Closing device, in particular for items of sportswear

Abstract

A closing device (10) for a wearable item (1), such device (10) comprising: - a first cable (12), - a knob (11), for pulling the first cable (12), - a casing (2), provided with a base (13) and a cover (14) for substantially closing the base (13), the casing (2) containing within it, in the following order: - a first pulley (15), for winding the first cable (12), - at least one second cable (18), - a second pulley (17), for winding the at least one second cable (18),- - means (16) for transmitting motion from the first pulley (15) to the second pulley (17), - means (70) for locking / releasing the device (10) for maintaining / loosening the tension of the second cable (18); the means (70) for locking / releasing comprise the knob (11).

Description

[0001] CLOSING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR ITEMS OF SPORTSWEAR

[0002] The present invention relates to a closing device, in particular for items of sportswear designed to be donned / wom by a user such as, for example:

[0003] - an item of footwear (ski or snowboarding boot, cycling shoe, trekking and / or mountaineering boot),

[0004] - or a helmet,

[0005] - or an item of clothing.

[0006] Nowadays, the use is known of closing devices to enable the user to tighten flaps, for example on a sports shoe, more rapidly and effectively, in particular if those flaps are relatively stiff, such as for example in snowboarding boots.

[0007] The main purpose of such closing devices is, in fact, to enable the user to exert greater closing tension between the flaps of the shoe, while at the same time ensuring a sufficient action to keep the laces tied, once the shoe is closed, so preventing unwanted loosening of the laces.

[0008] Another advantage of such devices is that they enable the user to close / open the item to which they are applied, using only one hand.

[0009] Such devices usually have:

[0010] - a first cable, for pulling, which is operated with a knob, usually with a T-shaped profile,

[0011] - a first pulley, for winding the first cable,

[0012] - a second cable, for tightening, which is adapted to join together the flaps of the item to be closed,

[0013] - a second pulley, for winding the second cable,

[0014] - means for transmitting motion from the first pulley to the second pulley,

[0015] - means for releasing the device, for loosening the second cable, in the step of opening the item.

[0016] Such prior art has a number of drawbacks. In fact, in conventional closing devices, usually the means of release for loosening the second cable comprise a ratchet system which comprises a ratchet that interacts with a ring gear, wherein the ratchet is kinematically connected to a button that protrudes from the device.

[0017] To loosen the second cable, the user actuates the button which moves the ratchet, so removing the interlock between its tooth and the ring gear and allowing the cable to be loosened.

[0018] This results in a closing device of complex construction which is problematic to provide.

[0019] Furthermore, usually the device comprises a casing containing the first pulley, the second pulley, the means for transmitting motion from the first pulley to the second pulley, and a good part of the means for releasing the device, while the pull knob, with its T-shaped profile, and the release button are on the outside of the casing.

[0020] This results in poor compactness of the device, and the bulk it adds to the overall bulk of the item to which it is applied is not negligible.

[0021] Furthermore, such a device also presents an unappealing visual impact deriving from the visible presence of the knob and of the release button protruding from the bulk of the casing.

[0022] The aim of the present invention is to provide a closing device that is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the abovementioned aspects.

[0023] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a closing device that has a simpler structure than similar, conventional devices.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to devise a closing device that is compact, and which presents a smaller bulk than similar, conventional devices.

[0025] A further object of the invention is to provide a device that presents a more appealing visual impact than similar, conventional devices.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to provide a closing device that is highly reliable, easy to implement, and at low cost.

[0028] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a closing device for a wearable item, said device comprising:

[0029] - a first cable,

[0030] - a knob, for pulling the first cable,

[0031] - a casing, provided with a base and a cover for substantially closing said base, said casing containing within it, in the following order:

[0032] - a first pulley, for winding said first cable,

[0033] - at least one second cable

[0034] - a second pulley, for winding the at least one second cable.

