Tightening device for tightening an article

Abstract

A tightening device for tightening an article includes an elongate panel that is positionable about the article. The elongate panel has a proximal end and a distal end. A tensioning mechanism is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel. The tightening device also includes a tension member that is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that an operation of the tensioning mechanism adjusts a tension of the tension member. The tightening device further includes at least one guide member that is coupled with the elongate panel between the proximal end and the distal end. The tension member is operable with the at least one guide member so that the tension member is routed about the article and along a portion of the elongate panel.

1 . A tightening device for tightening a ski boot, the tightening device comprising:
 an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate panel being positionable about a shell of the ski boot between opposing sides of the shell;   a tensioning mechanism that is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel;   a tension member that is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that an operation of the tensioning mechanism adjusts a tension of the tension member; and   at least one guide member that is coupled with the elongate panel between the proximal end and the distal end;   wherein the tension member is coupled with the at least one guide member so that the tension member is routed between the opposing sides of the shell and along a portion of the elongate panel; and   wherein the elongate panel is not attached to the shell other than via the tension member.   
     
     
         2 . The tightening device of  claim 1 , wherein the shell includes a first guide member positioned on a first side of the shell and a second guide member positioned on a second side of the shell opposite the first side; and wherein the at least one guide member directs the tension member between the first guide member and the second guide member. 
     
     
         3 . The tightening device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one guide member is an unitary guide member having four lace ports through which the tension member is inserted. 
     
     
         4 . The tightening device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one guide member includes two guide members that are separated by a gap along a longitudinal length of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         5 . The tightening device of  claim 4 , wherein the elongate panel includes a third guide positioned at the distal end of the elongate panel, wherein the tension member is routed through the third guide transversely to the longitudinal length of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         6 . The tightening device of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is routed longitudinally along a center portion of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         7 . The tightening device of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one guide member routes the tension member so that two sections of the tension member are routed parallel along the center portion of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         8 . The tightening device of  claim 1 , wherein opposing ends of the tension member are coupled with the tensioning mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . The tightening device of  claim 2 , wherein the first guide member or the second guide member includes a base member, a guide member that is engageable with the base member and disengageable therefrom, and a spring member that is operably coupled with the guide member and that is configured to contact the base member to at least partially separate the guide member and base member until a sufficient tension force is imparted on the tension member. 
     
     
         10 . A tightening device for tightening an article, the tightening device comprising:
 an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate panel being positionable about the article;   a tensioning mechanism that is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel;   a tension member that is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that an operation of the tensioning mechanism adjusts a tension of the tension member; and   at least one guide member that is coupled with the elongate panel between the proximal end and the distal end;   wherein the tension member is operable with the at least one guide member so that the tension member is routed about the article and along a portion of the elongate panel.   
     
     
         11 . The tightening device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one guide member is an unitary guide member having four lace ports through which the tension member is inserted. 
     
     
         12 . The tightening device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one guide member includes two guide members that are separated by a gap along a longitudinal length of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         13 . The tightening device of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate panel includes a third guide positioned at the distal end of the elongate panel, wherein the tension member is routed through the third guide. 
     
     
         14 . The tightening device of  claim 10 , wherein the tension member is routed longitudinally along a center portion of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         15 . The tightening device of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one guide member routes the tension member so that two sections of the tension member are routed parallel along the center portion of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         16 . A method of coupling a tightening device with a shell of a ski boot, the method comprising:
 providing the tightening device, the tightening device including:   an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end;   a tensioning mechanism coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel;   a tension member that is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism; and   at least one guide member that is coupled with the elongate panel between the proximal end and the distal end;   positioning the tightening device between opposing sides of the shell;   attaching the tension member to a first guide on a first side of the shell; and   attaching the tension member to a second guide on a second side of the shell;   wherein the elongate panel is not attached to the shell other than via the tension member.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one guide member is an unitary guide member having four lace ports through which the tension member is inserted 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one guide member includes two guide members that are separated by a gap along a longitudinal length of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the tension member is routed longitudinally along a center portion of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one guide member routes the tension member so that two sections of the tension member are routed parallel along the center portion of the elongate panel. 
     
     
         21 .- 40 . (canceled)