Winding device for tightening a footwear and tightening assembly comprising the same

Abstract

A winding device adapted to tension a traction element to obtain tightening of a footwear. The winding device includes a spool, around which the traction element is operatively wound and unwound, when the spool is rotated in a first and second direction, respectively, and a control member, which can be connected to the spool through a transmission mechanism configured to cause a movement of the spool in the first direction upon actuation of the control member by a user. The control member is configured so as to be operable, with a reciprocating motion, between a rest position and at least an actuation position, and the transmission mechanism is configured to cause a rotation of the spool in the first direction, when the control member is moved from the rest position to the actuation position. The present invention relates to a tightening assembly and to a footwear comprising the winding device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a winding device for tightening a footwear, such as-preferably-a sports footwear, and to a tightening assembly comprising said winding device. The winding device and the tightening assembly of the present invention are adapted to be associated with footwear that is preferably provided with a pair of overlapping flaps or mutually movable toward each other flaps, to obtain a releasable tightening around the user's foot.

[0002] In general, the winding device and the tightening assembly according to the present invention are preferably applied where there is a need to move a pair of flaps of the footwear towards / away from each other in a controlled manner, by tensioning and releasing a traction element.

[0003] In particular, a winding device according to the invention can be used in combination with further tensioning devices provided in the tightening assembly, in order to obtain the tightening of the footwear.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Tightening assemblies that allow for the releasable tensioning of a traction cable have long been known and applied in the footwear industry, in particular in the sports footwear industry, such as in ski boots, snowboard boots, skates, hiking shoes, cycling shoes or the like.

[0005] Patent documents U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,500 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,456 describe a ski boot comprising a tightening assembly provided with a winding device adapted to tension a respective traction cable, which is configured to associate portions of the boot and to operatively tighten them together.

[0006] Although known footwear, such as-preferably-ski boots, and the relative tightening assemblies operate adequately in many cases, they nevertheless have drawbacks.

[0007] In particular, the construction of known ski boots and of the respective tightening assemblies is complex, involving the use of winding devices with a complex construction. For example, the ski boot of U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,500 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,456 comprises a winding device having an intrinsically high construction complexity. In this state, both the design and the actual construction of the winding device and of the ski boot consequently become complex.

[0008] In addition, known ski boots and the respective tightening assemblies are uncomfortable to use. For example, the ski boot of U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,500 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,456 comprises a winding device that requires multiple rotations of a knob. This complete rotation movement must be repeated a plurality of times through phases of gripping and subsequent twisting of the knob that are carried out with the fingers and / or the wrist of the user's hand. In particular, the repeated handling with complete rotation of the knob is particularly uncomfortable, especially when the user is wearing gloves, for example in the case of skiing. In addition, such repeated handling with complete rotation of the knob by means of fingers and / or wrist can cause injuries and / or pain in the user's hand or wrist over time.

[0009] As a consequence, there is a need to develop a winding device, a tightening assembly and a sports footwear that overcome at least one of the drawbacks described above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The task of the present invention is to provide an improvement to a winding device for tightening a footwear, such as-preferably-a sports footwear, wherein said winding device provides for a construction capable of obtaining reliable tightening of the footwear and, at the same time, comfort of use.

[0011] Within the scope of the task set forth above, an object of the present invention is to obtain a winding device that provides for a simple and intuitive handling.

[0012] A further object is to obtain a winding device that allows for a rapid tightening of a footwear.

[0013] A further object is to obtain a winding device having a simple construction.

[0014] A further object is to obtain a winding device having a compact construction.

[0015] A further object is to obtain a tightening assembly comprising said winding device, consequently ensuring the advantages thereof.

[0016] A further object is to obtain a footwear, such as—preferably—a sports footwear and—more preferably—a ski boot, comprising said winding device and said tightening assembly, consequently ensuring the advantages thereof.

[0017] The task, objects and advantages indicated above, as well as others that will better appear in the description that follows, are achieved by a winding device, a tightening assembly and a footwear as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the winding device, of the tightening assembly and of the footwear will become more evident in the following description relating to an embodiment provided by mere way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footwear provided with a tightening assembly comprising, in turn, a winding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

[0020] FIG. 2 is a top view of the tightening assembly of FIG. 1, in which a lever tensioning device is in a tensioning position,

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the winding device of FIGS. 1 and 2,

[0022] FIG. 4 is a first exploded perspective view of the winding device of FIG. 3,

[0023] FIG. 5 is a second exploded perspective view of the winding device of FIG. 3,

[0024] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the winding device of FIG. 3, which is partially sectioned so as to show components of a holding mechanism, in which a locking pawl is in an operating position,

[0025] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of FIG. 6, in which the locking pawl is in a non-operating position,

[0026] FIG. 8 is a top view of the winding device of FIG. 3, which is partially sectioned, thus showing components of a control member in a rest position, and in which a control body is in a first body position and a control lever is in a first lever position,

[0027] FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 8, which shows the components of the control member, in which the control body is in the first body position and the control lever is in a second lever position,

[0028] FIG. 10 is a top view of FIGS. 8 and 9, which shows the components of the control member in an actuation position, in which the control body is in a second body position and the control lever is in the second lever position,

[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, which shows the components of the control member, in which the control body is in an intermediate position between the first and the second body positions and the control lever is in the second lever position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer” or the like may be used in the following description; the person skilled in the art will have no difficulty in understanding that these terms refer to the footwear, the tightening assembly and the winding device in their normal use condition, as represented in the attached figures.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 1, the invention relates to a winding device 10 included in a tightening assembly 100 adapted, in particular, to be associated with a footwear 1000. The footwear 1000 is preferably provided with a pair of flaps, first flap F1 and second flap F2, which can overlap one another or move towards one another to obtain the releasable tightening of the sports footwear 1000 around the user's foot.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the footwear 1000 preferably is a sports footwear, such as for example a ski boot. However, said footwear 1000 can be any type of footwear preferably provided with a pair of overlapping flaps or mutually movable toward each other flaps, optionally associated with a tongue element, to obtain a releasable tightening around the user's foot, such as for example ski boots, snowboard boots, skates, hiking shoes, cycling shoes, work shoes, work boots or the like.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a ski boot 1000, acting as footwear 1000, which is provided with the tightening assembly 100 comprising, in turn, the winding device 10 according to the invention.