[0035] - means for transmitting motion from said first pulley to the second pulley,

[0036] - means for locking / releasing said device for maintaining / loosening the tension of said second cable, said device being characterized in that said means for locking / releasing comprise said knob.

[0037] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the closing device according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0038] - Figure 1 is a simplified view of a use application for a closing device, according to the invention;

[0039] - Figure la is a perspective view of the closing device according to the invention;

[0040] - Figure lb is a view of a step of using the device of Figure la, in which some components have been omitted;

[0041] - Figure 2 is a first exploded perspective view of the closing device, according to the invention, in which some components have been omitted;

[0042] - Figures 2a and 2b are views of enlargements of the exploded view of Figure 2;

[0043] - Figure 3 is a second exploded perspective view of the closing device, according to the invention, in which some components have been omitted;

[0044] - Figures 3a and 3b are views of enlargements of the exploded view of Figure 3;

[0045] - Figures 4a, 4b, 4c are views of three different configurations of some components of the device, according to the invention, in respective steps of operation of the latter;

[0046] - Figures 5a and 5b are views of two different configurations of some components of the device, according to the invention, in respective steps of operation of the latter.

[0047] With reference to the figures, a closing device, according to the invention, is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0048] In Figure 1, the device 10 is applied to an item 1 of sportswear, specifically a snowboarding boot; however, in other use applications, not shown in the figures, it can be applied to other types of shoes and / or items of clothing and / or helmets.

[0049] The device 10 comprises:

[0050] - a knob 11, for pulling a first cable 12,

[0051] - the first cable 12,

[0052] - a casing 2, provided with a base 13 and a cover 14 for substantially closing the base 13, such casing 2 containing within it, in the following order:

[0053] - a first pulley 15, for winding the first cable 12,

[0054] - means 16 for transmitting motion from the first pulley 15 to a second pulley 17,

[0055] - such second pulley 17, for winding at least one second cable 18,

[0056] - the at least one second cable 18, means 70 for locking / releasing the device 10 for maintaining / loosening the tension of the second cable 18.

[0057] One of the particularities of the invention consists in that such means 70 for locking / releasing the device 10 comprise the knob 11.

[0058] In the example shown in the figures, the device 10 comprises only one second cable 18; however, in other embodiments, not shown in the figures, the closing device according to the invention can comprise two second cables, for tightening.

[0059] Advantageously, the knob 11 has an annular profile and is substantially complementarily shaped to the cover 14 of the casing 2, and surrounds it when it is not in the configuration for pulling the first cable 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the knob 11 has an outer circumference that is substantially equal to the outer circumference of the base 13.

[0061] The first pulley 15 and the second pulley 17 are axially offset.

[0062] In fact, the first pulley 15 has an axis of rotation XI parallel to the axis of rotation X2 of the second pulley 17.

[0063] In particular, the means 16 for transmitting motion from the first pulley 15 to the second pulley 17 comprise:

[0064] - a first wheel 19, which is adapted to be integral with the first pulley 15 during the step of pulling the first cable 12 and is coaxial to the first pulley 15, the first wheel 19 being provided with a pinion 20, which is directed toward the second pulley 17 and interacts with a second wheel 21 with an internal set of teeth,

[0065] - the second wheel 21 with an internal set of teeth, which is integral with and coaxial to the second pulley 17 and monolithic therewith.

[0066] In the present description, the expression “adapted to be integral” means that the first wheel 19 is engaged with, and moves together with, the first pulley 15 during the step of pulling the first cable 12.

[0067] Specifically, the pinion 20 and the second wheel 21 with an internal set of teeth are axially offset, as can be seen in Figure 5.

[0068] The first pulley 15, the first wheel 19 and the second pulley 17 lie on substantially parallel planes.

[0069] It should be noted that such a configuration makes it possible for the device 10 to be more compact than similar, conventional devices, while at the same time requiring fewer components than the conventional devices and as a result being more straightforward and rapid to construct.

[0070] The first wheel 19 is adapted to be integral with the first pulley 15, only during the step of pulling the first cable 12.

