EP4691306A1

EP4691306A1 - Winding device for tightening an article

Info

Publication number: EP4691306A1
Application number: EP25191318.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dino Giusti
Original assignee: GI DI MECCANICA SpA
Current assignee: GI DI MECCANICA SpA
Priority date: 2024-08-06
Filing date: 2025-07-23
Publication date: 2026-02-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to a winding device (10) for tensioning a traction element (200) for tightening an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away. The winding device (10) comprises a spool element (14) around which there is operatively wound and unwound said traction element (200) when respectively rotated in a first direction and in a second direction, an actuation member (16) connected to the spool element (14) through a winding mechanism (18) configured to cause a movement of the spool element (14) in the first direction, and at least one holding mechanism (20) configured so as to allow a rotation of the spool element (14) in the first direction and so as to prevent a rotation of the spool element (14) in the second direction. Specifically, the actuation member (16) and the winding mechanism (18) are connected to each other through a motion transmission element (32) of the flexible type which is configured to transmit an actuation movement of the actuation member (16) to the winding mechanism (18) so as to cause the movement of the spool element (14) in the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a winding device for tightening an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away with respect to each other, for example an article to be worn and preferably a sports footwear, such as a ski boot.
Generally, a winding device according to the present invention is used where there arises the need to controllably move mutually towards/away a pair of flaps of the article, such as flaps of a sports footwear, by means of traction and release of a traction element, such as a traction strap or cable.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Tightening systems which allow the releasable tightening of a strap or a traction cable have long been known and applied for example in the sports footwear industry.
Patent document EP0056953 discloses an example of a winding device which can be included in a system for tightening a sports footwear, such as a ski boot. Such tightening device comprises a housing which can be associated with the ski boot and provided with knob for actuating, through a winding mechanism, a spool on which there can be wound/unwound a cable of the tightening system. The winding device further comprises a ratchet-like holding mechanism configured so as to allow a rotation of the spool in the winding direction upon actuation of the knob, and so as to prevent a rotation thereof in the winding direction. This condition allows to retain a progressive position of the spool, so as to maintain the tensioning condition of the cable progressively achieved in the winding direction.
Although the prior art winding devices operate appropriately in most cases, they reveal drawbacks.
As a matter of fact, the construction of the prior art winding devices typically provides for a rotation axis of the spool which is parallel or coincident the rotation axis of the actuation knob. Such construction limits the design options of the winding device and of the sports footwear with which the winding device is associated.
Furthermore, given that there is provided for a spool and a knob substantially in a overlapping relation with respect to each other and having the same rotation axis parallel to each other, the winding device is relatively cumbersome along a direction parallel to the rotation axes, such as the height of the device, which in operative conditions is substantially orthogonal to the surface portion of the sports footwear with which it is associated. Such particularly large height-wise overall dimensions in cases where the length of the cable to be wound/unwound is relatively high, or when the spool is adapted to wind/unwind a strap of the tightening system.
Therefore, there arises the need to provide for an area on the outer surface of the sports footwear that has to be suitably designed to receive the winding device having large height-wise overall dimensions. The current trend is typically to provide the winding device for example at the shell of a ski boot, limiting the choice of the possible regions where to arrange the winding device due to its overall dimensions.
Furthermore, for the same reason, desired aesthetic characteristics of the sports footwear are limited by the presence of winding device having large height-wise overall dimensions.
Furthermore, given that there is provided for on the outer surface of the sports footwear a winding device that is relatively cumbersome height-wise, for example at the shell of a ski boot, it is likely that such winding device can in operative conditions accidentally collide with objects, damaging them.
Furthermore, given that the winding device is associated with an end portion of the pulling strap or cable of the tightening system, the actuation knob, on which the user acts, it is arranged at the pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away, for example of the shell of a ski boot, and with a plurality of further slaps, for example of the cuff, redirecting elements, levers and the like, which could interfere with the accessibility and/or manoeuvrability of the knob.
Furthermore, the prior art winding devices envisage a complex construction in which, possibly to reduce the height-wise overall dimensions thereof, there are provided for kinematic mechanisms comprising complex construction components and reduced strength for some of them.
