Device and method for tightening a strap or suchlike and article comprising such tightening device

Abstract

Device (10) for tightening a strap (16) or suchlike to close an article such as an item of clothing, footwear, an accessory or other, comprising at least two clamps (17, 18) which are mobile with respect to each other and are configured to alternatively assume, during use, a first configuration in which said first clamp (17) tightens said strap (16) and said second clamp (18) allows the free sliding of the strap (16) in order to tension the strap (16) from a first to a second position, more taut than the first, and at least a second configuration in which the first clamp (17) does not engage the strap (16) and the second clamp (18) tightens the strap (16), in which the strap (16) remains in said second taut position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a device and a method for tightening a strap to close an article such as footwear, such as a ski boot; it is however clear that it can be used with similar advantages in other areas in which a closing strap is provided, such as in items of clothing, or accessories such as shoes or boots, dresses, bags, sacks, backpacks, belts or other.

[0002] The present invention also concerns the article comprising the tightening device.

[0003] The strap in question is in particular a flexible element made of natural or synthetic fabric, of any shape whatsoever - flat, rounded or other, therefore it can be a band, a belt, a cord, a tie or other.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A ski boot typically consists of two structural parts, namely cuff and shell, and an inner liner, which is removable in most models.

[0005] The cuff is the upper part that wraps around the ankle, tibia and calf. The shell is the part that wraps around the sole of the foot. Both are made of plastic materials of varying hardness. The liner houses the skier's foot and is made of soft material.

[0006] The ski boot also provides closing systems that use buckles or clips, and a strap that closes, or wraps around, the upper part of the cuff. The strap can consist of a Velcro strip or suchlike.

[0007] The function of the strap is to allow for a better hold and grip of the boot around the leg, thus reducing the empty space and providing a more direct connection between the foot and the ski.

[0008] It is desirable for the strap to exert an appropriate tension around the cuff, thus being able to suitably tighten it once closed using Velcro, a buckle or suchlike.

[0009] Currently, such a strap has a limited tension once wrapped and closed around the cuff and, in addition, over time the tension can further loosen as the boot is used, as a result of the forward thrust that the user's leg exerts against the cuff.

[0010] Ultimately, such a strap is often ineffective in wrapping and closing the cuff around the skier's leg, and does not guarantee a correct tightening tension.

[0011] Clearly, it is desirable to also achieve and maintain an appropriate tightening tension, as well as for ski boots and footwear in general, for other items that have straps, bands, belts or similar closing elements, such as clothes, backpacks, bags, sacks, belts or other.

[0012] A tightening device known in the art is disclosed in EP 1611811, which however concerns a toothed strap, and not a Velcro strip or suchlike.

[0013] The solution disclosed in this document provides a lever arm equipped with teeth that engage with the strap's teeth to determine the sliding thereof in the direction of insertion. Two different pawls are then provided, connected to each other, one of them toothed, which allow the user to make the toothed strap slide in a direction of removal, opposite to that of insertion, in two ways: by pressing the toothed pawl the sliding takes place gradually, tooth by tooth, while by pressing the other pawl, which is configured to lift the entire structure, the teeth of the toothed pawl and of the lever arm are no longer engaged with the teeth of the toothed strap, and it is possible to quickly and completely remove the latter.

[0014] Another tightening device known in the art is disclosed in US 1384776, which describes a buckle formed by two elements hinged together, with which toothed clamps are associated to selectively tighten a flexible strap. This known type of solution would not allow to keep the right tightening tension around the skier's leg, because it is a conventional buckle that is, for that matter, uncomfortable and not easy to use in this specific application.

[0015] There is therefore the need to perfect a tightening device and method that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0016] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a tightening device that allows to effectively and rapidly reach and keep an optimal tightening tension for a strap to close footwear or items of clothing, accessories, such as sports footwear, dresses, bags, sacks, backpacks, belts or other.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a tightening device for a strap that is simple to make, robust and compact.

[0018] Another purpose of the invention is to perfect a simple and effective method for tightening a strap or suchlike.