[0071] To this end, the device 10 comprises a first ratchet system which is constituted by:

[0072] - a portion 22 of the first wheel 19 which is directed toward the first pulley 15, such portion 22 being substantially tray-shaped with a substantially annular perimetric rim 35 which has:

[0073] - externally, a set of teeth to form a ring gear 36,

[0074] - and internally, one or more abutment regions / recesses 23 for one or more first ratchets 24, such one or more abutment regions / recesses 23 being arranged along the internal surface of such perimetric rim 35,

[0075] - such first ratchets 24, each provided with arrestor teeth 26, such one or more first ratchets 24 being rotatable about respective first pivots 25, such first pivots 25 extending from the first pulley 15 toward the first wheel 19 along axes which are perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the first pulley 15.

[0076] With particular reference to Figures 4a-4c, the portion 22 of the first wheel 19 has an internal shaped portion which defines a plurality of abutment regions / recesses 23 which are such as to:

[0077] - provide an abutment / interference with the arrestor teeth 26 of the first ratchets 24 when the first pulley 15 rotates in a first direction of rotation Rl, shown in Figure 4a,

[0078] - allow the disengagement of the teeth 26 of the first ratchets 24 from the respective abutment regions / recesses 23 when the first pulley 15 rotates in a second direction of rotation R2, opposite to the first direction of rotation Rl, shown in Figure 4c.

[0079] Figure 4b shows the inactive configuration, in which the first pulley 15 is stationary.

[0080] Advantageously, the device 10 comprises two mutually opposite first ratchets 24. This enables the device 10 to operate with higher levels of torque than similar, conventional devices which have a single ratchet.

[0081] The device 10 also comprises first elastic return means 27 of the first ratchets 24, constituted by a first spring 28, made of thermoplastic polymeric material and substantially Z-shaped, which is interposed between the first ratchets 24 and is adapted to interact with both first ratchets 24 simultaneously.

[0082] Such first spring 28 is adapted to:

[0083] - push the first ratchets 24 against the abutment regions / recesses 23, when the first pulley rotates in the first direction of rotation Rl, as shown in Figure 4a,

[0084] - and to return the first ratchets 24 to the inactive position, shown in Figure 4b, when the knob 11 is released, so loosening the first cable 11, as explained below, and the first pulley 15 rotates in the second direction of rotation R2.

[0085] The first spring 28 is arranged on a second pivot 29 which passes through it in a substantially central position, such pin 29 extending from the cover 14 toward the second pulley 17, such first spring 28 being at least partially rotatable about the latter.

[0086] The first wheel 19, with its pinion 20, and the first pulley 15 are arranged on the second pivot 29 and are rotatable about the latter.

[0087] Specifically, the axis of extension of the second pivot 29 coincides with the axis of rotation XI of the first pulley 15, of the first wheel 19 and of its pinion 20.

[0088] The second pulley 17 is arranged on a third pivot 50, which extends from the base 13 toward the cover 14, and can rotate about such third pivot 50. The axis of extension of the third pivot 50 coincides with the axis of rotation X2 of the second pulley 17.

[0089] The first ratchets 24 have a substantially Q-shaped profile with:

[0090] - a first end 30, which is provided with the tooth 26, interposed between a first end portion of the first spring 28 and a first raised portion 33, the latter extending from the first pulley 15 toward the first wheel 19, the first raised portion 33 having a substantially triangular profile,

[0091] - a curved portion 31 , which at least partially surrounds a respective first pivot 25 and is interposed between the first end 30 and a second end 32,

[0092] - such second end 32, which is opposite from the first end 31 and is interposed between a second end portion of the first spring 28 and a second raised portion 34 which extends from the first pulley 15 toward the first wheel 19, such second raised portion 34 having a substantially rectilinear profile.

[0093] The first raised portion 33 is substantially interposed between the first end 30 and the curved portion 31 of the first ratchet 24 and is substantially shaped complementarily to them.

