According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.

A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear, A charging system may include a charging unit with one or more components configured for use with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. The components can be magnetically joined to the article in some cases. Upon connection with a power source, the article may be configured to unlace automatically. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in an automated tensioning system.

A tensioning system for use with an article of footwear includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly may include a first disc and a second disc connected by a central shaft. A tensioning element can be engaged around the central shaft. A ring element can be used to prevent the tensioning element from disengaging the pulley when there is slack in the tensioning element. The tensioning element may provide support to various regions of the article of footwear or may be used to close the throat of the article of footwear.

According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.

An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface.

A ratchet bucket having a first reel member rotatably connected to a frame having a pair of arms. A lever is rotatably connected to the frame at a first end of the lever. A second reel member and a crank are rotatably connected to a second end of the lever.

A shoe fastening system comprises a body extending between first and second ends. Fastening members releasably engage each end permitting the engagement of one or more eyelets on a shoe. The first fastening member is defined by a first hook having a clip that is biased toward the body. The second fastening member is defined by a second hook. The hook and clip are adapted to engage eyelet openings of the shoe. A method for fastening a shoe comprises providing shoe fastening devices, positioning each device to engage the eyelets, and adjusting each device to retain facings on the shoe.

Selectively attachable, dynamic, and multi-functional shoe straps. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a shoe strap device that is selectively attachable to a shoe, secures a user's foot to the shoe, provides comfort to the user, releases stress of the user's foot, and prevents the shoe from slipping off the user's foot while walking.

Selectively attachable, dynamic, and multi-functional shoe straps. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a shoe strap device that is selectively attachable to a shoe, secures a user's foot to the shoe, provides comfort to the user, releases stress of the user's foot, and prevents the shoe from slipping off the user's foot while walking.