Methods and devices for retrofitting footwear to include a reel based closure system

摘要

According to one embodiment, a removable tightening device is described. The tensioning mechanism is removably coupleable with an article without damaging the article so that upon removal, the coupling of the tensioning mechanism with the article is unrecognizable or not readily detectable. The tensioning mechanism is operable with a tension member to maintain a tension of the tension member and thereby maintain a tightness of the article. The tension member is guided along a path about the article, via one or more guide members, and is tensionable, via the tensioning mechanism, to tighten the article.

主权项

1. A lacing system comprising:
a first guide member positionable on a first side of a footwear; a second guide member positionable on a second side of the footwear opposite the first side; a tension member guided by the first guide member and the second guide member along a path about the footwear, the tension member being tensionable so as to tighten the footwear about a foot; and a tensioning mechanism coupleable with the footwear and removable therefrom, the tensioning mechanism being operable with the tension member to maintain a tension of the tension member and thereby maintain a tightness of the footwear about the foot; wherein the tensioning mechanism is coupled with a first end of an elongate panel member that is positionable along a tongue of the footwear between opposing sides of the footwear; and wherein a second end of the elongate panel member includes a support member that extends roughly orthogonally therefrom, the support member being coupleable with the opposing sides of the footwear to stabilize the elongate panel member about the tongue.