[0094] The first raised portion 33 and the second raised portion 34 are adapted to keep the first ratchet 24 in position and to limit their rotation about the first pivot 25.

[0095] The first raised portion 33 and the second raised portion 34 are arranged proximately to / on the outermost side of the first ratchet 24, while the first pivot 25 is arranged on the innermost side of the first ratchet 24.

[0096] In the present description, the expression:

[0097] - “outermost side of the first ratchet 24” means the side of the first ratchet 24 directed toward the outside of the device 10, and therefore toward the annular perimetric rim 35,

[0098] - “innermost side of the first ratchet 24” means the side of the first ratchet 24 directed inward into the device 10, and therefore toward the first spring 28.

[0099] In particular, the first spring 28, the first ratchets 24 and the respective first pivots 25, first raised portions 33 and second raised portions 34 are accommodated in the portion 22 of the first wheel 19.

[0100] Advantageously, the device 10 comprises a second spring 37, which is coiled, for the elastic return of the first pulley 15 for the take-up of the first cable 12.

[0101] The second spring 37 also surrounds the second pivot 29 and is arranged in a receptacle 38 of the first pulley 15, such receptacle 38 being directed toward the cover 14.

[0102] The second spring 37 is associated:

[0103] - at a first end 39, which is internal, with the second pivot 29, the first end 39 of the second spring 37 being inserted / interlocked in a longitudinal groove 40 of the second pivot 29,

[0104] - at a second end 41, which is external, with the perimetric rim of the receptacle 38, the second end 41 of the second spring 37 being inserted / interlocked in a respective engagement recess 42 which is present on the internal surface of the perimetric rim of the receptacle 38.

[0105] The device 10 comprises means 70 for locking / releasing the device 10, which are adapted to:

[0106] - prevent the free rotation of the first wheel 19 when the device 10 is in the inactive mode (with the item 1 open or closed), and so prevent any involuntary loosening of the second cable 18,

[0107] - allow the rotation of the first wheel 19 in the active mode, during the opening of the item 1, thus allowing the loosening of the second cable 18 and the opening of the item 1.

[0108] The means 70 for locking / releasing comprise a second ratchet system, which has:

[0109] - the ring gear 36 of the first wheel 19,

[0110] - a second ratchet 43, which is provided with an engagement tooth 71, the second ratchet 43 being arranged on a fourth pivot 44 and rotatable about the latter, the fourth pivot 44 passing through the second ratchet 43 in a substantially central position thereof, the fourth pivot 44 having an extension that is perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the first wheel 19, the second ratchet 43 being in interaction with the ring gear 36 and defining a locked configuration of the device 10 (and therefore a configuration of holding the tension on the second cable 18) when its tooth 71 is engaged between two successive teeth of the ring gear 36, as shown in Figure 5b.

[0111] Such second ratchet 43 is connected, at a first end thereof, to a third elastic return spring 45, such third spring 45 being adapted to propel the third ratchet 43, in order to keep its tooth 71 engaged between two successive teeth of the ring gear 36 when the device 10 is in the inactive mode, for example when the item 1 is closed, and prevent involuntary loosening of the second cable 18, as shown in Figure 5b.

[0112] In particular, the device 10 comprises a slider / sliding member 46, which has an outer profile shaped like a circular arc, is arranged proximately to / at the second ratchet 43, and is adapted to interact with the latter in the step of releasing the first wheel 19, as shown in Figure 5a.

[0113] Advantageously, the slider / sliding member 46 has, on the side directed toward the second ratchet 43, two portions 72a, 72b which are inclined toward the second ratchet 43 and are adapted to come into contact with the latter, in the step of releasing the first wheel 19, as shown in Figure 5a.

[0114] The second ratchet 43 has a central portion 73, which surrounds the fourth pivot 44 and is at least partially rounded on the side directed toward the slider / sliding member 46. With reference to Figure 5a, the central portion 73 of the second ratchet 43 is adapted to correspond substantially to the zone of convergence of the two inclined portions 72a, 72b of the slider / sliding member 46, when the device 10 is in the released configuration and the slider / sliding member 46 is moved in a first direction / rotation DI .

