Patent ID: 12256803

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

The embodiments herein describe reel based closure devices that are attached to alpine or ski boots and that are operable to tension at least a portion of the alpine/ski boot. For ease in describing the embodiments, the boots will be generally referred to as ski boots, although it should be understood that the term is intended to broadly cover any alpine or ski type boot. In particular, the reel based closure devices are typically attached to the exterior of the ski boot, such as the shell, and are used to tighten the exterior of the ski boot about a user's leg and/or foot. The ski boot's exterior is typically made of a rigid material, such as various rigid polymers or plastic materials. The ski boot's rigid exterior shell typically includes multiple parts, such as a lower shell that couples with a ski binding and an upper shell or cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell via a hinge point or cuff adjustment. In many instances, a position or angle of the upper cuff may be adjusted relative to the lower shell via manipulation of the hinge point or cuff adjustment. The lower shell is designed to accommodate a user's foot while the upper cuff is designed to accommodate the user's lower leg.

The reel based closure devices (hereinafter reel based device or reel system) are configured to tension a lace or tension member that is guided about the ski 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 ski boot about a user's foot by constricting the shell and any internal components (i.e., a liner, etc.) about the user's foot. Exemplary reel based devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/297,047 filed Jun. 5, 2017, and entitled “Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,056, filed Jun. 21, 2013, and entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The reel based devices described herein may replace traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems that are currently used on ski boots to tighten the ski boot about a user's foot. The reel based devices are significantly easier to operate than traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems. As such, user's may greatly prefer to use the reel based devices in tightening a ski boot. In addition, the reel based devices offer significantly more incremental degrees of tightening and loosening of the ski boot in comparison with traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems. For example, traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems often include a limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth, steps, racks, and the like) that are used in tightening the ski boot. For example, traditional buckles often employ 5 to 10 teeth on a rack within which an engagement pin is positioned to tighten the ski boot. The engagement pin is moved proximally or distally about the rack and positioned within a proximal or distal tooth in order to increase or decrease the tightness of the ski boot about the foot. The limited number of tightening segments (e.g., teeth) results in the ski boot being tightened or loosened by greater amounts or degrees and thus, it may be difficult to achieve a desired and comfortable fit.

In contrast, the reel based devices are capable of tightening and/or loosening the ski boot by significantly smaller incremental amounts or degrees. For example, if a minor increase in tightness is desired, the knob of the reel based device may be rotated by a quarter turn or even an eighth of a turn to slightly increase the tension in the tension member. The slight increase in the tension member's tension normally results in a slight increase in the tightness or constriction of the ski boot about the user's foot. This incremental adjustment of the ski boot's tightness may allow a desired and comfortable fit of the ski boot about the foot to be easily achieved.

Referring toFIG.1, illustrated is a ski boot100that includes a reel based device102that is used to constrict the ski boot100about a user's leg. The reel based device102is attached to a rear surface of the ski boot's upper shell or cuff via mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, RF or sonic welding, and the like. The reel based device102is operably coupled with a tension member110that is guided about the rear surface of the skit boot100via a plurality of guide members112that are also attached to the upper shell or cuff via mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, RF or sonic welding, and the like. The guide member112allows the tension member110to slide and shift about the rear surface of the ski boot110, which allows tension in the tension member110to be equalized or normalized, which prevents stress or tension concentrations within the tension member110.

The tension member110is operably coupled with straps,106aand106b, that traverse from the rear surface of the ski boot100to a front panel104. The front panel104may be made of a fabric or woven material, or may be made of a more rigid material, such as various plastics, such as those used in forming the rigid exterior shell of the ski boot100. The front panel104may be attached to a front surface of the cuff via mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets and the like), adhesive bonding, RF or sonic welding, or via any other method known in the art. The straps,106aand106b, may likewise be made of a fabric or woven material, or may be made of a more rigid material, such as from various plastics.

The straps include an upper strap106aand a lower strap106b. Although the straps,106aand106b, are illustrated on a single sides of the ski boot100, in some embodiments a similarly arranged pair of straps is positioned on an opposite sides of the ski boot100(seeFIG.3). The pair of straps on the opposite side of the ski boot100may likewise be operably coupled with the tension member110and the front panel104. A distal end of the straps,106aand106b, is looped and includes a guide member through which the tension member110is slidably positioned. The guide member of the straps,106aand106b, may be a rigid plastic material that is configured to minimize friction to enable the tension member110to easily slide within the guide member and about the straps,160aand106b.

Tensioning of the tension member110via operation of the reel based device102causes the straps,106aand106b, to be tensioned and pulled toward the rear surface of the ski boot's cuff, which in turn tensions the front panel104and causes the front panel104to be pulled rearward toward the reel based device102. This tensioning cause the cuff to close and constrict about a user's leg that is positioned within the ski boot100. The reel based device102ofFIG.1may be used to replace traditional buckles and/or other tightening systems, or may be used in combination with these components. The reel based device102may also be used to loosen or decrease the tension in the tension member, which loosens the ski boot100about the user's leg and allows the cuff to be opened so that the user may remove their foot.

