Modular spool for automated footwear platform
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsSummer L. Schneider, Narissa Chang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A footwear lacing apparatus can comprise a housing structure, a modular spool and a drive mechanism. The housing structure can comprising a first inlet, a second inlet, and a lacing channel extending between the first and second inlets. The modular spool can be disposed in the lacing channel and can comprise a lower plate including a shaft extending from the lower plate, and an upper plate including a drum portion. The upper plate can be releasably connected to the lower plate at a connection interface. The drive mechanism can couple with the modular spool and can be adapted to rotate the modular spool to wind or unwind a lace cable extending through the lacing channel and between the upper and lower plates of the modular spool.
Claims17
A lace winding spool comprising:
- a lower portion comprising:
- a lower plate having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- a pair of threaded fastener bores extending through the lower plate;
- a bevel extending around a perimeter of the upper surface of the lower plate;
- and
- a shaft extending from the lower surface of the lower plate;
- and
- an upper portion comprising:
- a first bridge having a first side and a second side;
- a first drum wall connected to the first side;
- a second drum wall connected to the second side;
- a first disk segment extending from the first drum wall;
- and
- a second disk segment extending from the second drum wall;
- wherein the first drum wall and the second drum wall are configured to engage the upper surface of the lower plate;
- wherein the upper portion is releasably attached to the lower portion.
A lace winding spool comprising:
- a lower portion comprising:
- a lower plate having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- a first pair of timing ports extending into the lower plate;
- a bevel extending around a perimeter of the upper surface of the lower plate;
- and
- a shaft extending from the lower surface of the lower plate;
- and
- an upper portion comprising:
- a first bridge having a first side and a second side;
- a first drum wall connected to the first side;
- a second drum wall connected to the second side;
- a first disk segment extending from the first drum wall;
- a second disk segment extending from the second drum wall;
- a first alignment peg located on an inferior surface of the first bridge;
- and
- a second alignment peg located on the inferior surface of the first bridge;
- wherein the first drum wall and the second drum wall are configured to engage the upper surface of the lower plate;
- and
- wherein the first alignment peg and the second alignment peg are configured to be inserted into the first pair of timing ports.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.