An apparatus for convenient tightening and loosening of strings such as those found in shoelaces of footwear is provided. The apparatus includes a rotating portion within a base portion. A cover portion, when operated in a first position, provides a ratchet movement that allows rotation in a tightening direction while preventing movement in a loosening direction. When the cover is moved to a second position, the ratchet mechanism disengages, and the strings can then be easily loosened.

An optical fiber distribution terminal assembly comprises a housing having a rear housing portion and a front housing portion moveable between an open position and a closed position defining an interior. The housing further defines at least one port for passage of a optical fiber distribution cable. A rotatable reel is located in the interior of the housing, the reel carrying a length of optical fiber distribution cable. A distribution module, also located in the housing, is operative to distribute source fibers of the optical fiber distribution cable to individual subscriber cables.

A reel chock is disclosed according to various embodiments. The reel chock can include a chock body that has a width that extends along a pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot plate attached to the chock body. The pivot plate can be transverse to the pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot arm that is rotatably connected to the pivot plate such that the pivot arm rotates about the pivot axis. The pivot arm can include a fastener portion that extends at least partially over the chock body.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for convenient tightening and loosening of strings such as those found in shoelaces of footwear. The apparatus includes a rotating portion within a base portion. A cover portion, when operated in a first position, provides a ratchet movement that allows rotation in a tightening direction while preventing movement in a loosening direction. When the cover is moved to a second position, the ratchet mechanism disengages, and the strings can then be easily loosened.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for convenient tightening and loosening of strings such as those found in shoelaces of footwear. The apparatus includes a rotating portion within a base portion. A cover portion, when operated in a first position, provides a ratchet movement that allows rotation in a tightening direction while preventing movement in a loosening direction. When the cover is moved to a second position, the ratchet mechanism disengages, and the strings can then be easily loosened.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for convenient tightening and loosening of strings such as those found in shoelaces of footwear. The apparatus includes a rotating portion within a base portion. A cover portion, when operated in a first position, provides a ratchet movement that allows rotation in a tightening direction while preventing movement in a loosening direction. When the cover is moved to a second position, the ratchet mechanism disengages, and the strings can then be easily loosened.

A reel chock is disclosed according to various embodiments. The reel chock can include a chock body that has a width that extends along a pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot plate attached to the chock body. The pivot plate can be transverse to the pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot arm that is rotatably connected to the pivot plate such that the pivot arm rotates about the pivot axis. The pivot arm can include a fastener portion that extends at least partially over the chock body.

A reel chock is disclosed according to various embodiments. The reel chock can include a chock body that has a width that extends along a pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot plate attached to the chock body. The pivot plate can be transverse to the pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot arm that is rotatably connected to the pivot plate such that the pivot arm rotates about the pivot axis. The pivot arm can include a fastener portion that extends at least partially over the chock body.

A reel chock is disclosed according to various embodiments. The reel chock can include a chock body that has a width that extends along a pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot plate attached to the chock body. The pivot plate can be transverse to the pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot arm that is rotatably connected to the pivot plate such that the pivot arm rotates about the pivot axis. The pivot arm can include a fastener portion that extends at least partially over the chock body.

A tightening system includes a housing and a spool situated within the housing. The spool is rotatable about an axis within the housing. An elongate tensioning element is rotatably linked to the spool and a tension control mechanism is operatively connected to the spool. The tension control mechanism is arranged to automatically move relative to the spool when tension in the tensioning element reaches a predetermined level, which, in turn, releases at least part of the tension in the tensioning element.