LACING CONFIGURATIONS FOR BOOTS AND OTHER FOOTWEAR

Abstract

A footwear closure system includes an article of footwear, such as a boot, having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are coupled with the footwear. The plurality of reel based closure devices are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear. Each reel based closure device is independently operable and each reel based closure device effects closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, the mid-portion, or a combination thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63/152,630 filed Feb. 23, 2021, entitled “Lacing Configurations for Boots and Other Footwear”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is related to lacing systems that are particularly designed and suited for closing and tightening larger articles of footwear, such as snowboard boots, work boots, fashion boots, athletic boots, and the like. Articles of footwear, such as snowboard boots, typically include some closure system, which allows the footwear to be placed about a wearer's foot and leg and closed or tightened about the foot and leg. The closure systems are typically used to maintain or secure the footwear about the foot and leg. Conventional closure systems include lace or cord that is tensioned and tied to close and secure the footwear about the foot and leg. Conventional closure systems have been modified in an effort to increase the fit and/or comfort of the footwear about the foot and leg. For example, buckle type devices or pull cord devices have been used to replace conventional lace or cord in an attempt to increase the fit and/or comfort of the footwear. Conventional closure systems have also been modified in an effort to decrease the time in which the footwear may be closed and secured about the foot and leg. Given the rigidity and/or stiffness of some types of footwear, such as snowboard boots, conventional closure systems and even many of the modified systems have limited success in providing a proper fit and/or comfort of the footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein provide lacing systems that are particularly designed and suited for closing and tightening larger articles of footwear, such as snowboard boots, work boots, fashion boots, athletic boots, and the like. The embodiments enable closure and tightening of multiple zones of the footwear with at least one reel based closure device and often a plurality of reel based closure devices. The embodiments provide enhanced fit, comfort, and/or performance for the articles of footwear.

According to one aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes at least one reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear. The at least one reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear.

In some instances, the at least one reel based closure device consists of a single reel based closure device. The single reel based closure device may be coupled with the upper portion of the footwear and may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with at least one strap positioned in the upper portion, the mid-portion, or the lower portion of the footwear. The tension member may also be coupled with at least one panel that is positioned in the upper portion, the mid-portion, or the lower portion of the footwear.

In other instances, the at least one reel based closure device consists of a first reel based closure device and a second reel based closure device. In such instances, the first reel based closure device may be configured to effect closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the second reel based closure device may be configured to effect closure or tightening of the other two of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion. The first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device typically do not close or tension the same portion of zone of the footwear. In a specific example, the footwear may be a snowboard boot.

According to another aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are coupled with the footwear. The plurality of reel based closure devices are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear. Each reel based closure device is independently operable and each reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of a different one of the upper portion, the lower portion, the mid-portion, or a combination thereof.

In some instances, the plurality of reel based closure devices consists of a first reel based closure device and a second reel based closure device. In such instances, the first reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the second reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the other two of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion. The first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device typically do not close or tension the same portion of zone of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device may be coupled with or positioned within the upper portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a first tension member and the second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a second tension member, in which the first tension member and/or the second tension member has a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear. The first reel based closure device may have a different torque output than the second reel based closure device.

In other instances, the plurality of reel based closure devices includes a first reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, a second reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the mid-portion portion, and a third reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the lower portion. In a specific example, the footwear is a snowboard boot.

According to another aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes, or consists of, a first reel based closure device, a second reel based closure device, and a third reel based closure device. The first reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion of the footwear, the second reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear, and the third reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of the lower portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are independently operable to effect differential closure or tightening of the respective upper portion, lower portion, or mid-portion of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device may be coupled with a panel that extends at least partially across an opening of the upper portion of the footwear. The second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a strap that, upon tensioning, effects closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear. At least a portion of the strap may be positioned under an exterior shell of the footwear. The third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a panel that extends at least partially over an opening of the lower portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device may be coupled with, or positioned within, the upper portion of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a first tension member, the second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a second tension member, and the third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a third tension member. The first tension member, the second tension member, and/or the third tension member may have a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear. In a specific example, the footwear may be a snowboard boot.

According to another aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion and a lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes a first reel based closure device that is coupled with the upper portion of the footwear, a second reel based closure device that is coupled with the upper portion of the footwear, and a third reel based closure device that is coupled with the upper portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of a first zone of the footwear, the second reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of a second zone of the footwear, and, the third reel based closure device is operable to effect closure or tightening of a third zone of the footwear.

In some instances, the first zone may be the upper portion of the footwear. In such instances, the first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is routed or guided across an opening of the upper portion of the footwear. The second zone may be a mid-portion of the footwear that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a strap that, upon tensioning, effects closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear. At least a portion of the strap may be positioned under an exterior shell of the footwear. The third zone may be the lower portion of the footwear. The third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a tension member that is routed or guided across an opening of the lower portion of the footwear.

The first reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a first tension member, the second reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a second tension member, and the third reel based closure device may be operationally coupled with a third tension member. The first tension member, the second tension member, and/or the third tension member may have a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear. In a specific example, the footwear is a snowboard boot.

According to another aspect, a footwear closure system includes footwear having an upper portion or cuff that is positionable about a wearer's leg, a lower portion that is positionable over a wearer's foot, a heel portion that is positionable about a wearer's heel, and a strap that is coupled with the footwear and positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion of the footwear. The footwear closure system also includes a first closure system, a second closure system, and a third closure system. The first closure system includes a first reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear, a first tension member that is operationally coupled with the first reel based closure device, and at least one first guide member that is coupled with the footwear and that is configured to route or guide the first tension member along the upper portion or cuff of the footwear. The second closure system includes a second reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear, a second tension member that is operationally coupled with the second reel based closure device, and a second guide member that is coupled with a distal end of the strap and that is configured to route or guide the second tension member. The third closure system includes a third reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear, a third tension member that is operationally coupled with the third reel based closure device, and at least one third guide member that is coupled with the footwear and that is configured to route or guide the third tension member along the lower portion of the footwear. The first reel based closure device is operable to tension the first tension member and thereby close or tighten the upper portion about the wearer's leg, the second reel based closure device is operable to tension the first tension member and thereby pull the strap downward and rearward against the wearer's foot to secure the wearer's heel in the heel portion of the footwear, and the third reel based closure device is operable to tension the third tension member and thereby close or tighten the lower portion about the wearer's foot. The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are independently operable.

The first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device may be coupled with, or positioned within, the upper portion of the footwear. The upper portion, the lower portion, and the heel portion may form or define an exterior shell of the footwear. In such instances, the strap may be positioned under the exterior shell. A proximal end of the strap may be coupled with the footwear near a sole of footwear and the strap may extend over a tongue portion of the footwear. The first tension member, the second tension member, and/or the third tension member may have a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear. The first reel based closure device may have a different torque output than the second reel based closure device and/or the third reel based closure device. In a specific example, the footwear may be a snowboard boot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

FIGS. 1A-D illustrate an embodiment of a snowboard boot that includes a reel based closure device that is configured to close and tighten the snowboard boot.

FIGS. 2A-D illustrate an embodiment of a snowboard boot that includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are configured to close and tighten the snowboard boot.

FIGS. 3A-D illustrate an embodiment of a snowboard boot that is configured to constrict a liner about a wearer's leg and that is configured to attach or couple with a snowboard binding.

FIGS. 4A-F illustrate an embodiment of a snowboard boot that is configured to enable easy donning and doffing and to increase the fit of the boot about a wearer's leg and foot.

FIGS. 5A-E illustrates an embodiment of a snowboard boot that includes three zones of closure for increased comfort and fit.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrates another embodiment of a snowboard boot that includes three zones of closure for increased comfort and fit.

FIGS. 7A-O illustrate an embodiment of a snowboard boot, or article of footwear, that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion and at least one reel based closure device that is configured to close and/or tighten the upper portion, lower portion, and mid-portion.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The embodiments described herein provide lacing systems for footwear and articles. The embodiments are particularly designed and suited for closing and tightening larger articles of footwear, such as snowboard boots, work boots, fashion boots, athletic boots, and the like. For ease in describing the embodiments herein, the disclosure will mainly refer to the lacing systems being used to close and tighten snowboard boots, although it should be realized that various other boots and footwear may employ similar lace configurations and/or components.