Furthermore, there arises the need to provide a solution having a simple construction which, in the design stage, can be widely adapted to characteristics of the article with which the winding device is associated.
Furthermore, there arises the need to provide a solution having a simple construction which, in the design stage, can be widely adapted to various types of traction elements, such as for example straps or cables, having characteristics that are different from each other, such as length.
As a result, there arises the need to provide a winding device, an article comprising it, which overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The task of the present invention is to provide an improvement to a winding device adapted to be applied to an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away, such as preferably an article to be worn and more preferably a sports footwear, wherein such winding device provides for a construction that can be easily and widely adapted in the design stage depending on the needs. In particular, there arises the need to provide a solution which, in the design stage, can be widely adapted to characteristics of the article with which the winding device is associated.
In the context of the task outlined above, an object of the present invention is to provide a winding device which allows in the design stage to widely select a desired orientation of the rotation axis of the spool element with respect to the direction or to the movement axis of the actuation member, for example comprising a lever or a knob.
A further object is to obtain a winding device which envisages a reduction in the overall dimensions height-wise, in particular considering the overall dimensions of the actuation member, that is a reduction in size along a direction orthogonal to the surface portion of the article with which it is associated.
A further object is to obtain a winding device having a construction which, in the design stage, can be widely adapted to traction elements of different type, such as for example straps or cables.
A further object is to obtain a winding device which envisages a small number of components.
A further object is to obtain a winding device which envisages a simple construction.
A further object is to obtain a winding device which envisages strength.
A further object is to obtain a winding device which provides for a reliable tightening degree of the flaps of the article.
A further object is to obtain a winding device having a construction which can be obtained by using means and components that are readily available and which can be obtained with conventional plants, machines and equipment.
A further object is to obtain an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away, such as preferably an article to be worn and more preferably a sports footwear, which comprises said winding device, as a result providing for the advantages of the latter.
These and other tasks, objects and advantages outlined above, as well as others which will be more apparent in the description below, are attained through a winding device and an article as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The further characteristics and advantages of the winding device and of the article comprising the same, will become more apparent in the following description relating to an embodiment provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures below, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the winding device according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 2 shows a top view of the winding device of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the winding device of Fig. 1 in which the covering housing is removed,
Fig. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the winding device of Fig. 3,
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the winding device of Fig. 3 in a first operating condition and in which there is not shown a dragging element of the winding mechanism,
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the winding device of Fig. 5 in a second operating condition,
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the winding device of Fig. 5 in a third operating condition,
Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of a spool element of the winding device of Figs. 3 to 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present description there may be used expressions such as "upper", "lower", "high", "low" or the like; the person skilled in the art will have no difficulty understanding that such terms refer to the winding device as shown in the attached figures.
The present invention relates to a winding device which can be included in a tightening system which can be associated with an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away with respect to each other, for example by overlapping or approaching flaps, so as to obtain a releasable tightening of the article.
Preferably, said article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away is an article to be worn and more preferably a sports footwear, such as for example a ski boot.
In the description below, reference shall preferably be made to a winding device for the tightening system for a ski boot, in which the winding device is adapted to reversibly tighten a traction element of the tightening system, so as to obtain the approaching/moving away of the flaps. However, such reference shall be understood to be provided by way of non-limiting example, given that the winding device according to the present invention can be used in further articles to be worn or more generally articles provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away with respect to each other. Therefore, a winding device according to the present invention is used where there arises the need to controllably approach/move away a pair of flaps of the article by pulling and releasing a traction element, such as a pulling strap or cable.
Figs. 1 to 8 show a preferred embodiment of the winding device 10, according to the present invention, which is configured to tighten a traction element 200 included in a tightening system (not shown in the drawings) associated with a ski boot (not shown in the drawings), such as the article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away.
Typically, the ski boot comprises a shell adapted to receive the foot of a user. The shell is provided with a sole, substantially defining a plane for supporting the foot, from which there depart on opposite longitudinal sides a first lateral flap and a second lateral flap which are adapted to be arranged, respectively, on the outer part and on the inner part of the foot extending between a tip, located in an area near the tip of the foot, and a heel, located at an area near the heel, affecting the lateral regions of the foot until approximately the malleoli region, and being faced or overlapped preferably in the upper area of the foot.