FIG.2illustrates a rear view of the ski boot100ofFIG.1.FIG.2illustrates an arrangement of the reel based device102about the rear surface of the ski boot's cuff. The coupling of the reel based device102and tension member110is illustrated, along with the routing of the tension member110about the rear surface of the ski boot100and through the various guide members. The guide members include a lower guide member112that is positioned below the reel based device102. The lower guide member112directs or routes the tension member110between opposing sides of the ski boot100. A centrally positioned upper guide member (not numbered) may similarly be positioned above the reel based device102and used to route or direct the lace between opposing sides of the ski boot100.

The distal ends of the straps,106aand106b, are also illustrated.FIG.2shows that the ski boot100may include pairs of straps,106aand106b, on both sides of the ski boot100as briefly described above. The distal ends of the straps,106aand106b, are looped120with a guide member (not numbered) positioned within the looped ends. The guide members of the looped ends120guide or route the tension member110between the upper and lower portions of the reel based device102. As described above, tensioning of the tension member110causes the straps,106aand106b, to be tensioned and pulled toward the reel based device102, which pulls the front panel104rearward and constricts the ski boot100about the user's legs.

A pair of upper guides124are positioned on opposite sides of the centrally positioned upper guide member (not numbered). The upper guides124route or direct the tension member110between the looped ends120of the upper strap106aand the centrally positioned upper guide member. In some embodiments, an additional guide member122may be attached to the looped end120of the upper straps106a. The use of the additional guide member122may cause a greater tension to be applied to the upper strap106ain relation to the lower strap106bsince the tension member110essentially tensions the upper straps106atwice. The use of the additional guide member122may also increase the rearward force that is applied to the upper strap106aand/or lower strap106b.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower straps,106aand106b, may be arranged so that they are separate from one another and independently tensionable. In other embodiments, the upper and lower straps,106aand106b, may be connected and essentially uniformly tensioned. As illustrated inFIG.2, the tension member110may be routed from the reel based device102, through the additional guides122, through the centrally positioned upper guide member and the upper guides124, and then through the looped ends120to the lower guide member112. The illustrated tension member and guide member arrangement has been found to be particularly useful in tensioning the straps,106aand106b, and front panel104.

FIGS.4and5illustrate another arrangement of a reel based device about a ski boot200. Specifically,FIGS.4and5illustrate the use of two separate tightening systems with one of the tightening systems positioned on the cuff and the other tightening system positioned on the lower shell. Each tightening system includes a reel based closure device, a tension member, and one or more guide members that guide, direct, or route the tension member along a path about the cuff or shell. In some embodiments, one or both tightening systems may include a plurality of guide member that guide, direct, or route the tension member along the path about the cuff or shell. The reel based devices are independently operable to independently and/or differentially tighten the cuff and lower shell as desired.FIG.4illustrates a side perspective view of the ski boot200whileFIG.5illustrates a front perspective view of the ski boot200.

Additional embodiments of ski boots that employ dual or multiple tightening systems are illustrated inFIGS.10,13, and15-21and are described herein in relation to those figures. Each of these figures may describe various and/or different aspects or features of dual or multiple tightening systems, however, it should be recognized that the various and/or different aspects or features of the dual or multiple tightening systems may be combined and used in any desired combination on a ski boot to achieve a desired fit and/or functionality. As such, it should be recognized that the descriptions ofFIGS.4,5,10,13, and15-21are interrelated rather than being independent and isolated. It should be further understood that the description is meant to encompass a claim or claims that include any combination of the aspects and features described herein.

Referring again toFIGS.4and5, a first reel based device202is positioned on a side of the ski boot's cuff. The first reel based device202is coupled with a tension member206that is routed from the side of the cuff and toward the front of the ski boot200. The tension member206is routed through a guide member204that is positioned on a distal end of a first panel208, which is typically part of the ski boot's shell or cuff and made of the same relatively rigid plastic material. The tension member206is routed or directed from the guide member204and to a guide member (not numbered) that is positioned near the cuff adjuster (not numbered) or ankle portion of the ski boot200. The tension member206is routed from this guide member to one or more guide members (not numbered) that are positioned on a second panel210, which is also typically part of the ski boot's shell or cuff and made of the same rigid plastic material. A distal end of the tension member206terminates at a guide member that is positioned on the second panel210as illustrated. An additional pass through guide member (not numbered) may be positioned on a distal end of the second panel210in order to ensure that the tension member206remains positioned atop the second panel210rather than sliding or migrating off the second panel210.

Tensioning of the tension member206via operation of the reel based device202tensions the first panel208and the second panel210, which are wrapped around the front portion of the cuff. Tensioning of the first and second panels,208and210, causes the cuff to constrict about the user's leg. In some embodiments, a single panel is used instead of the first panel208and the second panel210. The single panel may be roughly equivalent to the first and second panels,208and210, or may be smaller than the two panels. In other embodiments, three or more panels may be used instead of the first panel208and the second panel210. A single panel or multiple panels may likewise be used in any of the other embodiments described herein.

A second reel based device220is attached to a side of the ski boot's lower shell. The second reel based device220is operably coupled with a second tension member222so that operation of the second reel based device220tensions the second tension member222. The second tension member222is routed or directed across the lower shell of the ski boot200via a plurality of guide member224. The second tension member222may form a Z pattern or configuration across the front upper surface of the lower shell as illustrated and a distal end of the second tension member222may terminate at a distally most positioned guide member.

Operation of the second reel based device220causes the second tension member222to be tensioned, which causes the lower shell to be constricted and tightened about a user's foot by pulling opposing sides of the lower shell toward one another. The second reel based device220is operable independently of the first reel based device202, which allows the lower shell to be tightened independently of the cuff.

