Closure devices including incremental release mechanisms and methods therefor
US11717056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/2183
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.