[0034] The ski boot 1000 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “boot 1000”) comprises a shell 1002 adapted to receive a user's foot. The shell 1002 is provided with a sole S1, substantially defining a support surface for the foot, from which a first lateral flap F1 and a second lateral flap F2 depart on opposite sides, which are adapted to be arranged on the outer part and on the inner part of the foot, respectively, extending between a toe T1, located in an area close to tip of the foot, and a heel H1, located in an area close to the heel, affecting the lateral regions of the foot up to about the area of the malleoli and preferably facing or overlapping the upper area of the dorsum of the foot.

[0035] The tightening of the boot 1000 obtainable by means of the tightening assembly 100 can involve movement of interface edges of said first F1 and second F2 flaps, between which a tongue element can optionally be positioned, towards one another. Alternatively, the tightening of the boot 1000 obtainable by means of the tightening assembly 100 can involve the sliding overlapping of said first F1 and second F2 flaps, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0036] The boot 1000 can further comprise a cuff (not shown in the figures), which is adapted to at least partially wrap the lower part of the user's leg. Preferably, the cuff is articulated to the shell 1002 and can rotate around suitable known hinge devices 1004.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the tightening assembly 100 is shown applied to the pair of flaps, first F1 and second F2 flaps, which substantially define the shell 1002 of the boot 1000. It is clear that the same tightening assembly 100 can also be applied to a pair of flaps arranged, for example, at the shank or to any other portion of a footwear in which there is a need to tighten a pair of flaps or other portions in a releasable manner.

[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the tightening assembly 100 comprising, in turn, the winding device 10 according to the present invention. The tightening assembly 100 comprises a traction element 102, the winding device 10 and, preferably, a cable-end terminal device 104 and a further tensioning device 106, such as for example a lever tensioning device 106, which is different from the winding device 10.

[0039] The traction element 102, such as a traction cable 102, can preferably be fixed to a flap of the boot 1000 through a first end portion 102a of its by means of the cable-end terminal device 104. The winding device 10 is configured to act upon a second end portion 102b of the traction element 102. The lever tensioning device 106 is configured to act upon an intermediate portion 102i (which is intermediate between said first 102a and second 102b end portions) of the traction element 102. In particular, the cable-end terminal device 104, the winding device 10 and the lever tensioning device 106 are configured to obtain, in a releasable manner, the tightening of the boot 1000 around the user's foot through tensioning of the traction element 102.

[0040] The traction element 102 substantially consists of a cable, rope, lace or the like, preferably of a stranded type, which is flexible and generally substantially inextensible. In a more preferred embodiment, the traction element 102, such as a traction cable 102, is made of a metal material, for example steel. Alternatively, the traction element 102, such as a traction cable 102, can be made of preferably synthetic fibre or the like.

[0041] In the present embodiment, said winding device 10 can be associated with the same flap to which the cable-end terminal device 104 and, preferably, said lever tensioning device 106 can be fixed, i.e. It can be associated with the first flap F1, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] Preferably, the tightening assembly 100 further comprises deflection elements 108, provided with one or more deflection members (not numbered in the figures), which are adapted to be engaged in a passing and freely sliding manner by the traction cable 102, so as to appropriately deflect the sliding direction thereof.

[0043] In particular, the deflection members of said deflection elements 108 each comprise a fixing body (not numbered in the figures), which can be fixed to a flap of the boot 1000, i.e. to the second flap F2 in the present embodiment of FIG. 1. A respective sheave is mounted on each fixing body in an idle manner. Alternatively, said deflection members can be consist of traditional portions of cable glands. Optionally, the deflection members of said deflection elements 108 can be configured so as to be able to be engaged in a releasable manner by the intermediate portion 102i of the traction cable 102 in order to allow the latter to be extracted. By so doing, a greater amount of release of the traction cable 102 can be obtained in order to move the flaps away from one another during the insertion / extraction phases of the foot from the boot 1000.

[0044] Said deflection elements 108 are suitably positioned on one or both of the flaps to be moved towards one another to evenly distribute the tightening action conferred by the tensioning of the traction cable 102.

[0045] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tightening assembly 100 comprises deflection elements 108 that are all fixed to the same flap of said pair of flaps, such as the second flap F2. On the other hand, the winding device 10, the lever tensioning device 106 and the cable-end terminal device 104 are fixed to the other flap of said pair of flaps, such as the first flap F1.

[0046] However, this arrangement is not limiting. For example, further embodiments are possible, in which no deflection elements 108 are provided and the tightening assembly 100 comprises the winding device 10 and the cable-end terminal device 104 fixed to the same flap of said pair of flaps, such as the first flap F1. On the other hand, the lever tensioning device 106 is fixed to the other flap of said pair of flaps, such as the second flap F2.

[0047] In the present preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the tightening assembly 100 preferably comprises the lever tensioning device 106, the latter is adapted to enable a fast and effective tightening / loosening of the boot 1000, without possibly losing a tightening condition previously set or obtained by means of the winding device 10.

[0048] Said lever tensioning device 106 comprises a lever arm 110, which is movable in rotatable manner about an articulation axis R0 substantially parallel to the surface of the flap with which it is associated and is defined by a rotation pin of the lever (not shown in the figures). The lever arm 110 is movable in a rotatable manner at least between a loosening position, or opening position (position not shown in the figures), in which it is substantially raised away from the surface of the flap, and a tensioning position, or closing position, in which it is lowered and adjacent to said flap (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0049] In particular, when the lever arm 110 is in the tensioning position, the lever tensioning device 106 is adapted to apply a tensioning force adapted to tension the traction element 102 through said lever arm 110. On the other hand, when the lever arm 110 is in the loosening position, the lever tensioning device 106 is adapted to release or remove said tensioning force, so that the degree of tensioning of the traction element 102 is brought to zero or is reduced.

[0050] Said lever arm 110 comprises an engagement and deflection portion 112 which is shaped so as to define a grooved seat or a through seat of the lever arm 110 (the engagement and deflection portion 112 is better visible and numbered in FIG. 1). Said engagement and deflection portion 112 is adapted to permit the sliding coupling of the traction cable 102 to the lever arm 110 in such a way that, when the latter is moved in a rotatable manner from the loosening position to the tensioning position, it determines the traction action.

[0051] Preferably, said lever arm 110 comprises an articulation portion (not shown and not numbered in the figures), by means of which it is fitted in a rotatable manner to an abutment base (not shown and not numbered in the figures) fixed, in turn, to the flap of the boot 1000 by means of suitable and known fixing means.