The lacing systems have unique lace paths and configurations that may be employed to close and tighten a snowboard boot about a wearer's lower leg. Snowboard boots are typically made of stiffer materials, or other materials, that are difficult to close and tighten in relation to other types of footwear. Properly closing and tightening a snowboard boot, however, is essential to providing a desired level of comfort and performance for the wearer. The lacing system provided herein may provide a more uniform and even closure of the snowboard boot about a wearer's leg and foot and may minimize or eliminate pressure points on the wearer's leg and foot. In particular, increased power and precision in tightening the boot about a leg may be achieved through the following concepts, some or all of which are employed in the embodiments described herein: improved heel hold; zonal customization; and decoupling flex from fit. Heel hold refers to the degree to which the heel is held or maintained in the shoe with minimal or negligible slippage. Zonal customization refers to the ability of the lacing system to differentially tension portions or areas of the boot. Decoupling flex and fit refers to the ability of the lacing system to achieve and/or maintain a desired fit without negatively impacting the boot's ability to flex. Given these advantages, the lacing systems described herein may be preferable to lacing systems that are currently employed in closing and tightening snowboard boots.

The lacing systems described herein are ideally suited for use with reel based closure devices, which are typically attached to an exterior of the snowboard boot. The reel based closure devices (hereinafter closure devices or systems) are configured to tension a lace or tension member that is guided about the boot via one or more guide members, which may be rigid components that are made of plastic or other materials, or which may be flexible and soft components that are made of fabric materials.

The reel based devices typically include a knob or dial that may be grasped and rotated by a user. The knob or dial is commonly coupled with a spool around which the tension member or lace is wound in response to rotation of the knob or dial in a tightening direction. Rotation of the tension member or lace around the spool tensions the tension member or lace, which tightens the snowboard boot about a wearer's leg and foot. Exemplary reel based devices are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/297,047 filed Jun. 5, 2017, and entitled “Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,056, filed Jun. 21, 2013, and entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Having described several aspects and features of the embodiments above, additional details of the lacing systems will be realized with reference to the description of the several drawings provided herein below.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-D, illustrated is a snowboard boot 200 that is made of conventional materials, such as an inner padded or cushioned liner 202 and stiffer or more rigid outer shell. The snowboard boot may have any configuration or design that is known in the art. The snowboard boot includes a throat or opening through which a wearer may position their foot and leg in a conventional manner. The liner 202 may include a tongue or moveable portion that enables a wearer to more easily don and doff the boot 200. In a specific embodiment, the liner 202 includes a zipper 210 that may be zipped and unzipped to provide rear entry of the foot and leg. In such embodiments, the liner 202 would not typically include a tongue or other moveable portion.

One or more panels, 204 and 206, are positioned on the exterior of the boot's shell or liner 202. The one or more panels, 204 and 206, may be positioned on either the liner 202 or the shell depending on the desired fit and function of the boot 200. Typically, the one or more panels, 204 and 206, are positioned on the liner 202, in which instances the shell may be omitted, if desired. The illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 1A-D shows the boot including two panels—i.e., an upper panel 204 and a lower panel 206. It should be realized that in some instances a single panel (upper or lower) may be used, or additional panels may be used, such as on or near a mid-point between the upper and lower portions of the liner 202. For ease in describing the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-D, the boot 200 will be described as including two panels.

The panels, 204 and 206, wrap around the liner 202 from the lateral side of the boot 200 to the medial side of the boot 200. The upper panel 204 wraps around a rear portion of the liner 202 about an upper portion of the leg while the lower panel 206 wraps around the boot's toe box and instep. The panels, 204 and 206, may be coupled with the liner 202 at one or more points. For instances, the upper panel 204 may be coupled with the rear surface of the liner 202 near the zipper 210 while the lower panel 206 is coupled with the liner 202 along or near the sole. The upper and lower panels, 204 and 206, may be coupled with the liner 202 via stitching, adhesive bonding, RF or ultrasonic welding, lamination, or via any other method known in the art. In some embodiments, the upper and/or lower panels, 204 and 206, may not be coupled with the liner 202. In such instances, the panels, 204 and 206, may be relatively free floating or free moving atop the liner 202. In such instances, the panels, 204 and 206, are commonly attached to the liner in some minimal manner in order to maintain a general orientation and positioning of the panels, 204 and 206, about the liner 202.

A reel based closure device 102 is attached to a front portion of the liner 202, typically near the throat or opening of the boot 200. The reel based closure device 102 is operationally coupled with one or more lace or tension members, 104 and 106. Operation of the reel based closure device 102, such as rotation of the knob in a tightening direction, tensions the one or more tension members, 104 and 106, as described in the applications incorporated by reference herein. Opposing distal ends of the panels, 204 and 206, are attached or coupled with the tension members, 104 and 106. Specifically, opposing ends of the upper panel 204 are attached to an upper tension member 104 while opposing ends of the lower panel 206 are attached to a lower tension member 106. The upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106, may be exposed or positioned atop the liner 202 near the respective panels, 204 and 206; alternatively, the tension members, 104 and 106, may be positioned under the liner 202 so as to be concealed and hidden from view. The portion of the tension members, 104 and 106, that is coupled with the panels, 204 and 206, may be similar to conventional lace that is used with reel based closure devices, or may be a thicker and stiffer material than conventional reel based closure device lace.

The portion of the tension members, 104 and 106, that couple with the respective panels, 204 and 206, may have a semi-circular shape or orientation, which may be due in part to the attachment of the panels, 204 and 206, with the respective tension members, 104 and 106. Guides may be formed in the opposing ends of the panels, 204 and 206, to enable the panels, 204 and 206, to couple with the tension members, 104 and 106. In other embodiments, guides members (not shown) may be attached to the opposing ends of the panels, 204 and 206, to enable the opposing ends of the panels, 204 and 206, to couple with the tension members, 104 and 106. In a specific embodiments, the opposing ends of the panels, 204 and 206, are folded over to form loops within which the tension members, 104 and 106, are positioned. One or more looped ends may be formed in the opposing ends of the panels, 204 and 206. For example, FIGS. 1A-D illustrate each opposing end of the panels, 204 and 206, including three looped ends, although more or fewer looped ends may be formed in the panels, 204 and 206. The tension members, 104 and 106, are slidably positioned within the opposing ends of the panels, 204 and 206, such that tensioning the tension members, 104 and 106, causes the tension members to slide within, and relative to, the panels, 204 and 206.

As illustrated in FIG. 1D, when the tension members, 104 and 106, are tensioned, the panels, 204 and 206, are pulled against the liner 202, which pulls liner 202 into increased contact with the wearer's foot and leg. Specifically, the upper tension member 104 is configured so that tensioning the upper tension member 104 causes the tension member to move toward the front of the liner 202, which causes the upper panel 204 to be pulled forward relative to the liner 202. This movement of the upper panel 204 causes the rear portion of the liner to be pulled into greater contact with the rear portion of the wearer's leg, thereby constricting the liner 202 about the wearer's leg. Similarly, the lower tension member 106 is configured so that tensioning the lower tension member 106 causes the tension member to move rearward and downward toward the wearer's heel, which causes the lower panel 206 to be pulled rearward and downward relative to the liner 202. This movement of the lower panel 206 causes the instep portion of the liner 202 to be pulled into greater contact with the wearer's foot, thereby constricting the liner 202 about the wearer's foot. The constriction of the panels, 204 and 206, about the wearer's leg and foot provides a full wrapping and compression fit, which provides ankle compliance that is free of pressure points. The configuration and operation of the panels, 204 and 206, provides improved fit of the boot 200 about the leg and foot and provides increased comfort.

The panels, 204 and 206, may be made of various material based on the desired fit, comfort, and/or performance of the snowboard boot 200. For example, the panels, 204 and 206, may be made of relatively flexible materials so that the panels stretch and flex as the panels are pulled into increased contact with the liner 202; alternatively, the panels, 204 and 206, may be made of relatively stiff fabric or polymer materials that are designed to maximize constriction of the liner 202 about the wearer's leg and foot. The panels, 204 and 206, may be narrowest near the coupling or attachment point with the tension members, 104 and 106. Stated differently, the panels, 204 and 206, may widen or broaden as the panels move away from the respective tension members, 104 and 106. This configuration may allow the panels to tension a broader area of the boot 200 while minimizing the length of tension member that is attached to the panels.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D, a single reel based closure device 102 may be used to tension both the upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106. In other embodiments, separate reel based closure devices may be used to differentially tension to the upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106. The use of separate reel based closure devices may allow a wearer to further customize the fit and feel of the boot 200 to suit a particular usage or need. FIG. 1A illustrates that a portion of the upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106, may be routed below a surface of the liner 202 (illustrated in dashed lines) via tubing or channels formed in the liner 202. The upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106, that are positioned on the exterior surface of the liner 202 may extend between opposing openings on the liner 202 as illustrated. The upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106, may be a single lace that is attached at opposing ends with the reel based closure device 102, or the upper and lower tension members, 104 and 106, may include separate lace segments that terminate at or on the liner 202.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-D, illustrated is another embodiment of a snowboard boot 300 having a liner 302 and a shell. The shell includes a front portion 320, a rear portion 322, and an instep portion 330. The liner 302 is positioned between the front portion 320, the rear portion 322, and the instep portion 330 of the shell. The front portion 320 and/or the rear portion 322 of the shell may be formed of multiple interconnecting segments. The interconnecting segments may fit together in a manner that controls the flex of the shell in response to movement of the wearer's leg. For example, the segments may lock together as the wearer's leg moves to lockout and limit the range of movement of the liner 302 within the shell. The instep portion 330 may be formed of a single panel, or multiple panel segments, that are fit atop the instep of the foot. The instep portion 330 may be coupled with the front portion 320 or relatively free floating or free moving about the front portion 320.

