U.S. patent application number 14/729986 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for single-reel zonal lacing system for winter sports boots.
This patent application is currently assigned to K-2 CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is K-2 Corporation. Invention is credited to Treu M. Hahnenberger, William B. Hall, Devin Paschke.
Application Number | 20150342302 14/729986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53269401 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150342302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hahnenberger; Treu M. ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
SINGLE-REEL ZONAL LACING SYSTEM FOR WINTER SPORTS BOOTS
Abstract
A single-reel zonal lacing system comprises a reel mechanism
fixed to the upper, for example, the cuff or the tongue, and a
separate cable for each zone. In a two-zone embodiment, a first
cable engages the reel and extends across the elongate opening at
least twice, and engages a multi-position retainer at an
intermediate location. A second cable engages the reel and also
extends across the elongate opening in at least two places. The
cables are configured to be tensioned by the reel mechanism, and
the effective length of the first cable is determined in part by
the selected engagement position on the multi-position retainer,
such that the relative tension in two zones may be adjusted. In one
embodiment, only one end of the cables engage the reel mechanism,
and the opposite end is anchored to the upper. In another
embodiment, both ends of the cables engage the reel mechanism.
Inventors: |
Hahnenberger; Treu M.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Hall; William B.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Paschke; Devin; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K-2 Corporation |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
K-2 CORPORATION
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
53269401 |
Appl. No.: |
14/729986 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62007047 |
Jun 3, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/68SK |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/165 20130101;
A43C 1/06 20130101; Y10T 24/2183 20150115; A43C 1/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 1/00 20060101
A43C001/00; A43C 1/06 20060101 A43C001/06 |
Claims
1. A single-reel zonal lacing system for a sports boot having an
upper comprising a foot portion, a cuff, and a tongue disposed in
an elongate opening defined by the upper, the lacing system
comprising: a reel mechanism attached to the upper; a first
multi-position retainer fixed to the upper; a first cable having a
proximal end attached to the reel mechanism such that the reel
mechanism is operable to adjust the tension in the first cable, and
an intermediate portion configured to engage the first
multi-position retainer at any one of a plurality of
user-selectable positions; a second cable having a proximal end
attached to the reel mechanism such that the reel mechanism is
operable to adjust the tension in the second cable; wherein the
first cable extends across a first portion of the elongate opening
and engages the upper such that tensioning the first cable with the
reel mechanism urges the first portion of the elongate opening
towards a closed position; and wherein the second cable extends
across a second portion of the elongate opening and engages the
upper such that tensioning the second cable with the reel mechanism
urges the second portion of the elongate opening towards the closed
position.
2. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first portion of the elongate opening is in the foot portion of the
upper, and the second portion of the elongate opening is in the
cuff of the upper.
3. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first cable has a distal end that is anchored to the upper away
from the reel mechanism.
4. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first cable has a distal end that is attached to the reel
mechanism.
5. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first multi-position retainer comprises a rack having a plurality
of shaped posts.
6. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 5, wherein the
first cable further comprises an engagement tab that is configured
to selectably engage any one of the plurality of shaped posts.
7. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first multi-position retainer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart
retainers.
8. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, further
comprising a second multi-position retainer that is fixed to the
upper opposite the first multi-position retainer.
9. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first cable has a distal end anchored to the upper on a first side
of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a
first time, slidably engage a guide fixed to the upper on the
second side of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate
opening a second time, engages the multi-position retainer on the
first side of the elongate opening.
10. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
first cable has a distal end that engages the reel mechanism,
extends from the distal end to selectively engage a first
multi-position retainer on a first side of the elongate opening,
extends across the elongate opening a first time, slidably engages
a first guide on a second side of the elongate opening, extends
across the elongate opening a second time, engages a second guide
on the first side of the elongate opening; extends across the
elongate opening a third time, and engages a second multi-position
retainer on the second side of the elongate opening.
11. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
reel mechanism is fixed to the cuff.
12. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, wherein the
reel mechanism is fixed to the tongue.