The tightening of the ski boot which can be obtained by means of the tightening system may entail approaching the interface edges of said first and second flaps of interface edges of said first and second flaps, between which there may be possibly positioned a tab-like element, or it may entail the slidable overlapping of one flap with respect to the other.
The ski boot further comprises a cuff adapted to wrap around the lower part of the leg of the user. Preferably, the cuff is articulated to the shell given that it can rotate around suitable hinge devices of the known type.
The tightening system can be applied to the first and second flaps which are comprised in the shell of the ski boot. It is clear that the tightening system can also be applied to a pair of flaps, for example arranged at the cuff, or any other part of the upper or shell of a footwear where there is a need to releasably tighten a pair of flaps.
Typically, the tightening system comprises a substantially flexible traction element 200, such as for example a pulling strap or pulling cable, which is preferably fixed to a flap of the ski boot through an end portion thereof by means of a cable lug device. The tightening system includes said traction element 200, possibly redirecting means comprising one or more redirecting members adapted to be engaged in a through and freely slidable manner by the traction element 200 so as to suitably divert the sliding direction thereof, and the winding device 10 configured to act on the other end portion to releasably tighten the boot 1000 around the foot of the user by tensioning the traction element 200.
In the present preferred embodiment, the substantially flexible traction element 200 is a pulling strap. However, this selection shall not be deemed as limiting and the traction element 200 may be a pulling cable or pulling rope, possibly of the stranded type, which is flexible and generally substantially inextensible.
Still with reference to Figs. 1 to 8, described below is a preferred embodiment of the winding device 10, according to the present invention, which is configured for tensioning the traction element 200, that is a first end portion 202 of the latter, of the tightening system of a ski boot. Typically, a second end portion (not numbered in the figures) of the traction element 200 is associated with the shell or with the cuff of the ski boot, for example by means of a cable lug device.
The winding device 10 comprises a support element 12, a spool element 14, an actuation member 16, a winding mechanism 18 and at least one holding mechanism 20.
The support element 12 preferably provides for a box-like structure provided with a base wall 22 and with an opposite top wall 24 which are connected to each other by one or more side walls 26 so as to define a seat or cavity, substantially defining a housing, which is adapted to rotatably receive the spool element 14. The support element 12, such as for example a housing element 12, can be associated, that is fixed, preferably through its base wall 22, to a portion of the ski boot, such as for example a portion of the shell, using securing means of the known type.
The spool element 14, in the present description hereinafter also referred to as "spool", is arranged at the support element 12, preferably in the seat or cavity of the latter. The spool element 14, preferably having a predominantly substantially cylindrical structure, is rotatably supported by the support element 12 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis R1, preferably substantially parallel to the base wall 22.
The spool element 14 comprises a shaft section 28, that is substantially cylindrical-shaped and coaxial to the first rotation axis R1, whose ends are rotatably supported, for example, by suitable seats formed on the side walls 26 of the support element 12. At an intermediate portion between the ends of the shaft portion 28, the spool element 14 comprises anchoring means 30 that are configured to be fixed to the first end portion 202 of the traction element 200. In the present embodiment in which the traction element 200 is a pulling strap, said anchoring means are preferably formed by a through-slit adapted to be engaged by the first end portion 202 of the traction element 200 which is then fixed thereto forming a loop. However, there may be provided for configurations for the anchoring means 30 which can be suitably selected according to the type of traction element 200 and the structure of the shaft portion 28 of the spool element 14, depending on the needs.
In particular, the spool element 14 is configured so that thereon, that is around its shaft portion 28, the traction element 200 can be operationally wound and unwound when the spool element 14 is rotated in a first direction (winding direction) and a second direction (unwinding direction) respectively, wherein said second direction is opposite to said first direction.
The actuation member 16, for example comprising a command element such as a lever or a knob as better explained below, is preferably at least partially arranged outside the support element 12, so that it can be actuated by the user, for example in rotation by means of a manual operation. In the present embodiment, the actuation member 16 is at least partially connected to the base wall 22 and substantially arranged adjacent to the spool element 14 along a direction parallel to the base wall 22.