The first and second reel based devices,202and220, may replace traditional buckles or other tightening mechanisms so that the ski boot200is free of buckles or other tightening mechanisms. In other embodiments, the first and/or second reel based devices,202and220, may be used in cooperation with buckles or other tightening mechanisms.FIGS.6and7illustrate examples in which reel based devices are used in cooperation with a buckle system. InFIG.6, a reel based device302is attached to the cuff of the ski boot300. The reel based device302is operably attached to a tension member306that is guided or routed about a first panel308and a second panel310via a plurality of guide members304. The reel based device302, the tension member306, the guide members304, and the first and second panels,308and310, have an arrangement about the upper cuff that is similar to that illustrated inFIGS.4and5. The reel based device302is operable to tighten the cuff as described in relation toFIGS.4and5.

The ski boot300includes a pair of traditional or conventional buckles that are positioned on the lower shell of the ski boot300. The buckles are used in a conventional manner to tighten or constrict the lower shell about the user's foot. In this manner, the reel based device302is used to tighten the cuff while the buckles are used to tighten the lower shell.

FIG.7illustrates a ski boot400that includes a reel based device402that is attached to the lower shell of the ski boot400. The reel based device402is operably attached to a tension member406that is routed about the lower shell, via guide members404, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5and described in relation thereto. The reel based device402is operable to constrict and tighten the lower shell about the user's foot as previously described. The ski boot includes a pair of traditional or conventional buckles that are positioned on the cuff of the ski boot400. The buckles are used in a conventional manner to tighten or constrict the cuff of the ski boot400about the user's leg. In this manner, the reel based device402is used to tighten the lower shell while the buckles are used to tighten the cuff. In some embodiments, the ski boot400may also include a strap (i.e., power strap) that is positioned around the top of the cuff. The strap may include hook and loop fastener materials that enable the strap to be tensioned and coupled about the top portion of the cuff.

FIG.8illustrates an embodiment in which a reel based device502is used to tension a strap or power strap about the top portion of a cuff of a ski boot500. The ski boot500may include conventional buckles or other tightening mechanisms that are positioned about the cuff and lower shell and that are operable in a conventional manner to tighten these portions of the ski boot500about the user's foot and leg. The reel based device502may be positioned on a rear surface of the top portion of the cuff and may be operably coupled with a tension member506. The tension member506may be disposed within an interior channel of a first or rear strap510. The tension member506may be routed through a guide member508that is positioned on a distal end of a second or front strap504. In some embodiments, the guide member508may be a pair of fabric loops that cooperate to guide or route the tension member506about the distal end of the second strap504.

The distal end of the second strap504may be slidingly disposed within the interior channel of the first strap510so that the second strap504is able to slide proximally and distally within the interior channel of the first strap510. The reel based device502is operable to tension the tension member506, which causes the second strap504to be tensioned and to slide distally or rearward within the interior channel of the first strap510. Distal or rearward sliding of the second strap504within or relative to the first strap510causes the second strap504to be pulled against the front upper portion of the cuff, which causes the cuff to constrict inward against the user's leg and/or prevents the cuff from opening as the user flexes and bends during use of the ski boot500. The use of the reel based device502on the power strap500ofFIG.8may render the power strap more easy to use in comparison with conventional straps. In addition, although the power strap ofFIG.8is illustrated as being used with conventional buckles or tightening mechanisms on the lower shell and cuff of the ski boot500, it should be realized that the power strap may be employed on any of the embodiments herein and thus, may be used on ski boots where a reel based device is employed on the cuff and/or shell.

FIG.9illustrates another embodiment of a ski boot600that employs a reel based device. The ski boot600ofFIG.9is similar to the ski boot300ofFIG.6in that a tension member606is routed about a first panel608and a second panel610via multiple guide members604. The ski boot600ofFIG.9differs from the previous embodiment, however, in that the reel based device602is positioned on a rear surface of the ski boot's cuff and further differs in that a portion of the tension member606is routed under a surface of the cuff620. The tension member606may be routed under the cuff620via one or more sections of tubing that are positioned under the ski boot's shell. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the cuff620may form a channel or slot within which the tension member606is positioned and routed. Routing of the tension member606under the cuff620prevents or minimizes interference of the tension member606with surrounding objects and/or may provide a visually pleasing appearance that user's prefer.

The tension member606is shown as being routed under the cuff620between the reel based device602and the first panel608. In other embodiments the tension member606may be routed elsewhere under the cuff or multiple portions of the tension member606may be routed under the cuff. For example, a section of the tension member between the first panel608and the second panel610may be routed under the cuff to minimize the appearance of the tension member606above the cuff. In such embodiments, the guide member that is positioned near the ankle or cuff adjuster may be positioned under the surface of the cuff.

