Abstract: A rotary push-pull rope retractor includes a top cover, a follower, a seat, a control member and a base. The seat is fixedly installed on the base. An upper surface of the seat is provided with an elastic member and a pawl connected with the elastic member. The follower includes a ratchet and a rope bin. The pawl is located on one side of the ratchet and engaged with the ratchet. The control member is slidably arranged on the upper surface of the seat, and the control member can push the pawl to move away from the ratchet and compress the elastic member to separate the pawl from the ratchet, so as to switch the meshing mode or the free mode of the rotary push-pull rope retractor. The top cover is arranged above the seat, and the top cover and the follower are connected in linkage.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided. The fastening device includes a case, a spool, a knob and a locking unit. When the knob is rotated relative to the case in a fastening direction, the spool is not affected by the locking unit and is allowed to rotate in the fastening direction for fastening the lace. When the knob is rotated relative to the case in a loosening direction, the spool is allowed to freely rotate in the loosening direction to release the lace. As the knob is engaged with the housing via an engagement between the mounted portion and the engaged portion, the housing, the locking unit, the knob and the spool are combined and restricted.

Abstract: Provided is a winding device configured so that the entirety of the device can be thinned and looseness of an elongated member can be reduced. In a winding device 1A, a flat motor 2 is used as a motor, and a spool 3 and a magical planetary gear mechanism 4 are formed flat along an extending XY plane of the flat motor 2. Thus, the entirety of the device can be configured flat, and can be thinned. Moreover, the magical planetary gear mechanism 4 prevents rotation of the spool 3 by external force, and therefore, looseness of the elongated member can be reduced.

Abstract: An orthotic device including a frame assembly and a support structure. The frame assembly includes at least one frame having a first frame opening and a second frame opening. The support structure assembly includes at least one support structure supported by the at least one frame. The at least one support structure includes a mounting portion; a slide engagement member supported by the mounting portion configured to engage the first frame opening; and, at least one snap engagement member supported by the mounting portion configured to engage the second frame opening. The slide engagement member and the at least one snap engagement member are integrally formed with the mounting portion. In another embodiment the orthotic device includes a latch mechanism including a lever assembly, a draw bar, a chafe, a catch, and a first snap fit ledge.

Abstract: An adjustable pouch or pocket for carrying an article such as one or more ammunition magazines, armor plates, batteries, radios, grenades, bottles, and the like in hostile environments, integrates a lace tightening system for adjusting the pouch size, fit, and/or tightness about the article or articles, wherein a lace or laces of the tightening system are largely or substantially incorporated into an arrangement of one or more enclosed cavities or pockets within or between certain of the panels so as to be protected from exposure and potential damage while still allowing free movement of the lace or laces, and which largely isolates the laces from the carried article or articles so as not to catch or snag the article when being inserted or removed from the pouch.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a human body clamping device. In one significant fashion application as a pelvic retainer principally for female use, it facilitates an open-sided thong-like garment. Whereas all clothing garments that extends from the waist down (bottoms, pants, underpants, skirt, bathing suit bottoms, etc.) must currently wrap entirely around the waist in order to stay up, this invention allows fashion designers to design new styles of garments that allow the hips to be fully exposed. The novel clamping mechanism in this invention, combined with nano-grip fabrics and surfaces, ensures that the invention remains secured to the body. For medical and therapeutic applications, it provides controlled pressure on a body part.