One or more reel based closure devices are attached to the shell and are operable to compress or constrict the shell about the liner 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell includes an upper reel based closure device 102 and a lower reel based closure device 120. The upper reel based closure device 102 is attached to the front portion 320 of the shell while the lower reel based closure device 120 is attached to the instep portion 330 of the shell. In other embodiments, the shell may include a single reel based closure device or additional reel based closure devices as desired.

The upper reel based closure device 102 is operationally coupled with an upper tension member 104 while the lower reel based closure device 120 is operationally coupled with a lower tension member 124. Operation of the upper or lower reel based closure device, 102 and 120, tensions the corresponding tension members. The use of two reel based closure devices, 102 and 120, allows the upper and lower tension members, 104 and 124, to be independently tensioned.

The upper tension member 104 is routed along a path 106 between the front portion 320 and the rear portion 322 of the shell via guide members 324 that are formed or attached to opposing edges of the front and rear portions, 320 and 322, of the shell. A gap typically exists between opposing edges of the front and rear portions, 320 and 322, within which the path 106 of the upper tension member 104 is formed. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, tensioning of the upper tension member 104 causes the front portion 320 and the rear portion 322 to be pulled toward one another, which constricts the front and rear portions, 320 and 322, about the wearer's leg. Similarly, as tension is released in the upper tension member 104, the front portion 320 and rear portion 322 are able to pivot away from one another, which allows the wearer to remove their leg from the liner 302, or allows the liner 302 to be removed from between the shell.

Similarly, the lower tension member 124 is routed from the instep portion 330 to the sole 340 of the boot 300 and to the rear portion 322 of the shell via one or more guide members 324 that are formed within, or otherwise coupled with, the respective rear portion 322 and sole 340 of the boot 300. The instep portion 330 may include a front tab 334 that extends downward toward the sole 340 and a rear tab 332 that extends toward the rear portion 322 at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal line. A gap typically exists between the instep portion 330 and the rear portion 322 and/or sole 340. The lower tension member 124 may extend across the gap to connect said portions of the boot 300. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, tensioning of the lower tension member 124 causes the instep portion 330 to be pulled downward and rearward about the liner 302, which constricts the liner about the wearer's foot. Similarly, as tension is released in the lower tension member 124, the instep portion 330 is able to move upward and away from the rear portion 322 and sole 340, which allows the wearer to remove their leg from the liner 302, or allows the liner 302 to be removed from between the shell.

The front portion 320, rear portion 322, and/or instep portion 330 may be made or rigid plastic materials or flexible materials, such as fabrics or polymer materials. Rigid materials may enable the portions to lock and limit movement of the liner 302 within the shell while more flexible materials may enable a compression or constriction of the wearer's leg and foot in a more comfortable manner. In some instances, the portions may be a hybrid of rigid and flexible materials. Portions of the upper and lower tension members, 104 and 124, may be routed below the shell via tubing or channels as illustrated in dashed lines, which may conceal and protect the tension member from external objects that may damage or break the tension member. It may be advantageous to route the tension member below an exterior portion of the liner or shell in any of the embodiments described herein in order to minimize damage or breakage of the tension member.

The snowboard boot 300 of FIGS. 2A-D may enable a better connection of the boot 200 to a snowboard. In addition, the snowboard boot 300 of FIGS. 2A-D may eliminate the need for a high-back. The use of two reel based closure devices further enables a wearer to differentially tighten the instep and leg as desired, which may enhance the comfort and performance of the boot 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-D, illustrated is a snowboard boot 400 that is configured to constrict or compress a liner 415 about a wearer's leg and that is also configured to attach or couple with a snowboard binding. The boot 400 includes the liner 415 and a shell within which the liner 415 is positioned. The shell includes an upper portion 402 and a lower portion 404. The upper portion 402 is designed to fit atop an instep of the liner 415 and atop a front portion of the liner 415 so as to be in front of a front portion of the wearer's leg. The lower portion 404 may be part of the boot's sole, or may be attached to the boot's sole, and may extend upward from the sole around the lateral and medial sides of the liner 415. The upper portion 402 is coupled with the lower portion 404 so that the upper portion 402 is able to move downward and rearward about the lower portion 404. In some embodiments, a boss or pin 410 of the upper portion 402 may be slidably positioned within a slot or channel 412 of a rear ward extending arm of the upper portion 402. The positioning of the pin 410 within the channel 412 couples the components together and allows the upper portion 402 to move relative to the lower portion 404 in a controlled manner. The upper portion 402 may be coupled with the lower portion 404 near the toe box of the boot 400. The upper portion 402 may include two rearward extending arms that mate with upward extending arms of the lower portion 404.

A reel based closure device 102 is coupled with the upper portion 402 of the shell so as to be positioned in front of the wearer's leg. The reel based closure device 102 is operationally coupled with a tension member 104 that is routed along the upper portion and routed between the upper portion 402 and the lower portion 404. The tension member 104 may be routed under the upper portion (shown in dashed lines) via tubing or channels that are formed in the upper portion 402. The tension member 104 may be routed through one or more guides 424 that are coupled with, or formed in, the lower portion 404. The tension member 104 may be a single lace segment having opposing ends that are coupled with the reel based closure device 102.

Tensioning of the tension member 104, via operation of the reel based closure device 102, pulls the upper portion 402 rearward and downward relative to the lower portion 404, which compresses or constricts the liner 415 between the upper and lower portions, 402 and 404. Compression or constriction of the liner 415 between the upper and lower portions, 402 and 404, compresses the liner 415 against the instep and ankle regions of the wearer's foot. The pin 410 slides within the channel 412 as the upper portion 402 slides downward and rearward about the lower portion 404. The degree of compression of the instep and ankle regions may be controlled based on the configuration of the lower portion 404 and the extending arms of the upper portion 402. For example, the degree to which the upper portion's extending arm is directed rearward rather than downward will affect the compression of the wearer's ankle within the liner 415.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-B, additional reel based closure devices are coupled with upper rearward extending arms of the upper portion 402. FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the boot 400 have a lateral closure device 120 and a medial closure device 122, each of which are coupled with a rearward extending arm. In some embodiments, the lateral closure device 120 and medial closure device 122 may be replaced with a single closure device. The lateral closure device 120 is operationally coupled with a tension member 124, which is in turn coupled with a releasable guide 130. Similarly, the medial closure device 122 is operationally coupled with a tension member 126 that is also coupled with a releasable guide 132.

The releasable guides, 130 and 132, enable coupling of the boot 400 with a binding as illustrated in FIGS. 3C-D. Specifically, the releasable guide 130 is configured to fit within a coupling post 446 on an upper binding member 444 of the binding. The upper binding member 444 is pivotably coupled with a lower binding member 442, which is in turn attachable to a snowboard (not shown). The upper binding member 444 may be attached to the lower binding member 442 via a hinge 443, which allows the upper binding member 444 to pivot in relation to the lower binding member 442. Coupling of the releasable guide 130 and upper binding member 444 helps attach and secure the boot 400 to the snowboard binding and snowboard.

As illustrated in the right hand image, when the releasable guide 130 is not attached to the coupling post 446, the upper binding member 444 may be pivoted downward relative to the lower binding member 442 into an “open” configuration. In the open configuration, a wearer may position the boot 400 within the binding. With the boot positioned in the binding, the releasable guide 130 may be pulled rearward and coupled with the coupling post 446. Exemplary embodiments of releasable guides and coupling posts are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,056, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The lateral closure device 120 may then be operated to tension the tension member 124, which pulls the upper binding member 444 forward and into contact with the liner 415 via coupling of the releasable guide 130 and coupling post 446. The tension member 124 may be tensioned to compress or constrict the liner 415, and the wearer's leg, between the upper portion 402 and upper binding member 444. In this manner, a desired fit of the liner 415 about the wearer's leg can be achieved.