[0115] The second ratchet 43 has an end portion 74, which is opposite from the portion provided with its tooth 71 and is at least partially rounded on the side directed toward the slider / sliding member 46.

[0116] With reference to Figure 5b, the end portion 74 of the second ratchet 43 is adapted to correspond substantially to the zone of convergence of the two inclined portions 72a, 72b of the slider / sliding member 46, when the device 10 is in the locked configuration and the slider / sliding member 46 is in the inactive configuration.

[0117] It should be noted that such a configuration / conformation:

[0118] - of the second ratchet 43 with, in turn:

[0119] - the central portion 73, at least partially rounded on the side directed toward the slider / sliding member 46,

[0120] - the end portion 74, at least partially rounded on the side directed toward the slider / sliding member 46,

[0121] - and of the slider / sliding member 46 with the two portions 72a, 72b inclined toward the second ratchet 43, enables a release of the device 10, by virtue of the interaction of one of the two inclined portions 72a, 72b with the respective central portion 73 or the end portion 74, and therefore both in the event of movement of the slider / sliding member 46 from its neutral position (shown in Figure 5b) in a first direction DI (shown in Figure 5a), and in the event of movement of the slider / sliding member 46 from its neutral position (shown in Figure 5b) in a second direction, not shown in the figures, which is opposite to the first one direction DI.

[0122] The slider / sliding member 46 has, on its outer surface, a shaped portion 47 for shape mating / interlocking with a corresponding / complementarily shaped portion 49 of the knob 11.

[0123] The cover 14 has an opening 48, from which the shaped portion 47 protrudes, allowing coupling with the knob 11 , when the latter returns to the inactive position.

[0124] In this manner, to release the device 10 and loosen the tension on the second cable 18, so allowing the item 1 to be opened, it is sufficient to rotate the knob 11 clockwise or anticlockwise by a certain number of degrees (for example in the order of 15°), in order to simultaneously displace the slider / sliding member 46, which is kinematically coupled to the knob 11 by means of the form-fit coupling between the shaped portion 47 and the portion 49, in so doing removing the engagement between the second ratchet 43 and the ring gear 36.

[0125] The slider / sliding member 46 and the second ratchet 43 are contained inside the volumetric bulk of the casing 2.

[0126] Advantageously, the device 10 comprises a fourth spring 51, which is associated with the base 13 and is fixed at both ends of the slider / sliding member 46 to corresponding tabs 52a, 52b thereof, such tabs extending along axes which are perpendicular to the plane of movement of the slider / sliding member 46 and toward the base 13.

[0127] The fourth spring 51 is adapted to return the slider / sliding member 46 to the neutral position, and as a consequence also the knob 11 once the latter is released.

[0128] It should be noted that it is possible to release the device 10 only if the knob 11 is correctly coupled to the slider / sliding member 46, therefore only when it is correctly positioned on the cover 14, and this eliminates the risk of involuntary opening of the item 1.

[0129] Advantageously, the base 13 of the casing 2 is fixed to a flanged support 53, which can be associated with the item 1, for example by means of sewing and / or adhesive bonding and / or heat-welding. The use of the device 10 according to the invention is the following.

[0130] When the user wishes to close the item 1 , he or she grasps the knob 11 of the device 10 and pulls it one or more times so as to extract and pull the first cable 12.

[0131] Owing to this maneuver, the unreeling of the first cable 12 causes the rotation of the first pulley 15.

[0132] Simultaneously with the rotation of the first pulley 15, in the direction R1 shown in Figure 4a, the first ratchets 24 rotate, bringing the teeth 26 into abutment / engagement with the abutment regions / recesses 23 of the first wheel 19, so causing a kinematic coupling that turns the first wheel 19 integrally with the first pulley 15.