[0019] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] In accordance with the above purposes, a device according to the present invention for tightening a strap or suchlike to close an article such as footwear, an item of clothing, an accessory such as a bag or a backpack, or other, comprises at least a first clamp and a second clamp to tighten the strap, wherein the first clamp is configured to move with respect to the second clamp.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamps are configured to alternatively assume a first configuration in which the first clamp tightens the strap and the second clamp allows the free sliding of the strap and in which the first clamp moves with respect to the second clamp from an initial position to a final position in order to tension the strap from a first position to a second position, in which it is more taut than the first position, and at least a second configuration in which the first clamp does not engage the strap and the second clamp tightens the strap, in which the first clamp returns to the initial position while the strap remains in the second position.

[0023] Advantageously, the tightening device allows to effectively and quickly reach and keep an optimal tightening tension for the strap to close footwear or items of clothing, accessories, or other, therefore for example sports shoes, dresses, bags, sacks, backpacks, belts or other. The tightening device comprises a pair of clamps that allows to perform an effective operation of pulling and tightening the strap in order to keep it in the position in which it exerts the desired tension. The tightening device is also simple to make, robust and compact.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises a main body to which there are hinged the first clamp, rotatable with respect to a first axis, and the second clamp, rotatable with respect to a second axis.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the second clamp comprises at least one part opposed to a cross member of the main body. The strap is positioned between this part and the cross member.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, this part is provided with teeth for holding the strap, during use, in order to press the latter onto the cross member and allow the second clamp to tighten the strap.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the second clamp is hinged to the main body by means of one or more elastic return elements, which tend to keep the second clamp in the closed position of tightening the strap, during use.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the first clamp comprises two sections between which there is defined a passage aperture in which the strap is positioned, during use, of which a first section is hinged to the main body and a second section is hinged to the first section.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one of the sections comprises teeth for holding the strap, during use, in order to press the strap against the other section, thus allowing the first clamp to tighten the strap.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the first section is hinged to the main body so that it can rotate around the first axis, while the second section is hinged to the first section so that it can rotate around a third axis, parallel to the first axis and the second axis. The first and second axes are also preferably parallel to each other.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more elastic return elements are associated with the second section, which tend to keep the second section in a closing position on the first section.

[0032] The present invention also concerns an article comprising a closing strap and a closing device as defined above.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, the strap is configured as a band, a belt, a cord or a tie, and it is flexible, since it is made of a material suitable to deform when tightened by the first clamp and / or by the second clamp. For example, the strap is made of natural or synthetic fabric.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the article is configured as footwear, for example sports footwear for practicing winter sports in particular, such as a ski boot comprising a cuff, a shell, an inner liner and a plurality of closing systems that use buckles or clips. In other embodiments, the article is configured as a bag or a backpack.

[0035] The invention also concerns a tightening method for a strap or suchlike to close an article such as footwear, an item of clothing, accessories such as bags or backpacks or other, comprising tightening the strap by means of a first clamp and a second clamp, which are mobile with respect to each other and are hinged to a main body so as to be able to rotate around a first axis and a second axis, respectively, wherein the first clamp comprises two sections between which there is defined a passage aperture in which the strap is positioned, of which a first section is hinged to the main body and a second section is hinged to the first section.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the method provides to take the clamps alternatively into a first configuration in which the first clamp tightens the strap and the second clamp allows the free sliding of the strap, and in which the first clamp moves with respect to the second clamp from an initial position to a final position in order to tension the strap from a first position to a second position, in which it is more taut than the first position, and at least a second configuration in which the first clamp does not engage the strap and the second clamp tightens the strap, in which the first clamp returns to the initial position while the strap remains in the second position.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: fig. 1 is a view of a ski boot that provides a tightening device according to the present invention to tension the upper strap; fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the tightening device according to the present invention; fig. 3 is an exploded view of the tightening device of fig. 2; figs. 4a-4f are lateral section views showing a tightening sequence of the strap.

[0038] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0039] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0040] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0041] With reference to the attached drawings, see fig. 1, a ski boot 11 is described comprising a cuff 12, a shell 13 and an inner lining 14. The boot 11 provides closing systems 25 that use buckles or clips and a strap 16 that closes, or wraps around, the upper part of the cuff 12.