FIG.10illustrates that multiple reel based devices may be employed to tighten different portions of a ski boot700. Specifically, a first reel based device702may be coupled with the ski boot's cuff to tighten a first portion A of the ski boot700. The first portion A of the ski boot that is affected by the first reel based device is illustrated by the cross-hatchings immediately adjacent the first reel based device702. A second reel based device704may similarly be coupled with the ski boot's lower shell to tighten a second portion B of the ski boot700. The second portion B of the ski boot700that is affected by the second reel based device704is illustrated by the cross-hatchings immediately adjacent the second reel based device704. A tightening system (e.g., third reel based device706) may be coupled with the ski boot's liner, or an upper portion of the cuff (e.g., a power strap) to tighten a third portion C of the ski boot700. The third portion C of the ski boot that is affected by the third reel based device706is illustrated by the cross-hatchings immediately adjacent the third reel based device706. The third tightening system coupled may be configured to effect tightening of the liner. The third tightening system may include the third reel based device706, a tension member (not shown) that is operably coupled with the third reel based device706, and one or more guide members (not shown) that are positioned about the liner to route or direct the tension member along a path about the liner. Operation of the third reel based device706may effect tightening of the tension member, and thereby tightening of the liner.

The first reel based device702, the second reel based device704, and the third reel based device706are each independently operably to independently tighten the respective portions of the ski boot700. The independent tightening of the different portions of the ski boot700allows a customized fit and feel of the ski boot700to be achieved. In addition, the minor incremental adjustment that is enabled by the reel based devices (702,704, and706) enables an increased customized fit and feel of the ski boot700to be achieved.

FIGS.11and12illustrate reel based devices that are removable from the ski boot. Specifically,FIG.11illustrates a ski boot that includes a base member804that enables the reel based device802to be detached and removed from the ski boot. The reel based device802may comprise a housing, a knob, a spool, and a pawl mechanism or other friction holding mechanism, such as those describe in the '047 patent application and the '056 patent that are incorporated by reference herein. The base member804includes features that enable the reel based device802to be quickly and easily removed from the ski boot. Exemplary embodiments of base members (also called bayonets) that are detachable from reel based devices are further described in the '047 patent application and in U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,181, filed Oct. 13, 2011, entitled “Reel-Based Lacing System”, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,253, filed Oct. 31, 2005, entitled “Reel Based Closure System,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIG.11illustrates that the base member804may be integrally formed with the lower shell806of the ski boot, such as by insert molding the base member804within the lower shell.FIG.12illustrates a base member820that is fixedly secured to the lower shell806of the ski boot after the lower shell is separately formed. The base member804may be mechanically fastened to the lower shell806via rivets822or via any other mechanical fastener. In other embodiments, the base member820may be adhesively bonded with the lower shell806, RF or sonically welded with the lower shell806, or attached via any other means.

WhileFIGS.11and12illustrate the base members,804and820, attached to the ski boot's lower shell, it should be realized that the base members,804and820, may be positioned anywhere else on the ski boot's shell, such as on the cuff, on a rear surface of the cuff or lower shell, on the front surface of the cuff or lower shell, and the like.

FIG.13illustrates a gross or macro adjustment method that may be employed to allow a ski boot's shell to be quickly and easily opened. Specifically, the ski boot900includes a guide member904that is designed to allow the tension member906to be quickly uncoupled from the guide member904, which allows the first and/or second panels,910and912, to be opened to loosen the ski boot about the user's foot. The guide member904enables rapid loosening of a tension in the tension member906. The guide member904includes an open channel or back (not shown) that allows the tension member906to be inserted within and removed from the channel in order to couple and uncouple the tension member906from the guide member904.

FIG.13illustrates a sequence beginning with image A in which the tension member906is initially coupled with the guide member904and in which the first and second panels,910and912, are positioned across the front portion of the cuff. In image B the tension member906is removed from the guide member904by removing the tension member906from the guide member's open channel. In image C the first and second panels,910and912, are pulled away from the front portion of the cuff, which causes the tension member906to be pulled toward the reel based device902. The sequence illustrated in images A-C show how the tension member906may be removed from the guide member904to loosen the ski boot900about the foot. The process can be performed in reverse to attach or couple the tension member906with the guide member904and thereby initially tighten the ski boot900about the foot.

While the guide member904is illustrated as being positioned on the first panel910, in other embodiments the guide member904may be positioned elsewhere, such as on the second panel912, on one or more portions of the lower shell, on a combination of the lower shell and upper cuff, and the like. An exemplary embodiment of a guide member with an open back or channel is further described in the '056 patent that is incorporated by reference herein.

FIG.14illustrates a reel based device1002that is designed to automatically wind or tension a portion of the tension member1008in order to eliminate slack in the system and thereby enable rapid tensioning of the tension member1008. The term “slack” refers to the tension member being essentially un-tensioned, or having a tension that is less than a given minimal threshold. Slack in the system may occur after the cuff of the ski boot1000is pulled open to allow a user to remove their foot or after the user inserts their foot in the ski boot1000and releases the cuff.

In image A, the tension member1008is illustrated as being coupled with the reel based device1002and with first and second panels,1004and1006. A substantial amount of slack exists in the tension member1008. In image B, the user has inserted their foot within the ski boot1000and the tension member1008has been automatically wound by the reel based device1002to eliminate the slack in the tension member1008. The automatic winding of the tension member1008by the reel based device1002pulls the first panel1004and the second panel1006into engagement with a front portion of the cuff and may initially tighten the ski boot1000about the user's leg. In some embodiments, the reel based device1002may include a spiral spring, or any other mechanism, that is configured to cause the spool to automatically rotate within the reel based device1002and thereby automatically wind or tension the tension member1008. An exemplary embodiment of a mechanism that is configured to automatically rotate a spool and tension a tension member is further described in the '253 patent application, which is incorporated by reference herein.

