| 摘要 |
Disclosed is a tightening mechanism (1400) for use with a footwear lacing system. The tightening mechanism comprises: a lace (23), a housing (1460), a spool assembly (1480) including a spool (1482) having an annular groove (1483) and a separate main gear (1486) mechanically attached to the spool, the spool assembly being positioned within the inner cavity of the housing; a housing cover (1490) removably secured to the housing; and a rotatable knob assembly (1550) including a knob (1560) and a pinion gear (1552) having pinion gear teeth (1556) movable into or out of engagement with the main gear teeth (1496) by moving knob assembly (1550) along the axis of rotation (A) of the knob (1560) towards or away from housing assembly (1450). The spool assembly (1480) is off axis from the knob assembly (1550) to allow the tightening mechanism (1400) to maintain a low profile. In a disengaged state, the pinion gear (1552) is disengaged from the main gear (1486) to allow free rotation of the spool assembly (1480). The tightening mechanism (1400) allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace and also allows a user to quickly loosen the lace, whilst inhibiting unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace. |