[0042] The function of the strap 16 is to allow a better hold and grip of the boot 11 around the leg, thus reducing any empty space and providing a more direct connection between the foot and the ski.

[0043] Fig. 2 and fig. 3 show a tightening device 10 for the strap 16 of the boot 11, or of a different item such as an item of clothing, another type of footwear, an accessory, a sack, a backpack, a bag or other.

[0044] The device 10 comprises at least two clamps 17, 18 configured to alternatively assume a first configuration in which a first clamp 17 tightens the strap 16 to take it from a first position (fig. 4b) to a second position (fig. 4d) in which it is more taut than the first position, and a second configuration in which a second clamp 18 tightens the strap 16 to keep it in the second position (figs. 4e and 4f). The first clamp 17 is configured to move with respect to the second clamp 18 from an initial position (fig. 4b) to a final position (fig. 4d), so as to pull the strap 16 with respect to the second clamp 18 and take it to the second position (fig. 4d).

[0045] The sequence of figs. 4a-4f clarifies the above.

[0046] In fig. 4a the clamps 17, 18 are both open and allow the insertion of the strap 16 in a tensioning direction A, for example from the bottom upward looking at the drawings.

[0047] In fig. 4b, the clamps 17 and 18 are both in a closing position and tighten the strap 16 in a first position.

[0048] The first clamp 17, fig. 4c, is rotated in direction R1 so as to pull the strap 16 further in the tensioning direction A. This pull automatically overcomes the closing force of the second clamp 18, which therefore allows the strap 16 to slide in the tensioning direction A.

[0049] Fig. 4d shows the first clamp 17 in the final position, in which it is completely rotated with respect to the second clamp 18. In this position, the first clamp 17 is substantially overturned by about 180° with respect to the second clamp 18. It is evident that a greater segment of the strap 16 is wrapped between the first clamp 17 and the second clamp 18, compared to what is shown in fig. 4b.

[0050] In fig. 4e the first clamp 17 is opened and the second clamp 18 is closed. The strap 16 remains in the second taut position of fig. 4d, thanks to the second clamp 18 which prevents the opposite sliding of the strap 16. The first clamp 17 is then rotated in direction R2, opposed to the direction R1, until it again reaches the initial position of fig. 4b, passing through the positions of fig. 4e and 4f.

[0051] Both clamps 17 and 18 can then be closed again in a situation similar to fig. 4b in order to hold the strap 16, which however is now more taut than in the situation of fig. 4b and is held stably in the second position.

[0052] The device 10, see also fig. 2 and fig. 3, comprises a main body 19, or base, to which the first clamp 17, rotatable with respect to a first axis X1, and the second clamp 18, rotatable with respect to a second axis X2, are hinged. The axes X1 and X2 are substantially parallel.

[0053] The main body 19 is configured, during use, to firmly adhere to the outer surface of the cuff 12, in a lateral position thereof and in proximity to its upper edge.

[0054] As known in the art, the device 10 has to be anchored to the boot 11, in particular to the cuff 12. According to one possible embodiment, in order to anchor the device to the boot it is provided to attach one end of the strap 16, opposite to the end that is tensioned by the device 10, to the cuff. According to another possible embodiment, the main body 19 can be attached to the cuff 12 by means of a mechanical connection, for example.

[0055] The clamps 17, 18 can be hinged to the main body 19 by means of pins or suchlike. The main body 19 can for example provide two sides 21 and 22 between which two or more cross members 23 and 24 are positioned. The main body 19 provides at least one cross member 23 on which the strap 16 slides, see for example fig. 4a.

[0056] The first clamp 17 is hinged to one end 20 of the main body 19. The second clamp 18 is hinged to a median zone of the main body 19, between the two cross members 23 and 24.

[0057] The first clamp 17 comprises a first section 17a hinged to the main body 19, in particular in proximity to the end 20, external to the cross member 23. In correspondence with the zone in which the first section 17a is hinged to the main body 19, one or more elastic return elements 25 are provided, which tend to keep the first section 17a in a closing position on the main body 19, therefore keep the strap 16 tightened. The elastic elements 25 can be torsion springs or suchlike and are positioned along the first axis X1.