13. The single-reel zonal lacing system of claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of lace keepers fixed to the tongue.
14. A sports boot comprising: a sole fixed to an upper comprising a
foot portion, a cuff, and a tongue disposed along an elongate
opening defined by the upper; a single-reel zonal lacing system
fixed to the upper the zonal lacing system comprising: a locking
reel mechanism; a first multi-position retainer fixed to the upper
on a first side of the elongate opening; a first cable having a
first portion reelably attached to the locking reel mechanism such
that the locking reel mechanism is configured to reel in the first
cable to change an operable length of the first cable, and a second
portion configured to engage the first multi-position retainer at
any one of a plurality of user-selectable positions; a second cable
having a first portion reelably attached to the locking reel
mechanism such that the locking reel mechanism is configured to
reel in the second cable to change an operable length of the second
cable; wherein the first cable extends across a first portion of
the elongate opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the
first cable with the locking reel mechanism urges the first portion
of the elongate opening towards a closed position; and wherein the
second cable extends across a second portion of the elongate
opening and engages the upper such that tensioning the second cable
with the locking reel mechanism urges the second portion of the
elongate opening towards the closed position.
15. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the
elongate opening is in the foot portion of the upper.
16. The sports boot of claim 15, wherein the second portion of the
elongate opening is in the cuff of the upper.
17. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first cable has a
distal end that is anchored to the upper away from the reel
mechanism.
18. The sport boot of claim 14, wherein the first cable has a
distal end that is attached to the reel mechanism.
19. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first multi-position
retainer comprises a rack having a plurality of shaped posts.
20. The sports boot of claim 14, wherein the first multi-position
retainer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.
21. The sports boot of claim 20, further comprising a second
multi-position retainer that is fixed to the upper opposite the
first multi-position retainer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional
Application No. 62/007,047, filed Jun. 3, 2014, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The construction of sports boots, and, in particular, boots
for winter sports, has been evolving over time. Sports boots often
present a large number of competing objectives that a designer must
consider. Low weight, comfort, responsiveness, ease of
entry/egress, durability, and ruggedness are all priorities. Sports
boots are typically worn and actively in use for extended periods,
requiring that the boots be comfortable. However, in many
applications and especially in boots for snow/winter sports, the
boots must also be responsive to the user, and configured such that
attached sports equipment, for example, skis, snowboards, and the
like, can be readily and precisely controlled. Also, because sports
boots are typically subjected to rigorous usage and difficult
environments, it is important that they be constructed ruggedly and
for endurance.
[0003] Sports boots are typically secured to the user with a lacing
or cable system. A typical cable system, for example, utilizes a
cable that is slidably disposed through rigid cable keepers
installed on either side of the boot elongate opening, and
optionally through guides installed on the boot tongue. A
tightening mechanism having a spool is attached to the boot, for
example, on the tongue or ankle portion of the upper, and the cable
is attached to the spool to permit ready tightening and loosening
of the cable. The tightening mechanism is located on a portion of
the boot that can be easily accessed by the user. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,934,599, to Hammerslag, which is hereby incorporated by
reference, discloses a cable-type lacing system wherein the
tightening mechanism is externally disposed on the back of the boot
upper. Another particular embodiment of a spooling cable-type
lacing system with a snow sports boot is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,386,947, to Martin et al., which is hereby incorporated by
reference. Such systems, however, require a suitable external
surface for mounting the tightening mechanism.
[0004] The boot elongate opening typically extends along most of
the length of the boot from near the toe end of the boot, over the
user's instep, and then curves upwardly along the user's ankle and
lower tibia. The lacing system, therefore, secures and tightens the
lower portion of the boot over the user's foot, and also secures
and tightens the cuff of the boot over the user's ankle. Often,
however, the user may wish to control the tension of the lacing
system over the foot independently of the tension in the boot cuff.
Such zonal tightening would allow the user, for example, to
selectively apply a very close fitting around the upper ankle to
improve board control and responsiveness, without the lower portion
of the boot being uncomfortable, and then adjusting the tightness
of one zone to accommodate, for example, climbing activities.
