Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a base, a housing, a spool positioned within an interior of the housing, and a knob that is operably coupled with the spool. The spool is rotatable in a first direction to wind a tension member about the spool and is rotatable in a second direction to unwind the tension member from about the spool. The knob is coupled with the spool so that a rotation of the knob causes the spool to rotate in the first direction. The base is coupleable with the housing in a manner such that a material, such as fabric, is disposed between the base and housing. Coupling the base with the housing with the material disposed therebetween enables the reel based closure device to be quickly and easily attached to an article, such as footwear.

Abstract: A rear support of a helmet closure system includes a frame and a pair of arms. The frame has an upper end and a lower end with the lower end including a base member of a reel based closure device. The pair of arms are attached to the upper end of the frame and each arm of the pair of arms includes one or more guides that are configured to direct or route a tension member along a path. A lower end of each arm is typically separated from the lower end of the frame. The rear support also includes attachment means, such as longitudinally aligned grooves or recesses, that are positioned at the upper end of the frame. The attachment means enable the rear support to be coupled with a helmet.