[0052] In particular, said lever arm 110 can be associated with said abutment base in a removable or non-removable manner. If said lever arm 110 is associated in a removable manner, the abutment base is provided with at least one anchoring seat, open at the top, which is configured so as to receive and hold in a removable manner, preferably in a snap-fit manner, the rotation pin of the lever, allowing the lever arm 110 to rotate between the two tensioning and loosening positions and further allowing it to come out in order to uncouple the lever arm 110 from the abutment base. Optionally, said anchoring seat of the abutment base may comprise a rack formed by a plurality of transverse teeth adapted to define a corresponding plurality of anchoring seats, with which the rotation pin of the lever is selectively associated in a removable manner, preferably in a snap-fit manner, to allow the amount of tensioning of the traction element 102 to be adjusted.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 11, together with FIGS. 1 and 2 discussed above, an exemplary preferred embodiment of the winding device 10 according to the present invention, which is adapted to tension the traction element 102 in a releasable manner to obtain the releasable tightening of the footwear 1000, is now described.

[0054] The winding device 10 comprises a containing casing 12, a spool element 14 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “spool 14”), a control member 16, a transmission mechanism 18 and a holding mechanism 20.

[0055] The containing casing 12 preferably has a substantially box-like structure provided with a base wall 12a and a shell 12b, which are fixable to one another so as to define a housing seat 12c, which, in turn, is adapted to receive the spool 14 in a rotatable manner. The shell 12b further comprises a shaped through opening 12h on its top part.

[0056] In particular, the containing casing 12 can preferably be fixed, through its base wall 12a, to a portion of the boot 1000, such as, for example, the first flap F1 of the shell 1002, by means of suitable known fixing means.

[0057] The spool 14, such as spool element 14, is arranged within the housing seat 12c of the containing casing 12. The spool element 14 is supported in a rotatable manner by the containing casing 12 and is substantially arranged at a first support body 22, which substantially has the shape of a bushing and preferably extends from the base wall 12a. The spool element 14 is supported inside the housing seat 12c, for it is able to rotate about a spool rotation axis R1 so as to operatively tension or release the traction element 102 that can be fixed to it with at least a part of its second end portion 102b. The spool rotation axis R1 preferably is substantially orthogonal to the base wall 12a and coincides with the axis of the through opening 12h of the shell 12b.

[0058] In particular, the traction element 102 is operatively wound and unwound around the spool 14 when said spool 14 is rotated in a first direction (winding direction) so as to obtain a tensioning of the traction element 102 and in a second direction (unwinding direction), which is opposite with respect to the first direction, so as to obtain a release of the tensioning of the traction element 102, respectively.

[0059] The spool 14 can have different configurations and, in the present embodiment, it substantially has a sheave-like shape comprising at least one annular groove 14r to allow the traction element 102 to be wound and stored. The spool 14 is arranged in an axially pivoting manner about said spool rotation axis R1 within the housing seat 12c of the containing casing 12, in which the latter further includes a lateral through opening 12°(best seen in FIG. 5), which is configured to operatively allow the traction element 102 to pass through is a sliding manner. In addition, the spool 14 has a fixing seat 14c adapted to be fixed or connected to the end portion 102b, for example by means of an enlarged part of the end of the latter.

[0060] The control member 16 is preferably arranged at the top of the containing casing 12 so as to be at least partly rotatable, or pivotable, about a main control axis R2. The main control axis R2 preferably is substantially parallel and—more preferably—coaxial to the spool rotation axis R1 of the spool 14.

[0061] In particular, the control member 16 can operatively be connected, i.e. it is connected or can selectively be connected, to the spool 14 so as to cause the latter to rotate about said spool rotation axis R1 in the first direction, when the control member 16 is moved by the user, so as to obtain the winding of the traction element 102 on the spool 14. As a matter of fact, said control member 16 can manually be operated by the user to substantially cause it to rotate so as to have the spool 14 rotate, through the transmission mechanism 18, about the spool rotation axis R1 in said first direction in order to obtain the winding of the traction element 102 around the spool 14, thus gradually tensioning of the traction element 102 so as to progressively cause the first F1 and the second F2 flaps to move towards one another, hence tightening the boot 1000.

[0062] Preferably, said main control axis R2 is substantially defined by a second support body 24 and by a fixing element 26. The second support body 24 is substantially shaped like a funnel and is configured to be fixed to a portion of the control member 16 so as to place the axis of the respective hole at the through opening 12h of the shell 12b, thus allowing the control member 16 to rotate about the main control axis R2. In particular, the control member 16 is in turn fixed, though being able to rotate, to the containing casing 12 by means of the fixing element 26, as a rivet, which engages the hole of the second support body 24 and the through opening 12h of the shell 12b, so as to define said main control axis R2.

[0063] The transmission mechanism 18 is adapted to operatively connect the spool 14 to the control member 16 so as to cause the spool 14 to rotate about said spool rotation axis R1 in the first direction, so as to wind the traction element 102 thereon. In other words, the transmission mechanism 18 is adapted to cooperate with said control member 16, when moved by the user, to transmit the movement of the latter to the spool 14, in turn causing a rotation thereof in the first direction.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism 18 comprises a transmission pawl 28 and a toothed transmission element 30, such as a sprocket 30, which are arranged and configured so as to obtain a mutual engagement relationship, as better explained below, substantially defining a transmission assembly adapted to transmit the movement of the control member 16 to the spool 14, causing the latter to rotate in the first direction.

[0065] Preferably, as better explained below, the engagement between the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30 is obtained in a selective manner and occurs when the control member 16 is substantially moved from a rest position. On the other hand, the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30 are preferably disengaged from each other when the control member 16 is in said rest position.

[0066] Preferably, the transmission pawl 28 is arranged and supported on a portion of the control member 16. On the other hand, the toothed transmission element 30 is arranged and formed so as to be integral to the spool 14 in order to be coaxial to the latter.

[0067] In this state, the control member 16 is connected or can be connected to the spool 14 through the transmission mechanism 18, which, in turn, is configured to cause a movement of said spool 14 in the first direction upon actuation of the control member 16 by a user. In particular, the engagement between the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30 is adapted to cause the rotation of the spool 14 about said spool rotation axis R1 in the first direction, when the control member 16 is moved, as better explained below.

[0068] The holding mechanism 20 is adapted to maintain or hold, preferably in a releasable manner, the rotary position progressively reached by the spool 14 during the winding of the traction element 102. In other words, the holding mechanism 20 is coupled to said spool 14 and is and configured so as to enable a rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction) in response to the actuation of said actuation member 16 and so as to prevent the spool 14 from rotating in the second direction (unwinding direction).