In particular, the actuation member 16 is connected to the spool element 14 through a winding mechanism 18 which, in turn, is configured to cause movement in said first direction (winding direction) of the spool element 14 upon the actuation of actuation member 16, for example by driving in rotation by the user. In other words, the winding mechanism 18 is configured so as to convert a movement of the actuation member 16 into a rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction.
In this condition, when the actuation member 16 is actuated by the user, the winding mechanism 18 is adapted to impart to the spool element 14 a rotation about its first axis of rotation R1 in the first direction to wind the traction element 200 around the shaft portion 28, obtaining a desired tensioning of the traction element 200, depending on the degree of winding.
Said at least one holding mechanism 20 is operatively coupled with the spool element 14. The holding mechanism 20 is configured to allow a rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction (winding direction) upon actuation of the actuation member 16 through the winding mechanism 18, and to prevent the spool element 14 from rotating in the second direction (unwinding direction). In other words, the holding mechanism 20 is configured to maintain a tensioning state of the traction element 200 which is progressively achieved by gradually rotating the spool element 14 in the first direction, and it is also configured to allow a possible further rotation of the spool element in the first direction. While, the holding mechanism 20 is configured to prevent a rotation of the spool element 14 in the second direction, therefore acting as a ratchet-like holding mechanism to allow one-way rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction and prevent a retrograde movement of the latter.
As better explained below, the holding mechanism 20 is preferably of the releasable retaining type in which, by means of an appropriate manual operation of the user, the spool element 14 can be released allowing it to rotate freely in the second direction in order to obtain a release of the traction element 200 and the tensioning of the latter.
In particular, the actuation member 16 and the winding mechanism 18 are kinematically connected to each other through a motion transmission element 32 of the flexible type. Said motion transmission element 32 is configured to transmit an actuation movement of the actuation member 16 to the winding mechanism 18 so as to cause the movement of the spool element 14 in the first direction (winding direction). Preferably, the motion transmission element 32 is a traction element adapted to transmit a pulling movement. More preferably, the motion transmission element 32 is adapted to directly connect the actuation member 16 to the winding mechanism 18.
The motion transmission element 32 of the flexible type, hereinafter also referred to as the flexible motion transmission element 32 or simply the motion transmission element 32, is preferably in the form of a cable or strap element which is flexible along one or more directions transverse to its longitudinal extension.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the motion transmission element 32 comprises or consists of a cable which is flexible along transverse directions, and substantially inextensible and possibly incompressible along its longitudinal extension. In this particularly preferred embodiment, the motion transmission element 32 is a pulling cable preferably metallic which is adapted to transmit direct pulling movements, and possibly it is a push-pull cable adapted to transmit direct pull and push movements.
Preferably, the motion transmission element 32 comprises a first end portion 34 associated with the actuation member 16, and a second end portion 36 opposite the first end portion 34, associated with the winding mechanism 18.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding device 10 provides for a construction that can be easily and widely adapted in the design stage, according to the needs, and in particular according to the characteristics of the article with which it is associated. This advantage is relevant in the case of articles to be worn and in particular for sports footwear, such as ski boots, where it is desirable to achieve versatility in construction.
As a matter of fact, the transmission element 32 of the flexible type allows an actuation of the rotation of the spool element 14 by means of the actuation member 16, avoiding the use of other types of mechanical transmission elements which would limit the designer options of the winding device and/or ski boot. For example, the use of bevel gearwheels would allow an arrangement of the rotation axis of the spool orthogonal to the direction or movement axis of a lever or control knob, but this would limit the design options and in particular the of the winding device.
Therefore, advantageously, the motion transmission element 32 of the flexible type allows an actuation of the rotation of the spool element 14 by means of the actuation member 16, while avoiding the use of complex mechanical transmission elements or combinations thereof. For the same reason, advantageously, the winding device 10 provides for strength given that the motion transmission element 32 allows to avoid the use of complex mechanical transmission elements or combinations thereof. Such advantages are relevant in the case of articles to be worn and in particular for sports footwear, such as ski boots, in which it is particularly desirable to achieve ease of manufacturing and/or strength.
