Reel-Based Tightening Device

The present invention relates to a reel-based tightening device adapted to be applied to sports articles, in particular sports footwear, such as for example ski boots or cycling shoes, further being suitable to be applied to backpacks or clothing items.

Generally, a reel-based tightening device according to the present invention is used in tightening assemblies adapted to controllably approach/release a pair of flaps by gradually winding and releasing at least one traction element, such as a cable, further allowing quick release thereof.

Tightening assemblies which allow the releasable tightening of a traction cable have long been known and used to obtain the controlled fastening of a pair of flaps, whether of sports footwear or other articles.

Such systems substantially comprise at least one traction cable, which can be constrained with a first end portion to a flap of said pair of flaps, and a reel-based tightening device configured to tighten a second end portion of said traction cable.

Generally, the reel-based tightening device comprises a hollow containment casing inside which there is housed a winding mechanism provided with a reel with which there is associated the second end portion of said traction cable. The spool is operatively connected to a knob through which the user can drive it in rotation, to wind/unwind the cable around it.

Specifically, by rotatably moving the knob of the reel-based tightening device in a first direction of rotation to wind the cable on the spool there is obtained a progressive approaching of the flaps, and therefore the desired tightening action, while by rotatably moving the knob of the reel-based tightening device in a second direction of rotation there is obtained a controlled moving away of the flaps, therefore progressively loosening the tightening degree.

There are known reel-based fastening devices in which there is also the possibility of quickly releasing the cable by suitably acting on the knob.

An example of such devices is described in document U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,177A, wherein such function is allowed by axially pressing the knob. In particular, the device described in the document mentioned above comprises a spool on which there is wound/unwound a traction cable which is mounted in a rotatable but axially fixed manner in a housing, a drive shaft integrally joined with a knob and operatively connected to the spool by means of a gear train and a releasable locking device to lock the rotary position progressively achieved by the by the drive shaft. By pressing the knob, the drive shaft is displaced in the housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof against the force of a spring so as to be disengaged from the spool, freeing the rotation of the latter and therefore allowing the quick release of the traction cable.

Lastly, the document EP0297342 shows a reel-based tightening device wherein the quick release of the cable is carried out through a lever element having at one end a button which can be actuated by the user and on the other a tab adapted to disengage a locking pawl so as to obtain the quick release of the cable.

The reel-based fastening devices described above integrate the free release function of the traction cable which allows the quick moving away of the flaps. However, in such devices this function is allowed only until the user keeps actuated the release means, which may be the knob or an external lever, and this may be rather uncomfortable in some cases.

The main task of the subject matter of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the reel-based fastening devices of the prior art incorporating the function of quick release of the traction cable.

In the context of the present task, an object of the present invention to provide a reel-based tightening device that is more practical for the user, enabling an easy quick release function of the traction cable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a reel-based tightening device that is more compact, that is provided with a recessed profile with respect to the prior art devices.

Another object of the present invention to provide a reel-based tightening device that is strong, and which—in an embodiment—is even safer, therefore being capable of preventing the inadvertent release of the cable due to impacts when performing sports activities or an involuntary actuation of the release means.

Lastly but not least, an object of the present invention is to provide a reel-based tightening device that can be obtained by using means and components that are readily available, and which can be obtained using usual and known plants, machines and equipment.

These and other tasks, objects and advantages outlined above, which will be more apparent in the description below, are attained by a reel-based tightening device as defined in claim. Further advantageous characteristics of a reel-based tightening device according to the present invention are contained in the dependent claims below.

The present invention relates to a tightening device,′ adapted to be incorporated in a tightening assembly which can be associated with a sports article provided with a pair of flaps L, Lwhich can be superimposed or approached to attain the releasable and adjustable fastening thereof.

In the attacheda tightening deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a sports article, suitably represented by a ski boot.

Said ski bootcomprises a shelladapted to receive the foot of a user and essentially formed by a sole S, essentially defining a plane for supporting the foot, from which there depart, on opposite longitudinal sides, a first and a second flap L, Ladapted to be arranged respectively on the outer part and on the inner part of the foot, extending between a tip P, located in an area proximal to the tip of the foot, and a heel T, located at an area proximal to the heel, involving the lateral regions of the foot up to about the malleoli area, and being faced or superimposed preferably in the upper area of the foot.

The bootmay further comprise a cuff, adapted to wrap around at least at the rear part the lower part of the leg of the user, said cuffbeing preferably articulated to the shellaround suitable hinge means C, which define a rotation axis essentially horizontal and parallel to the plane defined by the sole S.

A tightening device,′ according to the present invention is adapted to be incorporated in a tightening assemblywhich further comprises at least one traction element, essentially formed by a cable or a stranded wire that is flexible and essentially inextensible, preferably metallic.

