the boot. A second tension member may be operationally coupled with the second reel based closure device, and a second guide member that is coupled with a distal end of the strap and that is configured to route or guide the second tension member. A third tension member may be operationally coupled with the third reel based closure device, and at least one third guide member that is coupled with the boot and that is configured to route or guide the third tension member along the lower portion of the boot. The first reel based closure device may be operable to tension the first tension member and thereby close or tighten the upper portion about the wearer's leg, the second reel based closure device may be operable to tension the first tension member and thereby pull the strap downward and rearward against the wearer's foot to secure the wearer's heel in the heel portion of the boot, and the third reel based closure device may be operable to tension the third tension member and thereby close or tighten the lower portion about the wearer's foot. The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device may be independently operable.

The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are coupled with the upper portion of the boot. The upper portion, the lower portion, and the heel portion may form or define an exterior shell of the boot. In such instances, the strap may be positioned under the exterior shell. A proximal end of the strap may be coupled with the boot near a sole of boot and the strap may extend over a tongue portion of the boot. The first tension member, the second tension member, and/or the third tension member may have a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the boot. The first reel based closure device may have a different torque output than the second reel based closure device and/or the third reel based closure device. In a specific example, the boot may be a snowboard boot.

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:.

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

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

The embodiments described herein provide lacing systems for footwear and articles. The embodiments are particularly designed and suited for closing and tightening larger articles of footwear, such as snowboard boots, work boots, fashion boots, athletic boots, and the like. For ease in describing the embodiments herein, the disclosure will mainly refer to the lacing systems being used to close and tighten snowboard boots, although it should be realized that various other boots and footwear may employ similar lace configurations and/or components.

The lacing systems have unique lace paths and configurations that may be employed to close and tighten a snowboard boot about a wearer's lower leg. Snowboard boots are typically made of stiffer materials, or other materials, that are difficult to close and tighten in relation to other types of footwear. Properly closing and tightening a snowboard boot, however, is essential to providing a desired level of comfort and performance for the wearer. The lacing system provided herein may provide a more uniform and even closure of the snowboard boot about a wearer's leg and foot and may minimize or eliminate pressure points on the wearer's leg and foot. In particular, increased power and precision in tightening the boot about a leg may be achieved through the following concepts, some or all of which are employed in the embodiments described herein: improved heel hold; zonal customization; and decoupling flex from fit. Heel hold refers to the degree to which the heel is held or maintained in the shoe with minimal or negligible slippage. Zonal customization refers to the ability of the lacing system to differentially tension portions or areas of the boot. Decoupling flex and fit refers to the ability of the lacing system to achieve and/or maintain a desired fit without negatively impacting the boot's ability to flex. Given these advantages, the lacing systems described herein may be preferable to lacing systems that are currently employed in closing and tightening snowboard boots.

The lacing systems described herein are ideally suited for use with reel based closure devices, which are typically attached to an exterior of the snowboard boot. The reel based closure devices (hereinafter closure devices or systems) are configured to tension a lace or tension member that is guided about the boot via one or more guide members, which may be rigid components that are made of plastic or other materials, or which may be flexible and soft components that are made of fabric materials.

The reel based devices typically include a knob or dial that may be grasped and rotated by a user. The knob or dial is commonly coupled with a spool around which the tension member or lace is wound in response to rotation of the knob or dial in a tightening direction. Rotation of the tension member or lace around the spool tensions the tension member or lace, which tightens the snowboard boot about a wearer's leg and foot. Exemplary reel based devices are further described in <CIT>, and entitled "Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods", and in <CIT>, and entitled "Reel Based Lacing System".

Having described several aspects and features of the embdiments above, additional details of the lacing systems will be realized with reference to the description of the several drawings provided herein below.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a snowboard boot <NUM> that is made of conventional materials, such as an inner padded or cushioned liner <NUM> and stiffer or more rigid outer shell. The snowboard boot may have any configuration or design that is known in the art. The snowboard boot includes a throat or opening throughwhich a wearer may position their foot and leg in a conventional manner. The liner <NUM> may include a tongue or moveable portion that enables a wearer to more easily don and doff the boot <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, the liner <NUM> includes a zipper <NUM> that may be zipped and unzipped to provide rear entry of the foot and leg. In such embodiments, the liner <NUM> would not typically include a tongue or other moveable portion.

One or more panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, are positioned on the exterior of the boot's shell or liner <NUM>. The one or more panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be positioned on either the liner <NUM> or the shell depending on the desired fit and function of the boot <NUM>. Typically, the one or more panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, are positioned on the liner <NUM>, in which instances the shell may be omitted, if desired. The illustrated embodiment in <FIG> shows the boot including two panels - i.e., an upper panel <NUM> and a lower panel <NUM>. It should be realized that in some instances a single panel (upper or lower) may be used, or additional panels may be used, such as on or near a mid-point between the upper and lower portions of the liner <NUM>. For ease in describing the embodiment of <FIG>, the boot <NUM> will be described as including two panels.

The panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, wrap around the liner <NUM> from the lateral side of the boot <NUM> to the medial side of the boot <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> wraps around a rear portion of the liner <NUM> about an upper portion of the leg while the lower panel <NUM> wraps around the boot's toe box and instep. The panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be coupled with the liner <NUM> at one or more points. For instances, the upper panel <NUM> may be coupled with the rear surface of the liner <NUM> near the zipper <NUM> while the lower panel <NUM> is coupled with the liner <NUM> along or near the sole. The upper and lower panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be coupled with the liner <NUM> via stitching, adhesive bonding, RF or ultrasonic welding, lamination, or via any other method known in the art. In some embodiments, the upper and/or lower panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may not be coupled with the liner <NUM>. In such instances, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be relatively free floating or free moving atop the liner <NUM>. In such instances, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, are commonly attached to the liner in some minimal manner in order to maintain a general orientation and positioning of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, about the liner <NUM>.

A reel based closure device <NUM> is attached to a front portion of the liner <NUM>, typically near the throat or opening of the boot <NUM>. The reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with one or more lace or tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. Operation of the reel based closure device <NUM>, such as rotation of the knob in a tightening direction, tensions the one or more tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. Opposing distal ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, are attached or coupled with the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. Specifically, opposing ends of the upper panel <NUM> are attached to an upper tension member <NUM> while opposing ends of the lower panel <NUM> are attached to a lower tension member <NUM>. The upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be exposed or positioned atop the liner <NUM> near the respective panels, <NUM> and <NUM>; alternatively, the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be positioned under the liner <NUM> so as to be concealed and hidden from view. The portion of the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, that is coupled with the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be similar to conventional lace that is used with reel based closure devices, or may be a thicker and stiffer material than conventional reel based closure device lace.