[0069] Preferably, the holding mechanism 20 comprises a locking ratchet 32, which is connected to the shell 12b in a rotatable manner and is configured to cooperate with a preferably circumferential set of teeth 34 of the spool 14. In particular, the locking ratchet 32 is received in a portion of the housing seat 12c of the shell 12b that is lateral with respect to the spool 14 so that it can rotate about a locking ratchet pivoting axis R3, substantially parallel to the spool rotation axis R1 and preferably defined by a first pivoting pin 36, with a movement that is elastically controlled and / or caused by an elastic locking element 38.

[0070] Said locking ratchet 32 comprises a locking tooth 40, a control portion 42 and a distal abutment portion 44. The control portion 42 and the distal abutment portion 44 are opposite one another with respect to the locking ratchet pivoting axis R3. The locking tooth 40 is adapted to engage the set of teeth 34 of the spool 14 in order to lock the rotary position progressively reached by the latter. In particular, the locking tooth 40 is shaped so as to allow the locking ratchet 32 to pivot about the locking ratchet pivoting axis R3 to pass in succession the teeth of the set of teeth 34, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic locking element 38, when the spool 14 is moved in the first direction (winding direction). In addition, the locking tooth 40 is shaped so as to prevent, by means of the stress exerted by the elastic locking element 38, the locking ratchet 32 from pivoting about the locking ratchet pivoting axis R3 so as to prevent a backward movement of the spool 14 in the second direction (unwinding direction).

[0071] In the present embodiment, the elastic locking element 38 is preferably configured so as to allow the locking ratchet 32 to gain a bistable behaviour, for it is able to elastically maintain an operating position (see FIG. 6) and a non-operating position (see FIG. 7). In the operating position, said locking tooth 40 engages the set of teeth 34 of the spool 14 to maintain the rotary position progressively reached by the latter during the winding of the traction element 102. On the other hand, in the non-operating position, said locking tooth 40 is disengaged from the set of teeth 34 so as to allow the spool 14 to rotate freely in the second direction, hence allowing the traction element 102 to be quickly released. The shift between said operating position and said non-operating position is obtained by the user by means of an action, for example a pressing action, exerted upon the control portion 42, such as for example a distal end portion with respect to the locking ratchet pivoting axis R3, configured to be accessible to the user outside the containing casing 12 (see for example FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0072] Preferably, the distal abutment portion 44 of the locking ratchet 32 is configured so as to protrude, through a protruding abutment portion 44p of its, from a through hole obtained on the shell12b (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4). In addition, the control member 16 is provided with a protruding portion 46 adapted to operatively abut against the protruding abutment portion 44p of the locking ratchet 32 (see, for example, FIG. 3). In particular, the control member 16 and the locking ratchet 32 are configured so that, when the locking ratchet 32 is held in the non-operating position by the elastic locking element 38, upon actuation of the control member 16, its protruding portion 46 is adapted to act, through contact, upon the protruding abutment portion 44p of the locking ratchet 32 so as to cause it to move into the operating position, overcoming the force exerted by the elastic locking element 38. Advantageously, in this way, the operating position of the locking ratchet 32 can be obtained by manually acting upon the control member 16 when the traction element 102 needs to be wound, without acting upon the control portion 42 of the locking ratchet 32, substantially automatically obtaining the operating position.

[0073] Preferably, the winding device 10 further comprises an elastic winding element 48, which is configured to urge the spool 14 to rotate in the first direction (winding direction) when the locking ratchet 32 is in the non-operating position, so as to guarantee a predetermined minimum degree of winding of the traction element 102 when the spool 14 is free to rotate in both directions. By so doing, the traction element 102 can be prevented from being excessively loose when it is not tensioned by the tightening assembly 100.

[0074] Several configurations are possible for the elastic winding element 48 and it preferably comprises a spiral or helical spring having a first end fixed to the spool 14 and an opposite second end fixed to the first support body 22. However, further configurations are possible for said elastic winding element 48. Alternatively, it is possible to provide further embodiments of the winding device 10 that are devoid of said elastic winding element 48.

[0075] According to the present invention, the control member 16 of the winder device 10 is configured so as to be movable, i.e. operable, with a reciprocating motion substantially pivoting between a rest position P1 and an actuation position P2, preferably with a reciprocating motion substantially pivoting between a rest position P1 and at least one actuation position P2. In other words, the control member 16 is configured so as to be movable, substantially pivoting along an at least partially curved direction, in a loading direction extending from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2 and in a return direction, opposite to the loading one, extending from the actuation position P2 to the rest position P1 (see FIGS. 2 and 8 to 11).

[0076] In particular, the transmission mechanism 18 is configured to cause a rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction) when the control member 16 is moved from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 18 is configured so as not to substantially cause a rotation of the spool 14 when the control member 16 is moved from the actuation position P2 to the rest position P1. In this state, with each rotation or pivoting movement of the control member 16 in the loading direction, the spool 14 rotates in the first direction causing an amount of length of the traction element 102 to be wound and stored in the spool 14 itself, so as to tension it in order to obtain the tightening of the boot 1000. Furthermore, with each rotation or pivoting movement of the control member 16 in the return direction, the spool 14 is not rotated, hence substantially maintaining the storage of the amount of length of the traction element 102 and permitting a possible subsequent rotation or pivoting movement of the control member 16 in the loading direction.

[0077] In this state, the winding device 10 advantageously has a construction adapted to obtain reliable tightening of the footwear 1000 by means of the tightening assembly 100 and, at the same time, comfort of use.

[0078] As a matter of fact, the winding device 10 provides for a simple and intuitive handling, since the control member 16 is operatively moved, i.e. actuated, with a reciprocating motion between the rest position P1 and the actuation position P2. In particular, compared to a complete rotation movement of a knob of known devices, the movement of the control member 16 through reciprocating motion is easier to be applied with the fingers and / or the wrist of the user's hand. Consequently, the movement of the control member 16 through reciprocating motion is more user-friendly when the user is wearing gloves, for example in the case of skiing. In addition, such movement of the control member 16 through reciprocating motion does not require the application of excessive efforts, in particular twisting efforts, with the fingers and / or the wrist, consequently reducing the probability that injuries and / or pain develop in the user's hand or wrist over time.