Said reel-based tightening device,′ can therefore be constrained to one of the flaps of said pair of flaps L. Land it is adapted to gradually tension a first end portionof said cable, the latter being suitable to be anchored with the opposite end, for example through a cable lug, preferably to the other flap of said pair of flaps L, L.

In a preferred use, shown in, said reel-based tightening device,′ is incorporated in a tightening assemblyfurther comprising suitable guide meanssuitably arranged on the flaps L, L, and possibly also a lever tightening devicewhich can be constrained to one of the flaps of said pair of flaps L, L, and arranged and configured to cooperate with an intermediate portion of said traction cable, as described in the patent Italian application No. 102023000012099 of the Applicant in question.

It should be observed that the tightening device,′ according to the present invention is shown applied to a flap of the pair of flaps L, Lwhich form the shellof the boot; clearly, to a man skilled in the art it will be clear that the same tightening assemblymay be equally applied also to a pair of flaps for example arranged at the cuff, same case applying to any other portion of the upper of a footwear, or a sports article in which there is the need to releasably tighten a pair of flaps facing each other around the foot of the user.

Generally, a tightening device,′ according to the present invention comprises a housing casedefining a housing seatA; a spoolhoused rotatable around a first rotation axis X-X in said housing seatA and provided with an annular grooveA to allow the winding of a traction cable, a knob assemblyrotatably mounted on said housing casearound a second rotation axis Y-Y essentially parallel to said first rotation axis X-X and operatively connected to said spoolthrough drive means; locking meansconfigured to lock the rotary position progressively achieved by the spoolby rotating the knob assemblyso as to obtain the gradual winding and unwinding of the cablearound said spool; and selective release means which can be actuated by a user so as to free the rotation of said spooland allow the quick release of the cable.

In particular, advantageously, the selective release means are adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means, being movable between a first position, neutral with respect to said locking means, wherein they allow the progressive locking of the rotary position of the spooltogether with said knob assembly, allowing the gradual and controlled winding/unwinding of the cable, and a second position, wherein they disable said locking meansso as to free the rotation of said spooltogether with said knob assemblyand allow the quick release of the cable.

There are further provided for retaining means,′ for keeping said selective release means in said selective release means stably in said second position. Advantageously, said retaining means,′ comprise an elastically deformable element adapted to counter the movement of said selective release means at least from said second position to said first position.

With reference to, there is shown in exploded view a reel-based tightening deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. Said devicecomprises a housing case, preferably made of polymeric material, within which there is housed a winding mechanism comprising a spoolwith which there can be associated said first end portionof said traction cable.

Said spoolessentially consists of a pulley provided with a circumferential grooveA, and it is arranged in an axially non-removable fashion and pivoted idle around a first rotation axis X-X within a housing seatA defined by the housing case, which advantageously has a through side opening adapted to allow, in use, the slidable through passing of the first end portionof the cable, to allow the operation of the device.

Advantageously, said reel-based tightening devicecomprises a mounting base, preferably made of metal, adapted to be arranged, in use, on the outer surface of the flap of the footwearand advantageously shaped at the lower part so as to essentially copy the curvature thereof. Said mounting baseis adapted to support, on the upper surface thereof, the winding mechanism of the deviceand allow the fixing thereof to the footwearthrough fastening means (not shown).

Said devicefurther comprises a knob assembly, advantageously mounted on the top opening of said housing caseso as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis Y-Y essentially parallel to said first axis X-X.

Said knob assemblyis operatively connected to said spoolthrough drive meansso as to allow the user to drive the spoolin rotation around said first rotation axis X-X at least in a first rotation direction, or winding direction, so that said cableis wound around the spool, therefore obtaining a progressive approaching of the flaps L, Land therefore the desired tightening action thereof, and possibly also in the opposite rotation direction, or unwinding direction, so as to obtain the unwinding of the cablefrom the spooland therefore allow the moving away of the two flaps L, L.

Preferably, said knob assemblycomprises a control portionA, essentially annular-shaped to define a central seat, a covering elementB, that is axially non-removable, adapted to be partially introduced into said central seatand arranged to close the top opening thereof, and a ring nutC that is centrally drilled for engagement with said drive meansand meshed with said control portionA.

Advantageously, said ring nutC is provided, on the outer lateral surface, with a helical threading adapted to be engaged with a helical counter-threading obtained on the inner surface of the central seatof the control portionA.

Said control portionA is advantageously configured to be movable along said second axis Y-Y with respect to the housingin a guided fashion by the helical threading of the ring nutC and countering against the first elastic means, such as for example a compression spring housed in said central seat.

