A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

The invention relates to a closure buckle for closing a ski boot, which buckle comprises a main lever (2) hinged to a base (1) and having a longitudinal notch (20) in which a tie rod (3) is mounted that is connected to a fastener hook and that has an end carrying an auxiliary lever (4), said buckle being characterized in that the main lever (2) is provided with a protective plate (21) laterally defining a housing (24) for receiving the auxiliary lever (4), and the invention also relates to a downhill ski boot equipped with such buckles.

A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel that includes a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing.

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.

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

An exemplary embodiment provides for a conversion kit for a shoe, changing the configuration from lace to strap configuration, wherein the kit contains a strap with hook and loop material attached to the shoe through a shoe lace aperture, a loop piece attached to the shoe through a shoe lace aperture where the strap passes through the loop piece and is pulled taught to secure the shoe to the wearers' foot.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a structure for attaching a shoelace winding apparatus in which a shoelace winding apparatus can be easily and firmly attached to a shoe and can be stably operated, and maintenance, such as the replacement of parts, is also easy. The present invention pertains to a structure for attaching a shoelace winding apparatus (1). The structure is provided with: a reel (4) that winds a shoelace by being rotated by an operation handle (6); a ratchet pawl (51) that limits rotation of the reel (4); and a base member (3) including a substantially cylindrical body (31), which has one closed end and accommodates the reel (4). The base member has an inner circumferential surface including an annular gear (34) with teeth that engages with the ratchet pawl (51). The structure for attaching a shoelace winding apparatus (1) includes a base-member attachment cover (9). and a flange portion (92). The cover (9) includes a substantially cylindrical cover portion (91) with a closed end. The cover portion (91) is allowed to secure the base member such that the base member is directly attachable and detachable from an outside of an upper section and held in the cover portion (91). The flange portion (92) protrudes from the circumference of the cover portion (91) and conforms to the shape of the shoe.