[0079] Furthermore, the winding device 10 allows for an intuitive and quick tensioning / release of the traction element 102 by means of a simple and effective handling of the control member 16.

[0080] Moreover, in this state, the tightening assembly 100 has a construction adapted for obtaining reliable tightening of the footwear 1000 and, at the same time, comfort of use. In particular, the winding device 10 included in the tightening assembly 100 allows users to effectively and comfortably obtain a desired degree of tensioning of the traction element 102 in order to obtain the tightening of the footwear 1000.

[0081] Furthermore, the embodiment of the tightening assembly 100 that provides for the combined use of the winding device 10 and of the further tensioning device, such as for example the lever tensioning device 106, guarantees further effective and comfortable tensioning of the traction element 102 in order to obtain the tightening of the footwear 1000. In particular, the winding device 10 can be configured to take up a desired amount of length of the traction element 102 and the lever tensioning device 106 can be configured to act upon the intermediate portion 102i so as to obtain an effective and quick tensioning / release thereof by means of a convenient and intuitive actuation.

[0082] Optionally, the control member 16 of the winding device 10 can be configured so as to be movable, i.e. operable, with a reciprocating motion between a rest position P1 and one or more intermediate actuation positions, wherein said one or more intermediate actuation positions are intermediate between said rest position P1 and said actuation position P2. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 18 is configured so as to cause a rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction) when the control member 16 is moved from the rest position P1 to one of said intermediate actuation positions and so as not to substantially cause a rotation of the spool 14 when the control member 16 is moved from one of said intermediate actuation positions to the rest position P1. In particular, the winding device 10 can be configured so that the rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction, caused by the movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to one of said intermediate actuation positions, determines the winding and storage of a fraction of the amount of length of the traction element 102 that is wound and stored through movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2.

[0083] Preferably, it is possible to provide for a winding device 10 in which the movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2 determines the winding of a given amount of length of the traction element 102, such as for example 1.5 mm. On the other hand, the movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to a first intermediate actuation position or to a second intermediate actuation position P2 determines the winding of fractions of said given amount of length, such as for example 0.5 mm and 1 mm, respectively.

[0084] Different configurations are possible for the control member 16 and the transmission mechanism 18, according to the invention.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the control member 16 comprises a control body 50 preferably provided, in turn, with a control lever 52. The control body 50, preferably having a substantially annular or disc-like shape, is mounted at the top of the shell 12b of the containing casing 12. Preferably, said control body 50 and the spool 14 are arranged in a mutually overlapping relationship, in which the control body 50 is positioned above the spool 14 along a direction parallel to the spool rotation axis R1. Preferably, the control body 50 is movable in a rotatable, or pivoting, manner so as to cause the movement of said spool 14 in the first direction upon actuation of the control member 16. More preferably, the control body 50 is configured to be movable in a rotatable, or pivoting, manner about the main control axis R2, so as to cause the movement of said spool 14. Specifically, the control body 50 has an engagement hole 54, which is engaged by the second support body 24 and is fixed to the latter. The second support body 24 and the control body 50 are in turn fixed, though being able to rotate, to the containing casing 12 by means of the fixing element 26 so as to enable a rotatable, or pivoting, movement of the control body 50 about the main control axis R2.

[0086] In particular, the control body 50 is configured so as to be movable, i.e. operable, in rotation with a reciprocating motion between a first body position B1 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and a second body position B2 (see FIG. 10), going through an intermediate position between the first and the second body positions (see FIG. 11). In particular, the control body 50 is configured so that, when it is in the first body position B1, the control member 16 substantially is, in turn, in the rest position P1 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, the control body 50 is configured so that, when it is in the second body position B2, the control member 16 substantially is, in turn, in the actuation position P2 (see FIG. 10). Preferably, the movement with a reciprocating motion between the first body position B1 and the second body position B2 provides for a rotary motion with a rotation angle smaller than or equal to 180 degrees, more preferably smaller than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0087] The control lever 52 has an elongated body extending between a connection end 56 and an opposite free end 58. The connection end 56 is configured to be connected to the control body 50. On the other hand, the free end 58, preferably at least partially protruding from the control body 50 (see, for example, FIG. 3), is adapted to be gripped / handled by the user so as to move the control member 16, or the control body 50 and the control lever 52 itself, from said rest position P1 to said actuation position P2. In particular, the control lever 52 is adapted to be gripped / handled so as to manually cause the movement of the control body 50 from the first body position B1 to the second body position B2 in order to obtain the movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2, consequently causing the rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction). Preferably, the control lever 52 is configured to be connected only to the control body 50.

[0088] Advantageously, in this state, the winding device 10 provides for convenience of use and simplicity of construction.

[0089] As a matter of fact, the winding device 10 requires a simple and intuitive handling, since the control member 16 can operatively be moved with a reciprocating motion between the rest position P1 and the actuation position P2, through a convenient control lever 52 In particular, the control lever 52 can suitably and widely be configured during the design phase so as to provide convenience and ease of handling.

[0090] Preferably, the control member 16 further comprises a first return member 60. In particular, said first return member 60 is configured to cause, substantially automatically, at least part of the control member 16 to return to the rest position P1 when the latter is moved with respect to said rest position P1, i.e. when it is moved from said rest position P1. In the present embodiment, said first return member 60 is preferably configured to cause, substantially automatically, the control body 50 to return to the first body position B1 when the latter is moved with respect to said first body position B1, i.e. when it is moved from said first body position B1.

[0091] Different configurations are possible for the first return member 60. In the present embodiment, the first return member 60 comprises a first elastic return element 62, such as for example a helical compression spring, which is received in a support seat 50c formed on the lower face, operatively facing the shell 12b, of the control body 50 and having an axial development along a circumferential direction (the support seat 50c is better visible in FIG. 5).

[0092] In particular, said first elastic return element 62 is configured to elastically counteract the rotation, i.e. the pivoting movement, of the control body 50 when the latter is moved from the first body position B1. For this purpose, the first elastic return element 62 is received in the support seat 50c so as to substantially abut with the respective ends, on one side, on an edge of the support seat 50c and, on the other side, on a projecting portion 12p protruding from the upper surface of the shell 12b.