[0133] In this step, the knob 11 and the first cable 12 are pulled and released one or more times according to the desired degree of tightness.

[0134] When the knob 11 is released, the first cable 12 is automatically rewound around the first pulley 15 by virtue of the elastic return of the second spring 37.

[0135] During the rewinding of the first cable 12 on the first pulley 15, the latter rotates in the direction opposite to that of the former, indicated with R2 in Figure 4c, so causing the disengagement of the first ratchets 24 from the abutment regions / recesses 23 of the first wheel 19 and therefore the kinematic uncoupling of the first pulley 15 from the first wheel 19 so that the former can rotate freely with respect to the latter.

[0136] During the step of pulling the first cable 12, the rotation of the first wheel 19 causes the rotation of the pinion 20, which in turn interacts with the second wheel 21 with an internal set of teeth, which is monolithic with the second pulley 17.

[0137] Owing to this interaction, the rotation of the pinion 20 entails the rotation of the second wheel 21 with an internal set of teeth, and therefore of the second pulley 17, so causing the second cable 18 to be wound on the second pulley 17, and therefore causing the item 1 to be closed. Once closure is complete, the first cable 12 is rewound as explained above and the knob 11 is returned to the inactive position, on the cover 14, interlocking / coupling its portion 49 with / to the shaped portion 47 of the slider / sliding member 46, which protrudes from the cover 14 through the opening 48.

[0138] When the wearer wishes to open the item 1, it is sufficient to rotate the knob 11 from its inactive position, clockwise or anti-clockwise.

[0139] This rotation causes the sliding of the slider / sliding member 46, causing the contact / interaction of one of its inclined- surface portions 72a, 72b with the second ratchet 43.

[0140] Owing to this contact / interaction, the second ratchet 43 rotates about the third pivot 44, causing the disengagement of its tooth from the ring gear 36, so allowing the free rotation of the first wheel 19 integrally with the second pulley 17 with respect to the first pulley 15.

[0141] Once the first wheel 19 has been released, it is then possible to loosen the second cable 18.

[0142] After having loosened the second cable 18, the knob 11 is released and returns to its inactive position by virtue of the movement of the slider / sliding member 46 which is returned to the neutral position by the elastic return of the fourth spring 51.

[0143] In this step, the slider / sliding member 46 is also disengaged from the second ratchet 43, which maintains its position of stability which was reached by virtue of the action of the third spring 45.

[0144] In particular the second ratchet 43 can maintain two alternate, stable positions, by virtue of the third spring 45, which holds the position it has reached, and respectively:

[0145] - a ratchet engaged position, when the second ratchet 43 engages the first wheel 19,

[0146] - a ratchet disengaged position, when the second ratchet 43 is disengaged from the first wheel 19. Opposite from the tooth 71 that engages the second ratchet 43 with the first wheel 19, there is a rearming element 60, hinged to the second ratchet 43, and this rearming element 60 rotates about its own axis of rotation, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the second ratchet 43, subjected to a return action by virtue of a torsion spring, not shown in the figures.

[0147] When the user acts on the knob 11 to proceed with rewinding the second cable 18, the first segment to be pulled of the first cable 12 results in the rotation of the first wheel 19, on which the rearming element 60 is placed, causing a radial thrust thereof, which in turn causes the second ratchet 43 to be switched from the “ratchet disengaged” position to the “ratchet engaged” position.

[0148] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a closing device that has a simpler structure than similar, conventional devices.

[0149] With the invention a closing device is provided that is compact, and which presents a smaller bulk than similar, conventional devices.

[0150] Furthermore, with the invention a device is provided that offers a more appealing visual impact than similar, conventional devices.