Abstract: A wire tightening apparatus includes a housing having a ratchet gear formed in its inner periphery in a circumferential direction. A winding member is rotatably inserted into the housing, with a wire being wound therearound. A support part radially protrudes from the upper portion of a coupling shaft coupled to the housing. An intermediate member includes an engagement restriction part that is engaged with the ratchet gear and is restricted from rotating. The intermediate member has a resilient coupling hole in its center, with a resilience restriction part on the periphery thereof. The engagement restriction part is provided on an end of a blade extending from a body and having a resilient support force. The resilience restriction part is elevated by an external force coupled to the upper portion of the winding member and is supported by the outer periphery of the support part in lifted and lowered states.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of articles of footwear or foot-receiving devices having inner and outer tongues, such as double tongue snowboarding boots, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an article of footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes a housing member at least partially defining a chamber for receiving a foot. An inner tongue is coupled to the housing member. An outer tongue is coupled to at least one of the inner tongue and the housing member. Other aspects of the present disclosure relates to methods. An exemplary method of wearing an article of footwear generally includes tucking a portion of a wearer's pants leg generally between inner and outer tongues of the snowboarding boot. Another example method includes inserting a foot through an opening of a housing member of a foot-receiving device that also includes first and second tongues.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a covering having a cable tightening mechanism and a cable forming an exposed loop. The exposed loop may be attached to a loop receiving member located on the covering. The exposed loop may also be attached to a footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the covering may include more than one exposed loop for attaching to more than one loop receiving member located on the covering, as well as more than one footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, adjusting the cable tightening mechanism may secure the covering to the article of footwear.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of articles of footwear or foot-receiving devices having inner and outer tongues, such as double tongue snowboarding boots, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an article of footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes a housing member at least partially defining a chamber for receiving a foot. An inner tongue is coupled to the housing member. An outer tongue is coupled to at least one of the inner tongue and the housing member. Other aspects of the present disclosure relates to methods. An exemplary method of wearing an article of footwear (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes tucking a portion of a wearer's pants leg generally between inner and outer tongues of the snowboarding boot. Another example method includes inserting a foot through an opening of a housing member of a foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.), that also includes first and second tongues.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with a single crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with a single crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction.

Abstract: A sports boot including an upper extending above the ankle joint and at least one rigid collar extending around the wearer's lower leg, the boot including a device for adjusting the volume of the collar to better accommodate the shape of the user's calf. The adjustment device includes a wedge, or collar extension, positioned inside the collar, the wedge being fixed to the collar by means of at least one pivot and by means of a fastening mechanism enabling the relative displacement of the wedge with respect to the collar as well as a deformation of the wedge. The fastening mechanism includes a plate equipped with a cylindrical body having an axis A1 and received in a first circular opening provided in the collar and a rivet received in a second circular opening provided in the wedge and received in a third circular opening having an axis A2 provided in the body, the axis A2 and the axis A1 being non-coaxial.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear may include a lateral series of lace-receiving elements and a medial series of lace-receiving elements. A first lace extends consecutively through a first lateral lace-receiving element, a second lateral lace-receiving element, a fourth medial lace-receiving element, a fifth lateral lace-receiving element, a third medial lace-receiving element, and again through the first lateral lace-receiving element. A second lace extends consecutively through a first medial lace-receiving element, a second medial lace-receiving element, a fourth lateral lace-receiving element, a fifth medial lace-receiving element, a third lateral lace-receiving element, and again through the first medial lace-receiving element.

Abstract: The present invention provides footwear that is very easy to tighten. One end of a shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an instep opening (3A) to constitute tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A), and the other end of the shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an upper opening (3B) to constitute tightening means (4) for the upper opening (3B). A medial portion of the shoelace (6) between the tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A) and the upper opening (3B) forms a pull part (11), and tightened-state-holding means (12) is provided for holding the pull part (11) in a pulled state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foot covering closure mechanism that converts any laced shoe to a design that requires no bending down, sitting or use of the hands to put on or take off ones shoes. The new and unique device utilizes rolling motion actuation for ease of use. Polymeric components for reliability in hostile environments, water seals to keep feet dry and adaptable fastening hardware and exterior color for compatibility with the wide variety of shoes available to the public. Other features make the mechanism easily operated by action of the opposite foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides footwear that is very easy to tighten. One end of a shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an instep opening (3A) to constitute tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A), and the other end of the shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an upper opening (3B) to constitute tightening means (4) for the upper opening (3B). A medial portion of the shoelace (6) between the tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A) and the upper opening (3B) forms a pull part (11), and tightened-state-holding means (12) is provided for holding the pull part (11) in a pulled state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking device for a buckle. The device comprises a housing, a lever and an arm. The lever has a first strap engaging end and a locking portion. The lever is connected to the housing for movement relative to the housing. The locking portion is cooperable with the housing to be retained in it. The housing is configured to receive a strap. The arm is resiliently connected to the housing and has a second strap engaging end and a lifting end portion. The lifting end portion is disposed towards the first strap engaging end, such that in a locked position, when the locking portion cooperates with the housing, the second strap engaging end is urged into engagement with the strap. The lifting end portion contacts the first strap engaging end to lift it away from the strap.