Furthermore, advantageously, the motion transmission element 32 of the flexible type allows an actuation of the rotation of the spool element 14 by means of the actuation member 16, while ensuring a wide choice of orientation/arrangement of the first rotation motion R1 of the spool element 14 with respect to the direction or the movement axis of the actuation member 16.
Furthermore, advantageously, the motion transmission element 32 of the flexible type allows the arrangement of the spool element 14 and the actuation member 16 side by side with respect to each other in a direction substantially parallel to the base wall 22. Therefore, this condition allows to obtain reduced overall dimensions of the winding device 10 height-wise, that is small in size along a direction orthogonal to the base wall 22 and the surface portion of the ski boot with which it is associated. This advantage is relevant in the case of articles to be worn and in particular for sports footwear, such as ski boots, where it is desirable to achieve compactness.
Furthermore, advantageously, given that it is possible to variously arrange/orient the spool element 14 with respect to the actuation member 16, in the design stage it is also possible to broadly select the characteristics of the spool element 14, for example according to the type of traction element 200, such as band, strap, strip, belt, cable, lace or wire.
Furthermore, advantageously, the use of a motion transmission element 32 ensures the simplicity of construction of the winding device 10, a reduction in the number of its components and, at the same time, a reliable degree of tightening of the flaps of the article.
With reference to Figs. 4 to 8, the spool element 14 further comprises a toothed driving element 38 which is connected to the shaft section 28, and possibly an annular relief 40 (numbered only in Fig. 4) which acts as an abutment for at least one part of the winding mechanism 18.
The toothed driving element 38 is connected to the shaft portion 28 so that, when rotated by the by means of the winding mechanism 18 upon the actuation of actuation member 16, is adapted to impart to the shaft portion 28 a rotation in the first direction about the first rotation axis R1.
To this end, the toothed driving element 38 is for example a gear wheel which is formed preferably integrally joined with the shaft portion 28 and coaxial to the first rotation axis R1. The toothed driving element 38 is arranged preferably at or in the proximity of a first end of the shaft portion 28, wherein said first end is opposite to a second end of the shaft portion 28 at or near which there operatively acts the holding mechanism 20.
The winding mechanism 18 is associated with the spool element 14, that is to its shaft portion 28, at or near the first end so as to act engaging the toothed driving element 38. In particular, the winding mechanism 18 comprises an engagement assembly 42 connected to said motion transmission element 32, and in particular to the second end portion 36 of the latter.
Said engagement assembly 42 is movable with respect to the toothed driving element 38, preferably rotating about the first rotation axis R1, and it is configured so that, upon the actuation of the actuation member 16, it is adapted to engage said toothed driving element 38 and imparting to the latter a rotation adapted to cause the movement of the spool element 14 in the first direction, preferably by pulling the motion transmission element 32.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding device 10 provides for a construction that can be easily and widely adapted in the design stage, according to the needs, while ensuring a reliable tightening degree of the flaps of the article.
Preferably, engagement assembly 42 comprises a dragging element 44 and an engagement element 46.
The dragging element 44 is associated with the spool element 14, that with its shaft portion 28, at the toothed driving element 38, and is movable or rotatable with respect to the latter preferably about the first rotation axis R1, between a resting position (see Fig. 3, 5 and 6) and an operating position (see Fig. 7).
Whereas, the engagement element 46 is pivoted on the dragging element 44 and it is movable between an engagement position in which it is operatively adapted to engage the toothed driving element 38 (see Figs. 6 and 7), and a disengagement position from said toothed driving element 38 (see Fig. 5). Preferably, said motion transmission element 32 is connected through its second end portion 36 to the engagement element 46. In the present embodiment, the second part of the end portion 36 has an enlarged part suitable adapted to be inserted into a corresponding coupling seat formed on the engagement element 46.