[0093] In this way, the first elastic return element 62 of the first return member 60 is compressed, overcoming its elastic force, when the control member 16, or the control body 50, is manually moved with respect to the rest position P1, or with respect to the first body position B1 (see FIG. 10, in which the control member 16 is in the second body position B2 and the first elastic return element 62 is substantially compressed). In addition, upon interruption of the manual actuation, the first elastic return element 62 of the first return member 60 is adapted to cause the control member 16, or the control body 50, to return to the rest position P1, or to the first body position B1 (see FIGS. 8 and 9, in which the control member 16 is in the first body position B1 and the first elastic return element 62 is substantially non-compressed or compressed to a minimum extent).

[0094] Advantageously, in this state, the winding device 10 provides for further convenience of use and simplicity of construction.

[0095] As a matter of fact, the winding device 10 requires a simple and intuitive handling, since the control member 16 can manually be moved by the user from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2, so as to obtain the rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction). Subsequently, at the end of the manual action, the first return member 60 substantially automatically performs the movement from the actuation position P2 to the rest position P1, leaving the control member 16 ready for a subsequent further manual movement, operated by the user, from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2, so as to obtain a further rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction).

[0096] Furthermore, advantageously, the first return member 60 can widely and easily be configured during the design phase so as to provide convenience and ease of handling.

[0097] Preferably, the control lever 52 is arranged on the control body 50 and connected to the latter so as to be movable in rotation, i.e. so as to be rotatable or pivotable, with respect to the control body 50 with a reciprocating motion between a first lever position L1 and a second lever position L2.

[0098] In particular, the control lever 52 preferably is at least partially arranged in a peripheral recess 64 formed on the control body 50, so as to be able to rotate about a secondary control axis R4. The secondary control axis R4 preferably is parallel to the main control axis R2 of the control member 16, or of the control body 50.

[0099] Preferably, said secondary control axis R4 is defined by a second pivoting pin 66, which is configured to engage a pivoting hole 68 formed at the connection end 56 of the control lever 52, so as to allow the latter to rotate, i.e. pivot.

[0100] In the first lever position L1, the control lever 52 substantially is mainly inserted inside the peripheral recess 64 and abuts on the control body 50 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, in the second lever position L2, the control lever 52 substantially is mainly extracted from the peripheral recess 64, far from the control body 50 and protruding from the latter (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Preferably, the movement with a reciprocating motion between the first lever position L1 and the second lever position L2 involves a rotary motion with a rotation angle smaller than or equal to 180 degrees, more preferably smaller than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0101] Furthermore, the control lever 52 is preferably configured so that its rotation movement from the first lever position L1 to the second lever position L2 has the same direction, i.e. the same rotation direction, as the movement of the control body 50 from the first body position B1 to the second body position B2.

[0102] Preferably, the control lever 52 is configured so that, when it is in the second lever position L2, a portion of its, such as the connection end 56, is adapted to abut on a portion of the control body 50, such as a surface defining the peripheral recess 64, so as to allow the control body 50 to be dragged towards the second body position B2, or so as to allow the control member 16 to be dragged towards the actuation position P2 (see FIG. 10).

[0103] Advantageously, in this state, the winding device 10 provides for further convenience of use and simplicity of construction.

[0104] As a matter of fact, the winding device 10 requires a simple and intuitive handling, since the control lever 52 of the control member 16 can operatively be moved to the second lever position L2 so as to be more easily handled for it substantially protrudes from the control body 50

[0105] Furthermore, advantageously, the articulation of the control lever 52 can widely and easily be configured during the design phase so as to provide convenience and ease of handling.

[0106] Preferably, the control lever 52 further comprises a second return member 70, which is configured to cause, substantially automatically, the control lever 52 to return to the first lever position L1 when the latter is moved with respect to said first lever position L1, i.e. when it is moved from said first lever position L1.

[0107] Different configurations are possible for the second return member 70. In the present embodiment, the second return member 70 comprises a second elastic return element, such as for example a torsion spring, which is received in a second support seat 72 formed on the control lever 52.

[0108] In particular, said second return member 70 is configured to elastically counteract the rotation, i.e. the pivoting movement, of the control lever 52 when the latter is moved from the first lever position B1. For this purpose, the second return member 70 is received in the second support seat 72 so as to substantially abut with the respective ends, on one side, on an edge of the second support seat 72 and, on the other side, on a portion of the control body 50.

[0109] In this way, the second elastic return element of the second return member 70 is deformed, overcoming its elastic force, when the control lever 52 is manually moved with respect to the first lever position L1 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In addition, upon interruption of the manual actuation, the second elastic return element of the second return member 70 causes the control lever 52 to return to the first lever position L1 (see FIG. 8).

[0110] Advantageously, in this state, the winding device 10 provides for further convenience of use and simplicity of construction.

[0111] As a matter of fact, the winding device 10 requires a simple and intuitive handling, since the control member 16 can operatively be moved by hand by the user from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2, through the further movement of the control lever 52 from the first lever position L1 to the second lever position L2. Subsequently, at the end of the manual action, the second return member 70 automatically performs the movement from the second lever position L2 to the first lever position L1, leaving the control lever 52 inserted in the peripheral recess 64 and ready for a subsequent further manual movement by the user to operate the control member 16.

[0112] Furthermore, advantageously, the second return member 70 can widely and easily be configured during the design phase so as to provide convenience and ease of handling.

[0113] As mentioned above, the transmission mechanism 18 comprises the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30, which are arranged and configured so as to create a mutual engagement relationship, substantially defining a transmission assembly adapted to transmit the movement of the control member 16 to the spool 14, causing the latter to rotate in the first direction.

[0114] Preferably, to this regard, the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30 are configured to be operatively movable between a mutual-engagement position and a mutual-disengagement position.

[0115] In the mutual-engagement position, the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30 mesh with each other, i.e. the engage each other, so as to cause a movement of the spool 14 in the first direction upon actuation by the user of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2 (see FIGS. 9, 10 and 11). On the other hand, in the mutual-disengagement position, the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30 are disengaged, or they do not mesh or are separate, from each other (see FIG. 8).

[0116] In particular, the transmission pawl 28 is preferably arranged within the peripheral recess 64 of the control body 50, so as to be able to rotate about a transmission pawl pivoting axis R5. The transmission pawl pivoting axis R5 preferably is parallel to the secondary control axis R4 of the control lever 52.

[0117] Preferably, said transmission pawl pivoting axis R5 is defined by a third pivoting pin 74, which is adapted to cause the transmission pawl 28 to pivot with a movement that is elastically controlled and / or caused by an elastic engagement element 76.

