Reel based closure devices for tightening a ski boot

A method of making a ski boot, the method comprising:

• providing a ski boot comprising:
• a lower shell that is configured to couple with a ski binding, the lower shell being configured to accommodate a user's foot, the lower shell including a lower panel that extends from a first side of the lower shell and at least partially over an upper portion of the lower shell toward a second side of the lower shell;
• and
• an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell, the upper cuff being configured to accommodate a user's lower leg;
• coupling a first tightening system with the second side of the lower shell, the first tightening system including:
• a first reel based closure device;
• a first tension member operably coupled with the first reel based closure device so that an operation of the first reel based closure device effects tightening of the first tension member;
• and
• a plurality of first guide members that are positioned about the lower shell to route or direct the first tension member along a path about the lower shell;
• and
• attaching one or more guide members of the plurality of first guide members to the lower panel;
• coupling a second tightening system with the upper cuff, the second tightening system including:
• a second reel based closure device;
• a second tension member operably coupled with the second reel based closure device so that an operation of the second reel based closure device effects tightening of the second tension member;
• and
• a plurality of second guide members that are positioned about the upper cuff to route or direct the second tension member along a path about the upper cuff;
• wherein the first tightening system and the second tightening system are operable independently of each other so as to independently and differentially tightening the lower shell and the upper cuff;
• wherein the second reel based closure device is centrally positioned between a pair of guide members of the plurality of second guide members;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first reel based closure device or the second reel based closure device is releasable from a base member attached to the lower shell or upper cuff to enable detachment of the first reel based closure device or the second reel based closure device from the ski boot.

A ski boot comprising:

• a rigid exterior shell comprising:
• a lower shell that is configured to couple with a ski binding, the lower shell being configured to accommodate a foot;
• an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell, the upper cuff being configured to accommodate a lower leg;
• a first tightening system coupled with the lower shell, the first tightening system including:
• a first reel based closure device;
• a first tension member operably coupled with the first reel based closure device;
• and
• a plurality of first guide members that are positioned about the lower shell to route or direct the first tension member along a path about the lower shell;
• and
• a second tightening system coupled with the upper cuff, the second tightening system including:
• a second reel based closure device;
• a second tension member operably coupled with the second reel based closure device;
• and
• a plurality of second guide members that are positioned about the upper cuff to route or direct the second tension member along a path about the upper cuff,
• wherein the first tightening system and the second tightening system are operable independently of each other so as to independently and differentially tightening the lower shell and the upper cuff;
• and
• wherein the second reel based closure device is centrally positioned between a pair of guide members of the plurality of second guide members.