The portion of the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, that couple with the respective panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may have a semi-circular shape or orientation, which may be due in part to the attachment of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, with the respective tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. Guides may be formed in the opposing ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, to enable the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, to couple with the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, guides members (not shown) may be attached to the opposing ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, to enable the opposing ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, to couple with the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. In a specific embodiments, the opposing ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, are folded over to form loops within which the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, are positioned. One or more looped ends may be formed in the opposing ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrate each opposing end of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, including three looped ends, although more or fewer looped ends may be formed in the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>. The tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, are slidably positioned within the opposing ends of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, such that tensioning the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, causes the tension members to slide within, and relative to, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, are tensioned, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, are pulled against the liner <NUM>, which pulls liner <NUM> into increased contact with the wearer's foot and leg. Specifically, the upper tension member <NUM> is configured so that tensioning the upper tension member <NUM> causes the tension member to move toward the front of the liner <NUM>, which causes the upper panel <NUM> to be pulled forward relative to the liner <NUM>. This movement of the upper panel <NUM> causes the rear portion of the liner to be pulled into greater contact with the rear portion of the wearer's leg, thereby constricting the liner <NUM> about the wearer's leg. Similarly, the lower tension member <NUM> is configured so that tensioning the lower tension member <NUM> causes the tension member to move rearward and downward toward the wearer's heel, which causes the lower panel <NUM> to be pulled rearward and downward relative to the liner <NUM>. This movement of the lower panel <NUM> causes the instep portion of the liner <NUM> to be pulled into greater contact with the wearer's foot, thereby constricting the liner <NUM> about the wearer's foot. The constriction of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, about the wearer's leg and foot provides a full wrapping and compression fit, which provides ankle compliance that is free of pressure points. The configuration and operation of the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, provides improved fit of the boot <NUM> about the leg and foot and provides increased comfort.

The panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be made of various material based on the desired fit, comfort, and/or performance of the snowboard boot <NUM>. For example, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be made of relatively flexible materials so that the panels stretch and flex as the panels are pulled into increased contact with the liner <NUM>; alternatively, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be made of relatively stiff fabric or polymer materials that are designed to maximize constriction of the liner <NUM> about the wearer's leg and foot. The panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be narrowest near the coupling or attachment point with the tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. Stated differently, the panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may widen or broaden as the panels move away from the respective tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. This configuration may allow the panels to tension a broader area of the boot <NUM> while minimizing the length of tension member that is attached to the panels.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a single reel based closure device <NUM> may be used to tension both the upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, separate reel based closure devices may be used to differentially tension to the upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. The use of separate reel based closure devices may allow a wearer to further customize the fit and feel of the boot <NUM> to suit a particular usage or need. <FIG> illustrates that a portion of the upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be routed below a surface of the liner <NUM> (illustrated in dashed lines) via tubing or channels formed in the liner <NUM>. The upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, that are positioned on the exterior surface of the liner <NUM> may extend between opposing openings on the liner <NUM> as illustrated. The upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be a single lace that is attached at opposing ends with the reel based closure device <NUM>, or the upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may include separate lace segments that terminate at or on the liner <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is another embodiment of a snowboard boot <NUM> having a liner <NUM> and a shell. The shell includes a front portion <NUM>, a rear portion <NUM>, and an instep portion <NUM>. The liner <NUM> is positioned between the front portion <NUM>, the rear portion <NUM>, and the instep portion <NUM> of the shell. The front portion <NUM> and/or the rear portion <NUM> of the shell may be formed of multiple interconnecting segments. The interconnecting segments may fit together in a manner that controls the flex of the shell in response to movement of the wearer's leg. For example, the segments may lock together as the wearer's leg moves to lockout and limit the range of movement of the liner <NUM> within the shell. The instep portion <NUM> may be formed of a single panel, or multiple panel segments, that are fit atop the instep of the foot. The instep portion <NUM> may be coupled with the front portion <NUM> or relatively free floating or free moving about the front portion <NUM>.

One or more reel based closure devices are attached to the shell and are operable to compress or constrict the shell about the liner <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell includes an upper reel based closure device <NUM> and a lower reel based closure device <NUM>. The upper reel based closure device <NUM> is attached to the front portion <NUM> of the shell while the lower reel based closure device <NUM> is attached to the instep portion <NUM> of the shell. In other embodiments, the shell may include a single reel based closure device or additional reel based closure devices as desired.

The upper reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with an upper tension member <NUM> while the lower reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a lower tension member <NUM>. Operation of the upper or lower reel based closure device, <NUM> and <NUM>, tensions the corresponding tension members. The use of two reel based closure devices, <NUM> and <NUM>, allows the upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, to be independently tensioned.

The upper tension member <NUM> is routed along a path <NUM> between the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> of the shell via guide members <NUM> that are formed or attached to opposing edges of the front and rear portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, of the shell. A gap typically exists between opposing edges of the front and rear portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, within which the path <NUM> of the upper tension member <NUM> is formed. As illustrated in <FIG>, tensioning of the upper tension member <NUM> causes the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> to be pulled toward one another, which constricts the front and rear portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, about the wearer's leg. Similarly, as tension is released in the upper tension member <NUM>, the front portion <NUM> and rear portion <NUM> are able to pivot away from one another, which allows the wearer to remove their leg from the liner <NUM>, or allows the liner <NUM> to be removed from between the shell.

Similarly, the lower tension member <NUM> is routed from the instep portion <NUM> to the sole <NUM> of the boot <NUM> and to the rear portion <NUM> of the shell via one or more guide members <NUM> that are formed within, or otherwise coupled with, the respective rear portion <NUM> and sole <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The instep portion <NUM> may include a front tab <NUM> that extends downward toward the sole <NUM> and a rear tab <NUM> that extends toward the rear portion <NUM> at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to a horizontal line. A gap typically exists between the instep portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> and/or sole <NUM>. The lower tension member <NUM> may extend across the gap to connect said portions of the boot <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, tensioning of the lower tension member <NUM> causes the instep portion <NUM> to be pulled downward and rearward about the liner <NUM>, which constricts the liner about the wearer's foot. Similarly, as tension is released in the lower tension member <NUM>, the instep portion <NUM> is able to move upward and away from the rear portion <NUM> and sole <NUM>, which allows the wearer to remove their leg from the liner <NUM>, or allows the liner <NUM> to be removed from between the shell.

The front portion <NUM>, rear portion <NUM>, and/or instep portion <NUM> may be made or rigid plastic materials or flexible materials, such as fabrics or polymer materials. Rigid materials may enable the portions to lock and limit movement of the liner <NUM> within the shell while more flexible materials may enable a compression or constriction of the wearer's leg and foot in a more comfortable manner. In some instances, the portions may be a hybrid of rigid and flexible materials. Portions of the upper and lower tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be routed below the shell via tubing or channels as illustrated in dashed lines, which may conceal and protect the tension member from external objects that may damage or break the tension member. It may be advantageous to route the tension member below an exterior portion of the liner or shell in any of the embodiments described herein in order to minimize damage or breakage of the tension member.