In image C, after the tension member1008is automatically wound or tensioned via the reel based device1002, the reel based device1002may be operated to further tension the tension member1008and thereby further tighten the ski boot1000about the user's leg. While the reel based device1002is illustrated as being positioned on the cuff, in other embodiments the reel based device1002may be positioned elsewhere, such as on the lower shell and the like.

FIGS.15and16illustrate another embodiment of a reel based device that is attached to a ski boot1100. The figures illustrate a specific lacing pattern that has been found to be effective in closing and tightening an upper and lower cuff of the ski boot1100. The system includes an upper reel based device1102that is designed to close and tighten an upper cuff about a user's leg, and further includes a lower reel based device1122that is designed to close and tighten a lower cuff about the user's leg. The upper reel based device1102is attached to an upper tension member1108in a manner that allows the tension member to be tightened by an operation of the upper reel based device1102, and more specifically a rotation of a knob of the upper reel based device1102in a tightening direction. The tension member1108is coupled with a pair of guide bodies or guides1106(hereinafter guides1106) that are configured to be releasably attached with corresponding base members or guide bases1104(hereinafter guide bases1104) that are fixedly secured or attached to an upper panel1112that is wrapped partially around the upper cuff. The guides1106and guide bases1104are similar to those illustrated inFIGS.17and18and are designed to allow a user to grasp and remove the guides1106from the guide bases1104in order to allow tension in the tension member1108to be quickly released and thereby allow the user to quickly don or doff the ski boot1100. In some embodiments, one of the guides1106may be releasable from the guide base1104while the other guide is fixedly secured or attached to the guide base1104. In such instances, the non-removable guide and guide base are typically integrated so that the guide is a single component that is attached to the ski boot1100. The guide bases1104are typically fixed or anchored to the upper cuff. To anchor the guide bases1104to the upper cuff, the guide bases1104could be attached via a mechanical fastener, such as a rivet or screw, or could be molded directly into the material of the upper cuff. In some embodiments, the guides1106include a magnet and the guide bases1156include an oppositely polarized magnet. The magnets assist in placement of the guides1106within the guide bases1104.

The guides1106commonly include a tab or grip surface that extends away from the guide base1104. The tab or grip surface enables the user to easily grasp the guide1106and pull the guide1106away from the guide base1104or align the guide1106with the guide base1104during attachment of the two components. While the tab is illustrated as a relatively large protruding component, the tab may have essentially any size or shape that is conducive to allowing the tab to be gripped and pulled by the user. For example, the size and shape of the tab may be selected to optimize the size of the grip surface while minimizing the chance of the tab catching or snagging on surrounding objects. In some instances, the tab may be a strap or fabric material. Additional configurations of the tab are provided inFIGS.19and20.

The upper reel based device1102is typically centrally positioned between the guides1106so that an upper portion of the tension member1108exits the upper reel based device1102and immediately traverses to an upper guide1106and so that a lower portion of the tension member1108exits the upper reel based device1102and immediately traverses to a lower guide1106. These portions of the tension member1108form or define a central path of the tension member about the upper cuff. The tension member1108is slidably positioned within the upper and lower guides1106so that as the tension member1108is tensioned via the upper reel based device1102, the tension member1108slides within a channel of the respective guides1106. The tension member1108is routed via the guides1106back toward the upper reel based device1102. The tension member1108may be fixedly secured to the upper cuff of the ski boot1100near the upper reel based device1102, or more commonly, the tension member1108is routed around the upper reel based device1102via tubing that is positioned under the exterior surface of the upper cuff (seeFIG.18). When the tension member1108is routed behind the upper reel based device1102, the upper reel based device1102is essentially enclosed, or surrounded, by the tension member1108.

The path or configuration of the tension member1108ensures that the tension applied to the upper cuff is essentially even or uniform, which helps ensure that the force that is exerted on the user's leg via the upper cuff is roughly uniform. The ski boot1100may include additional guides1106and guide bases1104as desired. In such instances, the upper reel based device1102is typically positioned so that it is central relative to the guides1106and guide bases1104. In other instances, the upper reel based device1102may be offset in relation to the guides1106and guide bases1104, such as by being positioned nearer to an upper end of the tension member path or nearer to a lower end of the tension member path (seeFIG.20). In some embodiments, opposing ends of the tension member1108are operationally attached to the upper reel based device1102so that an operation of the upper reel based device (e.g., rotation of the knob in the tightening direction) causes both opposing ends of the tension member1108to be simultaneously tensioned. In other embodiments, only one end of the tension member1108is operationally attached to the upper reel based device so that an operation of the device tensions only one end of the tension member1108.

The lower reel based device1122is attached to a lower tension member1128in a manner that allows the tension member to be tightened by an operation of the lower reel based device1122, and more specifically a rotation of a knob of the lower reel based device1122in a tightening direction. The tension member1128is covered and concealed by the lower cuff1130and by a lower panel1114that is wrapped at least partially around the lower cuff1130. The lower reel based device1122is attached to the exterior of the lower cuff1130so that it is accessible to the user. A proximal portion of the tension member1128that is immediately adjacent the lower reel based device1122may be positioned atop the exterior of the lower cuff1130, or may be routed immediately under the lower cuff1130as it exits the lower reel based device1122.