[0005] Independent lacing systems, including multiple cable systems
with separate reels, have been proposed. In U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2012/0029404, to Weaver, II et al., disclose an
ankle brace having two separate reel-type cable lacing systems, the
first controlling the tightness around the user's foot, and the
second independently controlling the tightness around the user's
ankle However, such solutions are bulky, expensive, and introduce
additional failure modes.
[0006] Sports boots are typically worn for extended periods and are
subject to vigorous use by the user. It is important to improve the
comfort and responsiveness of the boot, both to enable the user to
continue for extended periods, and to optimize performance in a
competitive environment.
SUMMARY
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0008] A single-reel zonal lacing system includes a reel mechanism
that is attached to a boot upper, a first multi-position retainer
also fixed to the upper, a first cable having a proximal end
operably connected to the reel mechanism, and a second cable also
operably connected to the reel mechanism. The first cable extends
across a first portion of the elongate entry opening of the boot
upper, and engages the multi-position retainer at a selectable
position, to adjust the operable length of the first cable. The
second cable extends across a second portion of the elongate
opening. The first and second cables are configured such that
tensioning the cables with the reel mechanism will urge the
corresponding portions of the elongate opening towards a closed
position. The relative tension between the two cables is controlled
by the selected position on the multi-position retainer.
[0009] In an embodiment, the first portion of the elongate opening
is in the foot portion of the upper and the second portion of the
elongate opening is in the cuff of the upper.
[0010] In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that is
anchored to the upper at a location away from the reel
mechanism.
[0011] In another embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that
is operably attached to the reel mechanism.
[0012] In an embodiment, the multi-position retainer comprises a
rack having a plurality of shaped posts, and the first cable
further includes an engagement tab that is configured to engage any
one of the shaped posts.
[0013] In another embodiment, the multi-position retainer comprises
a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.
[0014] In an embodiment, a second multi-position retainer is fixed
to the upper at a position opposite the first multi-position
retainer, and configured to be selectably engaged by the first
cable.
[0015] In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end anchored
to the upper on a first side of the elongate opening, and extends
across the elongate opening a first time, slidably engages a guide
fixed to the upper on the second side of the elongate opening,
extends across the elongate opening a second time, and engages the
multi-position retainer on the first side of the elongate
opening.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that
engages the reel mechanism, and extends from the distal end to
selectively engage a first multi-position retainer on a first side
of the elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a
first time, slidably engages a first guide on a second side of the
elongate opening, extends across the elongate opening a second
time, engages a second guide on the first side of the elongate
opening; extends across the elongate opening a third time, and
engages a second multi-position retainer on the second side of the
elongate opening.
[0017] In an embodiment, the reel mechanism is fixed to the cuff or
to the tongue of the upper.
[0018] A sports boot comprises an upper having a foot portion, a
cuff, an elongate opening, a tongue, and a single-reel zonal lacing
system fixed to the upper. The zonal lacing system comprises a
locking reel mechanism, a first multi-position retainer fixed to
the upper on a first side of the elongate opening, a first cable
having a first portion reelably attached to the locking reel
mechanism such that the locking reel mechanism is configured to
reel in the first cable to change an operable length of the first
cable, and a second portion configured to engage the first
multi-position retainer at any one of a plurality of
user-selectable positions, and a second cable having a first
portion reelably attached to the locking reel mechanism such that
the locking reel mechanism is configured to reel in the second
cable to change an operable length of the second cable. The first
cable extends across a first portion of the elongate opening and
engages the upper such that tensioning the first cable with the
locking reel mechanism urges the first portion of the elongate
opening towards a closed position, and the second cable extends
across a second portion of the elongate opening and engages the
upper such that tensioning the second cable with the locking reel
mechanism urges the second portion of the elongate opening towards
the closed position.
[0019] In an embodiment, the first portion of the elongate opening
is in the foot portion of the upper.
[0020] In an embodiment, the second portion of the elongate opening
is in the cuff of the upper.
[0021] In an embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that is
anchored to the upper away from the reel mechanism.