Abstract: A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot.

Abstract: A reel based lacing system is disclosed. The reel can be configured to allow the incremental tightening of a lace about a spool by rotation of a knob in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the system can include a substantially inflexible pawl beam configured to resist rotation of the knob in the loosening direction and a pawl spring configured to bias the pawl against the housing and to allow the pawl to be displaced away from the housing when the knob is rotated in the tightening direction.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: A snowboard boot having two handles which each handle controlling pressure within two tightening zones is disclosed. One handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower shin portion tightening zones. A second handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower foot portion tightening zones. Once the appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the various tightening zones, locks may be engaged to set the pressures. The pressures are isolated from each other such that the various different pressures within the various different tightening zones do not equalize but remain constant during the snowboarding session. Additionally, the handles may be stored on a tongue of the snowboard boot or a back portion of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

Abstract: Connecting member for a sports boot closure and tightening device (4), comprising a base (25, 35) adapted to be fixed on the surface of the sports boot and a connecting element (31, 37) adapted for cooperation with a second connecting member, wherein the connecting element (31, 37) has a geometry such that its tangent (c, d; c?) to the zone where it connects with a second connecting element of the second connecting member is not perpendicular to the closure direction of the connecting member in the configuration in which it closes and tightens the sports boot.

Abstract: A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot.

Abstract: An adjusting device for tightening or loosing laces and straps includes a base, an actuating member and a knob. When a user rotates the knob clockwise, the adjusting device is tightening a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. However, when a user rotates the knob counterclockwise, the adjusting device is loosing a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. The knob never moves up and down along the axis during the operation for tightening or loosing the flexible strap or the lace.

Abstract: By way of example, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. When the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. The system is configured such that strap pins are engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. The system is infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob is constant. The system is configured to be a quick release system and allows rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1) with an outer shell (2) made of injection moulded plastic, in particular a ski shoe with at least one tightening means (12) arranged in the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) running ring-like around the upper end section of the shoe collar (5), and with at least one adjusting means (13) for tightening or limiting the width of the entry opening into the sports shoe (1) as necessary. For this a first and a further tightening element (15, 16) are arranged above one another in vertical direction within a section of the length of the tightening means (12), where the tightening elements (15, 16) run essentially parallel to one another. The first tightening element (15) is designed to bear against the peripheral sections of the comparatively flexible inner shoe (3) or its tongue (17) and the further tightening element (16) is designed to bear against the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) made of a relatively rigid plastic.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: A rowing shoe includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper portion. The shoe sole has a cleat mounting portion configured so that a cleat structure is mountable thereto for releasably attaching to a binding structure of a rowing boat. The shoe upper portion includes at least one fixing strap configured to secure the shoe upper portion to a wearer's foot. The fixing strap has a proximal end fixed to the shoe upper portion and a free end having at least one aperture configured so that a pull rope can extend therethrough.

Abstract: A footwear item including an upper portion; at least one lace passing through eyelets arranged along the edges of an opening on the front the upper portion, and that tightens, thereby drawing the edges of the opening closer to each other, when pulled in a fastening direction; a string locking arrangement, provided in the upper portion having one or more passages in which the at least one lace is inserted and is capable of sliding when the wearer pulls it, while being capable of being retained there by a lock when it is at rest. The lock including an oscillating locking member in contact with the at least one lace to slide when the latter is pulled in the fastening direction, and which gets attached onto the at least one lace and locks it in position when the latter undergoes a tension in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.