[0118] Said transmission pawl 28 comprises a transmission tooth 78 and a distal transmission portion 80, which are opposite one another with respect to the transmission pawl pivoting axis R5. The transmission tooth 78 is adapted to engage the circumferential set of teeth of the toothed transmission element 30 so as to make the spool 14 and the control member 16 substantially integral to each other when the latter is moved from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2. In particular, the elastic engagement element 76 is configured to urge the transmission pawl 28 to rotate so as to obtain this state of mutual engagement.

[0119] Furthermore, the transmission tooth 78 is preferably adapted to disengage the circumferential set of teeth of the toothed transmission element 30 so as to make the spool 14 and the control member 16 kinematically independent of each other when the latter is in the rest position P1. In particular, in order to obtain this state of mutual disengagement, the elastic force of the elastic engagement element 76 is overcome.

[0120] Several configurations are possible to obtain transmission pawl 28 and toothed transmission element 30 operatively movable between a mutual-engagement position and a mutual-disengagement position.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the control member 16 is configured so as to cause a movement of the transmission pawl 28 and / or of the toothed transmission element 30 alternatively to said mutual-engagement position, when the control member 16 is moved with respect to said rest position P1, and to said mutual-disengagement position, when the control member 16 is in said rest position P1. Preferably, the control member 16 is configured so as to cause a movement of the transmission pawl 28 and / or of the toothed transmission element 30 alternately to said mutual-engagement position, when the control lever 52 is moved with respect to said first lever position L1, and to said mutual-disengagement position, when the control lever 52 is in said first lever position L1.

[0122] For this purpose, the control lever 52 and the transmission pawl 28 are preferably arranged and configured within the peripheral recess 64 of the control body 50 so that at least part of the control lever 52 is adapted to abut on the distal transmission portion 80 of the transmission pawl 28, when the control lever is in the first lever position L1. In particular, the second return member 70 and the elastic engagement element 76 are configured so that, when it is in the first lever position L1, the force exerted by the control lever 52 upon the distal transmission portion 80 of the transmission pawl 28 is adapted to counteract and overcome the force of the elastic engagement element 76, so as to obtain the state of mutual disengagement between the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30.

[0123] Furthermore, the control lever 52 and the transmission pawl 28 are arranged and configured within the peripheral recess 64 of the control body 50 so that the control lever 52 is adapted to disengage the distal transmission portion 80 of the transmission pawl 28, when the control lever 52 is moved with respect to the first lever position L1. In particular, in this state, the sole force acting upon the transmission pawl 28 is that exerted by the elastic engagement element 76, so as to obtain the state of mutual engagement between the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30.

[0124] Furthermore, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control member 16 can operatively be connected to the spool 14 by means of a transmission mechanism 18, wherein the latter consists of one or more rigid transmission elements. In the present embodiment, said transmission mechanism 18 consists of the transmission pawl 28 and the toothed transmission element 30, serving as rigid transmission elements. However, further embodiments are possible, which comprise a transmission mechanism consisting of further types of rigid transmission elements and combinations thereof, which are properly arranged and configured so as to create a mutual engagement relationship, preferably in a selective manner, substantially defining a transmission assembly adapted to transmit the movement of the control member 16 to the spool 14, causing the latter to rotate in the first direction. The term “rigid element” refers to any component or element of the transmission mechanism 18 that is substantially not deformed under operating conditions. The term “rigid element” does not include terms such as “flexible element” or “bendable element”, which instead refer to elements that are flexible or bendable under operating conditions. More preferably, said transmission mechanism 18 is directly connected to the control member 16, on one side, and to the spool 14, on the other side.

[0125] Advantageously, in this state, it is possible to obtain reliable and precise movement of the spool 14 through actuation of the control member 16 with a reciprocating motion, in particular when said actuation is repeated a plurality of times.

[0126] The following disclosure describes an operating method of the tightening assembly 100 and the winding device 10 according to any one of the embodiments and of their variants described above, in order to obtain tightening of the boot 1000.

[0127] Starting from a state in which the user's foot is inserted in the boot 1000, its flaps are moved away from each other and the lever arm 110 of the possible lever tensioning device 106 is in the loosening position, the method comprises a step of manual actuation of the actuation member 16 of the winding device 10, which is performed by the user.

[0128] In this step of manual actuation of the actuation member 16, the latter is moved one or more times with a reciprocating motion between the rest position P1 and the actuation position P2. In particular, in this step, each manual movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2 causes a rotation of the spool 14 in the first direction (winding direction).

[0129] In this state, a progressive increase in the degree of winding of the traction element 102 on the spool 14 is obtained, until a desired degree of tensioning of the traction element 102 is obtained. In particular, in this step, the holding mechanism 20 is adapted to maintain the rotary position progressively reached by the spool 14 with each movement of the control member 16 from the rest position P1 to the actuation position P2. Preferably, in the event that the locking ratchet 32 is initially held in the non-operating position by the elastic locking element 38, upon first movement of the control member 16, the protruding portion 46 of thereof is adapted to act, through contact, upon the protruding abutment portion 44p of the locking ratchet 32, so as to cause it to move to the operating position.

[0130] The manual actuation of the actuation member 16 is therefore carried out one or more times with a reciprocating motion between the rest position P1 and the actuation position P2 until obtaining winding and storage in the spool 14 of a desired amount of length of the traction element 102, so as to tension the latter until obtaining the tightening of the boot 1000.

[0131] In the embodiment comprising the lever tensioning device 106, the lever arm 110 thereof is moved from the loosening position to the tensioning position to apply a tensioning force adapted to further tension the traction element 102, so as to contribute to the tensioning of the latter in order to obtain the tightening of the boot 1000.

[0132] From this state, in order to obtain the release of the tensioning of the traction element 102 aimed, for example, at extracting the foot from the boot 1000, it is possible to manually operate the holding mechanism 20 so as to allow the spool 14 to freely rotate in the second direction (unwinding direction), thereby allowing the traction element 102 to be quickly released. In particular, in this step, the user acts upon the control portion42 of the locking ratchet 32 so as to move the latter to the non-operating position, optionally holding said non-operating position by means of the elastic locking element 38.

[0133] In this state, it is possible to obtain the unwinding of the traction element 102 from the spool 14 so as to de-tension or release the latter until a desired degree of spreading of the first F1 and second F2 flaps of the boot 1000 is obtained.

[0134] Preferably, in this step, the elastic winding element 48 urges the spool 14 to rotate in the first direction (winding direction) so as to guarantee a predetermined minimum degree of winding of the traction element 102, preventing the latter from remaining excessively loose at the end of this de-tensioning step.