[0022] In another embodiment, the first cable has a distal end that
is attached to the reel mechanism.
[0023] In an embodiment, the first multi-position retainer
comprises a rack having a plurality of shaped posts.
[0024] In another embodiment, the first multi-position retainer
comprises a plurality of spaced-apart retainers.
[0025] In an embodiment, a second multi-position retainer is fixed
to the upper opposite the first multi-position retainer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front-left perspective view of a winter sports
boot having a single-reel zonal tightening system in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front-right perspective view of the boot shown
in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a detail view showing an embodiment of an
adjustable secondary latch assembly for the boot shown in FIG.
1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the zonal lacing
system for the boot shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
winter sports boot having a single-reel zonal tightening system in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the zonal lacing
system for the boot shown in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] A front-left perspective view of a winter sports boot 100
with a single-reel zonal tightening system 110, in accordance with
the present invention, is shown in FIG. 1. The boot includes a sole
102 secured to an upper 104 having an elongate opening 106
extending from the toe portion of the boot 100 to the upper end of
the cuff 108. A boot tongue 109 is disposed along the elongate
opening 106. A front-right perspective view of the boot 100 is
shown in FIG. 2.
[0034] In this embodiment, the zonal tightening system 110 includes
a reel mechanism 120 (FIG. 2) attached to the boot cuff 108 that
engages a first cable 130 and also engages a separate second cable
140. A plurality of optional lace keepers 112 are fixed to the
tongue (four shown), for positioning and guiding the cables 130,
140. An end keeper 113 may also be provided to engage the first
cable 130. Lace guides 107, which are well-known in the art, are
integrated into the upper 104 to guide and facilitate sliding of
the cables 130, 140.
[0035] The first cable 130 has an anchored end 132 secured near the
toe end of the upper 104. The anchored end 132 may be constructed
in any conventional manner. For example, the first cable 130 may
extend through a guide that is fixed to the upper 104, and be
provided with an enlarged end to prevent the cable 130 from being
pulled through the guide. Alternatively, a rivet or other fastening
device may secure the distal end of the cable 130 to the upper 104.
Other securement means are known in the art, for example a wired,
stapled, soldered, or otherwise coated end.
[0036] The first cable 130 extends from the anchored end 132
crossing the elongate opening 106, passing through the end keeper
113 to a guide 107 fixed in the upper 104 along the lower end of
the elongate opening 106. The first cable 130 exits the other end
of the guide 107 disposed a distance toward the cuff 108 and
crosses the elongate opening 106 again, passing through a lace
keeper 112 secured to the tongue 109. The first cable may
optionally be configured to cross the elongate opening one or more
additional times. The first cable 130 continues through another
lace guide 107 that guides the cable 130 towards a retaining rack
150 secured to the upper 104. An engagement tab 134 attached to the
first cable 130 is configured to engage the retaining rack 150 at a
selectable position, as described in more detail below (and shown
in FIG. 3).
[0037] The first cable 130 then extends across the elongate opening
106 again, passing through another keeper 112, and enters a guide
107 that directs the first cable 130 towards the reel mechanism 120
(seen most clearly in FIG. 2). The first cable 130 engages the reel
mechanism 120, which is configured to allow the user to reel in the
first cable 130, thereby adjusting the effective length of the
first cable 130 (and therefore the tension in the first cable 130).
The user selectively locks the reel mechanism 120 to retain the
first cable 130 at a desired position, in the conventional
manner.
[0038] The second cable 140 also includes an anchored end 142,
which in this embodiment is near the top-right side of the elongate
opening 106, such that the anchored end 142 is attached to the cuff
108. The second cable 140 extends across the elongate opening 106,
passing through a keeper 112, and enters a guide 107 on the
opposite side of the elongate opening 106. The second cable 140
continues through a guide 107 and extends across the elongate
opening 106 a second time, passing through another keeper 112. The
second cable 140 (and upper) may be configured such that the second
cable 140 extends across the elongate opening 106 one or more
additional times. The second cable 140 then enters a guide 107 that
guides the second cable 140 towards the reel mechanism 120 (see
FIG. 2). The second cable 140 operably engages the reel mechanism
120.