Said drive meansare preferably formed by a pinion, provided with a stemA splined with a first endB to said knob assembly, and associated, with the opposite end, with said spool, by engaging a gear teeth systemC with a circumferential toothB provided on an upper surface thereof, so that the rotations imparted by the use on the knob assemblyare transferred, with suitable reduction ratios, to the spool.

Preferably, said pinionis splined with said first endB to said covering elementB and its stemA is engaged in the central hole, suitably shaped, of said ring nutC.

Therefore, rotations of the knob assemblycarried out by the user by acting in particular on the control portionA, result in integral rotations of said ring nutC, of said covering elementB and therefore of the pinion, resulting in driving in rotation said spooltoo, obtaining the winding/unwinding of the cablethereon and therefore the desired tightening degree of the footwear.

Advantageously, said devicefurther comprises locking meansconfigured to lock the progressive rotary position of the spoolso as to maintain the tensioning condition of the cableachieved progressively, both in the winding direction and in the unwinding direction, therefore enabling to carry out a controlled and continuous fine adjustment of the closure of the flaps L, Lof the footwear.

Said locking meansadvantageously comprise a flangerotatable integrally joined with the knob assembly, and a pawl, fixed to said casingso as to be able to rotate/oscillate around a third rotation axis R-R that is essentially perpendicular to said first rotation axis X-X countering against second elastic means, such as for example a compression spring. Said pawlis conveniently provided with an engagement toothadapted to be engaged with a radial toothingA obtained in said flangeto lock the rotary position progressively reached by said spool.

As better shown in, said pawladvantageously comprises an articulation portionA arranged at a first end thereof, through which it is articulated to the casingso as to oscillate around the third rotation axis R-R so as to allow the engagement toothto surmount in succession the teeth of the radial toothingA of the flange, and it is provided, preferably at a secondB, with a first abutment portion, which rises from the surface of the pawl, and it is configured to interact with an edge portionA of said control portionA in the step for unwinding the cable, as explained in greater detail below.

Advantageously, said flangeis mounted on said ring nutC, preferably with said toothingA faced downwards, that is towards the spool, and the engagement toothis obtained on the upper surface of the pawlin an intermediate portion between the two endsA,B, said second elastic meansbeing arranged to elastically push said engagement toothto the engagement with said toothingA.

In the step for the controlled winding of the cable, the rotation of the knob assemblyactuated by the user through the control portionA induces the integral rotation of the flange; the engagement toothof the pawlslides along the back of the teeth of the toothingA, causing the oscillation of the pawlaround its rotation axis R-R thereof countering against the action of said second elastic meanswhich, once the tooth has been overcome, elastically returns it to the subsequent seat between adjacent seats; in this manner, advantageously, the engagement toothovercomes with a reciprocating motion the succession of teeth of the toothingA of the flange, maintaining the position achieved through the temporary engagement of one of the teeth thereof.

On the other hand, in the step for the controlled unwinding the cable, each rotation of the knob assemblycauses a roto-translating reciprocating motion between an initial position and a lowered position of the control portionA along the helical threading of the ring nutC, approaching and moving away with respect to the spool; in the descending stroke, the edge surfaceA of said control portionA impacts against the first abutment portionof the pawl, causing an oscillation of the latter around the third axis R-R, which has the effect of temporarily moving away the engagement toothof the toothingA, therefore allowing the rotation of the flange.

The engagement toothof the pawlis then returned engaged with the toothingA thanks to the action of said second elastic means, while said first elastic meanselastically return said control portionA in the initial position.

Therefore, the rotary movement imparted by the user on the knob assemblythrough the control portionA, both in the winding direction and in the unwinding direction of the cable, allows the engagement toothto surmount in succession, with reciprocating oscillations of the pawl, the teeth of the toothingA, then maintaining the position achieved through the temporary engagement of one of the teeth thereof.

Advantageously, said devicefurther comprises selective release means which can be actuated by a user so as to free the rotation of said spooland therefore allow the quick release of the cable.

In particular, advantageously, said selective release means are adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means, being movable between a first position, neutral with respect to said locking means, wherein they allow the progressive locking of the rotary position of the spoolallowing the gradual and controlled winding/unwinding of the cable, and a second release position in which they disable said locking meansto free the rotation of said spooland allow the quick release of the cable.

Furthermore, according to an advantageous characteristic of the present invention, said devicefurther comprises retaining means adapted to stably maintain said selective release means in the release position, so that the quick release of the cablecan continue independently even when the user stops the action thereof thereon.

According to a further characteristics of the present invention, irrespective of the position taken by said selective release means, the knob assemblyremains operatively connected, through the drive means, to the spool, rotating integrally joined therewith.