While FIGS. 3C-D illustrate the coupling of the lateral side of the boot 400 with a binding, it should be realized that a similar coupling and tension process would occur on the medial side of the boot. When the boot 400 uses both lateral and medial closure devices, 120 and 122, the two devices would be operated to close and tighten the upper portion 402 and upper binding member 444. In instances where the lateral and medial closure devices, 120 and 122, are replaced with a single closure device, the single closure device may be operated to close and tighten the upper portion 402 and upper binding member 444. In some embodiments, the upper portion 402 may include an additional closure device (not shown) that is positioned near the instep and that couple with the lower binding member 442 in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 3C-D.

The boot 400 of FIGS. 3A-D reduces redundancy between the boot 400 and binding. The boot 400 may have fewer components compared with traditional snowboard boots, which may reduce the weight of the boot 400, thereby making it easier for a wearer to up-hill climb. In addition, given that the upper portion 402 is directly coupled with the upper binding member 444, the upper binding member 444 is able to pivot forward with the boot 400, which enables up-hill skinning. The boot 400 and binding configuration also provides a “walk” and “ride” mode that is easy to transition between since the boot 400 may be easily attached to a binding and detached therefrom. The boot 400 of FIGS. 3A-D further provides a direct connection to the snowboard.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-F, illustrated is a boot 500 having a liner 515 and a shell that is positioned over the liner 515. The boot 500 is designed to enable easy donning and doffing and to increase the fit of the boot 500 about a wearer's leg and foot. To enable easy donning and doffing, the shell includes a front portion 502 and a rear portion 504 that is pivotably coupled with the front portion 502. A medial reel based closure device 122 is coupled with the front portion 502 on a medial side of the boot 500. The medial closure device 122 is operationally coupled with a tension member 126 that is routed along a path between the front portion 502 and the rear portion 504. The tension member 126 may be routed underneath the shell, as illustrated in dashed lines, in order to conceal and protect the tension member 126 from external object and/or damage. FIG. 4C illustrates the rear portion 504 pivoted open relative to the front portion 502. With the rear portion pivoted open, the path of the tension member 126 between the front and rear portions may be visible.

The tension member 126 may be routed between the front and rear portions, 502 and 504, via one or more guides 127. The path of the tension member 126 may be configured so that the tension member is routed between the front and rear portions, 502 and 504, in a substantially parallel configuration. Exemplary lace paths that may be utilized to achieve substantially parallel configurations are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,004,297, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The tension member 126 may be routed from the medial side to the lateral side of the boot 500 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-B. In such embodiments, the guides 127 may be positioned on the front portion 502 only and the tension member 126 may extend across and atop the rear portion 504. Opposing ends of the tension member 126 may be coupled with the medial closure device 122.

When the tension member 126 is tensioned, via the medial closure device 122, the rear portion 504 is pivoted forward toward the front portion 502. Tensioning the tension member 126 compresses or constricts the liner 515 between the front and rear portions, 502 and 504, which compresses or constricts the wearer's leg within the boot 500.

The boot 500 also includes a lateral reel based closure device 120, which is operationally coupled with two tension members, 124 and 125. The two tension members, 124 and 125, may be routed below the front portion 502 as illustrated in dashed lines in order to conceal and protect the two tension members, 124 and 125. The ends of the two tension members, 124 and 125, are coupled with an instep member 520 that is positioned atop the liner 515 near the instep of the wearer's foot. One of the tension members 125 is routed along the lateral side of the boot to a first end of the instep member 520 while the other tension member 124 is routed around a rear of the boot 500 to a second end of the instep member 520. Tensioning of the two tension members, 124 and 125, causes the instep member 520 to be pulled downward and rearward against the liner 515, which causes the liner 515 to be pulled into increased contact with the wearer's foot. The use of the instep member 520 enable a progressive tension to be applied to the wearer's foot, which enables a consistent fit to be achieved in high and low tension scenarios. The use of the instep member 520 also allows a wearer to fine tune the fit of the boot 500 about the foot.

The boot 500 may also include a front reel based closure device 102 that is operationally coupled with a tension member 104. Similar to the other tension members, the tension member 104 that is coupled with the front closure device 102 may be routed below the front portion 502 as illustrated in dashed lines. The tension member 104 is coupled with a toe strap or panel 530. Opposing ends of the tension member 104 may be attached to the front closure device 102. Tensioning of the tension member 104, via operation of the front closure device 102, pulls the toe panel 530 downward and/or rearward about the liner 515, which reduces a volume above and in front of the wearer's toes. This reduced volume in front of the wearer's toes may create a connection to the snowboard, thereby enabling the wearer to have increased control over the snowboard.

FIGS. 4D-F illustrate an embodiment of an instep member 520. The instep member 520 is a compressible material designed to flex and/or increase in volume as the instep member 520 is tensioned via the two tension members, 124 and 125. The compressible instep member 520 may include one or more compressible components 524 that are disposed between a pair of rigid components 522. As the instep member 520 is tensioned, the compressible components 524 may be squeezed and may compress, which enables the instep member 520 to flex and bend. The compressible components 524 may increase in volume as they are compressed between the rigid components 522. The arrangement of compressible components 524 and rigid components 522 may be designed to achieve a desired bend or curvature in the tensioned instep member 520. The compressible component 524 may contact the liner 515 and press against the wearer's foot, which may offer an additional level of cushioning or padding against the wearer's foot. In other embodiments, the instep member 520 may be a fabric or polymer strap that is pulled against the liner 515. The fabric or polymer strap may be a flexible material or an inflexible material as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-E, illustrated is a snowboard boot 600 that provides three zones of closure for increased comfort and fit. The boot 600 may include three reel based closure devices that are each designed to close and tighten one of the respective closure zones, although in other embodiments, more or fewer closure devices may be employed. The boot includes a upper closure zone that is closed and tightened via a first panel 602 and second panel 604, a mid-closure zone that is closed and tightened via a instep strap 620, and a lower closure zone that is closed and tightened via a toe panel 610.

A front reel based closure device 102 is attached to the first panel 602 so as to be positioned in front of a wearer's leg. The front closure device 102 is operationally coupled with a tension member 104 that is routed along a path between the first panel 602 and the second panel 604. The tension member 104 may be routed below the first and/or second panels, 602 and 604, as illustrated in dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the respective panels. The tension member may also be routed in a substantially parallel configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E and as described in the '297 patent incorporated herein. The tension member 104 may be guided along the path between the first panel 602 and second panel 604 via one or more guides 127 that are attached to, or otherwise formed in, the panels. Tensioning of the tension member 104 via operation of the front closure device 102 causes the first panel 602 and second panel 604 to constrict about a liner 615 of the boot 600, which constricts the wearer's leg within the boot 600. The first panel 602 may be coupled with the second panel 604 adjacent a rear of the boot 600. In such instances, constricting the first panel 602 and the second panel 604 about the liner 615 may provide a compression or constriction fit about an entire circumference of the wearer's leg. The upper zone may be closed and tightened to provide a desired flexibility in the boot 600.

A lower and upper reel based closure device, 120 and 122, are coupled with the second panel 604, typically on a lateral side of the boot 600. The upper closure device 122 is operationally coupled with a tension member 126 that is routed from the second panel 604 to the first panel 602. The tension member 126 is typically routed below the first and second panels, 602 and 604, as illustrated in the dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the respective panels. The tension member 126 is routed to the toe panel 610 and is routed across an opening 128 of the toe panel 610. The tension member 126 may be routed in a substantially parallel configuration across the opening 128 via one or more guides 127 as illustrated in FIG. 5D. A distal end of the tension member 126 is terminated at a distal end of the opening 128. Tensioning of the tension member 126 causes opposing edges or sides of the opening to be pulled toward one another, which causes the toe panel 610 to constrict about the toe region of the liner 615. The liner 615 in turn is pulled into increased contact with the wearer's toes, which reduces a volume above the toes and may improve the feel and fit of the boot 600 to the snowboard.

The lower closure device 120 is operationally coupled with a tension member 124 that is in turn coupled with a distal end of the instep strap 620 via a guide 127. A proximal end of the instep strap 620 is attached to a guide or anchor 622 that is coupled with a lower portion of the first panel 602. As illustrated, the lower portion of the first panel 602 and a lower portion of the second panel 604 may couple with the sole of the boot 600. The lower portion of each panel, 602 and 604, may include a pair of diagonally extending arms that attach to the sole.