FIG.16illustrates a portion of the lower cuff1130removed and illustrates the lower tension member1128positioned within the lower cuff1130and guided about a path within the lower cuff. Specifically, the tension member1128is guided about the path via a first guide1126and a second guide1124. The tension member1128commonly terminates at the second guide1124or is fixedly secured to the second guide1124, although in other embodiments, the tension member1128may be guided toward or to the lower reel based device1122by the second guide1124. The tension member1128is routed via the first guide1126from the lower reel based device1122toward the heel of the ski boot1100and to the second guide1124. The tension member1128may be positioned above or below the lower reel based device1122as it is routed from the first guide1126and toward the second guide1124.

In some embodiments, the first guide1126is attached to the lower panel1114so that tensioning of the tension member1128causes the lower panel1114to wrap more securely around or about the lower cuff1130. In other embodiments, the first guide1126and/or second guide1124is freely positioned within the ski boot1100so that the first guide1126and/or second guide1124sit atop a liner of the ski boot. In such embodiments, tensioning of the tension member1128causes the ski boot's liner to constrict about the user's leg. The first guide1126and/or the second guide1124may be formed of a strip of fabric or other flexible material. The guide may be formed by folding, wrapping, or bending the strip of fabric to form a loop within which the tension member1128is positioned as illustrated inFIG.16. In such embodiments, the first guide1126and the second guide1124may be formed of the same strip of fabric with the second guide1124being a distal end of the strip of fabric that wraps around an opposite side of the ski boot's liner. This configuration may increase the amount of constriction of the liner about the user's leg as the tension member is tensioned. A material component (not shown) may be positioned under the tension member1128to decrease pressure points that may otherwise be created on the liner as the tension member is tensioned.

While the tension member1108is illustrated as being positioned atop the upper cuff, in some instances the tension member1108may be routed underneath the upper cuff in a manner similar to the routing of the tension member1128under the lower cuff. Tubing or other lace routing means may be used to route the tension member1108under the upper cuff. In such embodiments, the tension member1108may be routed to a position near the guides1106in order to allow the user to employ the guides as described herein. Routing the tension member1108under the upper cuff allows the upper cuff to remain visually appealing and also aids in protecting the tension member1108from unwanted contact with nearby objects. In addition, the tension members described herein may be made of various materials, but are typically made of materials that are capable of withstanding substantial tension loads. In a specific embodiment, the tension member is made of a textile based material or a steel based material. While the guides1106are illustrated as being positioned on the upper cuff, in some instances one or more guides1106may be positioned on the lower shell and/or on the lower shell and upper cuff.

FIGS.17and18illustrate another embodiment of a reel based device that is attached to a ski boot1100. The ski boot includes the upper reel based device1102and the lower reel based device1122as previously described. The upper reel based device1102and tension member1108have the same configuration as described in relation toFIGS.15and16.FIG.17illustrates the guides1106in a detached or uncoupled state from the guide bases1104. A distal end of the guides1106is designed to fit within a channel or slot of the guide bases1104. Specifically, the distal end of the guides1106is shaped to correspond to a shape of the channel or slot of the guide bases1104, which enables mating engagement of the distal end of the guides1106within the guide bases' channel or slot. A more detailed description of the mating of the guides1106and guide bases1104is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/181,003, filed Nov. 5, 2018, and entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the guide base1104includes a laterally extending seat or finger that is sized and shaped similar to the guide's tab. The laterally extending seat or finger is designed so that the guide's tab rest atop or is positioned immediately adjacent to the seat or finger to minimize contact between the guide's tab and the upper cuff.FIG.18illustrates the tubing1109that is positioned under the upper cuff and around the upper reel based device1102. The tubing1109is used to route the tension member1108under the upper cuff and around the upper reel based device1102.

The lower reel based device1122is positioned on the exterior of the lower cuff1130as inFIGS.15and16. The tension member1128is also positioned atop the lower cuff1130and is guided about a path atop the lower cuff1130via a plurality of guides. The tension member1128is routed so that the tension member traverses between opposing sides of the lower panel1114. A first guide1140and a third guide1144are attached to the lower panel1114while a second guide1142is attached to the exterior of the lower cuff1130. The tension member1128is routed from the lower reel based device1122to the first guide1140and is routed therefrom to the second guide1142. The tension member1128is routed from the second guide1142to the third guide1144. The tension member1128commonly terminates at the third guide1144, but in some instances may be routed back toward or to the lower reel based device1122. The lower reel based device1122is operable to tension the lower cuff1130independently of the upper reel based device1102, which allows the upper and lower cuffs of the ski boot to be independently and differentially tightened about the user's leg. The lower reel based device1122tensions the lower cuff by wrapping the lower panel1114more securely over the lower cuff as the tension member1128is tensioned.

FIG.19illustrates different embodiments of the releasable guide1106aand also illustrates a distal guide that may be used to replace the tubing1109that routes the tension member1108around the upper reel based device1102. The guides1106aillustrated inFIG.19differ from those ofFIGS.15-18in that the tab member is not a solid component. Rather, the tab member includes a large central opening that may be made of a flexible and grippable material, such as various rubber or polymer materials. The body of the guide1106amay likewise be made of a flexible rubber or polymer material, although the body is commonly stiffer than the tab member. In addition, the guide1106aincludes extended lace ports1107that include a channel through which the tension member1108is inserted. The lace ports1107provide a sheath that shields the tension member1108from contact with external objects, which protects the tension member1108from accidental or unintended fraying, abrasion, or severing. The lace ports1107may be made of a relatively strong or durable material that is able to withstand contact and abrasion from nearby objects that are commonly encountered during skiing.

