Reel based closure device

Abstract

A boot, such as a ski boot, may include a lower portion or shell that is configured to accommodate a foot and an upper portion or cuff that extends upward from the lower portion and that is configured to accommodate a lower leg of a wearer. The boot may also include a tightening system that is coupled with the lower portion of the boot in order to close and tighten the lower portion about the foot. The tightening system includes a reel based closure device and a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tensioning of the tension member. The tightening system also includes a plurality of guide members that route or direct the tension member along a path and a terminal member that is fixedly coupled with the tension member.

1 . A ski boot comprising:
 a rigid exterior shell comprising:
 a lower shell that is configured to couple with a ski binding, the lower shell being configured to accommodate a foot; 
 an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell, the upper cuff being configured to accommodate a lower leg; 
   a tightening system coupled with the lower shell, the tightening system including:
 a single reel based closure device that is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to the upper cuff; 
 a tension member operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tightening of the tension member; 
 a first guide that is positioned on a first side of an opening of the lower shell; 
 a second guide that is positioned on a second side of the opening of the lower shell; and 
 a terminal member that is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to a toe box; 
 wherein the first guide and the second guide route or direct the tension member along a path about the lower shell across the opening and to the terminal member; and 
 wherein a distal end of the tension member is fixedly coupled with the terminal member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The ski boot of  claim 1 , wherein the first guide is a long guide having a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than a lateral width, and wherein the long guide has a proximal end that is attached to the lower shell near a sole of the lower shell and a distal end that is positioned near the opening and that engages the tension member. 
     
     
         3 . The ski boot of  claim 2 , wherein the second guide is a short guide have a longitudinal length that is substantially shorter than the longitudinal length of the long guide. 
     
     
         4 . The ski boot of  claim 3 , wherein the tightening system further comprises a third guide that is positioned on the first side of an opening of the lower shell, the third guide being a long guide have a configuration similar to the first guide, wherein the first guide, second guide, and third guide are arranged about the lower shell so that the second guide is positioned between the first guide and the third guide along the path. 
     
     
         5 . The ski boot of  claim 1 , wherein a housing of the reel based closure device includes a single entry port or aperture for the tension member. 
     
     
         6 . The ski boot of  claim 1 , wherein the reel based closure device includes a housing that is detachably coupleable, via a spring member, with a base member that is fixed to the ski boot. 
     
     
         7 . The ski boot of  claim 1 , wherein the reel based closure device includes a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force, and wherein the reel based closure device is configured to incrementally loosen the tension member based on a first operation and to fully loosen the tension member based on a second operation. 
     
     
         8 . The ski boot of  claim 1 , wherein the terminal member comprises a lock component that is configured to engage the tension member and disengage the tension member, wherein when engaged with the tension member, the lock component fixedly couples the tension member to the terminal member, and wherein when disengaged from the tension member, the lock component allows the tension member to be removed from the terminal member. 
     
     
         9 . The ski boot of  claim 8 , wherein the terminal member is configured so that when the tension member is coupled with the lock component, the tension member is positioned within a channel that wraps around a thru hole of a coupling bolt. 
     
     
         10 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A ski boot comprising:
 a rigid exterior shell including a lower shell and an upper cuff coupled with the lower shell;   a tightening system coupled with the lower shell, the tightening system including:
 a reel based closure device; 
 a tension member operably coupled with the reel based closure device; 
 at least one guide that is coupled with the lower shell; and 
 a terminal member that is coupled with the lower shell adjacent to a toe box; 
 wherein the at least one guide routes or directs the tension member along a path about the lower shell to the terminal member; and 
 wherein a distal end of the tension member is fixedly coupled with the terminal member. 
   
     
     
         22 . The ski boot of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one guide is a long guide having a longitudinal length that is substantially greater than a lateral width, the long guide having a proximal end that is attached to the lower shell and a distal end that engages the tension member. 
     
     
         23 . The ski boot of  claim 22 , further comprising a short guide have a longitudinal length that is substantially shorter than the longitudinal length of the long guide. 
     
     
         24 . The ski boot of  claim 23 , wherein the tightening system further comprises a second long guide, wherein the short guide is positioned between the at least one guide and the second long guide along the path. 
     
     
         25 . The ski boot of  claim 21 , wherein a housing of the reel based closure device includes a single entry port or aperture for the tension member. 
     
     
         26 . The ski boot of  claim 21 , wherein the reel based closure device includes a housing that is detachably coupleable, via a spring member, with a base member that is fixed to the lower shell. 
     
     
         27 . The ski boot of  claim 21 , wherein the reel based closure device includes a gear mechanism that amplifies an input torque or force, and wherein the reel based closure device is configured to incrementally loosen the tension member based on a first operation and to fully loosen the tension member based on a second operation. 
     
     
         28 . The ski boot of  claim 21 , wherein the terminal member comprises a lock component that is configured to engage the tension member and disengage the tension member, wherein when engaged with the tension member, the lock component fixedly couples the tension member to the terminal member, and wherein when disengaged from the tension member, the lock component allows the tension member to be removed from the terminal member. 
     
     
         29 . The ski boot of  claim 28 , wherein the terminal member is configured so that when the tension member is coupled with the lock component, the tension member is positioned within a channel that wraps around a thru hole of a coupling bolt.