The instep strap 620 extends from the anchor 622 across and atop the liner 615 to an opposite side of the boot 600. The instep strap 620 is positioned atop the liner 615 near an instep region of the liner 615. The distal end of the instep strap 620 is routed through a guide 624 that is attached to the second panel 604. The guide 624 redirects the instep strap 620 toward the lower closure device 120. Tensioning of the tension member 124 via the lower closure device 120 tensions the instep strap 620 and pulls the instep strap downward and rearward about the liner 615. The liner 615 is pulled in turn against the wearer's foot. The instep strap 620 may be formed of a flexible or non-flexible material as desired. The mid-closure zone may be tensioned to provide a desired amount of support and/or freedom.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-B, illustrated is another snowboard boot 700 that provides three zones of closure for increased comfort and fit. The boot 700 includes a plurality of closure devices that are each designed to close and tighten one or more of the respective closure zones. FIGS. 6A-B illustrate the boot 700 including four closure devices, although in other embodiments, more or fewer closure devices may be employed. The boot 700 includes a upper closure zone that is closed and tightened via upper and lower panels, 702 and 704, a mid-closure zone that is closed and tightened via an instep strap 720, and a lower closure zone that is closed and tightened via a toe panel 710.

A first upper reel based closure device 120a is attached to the upper panel 702 and a second upper reel based closure device 120b is attached to the lower panel 704. The upper and lower panels, 702 and 704, may be segments, panels, or straps that are formed in the body of the shell. The upper and lower panels, 702 and 704, may wrap around the boot 700 from one side of the boot (e.g., the medial side) to the other side of the boot (e.g., the lateral side). The first upper closure device 120a is operationally coupled with a first tension member 124a that is routed from the upper panel 702 to a rear shell portion 706 via guide 127. Similarly, the second upper closure device 120b is operationally coupled with a second tension member 124b that is routed from the lower panel 704 to the rear shell portion 706 via guide 127. Given the short distance that the first and second tension members, 124a and 124b, are typically routed, the tension members are commonly routed atop the boot 700, although in some embodiments, the tension members may be routed below the shell as desired.

Tensioning of the first tension member 124a via operation of the first upper closure device 120a causes the upper panel 702 to be pulled rearward toward the rear shell portion 706, which constrict or compresses the liner 715 about a wearer's leg. Similarly, tensioning of the second tension member 124b via operation of the second upper closure device 120b causes the lower panel 704 to be pulled rearward toward the rear shell portion 706, which constrict or compresses the liner 715 about the wearer's leg. The use of two closure devices in the upper closure zone enables an increased customized fit and/or controlled flex to be achieved, thereby providing the wearer with increased comfort and performance.

A rear reel based closure device 102 is coupled with the rear shell portion 706 of the boot. The rear closure device 102 is operationally coupled with a tension member 104 that is routed along the rear shell portion 706 to the instep strap 720. The tension member 104 is typically routed below the rear shell portion 706 as illustrated in the dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the rear shell portion 706. The tension member 104 is coupled with a distal end of the instep strap 720 via a guide 127. A proximal end of the instep strap 720 is split into two segments or straps. A first segment 722 of the instep strap 720 extends downward and is coupled with, or near, a sole of the boot 700. A second segment 724 of the instep strap 720 extends roughly horizontally across the boot 700 and is coupled at, or near, a heel of the boot 700.

The instep strap 720 extends from the first and second segments, 722 and 724, across and atop the liner 715 to an opposite side of the boot 700. The instep strap 720 is positioned atop the liner 715 near an instep region of the liner 715. Tensioning of the tension member 104 via the rear closure device 102 tensions the instep strap 720 and pulls the instep strap downward and rearward about the liner 715. The liner 715 is pulled in turn against the wearer's foot. The configuration of the first and second segments, 722 and 724, results in the instep strap 720 providing a simultaneous wrap and tightening of the instep and heel regions of the liner 715. Specifically, the first and second segments, 722 and 724, results in a downward directed force, due to the first segment 722, and a horizontally directed force, due to the second segment 724, which creates a diagonally directed force vector. The result of the simultaneous heel and instep tightening is an increased ankle compression and improved support and power transfer. The instep strap 720 may be formed of a flexible or non-flexible material as desired.

A lower reel based closure device 122 is coupled with the toe panel 710. The lower closure device 122 is operationally coupled with a tension member 126 that is routed, via one or more guides 127, across an opening 128 between the toe panel 710 and a sole or lower portion of the boot 700. The tension member 126 is typically routed below the toe panel 710 as illustrated in the dashed lines via tubing or channels formed in the toe panel. The tension member 126 may be routed in a substantially parallel configuration across the opening 128 via one or more guides 127 as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B. Tensioning of the tension member 126 causes opposing edges or sides of the opening 128 to be pulled toward one another, which causes the toe panel 710 to constrict about the toe region of the liner 715. The liner 715 in turn is pulled into increased contact with the wearer's toes, which reduces a volume above the toes and may improve the feel and fit of the boot 700 to the snowboard.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-O, illustrated is an article of footwear that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear includes at least one reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear. The at least one reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A-O, the footwear may include a single reel based closure device that effects closure and tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion. In other embodiments, the footwear may include two reel based closure devices that effect closure and tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion. In such embodiments, one of the reel based closure devices may effect closure and tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the other closure device may effect closure and tightening of the other zones of the footwear (i.e., upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion) that are not closed and tightened by the first reel based closure device. In yet other embodiments, the footwear may include three reel based closure devices with each reel based closure device being dedicated to a specific one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion of the footwear. In the two and three reel based closure device embodiments, the reel based closure devices are independently operable to differentially tension the different zones or portions of the footwear as desired for fit, performance, and/or comfort.

A specific type of footwear that may employ the configurations described herein is snowboard boots or other types of boots. Boots, such as snowboard boots, often have various areas or zones of that are constructed of hard and soft material. In addition, it is often desirable to vary the tension or tightness in different areas or zones of the boot for fit, performance, and/or comfort reasons. For example, it may be desirable to tighten the area around the heel to increase heel hold within the boot. Similarly, it may be preferred to tighten the upper portion or cuff around the leg while maintaining a more loose fit in the toe box. For these and other reasons, it is often difficult to fully and properly tension or tighten a boot about a wearer's leg, especially in boots that employ a single lace or even multiple laces that tension the entire boot.

The embodiments described in FIGS. 7A-O, enable a more proper and individualized fit to be achieved. This is achieved in part by strategic positioning of multiple tension members within the boot and by employing panels, straps, and other lacing configurations that allow a wearer to more easily achieve a desired fit. The tension members may be tensioned through the use of one or more reel based closure devices as described herein below. In regards to snowboard boots, some of the advantages that are achieved with the configurations described in FIGS. 7A-O include an enhanced exoskeleton or shell design in which a minimal boot structure replaces standard boot construction, thereby enabling a reduction in materials in comparison with standard boot designs. A forefoot strap may also be decoupled from toe box, which allows for better fit and closure at the forefoot, which is typically rigid. The flex of the boot may also be decoupled from the fit. In regards to a three reel based closure device design, the three reel based closure devices tension three distinct zones, which allows the wearer to independently adjust the flex, heel hold, and forefoot closure of the boot. The reel based closure devices may also be placed on the upper portion of the boot to enable better user access while avoiding or not interfering with standard snowboard binding straps. The closure of the boot may also be asymmetric in that the upper cuff or portion may be closed or tensioned from the lateral side to the medial side of the boot while the instep and forefoot straps are closed or tensioned from the medial side to the lateral side of the boot. This asymmetric closure may provide improved medial and lateral support.

In some embodiments, a gusset or shroud may be used to protect the liner and/or foot from eternal objects or elements (e.g., snow, wind, etc.), which may be needed due to the use of reduced materials in the upper portion and/or exoskeleton/shell of the boot. In some embodiments, the shroud may be detachable from the boot. The reel based closure device may be configured to be incrementally loosened, fully loosened, or both incrementally and fully loosened as more fully described in the applications incorporated by reference herein. In some instances, the footwear may include a combination of reel based closure devices that are configured to be incrementally loosened, fully loosened, or both incrementally and fully loosened.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-O, illustrated is a footwear having multiple zones of closure that enable increased comfort, performance, and/or fit to be achieved. The illustrated footwear is a snowboard boot 800. For ease in describing the embodiments, the footwear will be referred to hereinafter as a snowboard boot 800 or boot 800. The boot 800 includes a liner 808 and a shell or exoskeleton that is positioned over the liner 808. The closure zones of the boot 800 include a first zone or upper portion 802, a second zone or lower portion 804, and a third zone or mid-portion 806. The closure zones may be differentially tensioned or tightened about a wearer's leg and foot in order to achieved a desired fit of the boot 800 about the leg and foot. In some embodiments, the upper zone 802 is closed and tightened via one or more upper panels 850, the mid zone 806 is closed and tightened via an instep strap 830, and the lower zone 804 is closed and tightened via one or more toe panels 840.