In other embodiments, the tension member1108may be configured to connect directly to the lace ports1107rather than being inserted through the lace ports. In such embodiments, the tension member1108may be terminated at the ends of the lace ports1107so that the tension member1108is not wrapped or positioned around the guide base1104. The lace ports1107may be a flexible elastic like material that is able to stretch or flex as the guide1106ais pulled away from the guide base1104. The flexible or stretchable lace ports1107allow the guide1106ato compensate for differences in the tension exerted on an upper and lower portion of the guide1106a. The tension member1108may be attached to the ends of the lace ports1107by forming a knot in the tension member1108and attaching the knot to the ends of the lace ports1107.FIG.19further illustrates that the guides1106amay have different widths T to accommodate different sized ski boots and/or for any other reason.

The distal guides may be used in place of the tubing1109that routes the tension member1108. In such embodiments, the tension member1108is typically designed to terminate at the distal guides. The distal guides may be configured to allow the tension member1108to be detached from the guide. For example, the distal guides may include a base member1115and a removable cap1116that attaches to the base member1115. The tension member1108may be attached to a middle pad1117that is designed to be positioned between the base member1115and the cap1116. The cap1116may be fastened to the base member1115with the middle pad1117sandwiched between these components. If the user desires to remove the tension member1108, such as for replacement and/or inspection, the user need simply remove the cap1116and the middle pad1117from the base member1115. The cap1116may be fastened to the base member1115via a mechanical fasteners, adhesive bond, and/or using any other known coupling technique.

FIG.20illustrates another embodiment of a guide1150that is attached to the ski boot and operationally coupled with the tension member1108. The guide1150is a single guide component that is designed to replace multiple guides, such as the pair of guides1106inFIGS.15-18. The guide1150includes four openings through which the tension member1108is inserted and includes multiple channels through which the tension member is inserted and routed. Specifically, the guide1150includes an elongate channel that routes the tension member1108from the upper reel based device1102to a lower-most path of the tension member about the upper cuff. The guide1150also includes a middle channel that routes the tension member1108between middle paths about the upper cuff. The elongate channel is separate from the middle channel. The guide1150is designed to releasably couple with a guide base1156that is attached to the upper cuff and the guide1150includes a central tab1152that is configured to allow the user to grip and pull on the guide1150as previously described. The guide base1156is typically fixed or anchored to the upper cuff via a mechanical fastener, such as a rivet or screw, or via molding the guide base1156into the material of the upper cuff. The use of the single guide1150allows a user to easily interact with a single component in loosening or initially fitting the upper cuff of the ski boot about the leg, rather than requiring the user to interact with and loosen separate guides for the upper cuff. In some embodiments, the guide1150includes a magnet and the guide base1156includes an oppositely polarized magnet. The two magnets assist in placement of the guide1150within the guide base1156.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper reel based device1102is positioned on an upper end of the lace path rather than being disposed centrally between the tension member1108. The tension member1128in the lower cuff is also partially routed under the lower cuff via tubing1160or a guide that is positioned under the lower cuff.

FIG.21illustrates another embodiment of a ski boot that includes a reel based device. The ski boot includes a front panel1170that is removable from a main body of the ski boot in order to allow the user to easily position their leg within the ski boot. The front panel1170is also removable to allow the user to customize the performance of the ski boot. For example, the user may remove the front panel1170and replace it with a front panel that is more rigid or more flexible in order to provide a desired level of flexibility and performance.

The reel based device, or reel based devices, is cooperatively designed to allow the front panel1170to be removed from the ski boot. For example, the upper reel based device1102may be secured to a top end of the front panel1170or may be positioned within a hole or aperture within the front panel1170. The upper tension member1108is routed about the upper cuff and the front panel1170via guides1106that are detachable from a guide base1104that is attached to the upper cuff as previously described. The tension member1108is also routed within grooves1172or slots that are positioned along the front panel1170. In some embodiments, the tubing or tension member channels or ports may be formed within the grooves or attached or secured within the grooves. The tubing, channels, or ports may cover and conceal the tension member to protect the tension member1108from contact with external objects that may abrade, wear, or sever the tension member1108. Detaching the guides1106from the guide bases1104allows the front panel1170to be detached from the upper cuff of the ski boot. Since the upper reel based device1102is typically coupled with the front panel1170, detaching the guides1106from the guide bases1104allows the front panel1170to be removed from the upper cuff.

The front panel1170may likewise be detached from the lower cuff of the ski boot. For example, the lower tension member1128may similarly be routed via guides1106that are detachable from a corresponding guide base1104(not shown). In other embodiments, the tension member1128may be loosened sufficiently to allow the tension member1128to be removed from the front panel1170. The lower reel based device1122may likewise be attached to the front panel1170or positioned within a hole or aperture within the front panel1170to enable the front panel to be removed from the lower cuff.

The front panel1170may be removed for inspection, replacement, and/or for any other reason. The ski boot may include one or more straps that aid in maintaining a desired tightness of the ski boot's upper cuff about a user's foot. For example,FIG.21illustrates an upper strap1174that encircles the ski boot's upper cuff and that is adjustable to tighten the ski boot about the user's leg. The other embodiments illustrated herein, and in particularFIGS.15-20, may likewise include an upper strap1174for similar reasons.