Abstract: A fastening buckle adapted to bring a first side loser to a second side, including a cap fixed on the first side, a lever pivotally mounted about a first axis relative to the cap, a tie rod pivotally mounted on the lever about a second axis, the first axis being actuated, during tightening, by a translational movement with respect to the first side. An attachment rack is fixed on the second side; a latch is affixed to the tie rod, such that the latch, when closed, is engaged with one of the teeth of the rack. The cap includes two parallel side members in each of which an elongated opening is arranged. A slot is arranged in the lever between two legs; the first axis is defined by two rivets, each of the rivets fixing one of the legs to one of the side members by extending through the elongated opening so as to enable the translational movement of the lever with respect to the first side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: A ski boot, designed for ski mountaineering, includes a rigid shell and sole, an inshoe of soft material, and a leg portion pivotally secured to the shell. A lever is located on one side of the leg portion for operating a traction cable located on the other side of the leg portion. The remote end of the traction cable is engaged with, or secured to, a retention element on the leg portion. A spoiler is pivotally mounted at the rear of the shell, and is interposed between the rear of the leg portion and the rear of the inshoe. A lug, or similar coupling element, is formed on the lever. The lever is mounted for pivotal movement in the horizontal direction, between an opened, and closed, configuration or condition. When the lever is in its closed configuration, the lug engages the leg portion and the spoiler, and blocks their pivotal movement, or articulation, relative to the shell.

Abstract: A shoe can be tied using only one hand if provided with a tying aid in the form of a generally T-shaped unit comprising a leg having two laterally extending ears. The leg is secured between rows of eyelets on the opposed flaps of the shoe by one or more of the lengths of lace extending across the gap between the flaps. The lengths of shoelace that would otherwise be tied in a bow are instead wrapped around the ears of the tying aid in alternating fashion, preferably twice around each ear, in a manner similar to the manner in which a mooring line is secured to the cleat of a boat.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism comprises a dial comprising an inner wall defining a hole passing through the dial, the inner wall comprising a ledge having one or more cutouts. The mechanism further comprises a base comprising a first set of teeth and an actuator comprising a second, the second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth and allow the actuator to be rotated in a first direction but not in a second opposite direction. The actuator further comprises one or more drive-dogs configured to engage a cutout on the inner wall of the dial, each drive-dog comprising a ramped edge configured to disengage the drive-dog from the cutout and lift the second set of teeth from the first set of teeth when the dial is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: Sport footwear, in particular ski boot, having passage openings (16, 19) for the wearer's. foot provided frontally in the lower shell (10) and the leg-piece (20). At least the opening (19) in the leg-piece (20) is capable of being closed by two flaps (22, 23), of which at least one is in the form of a pad (23) coupled to the remaining portion (25) of the leg-piece (20) with a clearance fit allowing said pad (23) to freely rotate in view of enabling the wearer's foot to be most smoothly and conveniently introduced in and subsequently extracted from the footwear.

Abstract: An article that includes a strap for retaining or tightening a foot or a boot, the strap including a section for covering the foot or the boot, the covering section including a frame and a comfort element. The comfort element includes a synthetic material molded over the frame. In a particular embodiment, the article is a retaining device for a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard binding for a snowboard.

Abstract: In a snowboard boot having a soft inner shoe and a soft outer shoe, a tension member connected to the sole of the outer shoe is provided which is guided on the inner side of the outer shoe from one side over the inner shoe to a turning point connected to the sole on the other side on the inner side of the outer shoe. For operation, the tension means extends out of the outer shoe, whereby it is fixable in the tightened state.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sport shoe (1) with an outer shell (2) made from injection molded plastic, comprising a front foot shell (4) and a shoe cuff (5) adjoining it. At least partially accommodated in the shell (2) is a relatively soft elastic inner shoe (3). In particular, a ski shoe with at least one strap-shaped clamping means (12) disposed at least in a top end portion of the shoe cuff (5) and extending round the top end portion of the shoe cuff (5) is proposed. This strap-shaped clamping means (12) is of a non-stretch design within its entire longitudinal extension and the strap-shaped clamping means (12) is supported on at least one elastically flexible element (15) in the usage or active state, which is disposed between the shoe cuff (5) and the strap-shaped clamping means (12).

Abstract: Footwear with a lace fastening includes an opening with a first edge and a second edge. The first and second edges are juxtaposed and each edge carries a respective plurality of lacing eyes. At least two laces extend through respective pairs of the lacing eyes. The ends of both of the laces converge on both of the edges of the opening, with at least one end of each lace extending through a respective end lacing eye of the fastening provided on each of the opposite edges.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.