The boot 800 includes at least one reel based closure devices, and more commonly a plurality of reel based closure devices, that are each designed to close and tighten one or more of the respective closure zones. FIGS. 7A-I illustrate the boot 800 including a first reel based closure device 826, a second reel based closure device 824, and a third reel based closure device 822. In the illustrated embodiment, the reel based closure devices, 822, 824, & 826, are attached to the upper portion of the boot 800. The positioning of the reel based closure devices, 822, 824, & 826, in the upper zone 802 of the boot 800 enables easy user access to the reel based closure devices, 822, 824, & 826, while minimizing or eliminating interference of the reel based closure devices, 822, 824, & 826, with snowboard bindings.

Referring to FIGS. 7B-C, the first reel based closure device 826 is attached to the upper panel 850 so that the reel based closure device 826 is positioned near a distal edge or end of the panel 850. The upper panel 850 may be a segment, panel, or strap that are formed in the body of the shell of the boot 800. The upper panel 850 may have essentially one section, or may have multiple sections that are able to move or adjust to some degree relative to one another. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal edge of the upper panel 850 is non-linear such that a lower portion of the upper panel 850 is recessed proximally relative to an upper portion of the panel 850. The area where the lower portion joins or is connected to the upper portion may be made of a flexible material or pattern that allows the lower and upper portions to bend, flex, or move to some degree relative to one another.

The first reel based closure device 826 is operationally coupled with a tension member 827 that is routed across an opening 852 in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800. The opening 852 may be formed by disconnected portions of the shell or exoskeleton of the boot 800. The tension member 827 is routed across the opening 852 so that the tension member 827 spans a gap formed or defined between the disconnected portions of the shell. In some instances, an edge of the shell that is opposite to the distal edge of the upper panel 850 may have a shape or profile that is inverse to the shape or profile of the distal edge of the upper panel 850. The tension member 827 is routed across the opening 852 via one or more guide members 812 that are attached to the upper panel 850 and to the opposing edge of the boot's shell. The tension member 827 may be routed under an exterior of the shell via one or more segments of tubing 810, or via any other component or material that forms or defines a lace guide. A distal end of the tension member 827 may be coupled, anchored, or affixed to the boot 800 via a termination guide 814. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination guide 814 is positioned on the upper panel 850, although the termination guide 814 may be positioned elsewhere as desired.

The tension member 827 may be routed about the upper portion of the boot 800 using various lace path configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member 827 is routed directly from the reel based closure device 826 and across the opening 852. The tension member 827 is routed, via tubing 810 and guide members 812, across the opening 852 in a spiral like pattern until the tension member 827 terminates at the termination guide 814. The boot 800 is configured so that the upper panel 850 wraps around the liner 808 from the lateral side of the boot 800 toward the medial side of the boot. Tensioning of the tension member 827 pulls the panel 850 towards the medial side, thereby imparting a lateral to medial force on the liner 808, which constricts or compresses the liner 808 about a wearer's leg. In some instances, the direction of the panel 850 may be reversed so that a medial to lateral force is imparted on the liner 808 and wearer's leg.

The second reel based closure device 824 is positioned in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800, but may be positioned closer to a lateral side of the boot 800 than the first reel based closure device 826. The second reel based closure device 824 is operationally coupled with a tension member 825 that is routed along the lateral side of the boot 800 to the instep strap 830. The tension member 825 is typically routed below the shell or exoskeleton of the boot 800 as illustrated in FIG. 7B. One or more segments of tubing 810, or via any other component or material that forms or defines a lace guide, may be used to route the tension member 825 under the shell of the boot 800. The tension member 825 is coupled with a distal end of the instep strap 830 via a guide 812. A distal end of the tension member 825 may be coupled, anchored, or affixed to the boot 800 via a termination guide 814. In some embodiments, the entire length of the tension member 825 may remain positioned below the shell of the boot 800.

A proximal end of the instep strap 830 is split into two segments or straps. A first segment 834 of the instep strap 830 extends downward and is coupled with, or near, a sole of the boot 800. A second segment 832 of the instep strap 830 extends roughly horizontally, or diagonally, across the boot 800 and is coupled at, or near, a heel of the boot 800. The instep strap 830 extends from the first and second segments, 834 and 832, across and atop the liner 808 to an opposite side of the boot 800. The instep strap 830 is positioned atop the liner 808 near an instep region of the liner 808. Tensioning of the tension member 825 via the second closure device 824 tensions the instep strap 830 and pulls the instep strap downward and rearward about the liner 808. In turn, the liner 808 is pulled against the wearer's foot. The configuration of the first and second segments, 834 and 832, results in the instep strap 830 providing a simultaneous wrap and tightening of the instep and heel regions of the liner 808. Specifically, the first and second segments, 834 and 832, impart a downward directed force, due to the first segment 834, and a horizontally directed force, due to the second segment 832, which creates a diagonally directed force vector. The result of the simultaneous heel and instep tightening is an increased ankle compression and improved support and power transfer. The instep strap 830 may be formed of a flexible or non-flexible material as desired. The instep strap 830 provides a closure and tightening of the mid-portion 806 of the boot 800.

The instep strap 830 wraps around the liner 808 from the medial side of the boot 800 toward the lateral side of the boot. Tensioning of the tension member 825 pulls the instep strap 830 towards the lateral side, which imparts a medial to lateral force on the instep of the wearer's foot. In some instances, the orientation of the instep strap 830 within the boot 800 and atop the liner 808 may be reversed so that a lateral to medial force is imparted on the instep of the wearer's foot.

The third reel based closure device 822 is also positioned in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800, but may be positioned closer to the lateral side of the boot 800 than the first and second reel based closure devices, 826 & 824. The third reel based closure device 822 is operationally coupled with a tension member 823 that is routed across an opening 842 in the lower portion 804 of the boot 800. The opening 842 is formed or defined by a portion of the shell or exoskeleton and a lower panel 840 that extends atop the foot in the lower portion 804 of the boot 800. The lower panel 840 may be a segment, panel, or strap that is formed in the body of the shell of the boot 800. The lower panel 840 may have essentially one section, or may have multiple sections that are able to move or adjust to some degree relative to one another. For example, the lower panel 840 may be made of a flexible material or pattern that allows the separate portions to bend, flex, or move to some degree relative to one another.

The tension member 823 is routed across the opening 842 so that the tension member 823 spans a gap formed or defined between the shell and a lower panel 840. The tension member 823 is routed across the opening 842 via one or more guide members 812 that are attached to the lower panel 840 and shell. The tension member 823 may be routed under an exterior of the shell via one or more segments of tubing 810 or via any other component or material that forms or defines a lace guide. A distal end of the tension member 823 may be coupled, anchored, or affixed to the boot 800 via a termination guide 814. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination guide 814 is positioned under the shell of the boot 800 on an edge that is opposite the distal edge of the lower panel 840.

The tension member 823 may be routed about the lower portion of the boot 800 using various lace path configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member 823 is routed from the reel based closure device 822 and across the opening 842. The tension member 823 is routed, via tubing 810 and guide members 812, across the opening 842 in a spiral like pattern until the tension member 823 terminates at termination guide 814. The boot 800 is configured so that the lower panel 840 wraps around the liner 808 from the medial side toward the lateral side of the boot. Tensioning of the tension member 823 causes opposing edges or sides of the opening 842 to be pulled toward one another, which pulls the lower panel 840 towards the lateral side, thereby imparting a medial to lateral force on the liner 808, which reduces a volume of the boot 800 above the foot and toes and improves the fit and feel of the boot 800. In some instances, the orientation of the lower panel 840 may be reversed so that a lateral to medial force is imparted on the liner 808 and wearer's foot.

The closure and tightening of the boot 800 is asymmetric in that the force imparted on one portion of the boot 800 is different or opposite the force imparted on another portion of the boot 800. For example, the tightening force imparted on the upper portion 802 is a lateral to medial force while the force imparted on the mid portion 806 and lower portion 804 is a medial to lateral force (i.e., an opposite force than the force imparted on the upper portion 802). The asymmetric closure of the boot 800 reinforces the boot 800 and makes the boot 800 stronger or more rigid when tightened, which may aid the wearer in snowboarding and reduces the materials that are necessary to stiffen the boot 800.

Each of the reel based closure devices, 822, 824, & 826, in FIGS. 7B-C are “single pull” devices in which the reel based closure device is designed to pull or tension a proximal end of the tension member and in which the distal end of the tension member is affixed or anchored to the boot 800 via termination guide 814. The use of a single pull reel based device may enable greater tension forces to be achieved in the tension member. This design may be important for imparting a force that is required to properly close or tighten a portion of the boot, such as the instep strap 830 or upper panel 850. In other instances, the use of a single pull reel based device may allow a smaller or lower tension inducing reel based device to be used while providing a required tension force.

Referring to FIGS. 7D-E, the illustrated boot 800 has essentially the same configuration as the embodiment of FIGS. 7B-C. However, each of the reel based closure devices, 822, 824, & 826, in FIGS. 7D-E are configured as “double pull” devices in which the reel based closure device pulls or tensions both the proximal end and the distal end of the tension member. For example, the first reel based closure device 826 is operationally coupled with the tension member 827 so that both the proximal and distal ends of the tension member 827 are windable about a spool that is positioned within the first reel based closure device 826. The tension member 827 is routed across the opening 852 in the upper portion of the boot 800 via a plurality of guides 812 that are positioned on the upper panel 850 and the opposing edge of the shell. Unlike the previous embodiment, the upper portion does not include a termination guide that is affixed to the distal end of the tension member 827. Rather, the tension member 827 is routed from the first reel based closure device 826, which is positioned in the upper portion of the upper panel 850, to a guide 812 that is positioned on the lower portion of the upper panel 850. The tension member 827 is routed therefrom back to the first reel based closure device 826.

Similarly, the second reel based closure device 824 is operationally coupled with the tension member 825 so that both the proximal and distal ends of the tension member 825 are windable about the second reel based closure device's spool. The tension member 825 is routed from the second reel based closure device 824 to the guide 812 that is positioned on the distal end of the instep strap 830 and is routed therefrom back to the second reel based closure device 824. The third reel based closure device 822 is operationally coupled with the tension member 823 so that both the proximal and distal ends of the tension member 823 are windable about the third reel based closure device's spool. The tension member 823 is routed across the opening 842 in the lower portion of the boot 800 via a plurality of guides 812 that are positioned on the lower panel 840 and opposing edge of the shell. The tension member 823 is routed from the third reel based closure device 822 to the lower panel 840 and is routed therefrom back to the third reel based closure device 822.

In some embodiments, the distal end of any of the tension members may terminate at or on the respective reel based closure device instead of being windable about a spool positioned within the respective reel based closure device. In such embodiments, the lace path of the tension member may be similar to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7D-E while the respective reel based closure device functions as a single pull type device. In some embodiments, the boot 800 may include any combination of single pull devices and double pull devices that are illustrated in FIGS. 7B-E. Stated differently, the first reel based closure device 826, second reel based closure device 824, and third reel based closure device 822 may be independently selected to be a single pull or double pull device as desired. Examples of boots 800 that include a combination of single and double pull devices are illustrated in FIGS. 7F-I. Specifically, in FIGS. 7F-G, the first reel based closure device 826 is a double pull device while the second reel based closure device 824 and third reel based closure device 822 are single pull devices. In FIGS. 7H-I, the first reel based closure device 826 and second reel based closure device 824 are double pull devices while the third reel based closure device 822 is a single pull device.

Referring now to FIGS. 7J-M, illustrated is another embodiment of a boot 800 in which the boot includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion 802, the lower portion 804, and the mid-portion 806 of the boot 800. Each reel based closure device is independently operable and each reel based closure device effects closure or tightening of a different one of the upper portion 802, the lower portion 804, the mid-portion 806 of the boot 800, or a combination of any two of those portions. The reel based closure devices are coupled with the boot 800 and are typically positioned in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800, although the reel based closure devices may be positioned elsewhere as desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7J-M, in some embodiments, the plurality of reel based closure devices consists of a first reel based closure device 826 and a second reel based closure device 824, which are both positioned in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800 so as to be easily accessible to a wearer and so as not interfere with snowboard bindings. The first reel based closure device 826 may be configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion 802, the lower portion 804, or the mid-portion 806, or any combination of two of those portions. The second reel based closure device 824 may be configured to effect closure or tightening of the portion, or portions, that is not closed or tightened by the first reel based closure device 826. For example, the second reel based closure device 824 may effect closure or tightening of the upper portion 802, the lower portion 804, or the mid-portion 806, or any combination of two of those portions.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the first reel based closure device 826 is operationally coupled with the tension member 827 that is routed across the opening 852 in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800 via a plurality of guides 812. The guides 812 are positioned on the upper panel 850 and on the edge positioned on the opposite side of the opening 852 from the upper panel 850. The tension member 827 is guided or directed from the upper panel 850 and along the lateral side of the boot 800, via tubing 810, to the lower panel 840. The tension member 827 is routed across the opening 842 in the lower portion 804 of the boot 800 via a plurality of guides 812 that are positioned on the lower panel 840 and on the edge that is positioned on the opposite side of the opening 842 from the lower panel 840. In some instances, such as the boot 800 illustrated in FIGS. 7J-K, the tension member 827 is routed from the lower panel 840 back to the first reel based closure device 826. In such instances, the first reel based closure device 826 functions as a double pull device. In other instances, a termination guide (not shown) may be positioned in the lower portion 804 near a distal end of the lower panel 840. The tension member 827 may be affixed or anchored to the termination guide. In such instances, the first reel based closure device 826 functions as a single pull device.

The second reel based closure device 824 is operationally coupled with the tension member 825 that is routed from the second reel based closure device 824 to the guide 812 positioned on the distal end of the instep strap 830. In such instances, the second reel based closure device 824 functions similar to the second reel based closure device illustrated in FIGS. 7B-I. In FIGS. 7J-K, the tension member 825 is routed from the instep strap 830 back to the second reel based closure device 824. In such instances, the second reel based closure device 824 functions as a double pull device. In FIGS. 7L-M, the distal end of the tension member 825 terminates at a termination guide 814 that is positioned immediately adjacent to the instep strap 830. In such instances, the second reel based closure device 824 functions as a single pull device.

Although FIGS. 7J-M illustrate the first reel based closure device 826 being operable to close or tighten two zones (i.e., the upper portion 802 and the lower portion 804) and the second reel based closure device 824 being operable to close or tighten a single zone (i.e., the mid-portion 806), in other embodiments the configuration may be reversed so that the first reel based closure device 826 closes or tightens a single zone (i.e., the upper portion 802) and the second reel based closure device 824 closes or tightens two zones (i.e., the mid-portion 806 and the lower portion 804). The first and second reel based closure devices, 826 & 824, may have similar torque outputs or the torque output of the first and second reel based closure devices, 826 & 824, may differ. For example, the second reel based closure device 824 may have a lower torque output than the first reel based closure device 826 in instances where the second reel based closure device 824 closes or tightens a single zone.

Referring now to FIGS. 7N-O, illustrated is another embodiment of a boot 800 in which the boot includes at least one reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion 802, the lower portion 804, and the mid-portion 806 of the boot 800. In the illustrated embodiment, the boot 800 includes a single reel based closure device 826 that is positioned in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800. The reel based closure device 826 is operationally coupled with a tension member 827 that is in turn operationally coupled with at least one strap that is positioned in the upper portion 802, the mid-portion 806, or the lower portion 804, or in a combination of any of those portions. Similarly, the tension member 827 may be operationally coupled with at least one panel that is positioned in the upper portion 802, the mid-portion 806, or the lower portion 804, or in a combination of any of those portions.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the tension member 827 is routed from the first reel based closure device 826 and across the opening 852 in the upper portion 802 of the boot 800 via a plurality of guides 812. The guides 812 are positioned on the upper panel 850 and on the edge that is positioned on the opposite side of the opening 852 from the upper panel 850. The tension member 827 is guided or directed from the upper panel 850 and along the lateral side of the boot 800, via tubing 810, to the instep strap 830. One segment of the tension member 827 is coupled with the instep strap 830 via a guide 812 that is positioned on the distal end of the instep strap 830.

The tension member 827 is guided or directed from the instep strap 830 to the lower panel 840. The tension member 827 is routed across the opening 842 in the lower portion 804 of the boot 800 via a plurality of guides 812 that are positioned on the lower panel 840 and on the edge that is positioned on the opposite side of the opening 842 from the lower panel 840. In some instances, such as the boot 800 illustrated in FIGS. 7N-O, the tension member 827 is routed from the lower panel 840 back to the first reel based closure device 826. In such instances, the first reel based closure device 826 functions as a double pull device. In other instances, a termination guide (not shown) may be positioned in the lower portion 804 near a distal end of the lower panel 840. The tension member 827 may be affixed or anchored to the termination guide. In such instances, the first reel based closure device 826 functions as a single pull device. Operation of the first reel based closure device 826 simultaneously tensions the upper portion 802, the lower portion 804, and the mid-portion 806 of the boot 800.

While several embodiments and arrangements of various components are described herein, it should be understood that the various components and/or combination of components described in the various embodiments may be modified, rearranged, changed, adjusted, and the like. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged and/or the various described components may be employed in any of the embodiments in which they are not currently described or employed. As such, it should be realized that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangement and/or component structures described herein.

In addition, it is to be understood that any workable combination of the features and elements disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. Additionally, any time a feature is not discussed with regard in an embodiment in this disclosure, a person of skill in the art is hereby put on notice that some embodiments of the invention may implicitly and specifically exclude such features, thereby providing support for negative claim limitations.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a process” includes a plurality of such processes and reference to “the device” includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Claims

1. A footwear closure system comprising:

a footwear including: an upper portion or cuff that is positionable about a wearer's leg; a lower portion that is positionable over a wearer's foot; a heel portion that is positionable about a wearer's heel; and a strap that is coupled with the footwear and positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion of the footwear;

a first closure system including: a first reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear; a first tension member that is operationally coupled with the first reel based closure device; and at least one first guide member that is coupled with the footwear and that is configured to route or guide the first tension member along the upper portion or cuff of the footwear;

a second closure system including: a second reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear; a second tension member that is operationally coupled with the second reel based closure device; and a second guide member that is coupled with a distal end of the strap and that is configured to route or guide the second tension member; and

a third closure system including: a third reel based closure device that is coupled with the footwear; a third tension member that is operationally coupled with the third reel based closure device; and at least one third guide member that is coupled with the footwear and that is configured to route or guide the third tension member along the lower portion of the footwear;

wherein: the first reel based closure device is operable to tension the first tension member and thereby close or tighten the upper portion about the wearer's leg; the second reel based closure device is operable to tension the first tension member and thereby pull the strap downward and rearward against the wearer's foot to secure the wearer's heel in the heel portion of the footwear; the third reel based closure device is operable to tension the third tension member and thereby close or tighten the lower portion about the wearer's foot; wherein the first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are independently operable.

2. The footwear closure system of claim 1, wherein the first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are coupled with the upper portion of the footwear.

3. The footwear closure system of claim 1, wherein the upper portion, the lower portion, and the heel portion form or define an exterior shell of the footwear, and wherein the strap is positioned under the exterior shell.

4. The footwear closure system of claim 3, wherein a proximal end of the strap is coupled with the footwear near a sole of footwear, and wherein the strap extends over a tongue portion of the footwear.

5. The footwear closure system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first tension member, the second tension member, or the third tension member has a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear.

6. The footwear closure system of claim 1, wherein the first reel based closure device has a different torque output than the second reel based closure device or the third reel based closure device.

7. The footwear closure system of claim 1, wherein the footwear is a snowboard boot.

8. A footwear closure system comprising:

a footwear including: an upper portion; a lower portion; and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion;

a first reel based closure device coupled with the footwear, the first reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion of the footwear;

a second reel based closure device coupled with the footwear, the second reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear; and

a third reel based closure device coupled with the footwear, the third reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of the lower portion of the footwear;

wherein the first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are independently operable to effect differential closure or tightening of the respective upper portion, lower portion, or mid-portion of the footwear.

9. The footwear closure system of claim 8, wherein the first reel based closure device is coupled with a panel that extends at least partially across an opening of the upper portion of the footwear.

10. The footwear closure system of claim 8, wherein the second reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a strap that, upon tensioning, effects closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear.

11. The footwear closure system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the strap is positioned under an exterior shell of the footwear.

12. The footwear closure system of claim 8, wherein the third reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a panel that extends at least partially over an opening of the lower portion of the footwear.

13. The footwear closure system of claim 8, wherein the first reel based closure device, the second reel based closure device, and the third reel based closure device are coupled with the upper portion of the footwear.

14. The footwear closure system of claim 8, wherein the first reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a first tension member, the second reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a second tension member, and the third reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a third tension member, and wherein at least one of the first tension member, the second tension member, or the third tension member has a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear.

15. The footwear closure system of claim 8, wherein the footwear is a snowboard boot.

16. A footwear closure system comprising:

a footwear including: an upper portion; and a lower portion;

a first reel based closure device coupled with the upper portion of the footwear, the first reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of a first zone of the footwear;

a second reel based closure device coupled with the upper portion of the footwear, the second reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of a second zone of the footwear; and

a third reel based closure device coupled with the upper portion of the footwear, the third reel based closure device being operable to effect closure or tightening of a third zone of the footwear.

17. The footwear closure system of claim 16, wherein the first zone is the upper portion of the footwear.

18. The footwear closure system of claim 17, wherein the first reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a tension member that is routed or guided across an opening of the upper portion of the footwear.

19. The footwear closure system of claim 16, wherein the second zone is a mid-portion of the footwear between the upper portion and the lower portion.

20. The footwear closure system of claim 19, wherein the second reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a tension member that is coupled with a strap that, upon tensioning, effects closure or tightening of the mid-portion of the footwear.

21. The footwear closure system of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of the strap is positioned under an exterior shell of the footwear.

22. The footwear closure system of claim 16, wherein the third zone is the lower portion of the footwear.

23. The footwear closure system of claim 22, wherein the third reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a tension member that is routed or guided across an opening of the lower portion of the footwear.

24. The footwear closure system of claim 16, wherein the first reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a first tension member, the second reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a second tension member, and the third reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a third tension member, and wherein at least one of the first tension member, the second tension member, or the third tension member has a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear.

25. The footwear closure system of claim 16, wherein the footwear is a snowboard boot.

26. A footwear closure system comprising:

a footwear including: an upper portion; a lower portion; and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion; and

a plurality of reel based closure devices coupled with the footwear, wherein: the plurality of reel based closure devices are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear; each reel based closure device is independently operable; and each reel based closure device effects closure or tightening of a different one of the upper portion, the lower portion, the mid-portion, or a combination thereof.

27. The footwear closure system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of reel based closure devices consists of a first reel based closure device and a second reel based closure device.

28. The footwear closure system of claim 27, wherein the first reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the second reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the other two of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion.

29. The footwear closure system of claim 27, wherein the first reel based closure device and the second reel based closure device are coupled with the upper portion of the footwear.

30. The footwear closure system of claim 27, wherein the first reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a first tension member and the second reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a second tension member, and wherein at least one of the first tension member and the second tension member has a distal end that terminates or is affixed to the footwear.

31. The footwear closure system of claim 27, wherein the first reel based closure device has a different torque output than the second reel based closure device.

32. The footwear closure system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of reel based closure devices includes a first reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, a second reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the mid-portion portion, and a third reel based closure device that is configured to effect closure or tightening of the lower portion.

33. The footwear closure system of claim 26, wherein the footwear is a snowboard boot.

34. A footwear closure system comprising:

a footwear including: an upper portion; a lower portion; and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion; and

at least one reel based closure device coupled with the footwear;

wherein the at least one reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear.

35. The footwear closure system of claim 34, wherein the at least one reel based closure device consists of a single reel based closure device.

36. The footwear closure system of claim 35, wherein the single reel based closure device is coupled with the upper portion of the footwear.

37. The footwear closure system of claim 35, wherein the single reel based closure device is operationally coupled with a tension member, wherein the tension member is coupled with at least one strap positioned in the upper portion, the mid-portion, or the lower portion of the footwear, and wherein the tension member is also coupled with at least one panel positioned in the upper portion, the mid-portion, or the lower portion of the footwear.

38. The footwear closure system of claim 34, wherein the at least one reel based closure device consists of a first reel based closure device and a second reel based closure device.

39. The footwear closure system of claim 38, wherein the first reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion and the second reel based closure device is configured to effect closure or tightening of the other two of the upper portion, the lower portion, or the mid-portion.

40. The footwear closure system of claim 34, wherein the footwear is a snowboard boot.