[0058] The first clamp 17 comprises a second section 17b, more external than the main body 19, hinged to the first section 17a, in particular by means of one or more elastic return elements 26, which tend to keep it in a closed position on the first section 17a, as in fig. 4b. The second section 17b is rotatable with respect to the first section 17a around a third axis X3. The axis X3 is substantially parallel to the axes X1 and X2. The elastic elements 26 can be torsion springs or suchlike and are positioned along the third axis X3.

[0059] A passage aperture S is defined between the sections 17a and 17b of the first clamp 17, configured so that the strap 16 can pass through it.

[0060] The second section 17b can be rotated with respect to the first section 17a, for example to allow the passage and pull of the strap 16 through the passage aperture S, as in fig. 4a. The first section 17a and / or the second section 17b can be provided with teeth 27 for holding the strap 16. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the second section 17b is provided with the teeth 27, as shown. The second section 17b can be used substantially as a grip for the first clamp 17, in which the user exerts the force to make the first clamp 17 rotate on the end of the second section 17b which is opposite to the one on which the teeth 27 are created.

[0061] In the phase of rotation of the first clamp 17 with respect to the second clamp 18 in the direction R1, according to figs. 4c and 4d for example, the sections 17a and 17b suitably hold the strap 16.

[0062] By rotating around the axis X3, the second section 17b is separated from the first section 17a in the final return phase of the strap 16, fig. 4e, to prevent the latter from accumulating and bending undesirably between the first clamp 17 and the second clamp 18.

[0063] The second clamp 18 substantially provides a first part 18a located on one side with respect to the second axis X2 and usable in particular as a grip for the clamp. The second clamp 18 also comprises a second part 18b, opposed to the first part 18a with respect to the second axis X2. The strap 16 is positioned between the second part 18b and the cross member 23. The second clamp 18 comprises, in particular in correspondence with the second part 18b, teeth 28 able to engage with the strap 16 and hold it in position, see for example fig. 4b, fig. 4e and fig. 4f. The teeth 28 are opposed to the cross member 23 of the main body 19, which is preferably smooth, to facilitate the sliding of the strap 16. The cross member 23 can comprise an inclined plane 29 that further promotes the sliding of the strap 16 in the tensioning direction A, see fig. 3 and figs. 4a - 4f.

[0064] In the closing position of fig. 4b, the strap 16 is held in position by the sections 17a and 17b of the first clamp 17 and by the second part 18b of the second clamp 18, which presses the strap 16 against the cross member 23.

[0065] The second clamp 18 comprises one or more elastic return elements 30, fig. 3, such as torsion springs or suchlike, which tend to keep it in the closed position of fig. 4b, fig. 4e and fig. 4f. The elastic elements 30 are positioned substantially along the second axis X2.

[0066] The force exerted by the elastic elements 30 is overcome by the sliding of the strap 16 caused by the rotation of the first clamp 17 in the direction R1, allowing it to pass between the second part 18b and the cross member 23. The elastic elements 30 however tend to close the second clamp 18, therefore as soon as the first clamp 17 is released, or is counter-rotated in the direction R2, the second clamp 18 closes in order to hold the strap 16.

[0067] The main body 19 can be created in a single piece, for example by extrusion. The main body 19 can be made of metal material, such as aluminum or suchlike. The clamps 17 and 18 can be made of metal material, such as aluminum or suchlike.

[0068] A tightening method for the strap 16 or suchlike therefore comprises tightening the strap in a first position by means of at least two clamps 17 and 18 in a closing position, moving the first clamp 17 with respect to the second clamp 18 so as to pull the strap 16 with respect to the second clamp 18 and place it in a second position in which it is more taut than in the first position, returning the first clamp 17 to the closing position causing the strap 16 to remain in the second taut position.