In particular, said drive element 44 and engagement element 46 are configured so that, upon the actuation of the dragging element 16, the engagement element 46 is adapted to be moved through the motion transmission element 32 in said engagement element (see Fig. 6), engaging the toothed driving element 38 so as to make the latter substantially rotatably integrally joined with the engagement assembly 42 and the dragging element 44 with respect to a rotation about the first rotation axis R1. Furthermore, upon obtaining the engagement position of the engagement element 46 and continuing with actuation of the dragging element 16, the dragging element 44 is adapted to be moved through the motion transmission element 32 from said resting position to said operating position so as to rotate said dragging element 38 (see Fig. 7) and, therefore, cause a rotation in the first direction of the spool element 14.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding mechanism 18 and the engagement assembly 42 of the winding device 10 provide for a simple construction, while ensuring a reliable degree of tightening of the flaps of the article. Furthermore, the engagement assembly 42, that is the dragging element 44 and the engagement element 46, can be easily and extensively configured in the design stage according to the characteristics of the spool element 14, such as for example the diameter of the shaft portion 28 and/or of the toothed driving element 38, in order to obtain a desired torque/winding ratio depending on the needs.
Preferably, the winding mechanism 18 further comprises a first return elastic element 48 which is configured to urge the dragging element 44, or the engagement assembly 42, so as to return it to the resting position when moved from such position.
In the present embodiment, the first return elastic element 48 comprises or consists of a torsion spring having respective first and second ends in which the first end is associated with the dragging element 44 and the second end is associated with a portion of the support element 12, so as to operatively return the dragging element 44 to the resting position when moved from such position.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding mechanism 18 of the winding device 10 provides for a simple construction, while ensuring a repositioning of the engagement assembly 42 in the resting position so as to be able to repeat a movement thereof to the resting position, so as to carry out a progressive tightening of the article by means of the actuation member 16.
Preferably, the winding mechanism 18 further comprises a second return elastic element 50 which is configured to urge the engagement element 46 so as to return it to the disengagement position from said toothed driving element 38 when moved from such position.
In the present embodiment, the second return elastic element 50 comprises or consists of a torsion spring having respective first and second ends in which the first end is associated with the dragging element 44 and the second end is associated with a portion of the engagement element 46, so as to operatively return the dragging element 44 to the disengagement position when moved from such position.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding mechanism 18 of the winding device 10 provides for a simple construction, while ensuring a disengagement between commitment element 46 and the toothed driving element 38 when the actuation member 16 is not actuated by the user, for example so as to allow a user to release the traction element 200 by acting on the holding mechanism 18, as explained below.
The actuation member 16 can be actuated between a first position P1 and a second position P2, for example rotating about a second rotation axis R2 (in Figs. 5 to 7 there is schematised by means of a double dashed line an example of movement of the actuation member 16 between the first and second position).
Preferably, the actuation member 16 comprises a command element 52 and preferably a command pulley 54. The command element 52 and the command pulley 54 are connected together, and this motion transmission element 32 is in turn connected through its first portion of end 34 to the command pulley 54. In the present embodiment, the first end portion 34 has an enlarged part suitable adapted to be inserted into a corresponding coupling seat formed on the command pulley 54.
The command element 52, such as a lever or knob, is adapted to be operated, that is moved manually by the user between said first P1 and second P2 positions, for example rotating about said second rotation axis R2. Furthermore, the command element 52 it is connected to the command pulley 54 so that, when actuated by the user, it can impart a rotation to the command pulley 54 preferably about the same second rotation axis R2.
To this end, in the present embodiment, the command element 52 is connected by means of a connecting spool 56 to the command pulley 54. The connecting stem 56 is configured so that the axis of the command pulley 54 is preferably coincident with the said second rotation axis R2, and so that the command element 52 and the command pulley 54 are adapted to rotate integrally joined with each other.
Preferably, the actuation member 16 is configured so that, when actuated by said position P1 to said second position P2, the motion transmission element 32 is adapted to transmit an actuation movement to the winding mechanism 18 so as to cause, in turn, the movement of the spool element 14 in the first direction (winding direction).
In particular, in the present preferred embodiment in which the motion transmission element 32 is a pulling cable adapted to transmit direct pulling movements, when the command element 52 is moved from said first position P1 to this second position P2 the first portion of end 34 is at least partially wound around the command pulley 54, therefore tensioning the motion transmission element 32 and its second end portion 36.