[0039] Therefore, one end of each cable 130, 140 is operably
connected to the reel mechanism 120. The cables 130, 140 may
therefore be tensioned simultaneously using the single-reel
mechanism 120. However, the path length of the first cable 130 is
independently selectable by the user by the selective placement of
the engagement tab 134 in the rack 150.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the boot 100, showing the
rack 150 mounted to the upper 104. The rack 150 in this embodiment
includes a mounting flange 154 for mounting the rack 150 to the
upper 104. The rack 150 may be mounted by stitching, adhesive,
rivets, or the like, including combinations of fastening means. The
rack 150 includes a plurality of spaced-apart shaped posts 152
(three shown) that are shaped and positioned to receive and
releasably retain the engagement tab 134 fixed to the first cable
130. Although three posts 152 are shown, it is contemplated that
more or fewer than three posts 152 may be provided. The user,
therefore, simply grasps the engagement tab 134 and positions it to
engage the desired post 152.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates the zonal tightening system 110
schematically. The first zone in this embodiment secures the foot
portion of the upper 104. It includes the first cable 130 that is
retained by the anchored end 132, and extends across the elongate
opening 106 multiple times. The first cable 130 includes an
engagement tab 134 that engages the rack 150. The proximal end of
the first cable 130 extends into the reel mechanism 120.
[0042] The second zone in this embodiment secures the cuff 108. It
includes the second cable 140 that is retained by the anchored end
142 and extends across the elongate opening 106 multiple times. The
distal end of the second cable 140 engages the same reel mechanism
120 as the first cable 130.
[0043] The reel mechanism 120 acts on both cables 130, 140, and is
configured such that the reel mechanism 120 reels in both cables
simultaneously, thereby simultaneously tensioning both cables 130,
140. The reel mechanism 120 is then locked in position thereby
retaining both cables 130 at the desired tension or length.
[0044] Prior to tightening the reel mechanism 120, the user
positions the engagement tab 134 to engage any one of the plurality
of posts 152. It will be clear that the relative tension in the
first and second cables 130, 140 depends on which of the plurality
of posts 152 is engaged by the engagement tab 134. For example, if
the tab 134 engages the most distal post 152 of the rack 150 (i.e.,
such that the second cable 130 has a relatively long path length)
then when the user tensions the cables 130, 140 with the reel
mechanism 120, the tension in the first cable 130 will be higher
than if the user positions the tab 134 to engage a more proximal
post 152. Therefore, the user can independently control the
relative tension between the two zones using a single-reel
mechanism 120 system.
[0045] In another similar embodiment (not shown) the distal end of
either the first or second cable 130, 140 is provided with the
engagement tab. The engagement tab may comprise a ball, cylinder,
or similar engagement piece. A rack having multiple engagement
portions configured to receive the engagement tab is secured to the
upper in a position to selectively receive the engagement tab. In
this alternative embodiment, rather than securing the cable at an
intermediate location along the cable, as illustrated in the first
embodiment 110 above, the user selectively positions the engagement
tab at the distal end of the cable to adjust the relative tension
between the first and second cables 130, 140.
[0046] Another embodiment of a single-reel zonal lacing system 210,
in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in FIGS. 5
and 6. FIG. 5 shows a front-left perspective view of a winter
sports boot 200 having a single-reel zonal lacing system 210. The
boot 200 includes a sole 202 secured to an upper 204. The upper 204
has an elongate opening 206 extending from a toe portion of the
boot 200 to the upper end of the cuff 208. A tongue 209 is disposed
along the elongate opening 206.
[0047] In this embodiment, the zonal tightening system 210 includes
a reel mechanism 220 that is attached to the tongue 209. The reel
mechanism 220 engages a first cable 230 and a second cable 240. In
this embodiment, both ends of the cables 230, 240 engage the reel
mechanism 220, as discussed below. See also FIG. 6 which
illustrates schematically the zonal tightening system 210.