[0069] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts or may be made to the device and method for tightening a strap as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0070] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of device and method for tightening a strap, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0071] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Device (10) for tightening a strap (16) or suchlike to close an article such as footwear, or other item of clothing or accessories such as bags or backpacks, wherein said device (10) comprises at least a first clamp (17) and a second clamp (18), which are hinged to a main body (19) so as to be able to rotate around a first axis (X1) and a second axis (X2), respectively, and are configured to selectively tighten said strap (16), wherein said first clamp (17) is configured to move with respect to said second clamp (18), said clamps (17, 18) are configured to alternatively assume a first configuration in which said first clamp (17) is configured to tighten said strap (16) and said second clamp (18) is configured to allow the free sliding of the strap (16), in which said first clamp (17) moves with respect to said second clamp (18) from an initial position to a final position in order to tension said strap (16) from a first position to a second position, in which it is more taut than the first position, and at least a second configuration in which said first clamp (17) is configured to disengage said strap (16) and said second clamp (18) is configured to tighten the strap (16), in which said first clamp (17) returns to said initial position while the strap (16) remains in said second position, characterized in that said first clamp (17) comprises two sections (17a, 17b) between which there is defined a passage aperture (S) configured so that said strap (16) passes through it, of which a first section (17a) is hinged to said main body (19) and a second section (17b) is hinged to said first section (17a).

2. Device (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said second clamp (18) comprises at least one part (18a) opposed to a cross member (23) of said main body (19), between which, during use, said strap (16) is positioned.

3. Device (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said part (18a) is provided with teeth (28) for holding said strap (16), during use, in order to press the latter onto said cross member (23) and allow said second clamp (18) to tighten said strap (16).

4. Device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said second clamp (18) is hinged to said main body (19) by means of one or more elastic return elements (30), which tend to keep said second clamp (18) in the closed position of tightening said strap (16), during use.

5. Device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that at least one of said sections (17a, 17b) comprises teeth (27) for holding said strap (16), which are configured to press said strap (16) against the other of said sections (17a, 17b) so as to allow said first clamp (17) to tighten said strap (16).

6. Device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said first section (17a) is hinged to said main body (19) by means of one or more elastic return elements (25), which tend to keep said first section (17a) in a closing position on said main body (19).

7. Device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said second section (17b) is hinged to said first section (17a) so as to be able to rotate around a third axis (X3), parallel to said first axis (X1) and to said second axis (X2).

8. Device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that one or more elastic return elements (26) are associated with said second section (17b), which tend to keep said second section (17b) in a closed position on said first section (17a).

9. Device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said first axis (X1) and said second axis (X2) are parallel to each other.

10. Article comprising a closing strap (16), characterized in that it also comprises a closing device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore.

11. Article as in claim 10, characterized in that said strap (16) is configured as a band, a belt, a cord or a tie, and it is flexible, being made of a material suitable to deform when tightened by said first clamp (17) and / or by said second clamp (18), for example fabric.

12. Article as in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it is configured as footwear, for example sports footwear for practicing winter sports in particular, such as a ski boot (11) comprising a cuff (12), a shell (13), an inner liner (14) and a plurality of closing systems (15) that use buckles or clips, or as a bag or a backpack.

13. Tightening method for a strap (16) or suchlike for closing an article such as footwear, or other item of clothing or accessories such as bags or backpacks, characterized in that it comprises the tightening of said strap (16) by means of a first clamp (17) and / or a second clamp (18) which are mobile with respect to each other and are hinged to a main body (19) so as to be able to rotate around a first axis (X1) and a second axis (X2), respectively, wherein said first clamp (17) comprises two sections (17a, 17b) between which there is defined a passage aperture (S) in which said strap (16) is positioned, of which a first section (17a) is hinged to said main body (19) and a second section (17b) is hinged to said first section (17a), wherein the method provides to take said clamps (17, 18) alternatively into a first configuration in which said first clamp (17) tightens said strap (16) and said second clamp (18) allows the free sliding of the strap (16) and in which said first clamp (17) moves with respect to said second clamp (18) from an initial position to a final position in order to tension said strap (16) from a first position to a second position, in which it is more taut than the first position, and at least a second configuration in which said first clamp (17) does not engage said strap (16) and said second clamp (18) tightens the strap (16), in which said first clamp (17) returns to said initial position while the strap (16) remains in said second position.

Images