The snowboard boot <NUM> of <FIG> may enable a better connection of the boot <NUM> to a snowboard. In addition, the snowboard boot <NUM> of <FIG> may eliminate the need for a high-back. The use of two reel based closure devices further enables a wearer to differentially tighten the instep and leg as desired, which may enhance the comfort and performance of the boot <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, illustrated is a snowboard boot <NUM> that is configured to constrict or compress a liner <NUM> about a wearer's leg and that is also configured to attach or couple with a snowboard binding. The boot <NUM> includes the liner <NUM> and a shell within which the liner <NUM> is positioned. The shell includes an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> is designed to fit atop an instep of the liner <NUM> and atop a front portion of the liner <NUM> so as to be in front of a front portion of the wearer's leg. The lower portion <NUM> may be part of the boot's sole, or may be attached to the boot's sole, and may extend upward from the sole around the lateral and medial sides of the liner <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> is coupled with the lower portion <NUM> so that the upper portion <NUM> is able to move downward and rearward about the lower portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, a boss or pin <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> may be slidably positioned within a slot or channel <NUM> of a rear ward extending arm of the upper portion <NUM>. The positioning of the pin <NUM> within the channel <NUM> couples the components together and allows the upper portion <NUM> to move relative to the lower portion <NUM> in a controlled manner. The upper portion <NUM> may be coupled with the lower portion <NUM> near the toe box of the boot <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> may include two rearward extending arms that mate with upward extending arms of the lower portion <NUM>.

A reel based closure device <NUM> is coupled with the upper portion <NUM> of the shell so as to be positioned in front of the wearer's leg. The reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed along the upper portion and routed between the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be routed under the upper portion (shown in dashed lines) via tubing or channels that are formed in the upper portion <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be routed through one or more guides <NUM> that are coupled with, or formed in, the lower portion <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be a single lace segment having opposing ends that are coupled with the reel based closure device <NUM>.

Tensioning of the tension member <NUM>, via operation of the reel based closure device <NUM>, pulls the upper portion <NUM> rearward and downward relative to the lower portion <NUM>, which compresses or constricts the liner <NUM> between the upper and lower portions, <NUM> and <NUM>. Compression or constriction of the liner <NUM> between the upper and lower portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, compresses the liner <NUM> against the instep and ankle regions of the wearer's foot. The pin <NUM> slides within the channel <NUM> as the upper portion <NUM> slides downward and rearward about the lower portion <NUM>. The degree of compression of the instep and ankle regions may be controlled based on the configuration of the lower portion <NUM> and the extending arms of the upper portion <NUM>. For example, the degree to which the upper portion's extending arm is directed rearward rather than downward will affect the compression of the wearer's ankle within the liner <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, additional reel based closure devices are coupled with upper rearward extending arms of the upper portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the boot <NUM> have a lateral closure device <NUM> and a medial closure device <NUM>, each of which are coupled with a rearward extending arm. In some embodiments, the lateral closure device <NUM> and medial closure device <NUM> may be replaced with a single closure device. The lateral closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM>, which is in turn coupled with a releasable guide <NUM>. Similarly, the medial closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is also coupled with a releasable guide <NUM>.

The releasable guides, <NUM> and <NUM>, enable coupling of the boot <NUM> with a binding as illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, the releasable guide <NUM> is configured to fit within a coupling post <NUM> on an upper binding member <NUM> of the binding. The upper binding member <NUM> is pivotably coupled with a lower binding member <NUM>, which is in turn attachable to a snowboard (not shown). The upper binding member <NUM> may be attached to the lower binding member <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>, which allows the upper binding member <NUM> to pivot in relation to the lower binding member <NUM>. Coupling of the releasable guide <NUM> and upper binding member <NUM> helps attach and secure the boot <NUM> to the snowboard binding and snowboard.

As illustrated in the right hand image, when the releasable guide <NUM> is not attached to the coupling post <NUM>, the upper binding member <NUM> may be pivoted downward relative to the lower binding member <NUM> into an "open" configuration. In the open configuration, a wearer may position the boot <NUM> within the binding. With the boot positioned in the binding, the releasable guide <NUM> may be pulled rearward and coupled with the coupling post <NUM>. Exemplary embodiments of releasable guides and coupling posts are described in <CIT>. The lateral closure device <NUM> may then be operated to tension the tension member <NUM>, which pulls the upper binding member <NUM> forward and into contact with the liner <NUM> via coupling of the releasable guide <NUM> and coupling post <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be tensioned to compress or constrict the liner <NUM>, and the wearer's leg, between the upper portion <NUM> and upper binding member <NUM>. In this manner, a desired fit of the liner <NUM> about the wearer's leg can be achieved.

While <FIG> illustrates the coupling of the lateral side of the boot <NUM> with a binding, it should be realized that a similar coupling and tension process would occur on the medial side of the boot. When the boot <NUM> uses both lateral and medial closure devices, <NUM> and <NUM>, the two devices would be operated to close and tighten the upper portion <NUM> and upper binding member <NUM>. In instances where the lateral and medial closure devices, <NUM> and <NUM>, are replaced with a single closure device, the single closure device may be operated to close and tighten the upper portion <NUM> and upper binding member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> may include an additional closure device (not shown) that is positioned near the instep and that couple with the lower binding member <NUM> in a manner similar to that illustrated in <FIG>.

The boot <NUM> of <FIG> reduces redundancy between the boot <NUM> and binding. The boot <NUM> may have fewer components compared with traditional snowboard boots, which may reduce the weight of the boot <NUM>, thereby making it easier for a wearer to up-hill climb. In addition, given that the upper portion <NUM> is directly coupled with the upper binding member <NUM>, the upper binding member <NUM> is able to pivot forward with the boot <NUM>, which enables up-hill skinning. The boot <NUM> and binding configuration also provides a "walk" and "ride" mode that is easy to transition between since the boot <NUM> may be easily attached to a binding and detached therefrom. The boot <NUM> of <FIG> further provides a direct connection to the snowboard.

Referring now to <FIG>, illustrated is a boot <NUM> having a liner <NUM> and a shell that is positioned over the liner <NUM>. The boot <NUM> is designed to enable easy donning and doffing and to increase the fit of the boot <NUM> about a wearer's leg and foot. To enable easy donning and doffing, the shell includes a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM> that is pivotably coupled with the front portion <NUM>. A medial reel based closure device <NUM> is coupled with the front portion <NUM> on a medial side of the boot <NUM>. The medial closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed along a path between the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be routed underneath the shell, as illustrated in dashed lines, in order to conceal and protect the tension member <NUM> from external object and/or damage. <FIG> illustrates the rear portion <NUM> pivoted open relative to the front portion <NUM>. With the rear portion pivoted open, the path of the tension member <NUM> between the front and rear portions may be visible.

The tension member <NUM> may be routed between the front and rear portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, via one or more guides <NUM>. The path of the tension member <NUM> may be configured so that the tension member is routed between the front and rear portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, in a substantially parallel configuration. Exemplary lace paths that may be utilized to achieve substantially parallel configurations are described in <CIT>. The tension member <NUM> may be routed from the medial side to the lateral side of the boot <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In such embodiments, the guides <NUM> may be positioned on the front portion <NUM> only and the tension member <NUM> may extend across and atop the rear portion <NUM>. Opposing ends of the tension member <NUM> may be coupled with the medial closure device <NUM>.

When the tension member <NUM> is tensioned, via the medial closure device <NUM>, the rear portion <NUM> is pivoted forward toward the front portion <NUM>. Tensioning the tension member <NUM> compresses or constricts the liner <NUM> between the front and rear portions, <NUM> and <NUM>, which compresses or constricts the wearer's leg within the boot <NUM>.

The boot <NUM> also includes a lateral reel based closure device <NUM>, which is operationally coupled with two tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. The two tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be routed below the front portion <NUM> as illustrated in dashed lines in order to conceal and protect the two tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. The ends of the two tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, are coupled with an instep member <NUM> that is positioned atop the liner <NUM> near the instep of the wearer's foot. One of the tension members <NUM> is routed along the lateral side of the boot to a first end of the instep member <NUM> while the other tension member <NUM> is routed around a rear of the boot <NUM> to a second end of the instep member <NUM>. Tensioning of the two tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>, causes the instep member <NUM> to be pulled downward and rearward against the liner <NUM>, which causes the liner <NUM> to be pulled into increased contact with the wearer's foot. The use of the instep member <NUM> enable a progressive tension to be applied to the wearer's foot, which enables a consistent fit to be achieved in high and low tension scenarios. The use of the instep member <NUM> also allows a wearer to fine tune the fit of the boot <NUM> about the foot.

The boot <NUM> may also include a front reel based closure device <NUM> that is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM>. Similar to the other tension members, the tension member <NUM> that is coupled with the front closure device <NUM> may be routed below the front portion <NUM> as illustrated in dashed lines. The tension member <NUM> is coupled with a toe strap or panel <NUM>. Opposing ends of the tension member <NUM> may be attached to the front closure device <NUM>. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM>, via operation of the front closure device <NUM>, pulls the toe panel <NUM> downward and/or rearward about the liner <NUM>, which reduces a volume above and in front of the wearer's toes. This reduced volume in front of the wearer's toes may create a connection to the snowboard, thereby enabling the wearer to have increased control over the snowboard.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an instep member <NUM>. The instep member <NUM> is a compressible material designed to flex and/or increase in volume as the instep member <NUM> is tensioned via the two tension members, <NUM> and <NUM>. The compressible instep member <NUM> may include one or more compressible components <NUM> that are disposed between a pair of rigid components <NUM>. As the instep member <NUM> is tensioned, the compressible components <NUM> may be squeezed and may compress, which enables the instep member <NUM> to flex and bend. The compressible components <NUM> may increase in volume as they are compressed between the rigid components <NUM>. The arrangement of compressible components <NUM> and rigid components <NUM> may be designed to achieve a desired bend or curvature in the tensioned instep member <NUM>. The compressible component <NUM> may contact the liner <NUM> and press against the wearer's foot, which may offer an additional level of cushioning or padding against the wearer's foot. In other embodiments, the instep member <NUM> may be a fabric or polymer strap that is pulled against the liner <NUM>. The fabric or polymer strap may be a flexible material or an inflexible material as desired.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a snowboard boot <NUM> that provides three zones of closure for increased comfort and fit. The boot <NUM> may include three reel based closure devices that are each designed to close and tighten one of the respective closure zones, although in other embodiments, more or fewer closure devices may be employed. The boot includes a upper closure zone that is closed and tightened via a first panel <NUM> and second panel <NUM>, a mid-closure zone that is closed and tightened via a instep strap <NUM>, and a lower closure zone that is closed and tightened via a toe panel <NUM>.

A front reel based closure device <NUM> is attached to the first panel <NUM> so as to be positioned in front of a wearer's leg. The front closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed along a path between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be routed below the first and/or second panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, as illustrated in dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the respective panels. The tension member may also be routed in a substantially parallel configuration as illustrated in <FIG> and as described in the '<NUM> patent. The tension member <NUM> may be guided along the path between the first panel <NUM> and second panel <NUM> via one or more guides <NUM> that are attached to, or otherwise formed in, the panels. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> via operation of the front closure device <NUM> causes the first panel <NUM> and second panel <NUM> to constrict about a liner <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, which constricts the wearer's leg within the boot <NUM>. The first panel <NUM> may be coupled with the second panel <NUM> adjacent a rear of the boot <NUM>. In such instances, constricting the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> about the liner <NUM> may provide a compression or constriction fit about an entire circumference of the wearer's leg. The upper zone may be closed and tightened to provide a desired flexibility in the boot <NUM>.

A lower and upper reel based closure device, <NUM> and <NUM>, are coupled with the second panel <NUM>, typically on a lateral side of the boot <NUM>. The upper closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed from the second panel <NUM> to the first panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is typically routed below the first and second panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, as illustrated in the dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the respective panels. The tension member <NUM> is routed to the toe panel <NUM> and is routed across an opening <NUM> of the toe panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be routed in a substantially parallel configuration across the opening <NUM> via one or more guides <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A distal end of the tension member <NUM> is terminated at a distal end of the opening <NUM>. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> causes opposing edges or sides of the opening to be pulled toward one another, which causes the toe panel <NUM> to constrict about the toe region of the liner <NUM>. The liner <NUM> in turn is pulled into increased contact with the wearer's toes, which reduces a volume above the toes and may improve the feel and fit of the boot <NUM> to the snowboard.

The lower closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is in turn coupled with a distal end of the instep strap <NUM> via a guide <NUM>. A proximal end of the instep strap <NUM> is attached to a guide or anchor <NUM> that is coupled with a lower portion of the first panel <NUM>. As illustrated, the lower portion of the first panel <NUM> and a lower portion of the second panel <NUM> may couple with the sole of the boot <NUM>. The lower portion of each panel, <NUM> and <NUM>, may include a pair of diagonally extending arms that attach to the sole.

The instep strap <NUM> extends from the anchor <NUM> across and atop the liner <NUM> to an opposite side of the boot <NUM>. The instep strap <NUM> is positioned atop the liner <NUM> near an instep region of the liner <NUM>. The distal end of the instep strap <NUM> is routed through a guide <NUM> that is attached to the second panel <NUM>. The guide <NUM> redirects the instep strap <NUM> toward the lower closure device <NUM>. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> via the lower closure device <NUM> tensions the instep strap <NUM> and pulls the instep strap downward and rearward about the liner <NUM>. The liner <NUM> is pulled in turn against the wearer's foot. The instep strap <NUM> may be formed of a flexible or non-flexible material as desired. The mid-closure zone may be tensioned to provide a desired amount of support and/or freedom.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is another snowboard boot <NUM> that provides three zones of closure for increased comfort and fit. The boot <NUM> includes a plurality of closure devices that are each designed to close and tighten one or more of the respective closure zones. <FIG> illustrates the boot <NUM> including four closure devices, although in other embodiments, more or fewer closure devices may be employed. The boot <NUM> includes a upper closure zone that is closed and tightened via upper and lower panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, a mid-closure zone that is closed and tightened via an instep strap <NUM>, and a lower closure zone that is closed and tightened via a toe panel <NUM>.

A first upper reel based closure device 120a is attached to the upper panel <NUM> and a second upper reel based closure device 120b is attached to the lower panel <NUM>. The upper and lower panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may be segments, panels, or straps that are formed in the body of the shell. The upper and lower panels, <NUM> and <NUM>, may wrap around the boot <NUM> from one side of the boot (e.g., the medial side) to the other side of the boot (e.g., the lateral side). The first upper closure device 120a is operationally coupled with a first tension member 124a that is routed from the upper panel <NUM> to a rear shell portion <NUM> via guide <NUM>. Similarly, the second upper closure device 120b is operationally coupled with a second tension member 124b that is routed from the lower panel <NUM> to the rear shell portion <NUM> via guide <NUM>. Given the short distance that the first and second tension members, 124a and 124b, are typically routed, the tension members are commonly routed atop the boot <NUM>, although in some embodiments, the tension members may be routed below the shell as desired.

Tensioning of the first tension member 124a via operation of the first upper closure device 120a causes the upper panel <NUM> to be pulled rearward toward the rear shell portion <NUM>, which constrict or compresses the liner <NUM> about a wearer's leg. Similarly, tensioning of the second tension member 124b via operation of the second upper closure device 120b causes the lower panel <NUM> to be pulled rearward toward the rear shell portion <NUM>, which constrict or compresses the liner <NUM> about the wearer's leg. The use of two closure devices in the upper closure zone enables an increased customized fit and/or controlled flex to be achieved, thereby providing the wearer with increased comfort and performance.

A rear reel based closure device <NUM> is coupled with the rear shell portion <NUM> of the boot. The rear closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed along the rear shell portion <NUM> to the instep strap <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is typically routed below the rear shell portion <NUM> as illustrated in the dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the rear shell portion <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is coupled with a distal end of the instep strap <NUM> via a guide <NUM>. A proximal end of the instep strap <NUM> is split into two segments or straps. A first segment <NUM> of the instep strap <NUM> extends downward and is coupled with, or near, a sole of the boot <NUM>. A second segment <NUM> of the instep strap <NUM> extends roughly horizontally across the boot <NUM> and is coupled at, or near, a heel of the boot <NUM>.

The instep strap <NUM> extends from the first and second segments, <NUM> and <NUM>, across and atop the liner <NUM> to an opposite side of the boot <NUM>. The instep strap <NUM> is positioned atop the liner <NUM> near an instep region of the liner <NUM>. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> via the rear closure device <NUM> tensions the instep strap <NUM> and pulls the instep strap downward and rearward about the liner <NUM>. The liner <NUM> is pulled in turn against the wearer's foot. The configuration of the first and second segments, <NUM> and <NUM>, results in the instep strap <NUM> providing a simultaneous wrap and tightening of the instep and heel regions of the liner <NUM>. Specifically, the first and second segments, <NUM> and <NUM>, results in a downward directed force, due to the first segment <NUM>, and a horizontally directed force, due to the second segment <NUM>, which creates a diagonally directed force vector. The result of the simultaneous heel and instep tightening is an increased ankle compression and improved support and power transfer. The instep strap <NUM> may be formed of a flexible or non-flexible material as desired.

A lower reel based closure device <NUM> is coupled with the toe panel <NUM>. The lower closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed, via one or more guides <NUM>, across an opening <NUM> between the toe panel <NUM> and a sole or lower portion of the boot <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is typically routed below the toe panel <NUM> as illustrated in the dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the toe panel. The tension member <NUM> may be routed in a substantially parallel configuration across the opening <NUM> via one or more guides <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> causes opposing edges or sides of the opening <NUM> to be pulled toward one another, which causes the toe panel <NUM> to constrict about the toe region of the liner <NUM>. The liner <NUM> in turn is pulled into increased contact with the wearer's toes, which reduces a volume above the toes and may improve the feel and fit of the boot <NUM> to the snowboard.

Referring now to <FIG>, illustrated is an article of footwear that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear includes at least one reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear. The at least one reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear. As illustrated in <FIG>, the footwear may include a single reel based closure device that effects closure and tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion. In other embodiments, the footwear may include two reel based closure devices that effect closure and tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion. In such embodiments, one of the reel based closure devices may effect closure and tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the other closure device may effect closure and tightening of the other zones of the footwear (i.e., upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion) that are not closed and tightened by the first reel based closure device. In yet other embodiments, the footwear may include three reel based closure devices with each reel based closure device being dedicated to a specific one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion of the footwear. In the two and three reel based closure device embodiments, the reel based closure devices are independently operable to differentially tension the different zones or portions of the footwear as desired for fit, performance, and/or comfort.

A specific type of footwear that may employ the configurations described herein is snowboard boots or other types of boots. Boots, such as snowboard boots, often have various areas or zones of that are constructed of hard and soft material. In addition, it is often desirable to vary the tension or tightness in different areas or zones of the boot for fit, performance, and/or comfort reasons. For example, it may be desirable to tighten the area around the heel to increase heel hold within the boot. Similarly, it may be preferred to tighten the upper portion or cuff around the leg while maintaining a more loose fit in the toe box. For these and other reasons, it is often difficult to fully and properly tension or tighten a boot about a wearer's leg, especially in boots that employ a single lace or even multiple laces that tension the entire boot.

The embodiments described in <FIG>, enable a more proper and individualized fit to be achieved. This is achieved in part by strategic positioning of multiple tension members within the boot and by employing panels, straps, and other lacing configurations that allow a wearer to more easily achieve a desired fit. The tension members may be tensioned through the use of one or more reel based closure devices as described herein below. In regards to snowboard boots, some of the advantages that are achieved with the configurations described in <FIG> include an enhanced exoskeleton or shell design in which a minimal boot structure replaces standard boot construction, thereby enabling a reduction in materials in comparison with standard boot designs. A forefoot strap may also be decoupled from toe box, which allows for better fit and closure at the forefoot, which is typically rigid. The flex of the boot may also be decoupled from the fit. In regards to a three reel based closure device design, the three reel based closure devices tension three distinct zones, which allows the wearer to independently adjust the flex, heel hold, and forefoot closure of the boot. The reel based closure devices may also be placed on the upper portion of the boot to enable better user access while avoiding or not interfering with standard snowboard binding straps. The closure of the boot may also be asymmetric in that the upper cuff or portion may be closed or tensioned from the lateral side to the medial side of the boot while the instep and forefoot straps are closed or tensioned from the medial side to the lateral side of the boot. This asymmetric closure may provide improved medial and lateral support.

In some embodiments, a gusset or shroud may be used to protect the liner and/or foot from eternal objects or elements (e.g., snow, wind, etc.), which may be needed due to the use of reduced materials in the upper portion and/or exoskeleton/shell of the boot. In some embodiments, the shroud may be detachable from the boot. The reel based closure device may be configured to be incrementally loosened, fully loosened, or both incrementally and fully loosened as more fully described in the applications mentioned above. In some instances, the footwear may include a combination of reel based closure devices that are configured to be incrementally loosened, fully loosened, or both incrementally and fully loosened.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated is a footwear having multiple zones of closure that enable increased comfort, performance, and/or fit to be achieved. The illustrated footwear is a snowboard boot <NUM>. For ease in describing the embodiments, the footwear will be referred to hereinafter as a snowboard boot <NUM> or boot <NUM>. The boot <NUM> includes a liner <NUM> and a shell or exoskeleton that is positioned over the liner <NUM>. The closure zones of the boot <NUM> include a first zone or upper portion <NUM>, a second zone or lower portion <NUM>, and a third zone or mid-portion <NUM>. The closure zones may be differentially tensioned or tightened about a wearer's leg and foot in order to achieved a desired fit of the boot <NUM> about the leg and foot. In some embodiments, the upper zone <NUM> is closed and tightened via one or more upper panels <NUM>, the mid zone <NUM> is closed and tightened via an instep strap <NUM>, and the lower zone <NUM> is closed and tightened via one or more toe panels <NUM>.

The boot <NUM> includes at least one reel based closure devices, and more commonly a plurality of reel based closure devices, that are each designed to close and tighten one or more of the respective closure zones. <FIG> illustrate the boot <NUM> including a first reel based closure device <NUM>, a second reel based closure device <NUM>, and a third reel based closure device <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the reel based closure devices, <NUM>, <NUM>, & <NUM>, are attached to the upper portion of the boot <NUM>. The positioning of the reel based closure devices, <NUM>, <NUM>, & <NUM>, in the upper zone <NUM> of the boot <NUM> enables easy user access to the reel based closure devices, <NUM>, <NUM>, & <NUM>, while minimizing or eliminating interference of the reel based closure devices, <NUM>, <NUM>, & <NUM>, with snowboard bindings.

Referring to <FIG>, the first reel based closure device <NUM> is attached to the upper panel <NUM> so that the reel based closure device <NUM> is positioned near a distal edge or end of the panel <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> may be a segment, panel, or strap that are formed in the body of the shell of the boot <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> may have essentially one section, or may have multiple sections that are able to move or adjust to some degree relative to one another. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal edge of the upper panel <NUM> is non-linear such that a lower portion of the upper panel <NUM> is recessed proximally relative to an upper portion of the panel <NUM>. The area where the lower portion joins or is connected to the upper portion may be made of a flexible material or pattern that allows the lower and upper portions to bend, flex, or move to some degree relative to one another.

The first reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed across an opening <NUM> in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be formed by disconnected portions of the shell or exoskeleton of the boot <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> so that the tension member <NUM> spans a gap formed or defined between the disconnected portions of the shell. In some instances, an edge of the shell that is opposite to the distal edge of the upper panel <NUM> may have a shape or profile that is inverse to the shape or profile of the distal edge of the upper panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> via one or more guide members <NUM> that are attached to the upper panel <NUM> and to the opposing edge of the boot's shell. The tension member <NUM> may be routed under an exterior of the shell via one or more segments of tubing <NUM>, or via any other component or material that forms or defines a lace guide. A distal end of the tension member <NUM> may be coupled, anchored, or affixed to the boot <NUM> via a termination guide <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination guide <NUM> is positioned on the upper panel <NUM>, although the termination guide <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere as desired.

The tension member <NUM> may be routed about the upper portion of the boot <NUM> using various lace path configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member <NUM> is routed directly from the reel based closure device <NUM> and across the opening <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed, via tubing <NUM> and guide members <NUM>, across the opening <NUM> in a spiral like pattern until the tension member <NUM> terminates at the termination guide <NUM>. The boot <NUM> is configured so that the upper panel <NUM> wraps around the liner <NUM> from the lateral side of the boot <NUM> toward the medial side of the boot. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> pulls the panel <NUM> towards the medial side, thereby imparting a lateral to medial force on the liner <NUM>, which constricts or compresses the liner <NUM> about a wearer's leg. In some instances, the direction of the panel <NUM> may be reversed so that a medial to lateral force is imparted on the liner <NUM> and wearer's leg.

The second reel based closure device <NUM> is positioned in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, but may be positioned closer to a lateral side of the boot <NUM> than the first reel based closure device <NUM>. The second reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed along the lateral side of the boot <NUM> to the instep strap <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is typically routed below the shell or exoskeleton of the boot <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. One or more segments of tubing <NUM>, or via any other component or material that forms or defines a lace guide, may be used to route the tension member <NUM> under the shell of the boot <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is coupled with a distal end of the instep strap <NUM> via a guide <NUM>. A distal end of the tension member <NUM> may be coupled, anchored, or affixed to the boot <NUM> via a termination guide <NUM>. In some embodiments, the entire length of the tension member <NUM> may remain positioned below the shell of the boot <NUM>.