In this condition, the engagement element 46, to which the second end portion 36 of the motion transmission element 32 is connected, is moved from said disengagement position (see Fig. 5) to said engagement position (see Fig. 6) overcoming the force of the second return elastic element 50, so as to engage the toothed driving element 38, making the latter substantially rotatably integrally joined with the engagement assembly 42 and the dragging element 44 with respect to a rotation about the first rotation axis R1.
Furthermore, continuing with the actuation of the actuation member 16, in this condition the dragging element 44, to which the engagement element 46 is in turn connected, is moved from said resting position (see Fig. 3, 5 and 6) to said operating position (see Fig. 7) overcoming the force of the first return elastic element 48, so as to rotate the toothed driving element 38 and, therefore, cause a rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction, as a result winding the traction element 200 around the shaft portion 28.
While, at the end of the actuation of the command element 52 by the user, the second return elastic element 50 returns the engagement element 46 from said engagement position to said disengagement position so as to release the toothed driving element 38, and the first return elastic element 48 returns the dragging element 44 from said operating position to said resting position, as a result pulling the motion transmission element 32 and its first end portion 34.
In this condition, the command pulley 54, to which the first end portion 34 of the motion transmission element 32 is connected, is rotated returning the command element 52 from said second position P2 to said first position P1.
Subsequently, by acting once again on the command element 52, it can be moved again from said second position P2 to said first position P1 and subsequently release it so as to impart for a desired plurality of times a rotation of the spool element 14 obtaining further winding of the traction element 200 around the shaft portion 28 up to a desired tension of the traction element 200.
Preferably, actuation member 16 can be driven, between the first position P1 and the second position P2, in rotation about the second rotation axis R2. In particular, the actuation member 16 is arranged so that said second rotation axis R2 is transverse or skew, that is not parallel and not coincident, with respect to the first rotation axis R1 around which the spool element 14 is driven in rotation. In possible further embodiments, the actuation member 16 is arranged so that said second rotation axis R2 is parallel with respect to the first rotation axis R1.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding device 10 provides for a construction that can be easily and widely adapted in the design stage, according to the needs, and in particular according to the characteristics of the article with which it is associated. As a matter of fact, one can widely choose the orientation/arrangement of the first rotation axis R1 of the spool element 14 with respect to the second rotation axis R2 of the actuation member 16, depending, for example, on the region of the ski boot with which the winding device 10 is associated and on the ease/comfort of operating the command element 52 for the user.
Preferably, said holding mechanism 20 is movable between a holding position and a releasing position. In particular, in the holding position the holding mechanism 20 is adapted to allow a rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction upon actuation of the actuation member 16 and to prevent a rotation of the spool element 14 in the second direction. While, in the releasing position, the holding mechanism 20 is adapted to allow a free rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction and in the second direction.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding device 10 provides for a holding mechanism 20 which is of the releasable retaining type wherein, by means of an appropriate manual operation of the user, the spool element 14 can be released allowing it to rotate freely in the second direction in order to obtain the release of the traction element 200 and the tensioning of the latter whenever needed.
There may be provided for several configurations for the holding mechanism 20, adapted to obtain a releasable retention of the spool element 14.
Preferably, still with reference to Figs. 4 to 8, the spool element 14 further comprises a toothed retaining element 58 which is connected to the shaft portion 28.
The toothed driving element 58 is for example a gear wheel which is formed preferably integrally joined with the shaft portion 28 and coaxial to the first rotation axis R1. The toothed driving element 58 is arranged preferably at or in the proximity of the second end of the shaft portion 28, wherein said second end is opposite to the first end of the shaft portion 28 at or near which there operatively acts the holding mechanism 18.
The holding mechanism 20 is associated with the spool element 14, that is to its shaft portion 28, at or near the first end so as to act engaging the toothed driving element 58. The holding mechanism 20 comprises a pawl element 60 (also defined as ratchet element 60) and a release actuation element 62.
The pawl element 60 is pivoted to said support element 12 and urged by means of a third return elastic element 64 to operatively engage the toothed retaining element 58 of the spool element 14 so as to obtain said holding position. In particular, the pawl element 60 and the teeth of the toothed retaining element 58 are shaped so that, when engaged to each other, they are adapted to allow a rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction upon actuation of the actuation member 16 through the winding mechanism 18, and they are further adapted to prevent a rotation of spool element 14 in the second direction, therefore acting as ratchet-like holding mechanism of the spool element 14 in the first direction and prevent a retrograde movement of the latter.
