The Lace Ratchet System (LRS) is a parallel configuration of two Lace Ratchet Devices (LRD) which facilitate two laces fastening. The LRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active state the device works as unidirectional lace ratchet allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but restricting any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive state by manually releasing a latch. Each LRD has a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel with a sharp metallic front end. A resilient plate serves as preloaded spring that keeps the LRD in active position when the spring is not released. The LRD's smooth front end side and smooth channels' floors minimize lace wear. The LRS can be coupled with a clamp which clamps the laces' front ends to prevent dangling. The entire LRS except the blades is made of plastic.

The Lace Ratchet System (LRS) is a parallel configuration of two Lace Ratchet Devices (LRD) which facilitate two laces fastening. The LRD has two states: “active” and “inactive”. In the active state the device works as unidirectional lace ratchet allowing the lace to be pulled forwards but restricting any lace motion backwards. After fastening the lace remains fastened until the LRD is switched into inactive state by manually releasing a latch. Each LRD has a turning gate rotatably installed diagonally in a channel with a sharp metallic front end. A resilient plate serves as preloaded spring that keeps the LRD in active position when the spring is not released. The LRD's smooth front end side and smooth channels' floors minimize lace wear. The LRS can be coupled with a clamp which clamps the laces' front ends to prevent dangling. The entire LRS except the blades is made of plastic.

A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.

A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a spool system that can be engaged or disengaged from a driveshaft through the use of a cam device. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensile element.

Various example garments, footwear articles and bags may include a closable circumference or waist or foot opening. The circumference closing system may utilize at least one constrict-able tubular length to releasably retain a selected size of the closable circumference or opening.

A lace adjuster for selectively adjusting and securing a shoelace of a shoe, the shoelace including a first lace end and a second lace end, includes an adjuster body, and a lace end retainer. The lace end retainer is coupled to the adjuster body. The lace end retainer is configured to receive and retain the first lace end and/or the second lace end between the lace end retainer and a surface of the adjuster body. The first lace end and/or the second lace end of the shoelace is thus inhibited from being moved relative to the lace end retainer and the adjuster body when retained by the lace end retainer by a force generated by a contact pressure of the lace end retainer against the surface of the adjuster body. The lace end retainer can be formed from a resilient material.

A lace adjuster for selectively adjusting and securing a shoelace of a shoe, the shoelace including a first lace end and a second lace end, includes an adjuster body, and a lace end retainer. The lace end retainer is coupled to the adjuster body. The lace end retainer is configured to receive and retain the first lace end and/or the second lace end between the lace end retainer and a surface of the adjuster body. The first lace end and/or the second lace end of the shoelace is thus inhibited from being moved relative to the lace end retainer and the adjuster body when retained by the lace end retainer by a force generated by a contact pressure of the lace end retainer against the surface of the adjuster body. The lace end retainer can be formed from a resilient material.

A fastening device including a case unit and a spool is provided. The case unit includes a wall forming a receiving space, an upper opening communicated with the receiving space, and a lower opening opposite to the upper opening and communicated with the receiving space. The spool is within the receiving space. The spool is limited by the wall, and the wall prohibits the spool from leaving the receiving space from the upper opening.

A fastening device including a case unit and a spool is provided. The case unit includes a wall forming a receiving space, an upper opening communicated with the receiving space, and a lower opening opposite to the upper opening and communicated with the receiving space. The spool is within the receiving space. The spool is limited by the wall, and the wall prohibits the spool from leaving the receiving space from the upper opening.

A rope adjusting device, including an adjusting piece, a mounting base, and a rope winder configured to wind a rope. The adjusting piece is rotatably connected to the mounting base. The adjusting piece includes a driving portion and a linking portion which are fixed with respect to each other and coaxially provided. A rotation limiting portion corresponding to the linking portion and configured to limit the rotating direction of the linking portion is provided on the mounting base. The rope winder is rotatably connected to the mounting base. A driven portion in transmission connection with the driving portion is provided on the rope winder. The rotating axis of the driving portion and the rotating axis of the driven portion are collinear. Also provided is an article having the rope adjusting device.