A proximal end of the instep strap <NUM> is split into two segments or straps. A first segment <NUM> of the instep strap <NUM> extends downward and is coupled with, or near, a sole of the boot <NUM>. A second segment <NUM> of the instep strap <NUM> extends roughly horizontally, or diagonally, across the boot <NUM> and is coupled at, or near, a heel of the boot <NUM>. The instep strap <NUM> extends from the first and second segments, <NUM> and <NUM>, across and atop the liner <NUM> to an opposite side of the boot <NUM>. The instep strap <NUM> is positioned atop the liner <NUM> near an instep region of the liner <NUM>. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> via the second closure device <NUM> tensions the instep strap <NUM> and pulls the instep strap downward and rearward about the liner <NUM>. In turn, the liner <NUM> is pulled against the wearer's foot. The configuration of the first and second segments, <NUM> and <NUM>, results in the instep strap <NUM> providing a simultaneous wrap and tightening of the instep and heel regions of the liner <NUM>. Specifically, the first and second segments, <NUM> and <NUM>, impart a downward directed force, due to the first segment <NUM>, and a horizontally directed force, due to the second segment <NUM>, which creates a diagonally directed force vector. The result of the simultaneous heel and instep tightening is an increased ankle compression and improved support and power transfer. The instep strap <NUM> may be formed of a flexible or non-flexible material as desired. The instep strap <NUM> provides a closure and tightening of the mid-portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>.

The instep strap <NUM> wraps around the liner <NUM> from the medial side of the boot <NUM> toward the lateral side of the boot. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> pulls the instep strap <NUM> towards the lateral side, which imparts a medial to lateral force on the instep of the wearer's foot. In some instances, the orientation of the instep strap <NUM> within the boot <NUM> and atop the liner <NUM> may be reversed so that a lateral to medial force is imparted on the instep of the wearer's foot.

The third reel based closure device <NUM> is also positioned in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, but may be positioned closer to the lateral side of the boot <NUM> than the first and second reel based closure devices, <NUM> & <NUM>. The third reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is routed across an opening <NUM> in the lower portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is formed or defined by a portion of the shell or exoskeleton and a lower panel <NUM> that extends atop the foot in the lower portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> may be a segment, panel, or strap that is formed in the body of the shell of the boot <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> may have essentially one section, or may have multiple sections that are able to move or adjust to some degree relative to one another. For example, the lower panel <NUM> may be made of a flexible material or pattern that allows the separate portions to bend, flex, or move to some degree relative to one another.

The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> so that the tension member <NUM> spans a gap formed or defined between the shell and a lower panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> via one or more guide members <NUM> that are attached to the lower panel <NUM> and shell. The tension member <NUM> may be routed under an exterior of the shell via one or more segments of tubing <NUM> or via any other component or material that forms or defines a lace guide. A distal end of the tension member <NUM> may be coupled, anchored, or affixed to the boot <NUM> via a termination guide <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination guide <NUM> is positioned under the shell of the boot <NUM> on an edge that is opposite the distal edge of the lower panel <NUM>.

The tension member <NUM> may be routed about the lower portion of the boot <NUM> using various lace path configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member <NUM> is routed from the reel based closure device <NUM> and across the opening <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed, via tubing <NUM> and guide members <NUM>, across the opening <NUM> in a spiral like pattern until the tension member <NUM> terminates at termination guide <NUM>. The boot <NUM> is configured so that the lower panel <NUM> wraps around the liner <NUM> from the medial side toward the lateral side of the boot. Tensioning of the tension member <NUM> causes opposing edges or sides of the opening <NUM> to be pulled toward one another, which pulls the lower panel <NUM> towards the lateral side, thereby imparting a medial to lateral force on the liner <NUM>, which reduces a volume of the boot <NUM> above the foot and toes and improves the fit and feel of the boot <NUM>. In some instances, the orientation of the lower panel <NUM> may be reversed so that a lateral to medial force is imparted on the liner <NUM> and wearer's foot.

The closure and tightening of the boot <NUM> is asymmetric in that the force imparted on one portion of the boot <NUM> is different or opposite the force imparted on another portion of the boot <NUM>. For example, the tightening force imparted on the upper portion <NUM> is a lateral to medial force while the force imparted on the mid portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> is a medial to lateral force (i.e., an opposite force than the force imparted on the upper portion <NUM>). The asymmetric closure of the boot <NUM> reinforces the boot <NUM> and makes the boot <NUM> stronger or more rigid when tightened, which may aid the wearer in snowboarding and reduces the materials that are necessary to stiffen the boot <NUM>.

Each of the reel based closure devices, <NUM>, <NUM>, & <NUM>, in <FIG> are "single pull" devices in which the reel based closure device is designed to pull or tension a proximal end of the tension member and in which the distal end of the tension member is affixed or anchored to the boot <NUM> via termination guide <NUM>. The use of a single pull reel based device may enable greater tension forces to be achieved in the tension member. This design may be important for imparting a force that is required to properly close or tighten a portion of the boot, such as the instep strap <NUM> or upper panel <NUM>. In other instances, the use of a single pull reel based device may allow a smaller or lower tension inducing reel based device to be used while providing a required tension force.

Referring to <FIG>, the illustrated boot <NUM> has essentially the same configuration as the embodiment of <FIG>. However, each of the reel based closure devices, <NUM>, <NUM>, & <NUM>, in <FIG> are configured as "double pull" devices in which the reel based closure device pulls or tensions both the proximal end and the distal end of the tension member. For example, the first reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with the tension member <NUM> so that both the proximal and distal ends of the tension member <NUM> are windable about a spool that is positioned within the first reel based closure device <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> in the upper portion of the boot <NUM> via a plurality of guides <NUM> that are positioned on the upper panel <NUM> and the opposing edge of the shell. Unlike the previous embodiment, the upper portion does not include a termination guide that is affixed to the distal end of the tension member <NUM>. Rather, the tension member <NUM> is routed from the first reel based closure device <NUM>, which is positioned in the upper portion of the upper panel <NUM>, to a guide <NUM> that is positioned on the lower portion of the upper panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed therefrom back to the first reel based closure device <NUM>.

Similarly, the second reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with the tension member <NUM> so that both the proximal and distal ends of the tension member <NUM> are windable about the second reel based closure device's spool. The tension member <NUM> is routed from the second reel based closure device <NUM> to the guide <NUM> that is positioned on the distal end of the instep strap <NUM> and is routed therefrom back to the second reel based closure device <NUM>. The third reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with the tension member <NUM> so that both the proximal and distal ends of the tension member <NUM> are windable about the third reel based closure device's spool. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> in the lower portion of the boot <NUM> via a plurality of guides <NUM> that are positioned on the lower panel <NUM> and opposing edge of the shell. The tension member <NUM> is routed from the third reel based closure device <NUM> to the lower panel <NUM> and is routed therefrom back to the third reel based closure device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the distal end of any of the tension members may terminate at or on the respective reel based closure device instead of being windable about a spool positioned within the respective reel based closure device. In such embodiments, the lace path of the tension member may be similar to the configuration illustrated in <FIG> while the respective reel based closure device functions as a single pull type device. In some embodiments, the boot <NUM> may include any combination of single pull devices and double pull devices that are illustrated in <FIG>. Stated differently, the first reel based closure device <NUM>, second reel based closure device <NUM>, and third reel based closure device <NUM> may be independently selected to be a single pull or double pull device as desired. Examples of boots <NUM> that include a combination of single and double pull devices are illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, in <FIG>, the first reel based closure device <NUM> is a double pull device while the second reel based closure device <NUM> and third reel based closure device <NUM> are single pull devices. In <FIG>, the first reel based closure device <NUM> and second reel based closure device <NUM> are double pull devices while the third reel based closure device <NUM> is a single pull device.