FIGS.22and23illustrate a reel based device1200that is designed to be releasable from a base member1202that is attached to an article, such as a shoe, ski boot, article of clothing, or any other article. In some embodiments, the reel based device1200couples with a cylindrical bottom member1230that is designed to fit within a corresponding sized and shaped cylindrical opening1232of the base member1202. Once the cylindrical bottom member1230is attached to the base member1202, the reel based device1200may be coupled with the base member1202and cylindrical bottom member1230. In other embodiments, the cylindrical bottom member1230may be integrated into the base member so that the two components are combined in a single base member component. The reel based device1200also includes one or more coupling bosses or projections1220that are positioned radially outward from the cylindrical bottom member1230and that extend axially downward from a bottom end of the reel based device1200. The base member1202includes one or more circumferentially arranged and positioned slots1240that are positioned between the cylindrical opening1232and a cylindrical exterior wall of the base member1202. The circumferentially arranged slots1240are configured so that the coupling bosses1220are positioned within the slots1240when the reel based device1200is inserted within the cylindrical opening1232of the base member1202. The circumferentially arranged slots1240are designed so that the coupling bosses1220are initially positioned within a first space1242of the slots1240when the reel based device1200is inserted within the cylindrical opening1232. The positioning of the coupling boss1220within the first space1242of a slot1240is shown in image b ofFIG.23.

To attach and secure the reel based device1200to the base member1202, the base member1202is designed so that the reel based device1200may be partially rotated (typically counterclockwise) relative to the base member1202. Rotation of the reel based device1200relative to the base member1202causes the coupling boss1220to rotate from the first space1242into a second space1241of the slots1240. The position of the coupling boss1220within the second space1241of the slot1240is shown in image b ofFIG.22. An upper portion of the slot1240narrows or is enclosed so that as the coupling boss1220rotates into the second space1241, the coupling boss1220is positioned under the narrowed or enclosed slot and is not able to be axially extracted from the base member1202, under normal loading conditions, due to interference between the coupling boss1220and the upper portion of the slot1240.

As shown in image b ofFIG.22, the slot1240includes a radially inward projecting tooth1204that is designed to engage with a recess1222formed in the coupling boss1220. The tooth1204is formed on or otherwise attached to the exterior wall of the base member1202and engagement of the tooth1204and the recess1222prevents the reel based device1200from being counter rotated (typically clockwise) relative to the base member1202. In this manner, the tooth1204and recess1222lock or maintain the coupling boss1220within the second space1241of the slot1240, which locks or maintains the reel based device1200within the base member1202.

To uncouple the reel based device1200from the base member1202, a tool, such as a screwdriver, is used to decouple the tooth1204from the recess1222of the coupling boss1220. Specifically, as shown in image a ofFIG.22, when the reel based device1200is coupled with the base member1202, an indicator1208of the reel based device1200is aligned with a corresponding indicator1206of the base member1202. The alignment of the two indicators,1208and1206, visually identifies that the reel based device1200is locked or secured about the base member1202. The visual indicators,1208and1206, may be physical indicators (e.g., arrows, protrusions, etc.) that are formed on the respective components or may be indicia (e.g., color bands, grooves, cuts, etc.) that is positioned on the reel based device1200and base member1202.

With the indicators,1208and1206, aligned, the tool (e.g., screwdriver) may be inserted within a recess or groove1211on the base member1202and within a corresponding recess or groove1213on the reel based device1200. The grooves,1211and1213, are specifically designed for use with a flat head screwdriver in which opposing ends of the screwdriver's head are positioned within each groove. The grooves,1211and1213, are circumferentially offset slightly, which results in the head of the screwdriver being angled in relation to a circumference of the base member's exterior wall. Rotation of the screwdriver (typically counterclockwise) results in the screwdriver's head transitioning from the angled orientation relative to the circumference of the base member's exterior wall, to a position in which the screwdriver's head is diametrically aligned with the circumference of the base member's exterior wall, and further to a position in which the screwdriver's head is again angled relative to the circumference of the base member's exterior wall, but in which the screwdriver's head faces in an opposite direction. The movement of the screwdriver's head in relation to the base member1202and reel based device1200imparts a lever force on the exterior wall of the base member1202, which causes the exterior wall in the immediate vicinity of the screwdriver to flex, move, or distort slightly radially outward. The slight radially outward flexing, moving, or distorting of the exterior wall causes the tooth1204to move out of the recess1222of the coupling boss1220, which unlocks the coupling boss from the second space1241of the slot1240. Rotation of the screwdriver further causes the reel based device1200to counter rotate relative to the base member1202, which causes the coupling boss1220to rotate back into the first space1242of the slot1240as illustrated in image b ofFIG.23. With the coupling boss1220positioned in the first space1242of the slot1240, the reel based device1200may be axially extracted from the cylindrical opening1232of the base member1202as shown in image c ofFIG.23.

As shown in image a ofFIG.23, after the reel based device1200is counter rotated relative to the base member1202, the indicator1208of the reel based device1200is no longer aligned with the indicator1206of the base member1202. Rather, the indicator1208of the reel based device1200is now aligned with a second indicator1210of the base member1202. Alignment of the reel based device's indicator1208and the second indicator1210of the base member visually indicates that the reel based device1200is in a position that enables extraction of the reel based device1200from the base member1202.

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

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

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

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

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

Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.