[0135] In the embodiment comprising the lever tensioning device 106, the lever arm 110 thereof is moved from the tensioning position to the loosening position so as to remove said tensioning force in order to further de-tension the traction element 102, thus obtaining a desired degree of spreading of the first F1 and second F2 flaps of the boot 1000.

[0136] It is clear that further embodiments of the present invention are possible, with respect to what has been described so far, without going beyond the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0137] As a matter of fact, in the previous description, the winding device 10 comprises a control member 16 provided with a control lever 52. However, this selection is not limiting and further configurations can be provided that do not include a control lever 52, whereby the control body 50 is suitably shaped and has a shape adapted to allow the control member 16 to move with a reciprocating motion between the rest position P1 and the actuation position P2. Optionally, in a further embodiment, the control lever 52 can be manufactured in an integral manner or as a single piece together with the control body 50, so as to simplify the construction of the winding device 10.

[0138] In addition, in the previous description, the tightening assembly 100 comprises deflection elements 108 that are substantially fixed on the shell 1002 or on the cuff with which they are associated. However, this selection is not limiting and further configurations can be provided in which the deflection elements 108 can be movable with respect to the shell 1002 or to the cuff with which they are associated, so as to obtain further possibilities of adjustment of the degree of tensioning of the traction element 102.

[0139] Furthermore, in the previous description, the tightening assembly 100 comprises a cable-end terminal device 104 that is substantially fixed on the shell 1002 or on the cuff with which it is associated. However, this selection is not limiting and further configurations can be provided in which the cable-end terminal device 104 can be movable with respect to the shell 1002 or to the cuff with which it is associated. Optionally, the cable-end terminal device 104 can be configured to obtain an adjustment, preferably a micrometric adjustment, of the tensioning of the traction element 102. By so doing, further possibilities of adjustment of the degree of tensioning of the traction element 102 can be obtained.

[0140] In addition, in the previous description, the tightening assembly 100 comprises a lever tensioning device 106. However, this selection is not limiting and further configurations can be provided in which the tensioning device 106 can be different from a lever tensioning device. For example, the tensioning device 106 can comprise a Velcro® band that is fixed on the shell 1002 or on the cuff with which it is associated and whose closing can suitably be adjusted to reversibly tension said traction element 102.

[0141] In light of the above, it is evident how important results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the state of the art, making it possible to provide an improvement of a winding device 10, a tightening assembly 100 and a footwear 1000.

[0142] As a matter of fact, the winding device 10 has a construction adapted to obtain reliable tightening of the footwear and, at the same time, comfort of use.

[0143] Furthermore, the winding device 10 enables a quick tightening of the tightening assembly 100 and of the footwear 1000.

[0144] In addition, the winding device 10 requires a simple and intuitive handling.

[0145] Moreover, the winding device 10 has a simple and compact construction.

[0146] Furthermore, the tightening assembly 100 and the footwear 1000, which comprise said winding device 10, ensure the advantages thereof.

[0147] Naturally, the materials and equipment used for the realization of the present invention, as well as the shape and size of the individual components, may be the most suitable ones depending on the specific needs.

Claims

1. A winding device adapted to tension a traction element for tightening of a footwear, said winding device including:a spool around which the traction element is operatively wound and unwound when said spool is rotated respectively in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to said first direction,a control member connectable to said spool through a transmission mechanism, said transmission mechanism being configured to cause a movement of said spool in said first direction upon actuation of said control member by a user,whereinsaid control member is configured so as to be operable by reciprocating motion between a rest position and at least an actuation position, andsaid transmission mechanism being configured to cause a rotation of said spool in the first direction when said control member is moved from said rest position (P1) to said at least an actuation position.

2. The winding device according to claim 1, wherein said control member further comprises one or more return members configured to move back to the rest position said control member when the latter is moved from said rest position.

3. The winding device according to claim 1, wherein said control member comprises:a control body movable in rotatable manner upon actuation of said control member, anda control lever adapted to be operatively gripped and / or manipulated by the user so as to move said control member from said rest position to said actuation position, said control lever being connected to said control body.

4. The winding device according to claim 3, wherein said control body is movable in rotatable manner about a main control axis substantially parallel to a spool rotation axis about which said spool is operatively adapted to rotate and optionally coaxial to said spool rotation axis.

5. The winding device according to claim 3, wherein said control body and said spool are arranged in a mutual overlapping relationship along a direction parallel to a spool rotation axis about which said spool is operatively adapted to rotate.

6. The winding device according to claim 3, wherein said control lever is connected to said control body so as to be movable in rotatable manner with respect to said control body between a first lever position and a second lever position.

7. The winding device according to claim 1, wherein said transmission mechanism comprises a transmission pawl and a toothed transmission element configured to be operatively movable between:a mutual-engagement position so as to cause a movement of said spool in the first direction upon actuation by a user of said control member from said rest position to said actuation position, anda mutual-disengagement position.

8. The winding device according to claim 5, wherein said control member is configured to cause movement of said transmission pawl and / or said toothed transmission element:in said mutual-engagement position when said control lever is moved from said first lever position, andin said mutual-disengagement position when said control lever is in said first lever position.

9. The winding device according to claim 1, further comprising a second return member configured to move back to the first lever position said control lever when the latter is moved from said first lever position.

10. The winding device according to claim1, comprising a holding mechanism configured to allow rotation of said spool in the first direction upon actuation of said control member, and to prevent rotation of said spool in the second direction.

11. The winding device according to claim 1, wherein said control member is operatively connectable to said spool through said transmission mechanism consisting of one or more rigid transmission elements.

12. A tightening assembly for tightening of a footwear, said tightening assembly including:a traction element arranged and configured to operatively tighten at least a portion of said footwear by tensioning said traction element, anda winding device according to any of the preceding claims arranged and configured to tension said traction element.

13. The tightening assembly according to claim 12, further including:a tensioning device arranged and configured to cooperate with a portion of said traction element, said tensioning device being further configured to reversibly tension said traction element.

14. The tightening assembly according to claim 13, wherein said tensioning device comprises a lever tensioning device provided with a lever arm arranged and configured to cooperate with an intermediate portion of said traction element, said lever arm being movable between a tensioning position and a loosening position wherein it is adapted to respectively apply and remove a tensioning force to reversibly tension said traction element.

15. A footwear including a tightening assembly according to claim 12.

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