Tightening mechanisms and applications including the same
First Claim
1. An article comprising:
- a base material;
a tightening mechanism coupled to the base material, the tightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob;
a tension member operably coupled with the tightening mechanism such that rotation of the knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member and tightens the article; and
a strip or segment of resilient material positioned about the base material and coupled therewith so that a portion of the strip or segment of resilient material is disposed over the tightening mechanism to exert a pressure or force on the tightening mechanism that is directed toward the base material;
wherein opposing ends of the strip or segment of resilient material are coupled with the base material so that a mid-portion of the strip or segment of resilient material is positioned over the tightening mechanism and covers opposing peripheral sides of the tightening mechanism.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.
416 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. An article comprising:
-
a base material; a tightening mechanism coupled to the base material, the tightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob; a tension member operably coupled with the tightening mechanism such that rotation of the knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member and tightens the article; and a strip or segment of resilient material positioned about the base material and coupled therewith so that a portion of the strip or segment of resilient material is disposed over the tightening mechanism to exert a pressure or force on the tightening mechanism that is directed toward the base material; wherein opposing ends of the strip or segment of resilient material are coupled with the base material so that a mid-portion of the strip or segment of resilient material is positioned over the tightening mechanism and covers opposing peripheral sides of the tightening mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A method of making an article comprising:
-
providing a base material; coupling a tightening mechanism to the base material, the tightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob; positioning a tension member about the article and operationally coupling the tension member with the tightening mechanism such that rotation of the knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member and tightens the article; and coupling opposing ends of a strip or segment of resilient material with the base material so that a mid-portion of the strip or segment of resilient material is disposed over the tightening mechanism and covers opposing peripheral sides of the tightening mechanism and so that the mid-portion of the strip or segment of resilient material exerts a pressure or force on the tightening mechanism that is directed toward the base material. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
-
Specification