[0048] The first cable 230 has a first end 231 that is attached to
the reel mechanism 220, and extends downwardly through a first lace
keeper 212. A second portion 232 of the cable 230 extends outwardly
(to the left, in FIG. 5) to selectively engage one of a first
plurality of spaced-apart retaining members 250 fixed to the upper
204. The retaining members 250 comprise an outwardly facing channel
that is sized to receive and retain the first cable 230. A pliable
grip, for example, a fabric tab 236, is slidably disposed on the
second portion 232 to facilitate positioning the cable 230 on the
desired retaining member 250.
[0049] The first cable 230 continues across the elongate opening
206 passing through a second keeper 213, and through a guide 214
fixed to the upper 204. A third portion 233 of the first cable 230
extends across the elongate opening 206 at a location near the
toe-end of the elongate opening 206 and passes through another
guide 214 (FIG. 6), exiting the guide 214 at a location closer to
the cuff 208. The first cable 230 crosses the elongate opening 206
again, passing through the second keeper 213. A fourth portion 234
of the second cable 230 engage spaced-apart retaining members 250
disposed on the opposite side of the upper 204 (FIG. 6), and then
passes through the first keeper 212. The second end 235 of the
first cable 230 extends upwardly to engage the reel mechanism
220.
[0050] The second cable 240 in this embodiment is configured to
secure the cuff 208 of the boot 200. The second cable 240 includes
a first end 241 that engages the reel mechanism 220, and extends
outwardly to engage a guide 214 (FIG. 6), which is fixed to the
upper 204. The second cable 240 exits the guide 214 at a lower
position, and extends across the elongate opening 206, passing
through the first keeper 212. The second cable 240 passes through a
guide 214 on the opposite side of the elongate opening 206. A
second end 245 of the cable 240 engages the reel mechanism 220.
[0051] Therefore, when the reel mechanism 220 is rotated to tighten
the cables 230, 240, both ends of the first cable 230, and both
ends 241, 245 of the second cable 240 are reeled in, tensioning the
cables 230, 240. However, the relative tension between the two
cables will be adjustable by the user, by selecting which of the
retaining members 250 (on each side) to engage with the second
portion 232 and fourth portion 234 of the first cable 230.
[0052] Therefore, the single-reel zonal tightening systems 110, 210
disclosed herein allow the user to control the tension in two
different zones of the boot 100, 200 independently, using a
single-reel mechanism 120, 220 system. The single-reel system is
easier to operate than multiple-reel systems, is less expensive and
easier to assemble, and is more reliable because it does not
require multiple reels.
[0053] To use the single-reel zonal lacing systems 110, 210
described above, the user simply puts on the boot 100, 200,
positions the first cable 130, 230 in a desired position on the
retainer, e.g., the retaining rack 150 or retaining member 250, and
tightens the cables with the reel mechanism 120, 220. The relative
tension in the two zones is determined by the selected position on
the multi-position retainer 150, 250, and the absolute tension is
adjustable in the usual manner with the reel mechanism 220. If the
user desires to change the relative tension in the zones, for
example, if the user is switching between different activities, the
user releases the tension in the cables in the usual manner,
repositions the first cable about the multi-position retainer, and
re-tensions the cables using the reel mechanism 220.
[0054] Although the currently preferred embodiments have been
disclosed, it will be apparent to persons of skill in the art that
the present invention may be implemented in a variety of ways. For
example, the retaining rack and/or retaining members may be
implemented using other known mechanisms for selectively retaining
a member in different positions, for example, a channel and slide
mechanism, snaps or hooks, buckles, or the like.
[0055] It is contemplated that more than two zones may be
differentially tensioned with a single-reel system by using a
separate cable for each zone, and at least one multi-position
retainer for each additional zone. It will also be appreciated that
the zones do not need to be contiguous. For example, the cables may
be configured such that the first zone comprises the center portion
of the elongate opening, and the second zone comprises the
uppermost and lowermost portions of the elongate opening.
[0056] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *