Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A plunger with interchangeable handle system for machine tools. The plunger includes a shank adapted to engage a machine tool and having a retractable plunger and a threaded adapter, the interchangeable handle system includes a plurality of knobs, each having a discrete shape differing from the others and a socket to receive the threaded adapter of the shank.

Abstract: A dial device includes a dial knob, which is located in a mount hole of a housing and rotatable integrally with a bumpy portion. A plunger as a bottomed hollow member has a tip end, which is configured to engage with the bumpy portion in conjunction with rotation of the dial knob. A coil spring is inserted in an opening rear end of the plunger. A support portion is located in a recess of the housing to support a rear end of the coil spring so as to compress the coil spring to resiliently bias the tip end of the plunger toward the bumpy portion. The plunger is rotatable around the support portion when the tip end is inserted from an outside of the recess into the recess without causing interference between the support portion with the rear end of the plunger.

Abstract: A dial knob of a washing machine is provided. In the dial knob, a dial is inserted into a center part of a knob guard, and a periphery edge of the knob is formed to be lustrous. A lamp window body is securely attached on a rear surface of the knob guard. The knob guard is formed of an aluminum material. Thereafter, a front surface of the knob guard is formed to be lusterless and an edge of the front surface is formed to be lustrous. Finally, the dial is connected to the lamp window body.

Abstract: A button, knob or control key with an etchable support plate which is engraved on the backside with a fine symbol by laser, erosion or mechanical engraving, which only cuts into the material of the support plate, but not through the support plate. The backside of the support plate is optionally coated. A foil is applied on the laminated layer and affixed thereto. The front side of the support plate is treated with a material-removing substance. The material removal with the material-removing substance is performed until the engraving extending into the support plate is at least partially or completely exposed on the front side. Application of a protective layer to the front side of the support plate from which the material was removed. A function symbol is provided on the button such that it can be backlit. It is engraved in a fine line width providing a sharp optical definition erosion, mechanical engraving.

Abstract: An appliance knob has a polymeric body, which is molded, and a metal cup, which is made by stamping and drawing a metal sheet or a metal strip. The polymeric body has a central boss, which has an end face, a cylindrical wall, and an annular recess encompassing the central boss and having an annular floor. The cylindrical wall adjoins the annular floor. The metal cup, which is adapted to fit over the central boss, has a circular plate covering the end face top of the central boss and a cylindrical skirt encompassing the cylindrical wall of the central boss. The cylindrical skirt is unitary with the circular plate. The metal cup is secured to the polymeric body via two unitary tabs, which project through associated slots in the annular floor and coact with the polymeric body, as well as adhesively.

Abstract: An appliance knob has a polymeric body, which is molded, and a metal cup, which is made by stamping and drawing a metal sheet or a metal strip. The polymeric body has a central boss, which has an end face, a cylindrical wall, and an annular recess encompassing the central boss and having an annular floor. The cylindrical wall adjoins the annular floor. The metal cup, which is adapted to fit over the central boss, has a circular plate covering the end face top of the central boss and a cylindrical skirt encompassing the cylindrical wall of the central boss. The cylindrical skirt is unitary with the circular plate. The metal cup is secured to the polymeric body via two unitary tabs, which project through associated slots in the annular floor and coact with the polymeric body, as well as adhesively.