[0151] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0152] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0153] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000028998 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0154] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A closing device (10) for a wearable item (1), said device (10) comprising:- a first cable,- a knob (11), for pulling the first cable (12),- a casing (2), provided with a base (13) and a cover (14) for substantially closing said base (13), said casing (2) containing within it, in the following order:- a first pulley (15), for winding said first cable (12),- at least one second cable (18),- a second pulley (17), for winding at least the second cable (18),- means (16) for transmitting motion from said first pulley (15) to the second pulley (17),- means (70) for locking / releasing said device (10) for maintaining / loosening the tension of said second cable (18), said device (10) being characterized in that said means (70) for locking / releasing comprise said knob (11).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said knob (11) has an annular profile and is shaped substantially complementarily to said cover (14) of said casing (2), said knob (11) surrounding said cover (14) when it is not in the configuration for pulling said first cable (12).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said knob (11) has an outer circumference which is substantially equal to the outer circumference of said base (13).

4. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (16) for transmitting motion from said first pulley (15) to said second pulley (17) comprise:- a first wheel (19), which is coaxial to said first pulley (15), said first wheel (19) being provided with a pinion (20), which is directed toward said second pulley (17) and interacts with a second wheel (21) with an internalset of teeth,- said second wheel (21) with an internal set of teeth, which is integral with and coaxial to said second pulley (17) and monolithic therewith.

5. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first ratchet system constituted by:- a portion (22) of said first wheel (19) which is directed toward said first pulley (15), said portion (22) being substantially tray-shaped with a substantially annular perimetric rim (35), said perimetric rim (35) having:- externally, a set of teeth to form a ring gear (36),- and internally, one or more abutment regions / recesses (23) for one or more first ratchets (24), said one or more abutment regions / recesses (23) being arranged along the internal surface of said perimetric rim (35),- said one or more first ratchets (24), each provided with an arrestor tooth (26), said one or more first ratchets (24) being rotatable about respective first pivots (25), said first pivots (25) extending from said first pulley (15) toward said first wheel (19) along axes which are perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of said first pulley (15).

6. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said portion (22) of said first wheel (19) has an internal shaped portion which defines a plurality of abutment regions / recesses (23) which are such as to:- provide an abutment / interference with said arrestor tooth (26) of said one or more first ratchets (24) when said first pulley (15) rotates in a first direction of rotation (Rl),- allow the disengagement of said arrestor tooth (26) of said one or more first ratchets (24) from the respective one of said abutment regions / recesses (23) when said first pulley (15) rotates in a second direction of rotation (R2), which is opposite to said first direction of rotation (Rl).

7. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (70) for locking / releasing comprise a19 second ratchet system, which has:- said ring gear (36) of said first wheel (19),- a second ratchet (43), provided with an engagement tooth (71), said second ratchet (43) being arranged on a fourth pivot (44) and being rotatable about the latter, said fourth pivot (44) passing through said second ratchet (43) in a substantially central position thereof, said fourth pivot (44) having an extension that is perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of said first wheel (19), said second ratchet (43) being in interaction with said ring gear (36),- a slider / sliding member (46), having an outer profile shaped like a circular arc, arranged proximately to / at said second ratchet (43).

8. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said slider / sliding member (46) has, on the side directed toward said second ratchet (43), two portions (72a, 72b) which are inclined toward said second ratchet (43).

9. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second ratchet (43) has:- a central portion (73), which surrounds said fourth pivot (44) and is at least partially rounded on the side directed toward said slider / sliding member (46),- an end portion (74), which is opposite from the portion provided with said tooth (71) and is at least partially rounded on the side directed toward said slider / sliding member (46).

10. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said slider / sliding member (46) has, on its outer surface, a shaped portion (47) for shape mating / interlocking with a corresponding / complementarily shaped portion (49) of said knob (11), said cover (14) having an opening (48) from which said shaped portion (47) protrudes.

11. The device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims,20 characterized in that it comprises a fourth spring (51), which is associated with said base (13) and is fixed at both ends of said slider / sliding member (46) to corresponding tabs (52a, 52b) thereof, said tabs (52a, 52b) extending along axes which are perpendicular to the plane of movement of said slider / sliding member (46) and toward said base (13).

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