Referring now to <FIG>, illustrated is another embodiment of a boot <NUM> in which the boot includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, and the mid-portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. Each reel based closure device is independently operable and each reel based closure device effects closure or tightening of a different one of the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, the mid-portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, or a combination of any two of those portions. The reel based closure devices are coupled with the boot <NUM> and are typically positioned in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, although the reel based closure devices may be positioned elsewhere as desired.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the plurality of reel based closure devices consists of a first reel based closure device <NUM> and a second reel based closure device <NUM>, which are both positioned in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM> so as to be easily accessible to a wearer and so as not interfere with snowboard bindings. The first reel based closure device <NUM> may be configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, or the mid-portion <NUM>, or any combination of two of those portions. The second reel based closure device <NUM> may be configured to effect closure or tightening of the portion, or portions, that is not closed or tightened by the first reel based closure device <NUM>. For example, the second reel based closure device <NUM> may effect closure or tightening of the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, or the mid-portion <NUM>, or any combination of two of those portions.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the first reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with the tension member <NUM> that is routed across the opening <NUM> in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM> via a plurality of guides <NUM>. The guides <NUM> are positioned on the upper panel <NUM> and on the edge positioned on the opposite side of the opening <NUM> from the upper panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is guided or directed from the upper panel <NUM> and along the lateral side of the boot <NUM>, via tubing <NUM>, to the lower panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> in the lower portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM> via a plurality of guides <NUM> that are positioned on the lower panel <NUM> and on the edge that is positioned on the opposite side of the opening <NUM> from the lower panel <NUM>. In some instances, such as the boot <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the tension member <NUM> is routed from the lower panel <NUM> back to the first reel based closure device <NUM>. In such instances, the first reel based closure device <NUM> functions as a double pull device. In other instances, a termination guide (not shown) may be positioned in the lower portion <NUM> near a distal end of the lower panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be affixed or anchored to the termination guide. In such instances, the first reel based closure device <NUM> functions as a single pull device.

The second reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with the tension member <NUM> that is routed from the second reel based closure device <NUM> to the guide <NUM> positioned on the distal end of the instep strap <NUM>. In such instances, the second reel based closure device <NUM> functions similar to the second reel based closure device illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the tension member <NUM> is routed from the instep strap <NUM> back to the second reel based closure device <NUM>. In such instances, the second reel based closure device <NUM> functions as a double pull device. In <FIG>, the distal end of the tension member <NUM> terminates at a termination guide <NUM> that is positioned immediately adjacent to the instep strap <NUM>. In such instances, the second reel based closure device <NUM> functions as a single pull device.

Although <FIG> illustrate the first reel based closure device <NUM> being operable to close or tighten two zones (i.e., the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM>) and the second reel based closure device <NUM> being operable to close or tighten a single zone (i.e., the mid-portion <NUM>), in other embodiments the configuration may be reversed so that the first reel based closure device <NUM> closes or tightens a single zone (i.e., the upper portion <NUM>) and the second reel based closure device <NUM> closes or tightens two zones (i.e., the mid-portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM>). The first and second reel based closure devices, <NUM> & <NUM>, may have similar torque outputs or the torque output of the first and second reel based closure devices, <NUM> & <NUM>, may differ. For example, the second reel based closure device <NUM> may have a lower torque output than the first reel based closure device <NUM> in instances where the second reel based closure device <NUM> closes or tightens a single zone.

Referring now to <FIG>, illustrated is another embodiment of a boot <NUM> in which the boot includes at least one reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, and the mid-portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the boot <NUM> includes a single reel based closure device <NUM> that is positioned in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The reel based closure device <NUM> is operationally coupled with a tension member <NUM> that is in turn operationally coupled with at least one strap that is positioned in the upper portion <NUM>, the mid-portion <NUM>, or the lower portion <NUM>, or in a combination of any of those portions. Similarly, the tension member <NUM> may be operationally coupled with at least one panel that is positioned in the upper portion <NUM>, the mid-portion <NUM>, or the lower portion <NUM>, or in a combination of any of those portions.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the tension member <NUM> is routed from the first reel based closure device <NUM> and across the opening <NUM> in the upper portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM> via a plurality of guides <NUM>. The guides <NUM> are positioned on the upper panel <NUM> and on the edge that is positioned on the opposite side of the opening <NUM> from the upper panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is guided or directed from the upper panel <NUM> and along the lateral side of the boot <NUM>, via tubing <NUM>, to the instep strap <NUM>. One segment of the tension member <NUM> is coupled with the instep strap <NUM> via a guide <NUM> that is positioned on the distal end of the instep strap <NUM>.

The tension member <NUM> is guided or directed from the instep strap <NUM> to the lower panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> is routed across the opening <NUM> in the lower portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM> via a plurality of guides <NUM> that are positioned on the lower panel <NUM> and on the edge that is positioned on the opposite side of the opening <NUM> from the lower panel <NUM>. In some instances, such as the boot <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the tension member <NUM> is routed from the lower panel <NUM> back to the first reel based closure device <NUM>. In such instances, the first reel based closure device <NUM> functions as a double pull device. In other instances, a termination guide (not shown) may be positioned in the lower portion <NUM> near a distal end of the lower panel <NUM>. The tension member <NUM> may be affixed or anchored to the termination guide. In such instances, the first reel based closure device <NUM> functions as a single pull device. Operation of the first reel based closure device <NUM> simultaneously tensions the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, and the mid-portion <NUM> of the boot <NUM>.

While several embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and/or combination of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, changed, adjusted, and the like. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged and/or the various described components may be employed in any of the embodiments in which they are not currently described or employed. As such, it should be realized that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangement and/or component structures described herein.

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

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

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

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a process" includes a plurality of such processes and reference to "the device" includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Claim 1:
A footwear closure system comprising:
a boot (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including:
an upper portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is positionable around a leg of a wearer; and
a lower portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is positionable around a foot of the wearer;
a first reel based closure device (<NUM>, 120a, <NUM>) coupled with the upper portion of the boot, the first reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of a first zone of the boot;
a second reel based closure device (<NUM>, 120b, <NUM>) coupled with the upper portion of the boot, the second reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of a second zone of the boot; and
a third reel based closure device (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled with the upper portion of the boot, the third reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of a third zone of the boot.