Closure element
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A tensioning closure element to receive and guide a lace, comprising:
- an elastic helical lacing structure having gaps between turns and having a first end and a second end, wherein the helical lacing structure defines a circular pathway to guide the lace;
first and second support braces each having first ends attached to the first and second ends of the helical lacing structure, wherein the support braces have second ends and are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pathway; and
a ramped base structure connected to the second ends of the first and second support braces.
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Abstract
A closure element for attachment to an item is disclosed. The closure element has a helical lacing structure, at least one support brace and a base. In an alternate embodiment, at least one hook structure is part of the helical lacing structure.
20 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A tensioning closure element to receive and guide a lace, comprising:
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an elastic helical lacing structure having gaps between turns and having a first end and a second end, wherein the helical lacing structure defines a circular pathway to guide the lace; first and second support braces each having first ends attached to the first and second ends of the helical lacing structure, wherein the support braces have second ends and are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pathway; and a ramped base structure connected to the second ends of the first and second support braces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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8. An automatically adjustable tension speed lace system for the throat of a shoe, comprising:
a plurality of tensioning closure elements, each attachable on opposite sides of the throat of the shoe in an even configuration, wherein each closure element comprises an elastic helical lacing structure having gaps between turns and that defines a circular pathway to guide the lace, a first and second support brace attached to each end of the helical lacing structure wherein the support braces are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pathway, and a base connected to the first and second support braces. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An automatically adjustable tension speed lace system for the throat of a shoe, comprising:
a plurality of tensioning closure elements, each attachable on opposite sides of the throat of the shoe in a staggered configuration, wherein each closure element comprises an elastic helical lacing structure having gaps between turns and that defines a circular pathway to guide the lace, a first and second support brace attached to each end of the helical lacing structure wherein the support braces are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pathway, and a base connected to the first and second support braces. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An automatically adjustable tension closure system for an article, comprising:
a plurality of tensioning closure elements arranged to accept a cord which can be pulled taut to close an opening, wherein each closure element comprises an elastic helical lacing structure having gaps between turns and that defines a circular pathway to guide the lace, a first and second support brace attached at each end of the helical lacing structure wherein the support braces are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pathway, and a base connected to the first and second support braces. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
Specification