While, the release actuation element 62 can be actuated by the user, for example by means of a manual operation, and it is configured to disengage said pawl element 60 from the toothed retaining element 58 so as to obtain said releasing position.
In the present embodiment, the third return elastic element 64 comprises or consists of a torsion spring having respective first and second ends in which the first end is associated with the pawl element 60 and the second end is associated with a portion of the support element 12, so as to operatively return the pawl element 60 to the position in which it engages the toothed retaining element 58, obtaining said holding position, when moved from such position. Possibly, the third return elastic element 64 may be arranged and configured to be a bistable spring element having a first condition of stability when it is in a full releasing position in which it is adapted to maintain the pawl element 60 disengaged from the toothed retaining element 58, and a second condition of stability in which it is adapted to ensure the engagement of the pawl element 60 with the toothed retaining element 58.
Preferably, the holding mechanism 20 comprises a lever body 66 with substantially elongated shape extending between two opposite ends, and which is pivoted to the support element 12 at an intermediate area of the elongated body which is intermediate between the two opposite ends, so as to tilt about an axis preferably parallel to the first rotation axis R1. A first end of the lever body 66 defines the pawl element 60 and the opposite second end defines the release actuation element 62. In particular, the lever body 66 is configured so that its second end, defining the release actuation element 62, is arranged at least partially outside the support element 12 so that it can be actuated by the user, for example by means of a manual operation, in order to disengage the toothed retaining element 58 from the pawl element 60 obtaining the releasing position, overcoming the force of the third return elastic element 64.
In this condition, the spool element 14 is substantially free to rotate in the second direction (unwinding direction) in order to release the traction element 200 and the tensioning thereof.
Subsequently, by either interrupting the manual action on the release actuation element 62 or acting thereon, the third return elastic element 64 returns the pawl element 60 from said releasing position to said holding position in which it is adapted to engage the toothed retaining element 58, thus allowing a rotation of the spool element 14 in only the first direction (winding direction).
Preferably, the winding device 10 further comprising a fourth return elastic element 68 associated with the spool element 14 and configured to urge a rotation of the latter in said first direction.
In the present embodiment, the fourth return elastic element 68 comprises or consists of a spiral spring (or Archimedes spiral spring) having respective first and second end in which the first end is associated with the pawl element 14 and the second end is associated with a portion of the support element 12, urging a rotation of the pawl element 14 in the first direction (winding direction) so as to substantially obtain an automatic rewinding of the traction element 200 when unwound excessively.
In the embodiment described above, the winding device 10 is configured to be associated with a region of a ski boot, such as an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away. Said region with which the winding device 10 is associated is, for example, a region of the shell or of the cuff.
In particular, in the embodiment described above, the winding device 10 provides for a single support element 12, as housing 12, which is adapted to receive and substantially support the spool element 14, the holding mechanism 20, the winding mechanism 18, the actuation member 16, and the motion transmission element 32. Said single support element 12 may be associated through its base wall 22 with said region of the shell or of the cuff. Therefore, in this condition, the components of the winding device 10 are arranged in relatively close positions with respect to each other.
However, the winding device 10 may be configured so that its components can be associated with regions that are separate and relatively distant with respect to each other. For example, the spool element 14, the holding mechanism 20, the winding mechanism 18 may be associated with or fixed to a first region. While, the actuation member 16 may be associated or fixed to a second region that is separate from the first region, and the motion transmission element 32 is adapted to connect the actuation member 16 and the actuation mechanism 18. Preferably, said first and second regions may be arranged at distances greater than or equal to 1.5 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 2 cm, even more preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm.
In this case, the winding device 10 may be configured by providing for a first support element, such as for example a first housing, and a second support element, such as for example a second housing, in which said first and second support are formed separately and separated from each other. In particular, the first support element is configured to receive and substantially support one or more of the spool element 14, the holding mechanism 20, the winding mechanism 18, and said first support element is associated with or fixed to a first region of the ski boot. While the second support element is configured to receive and substantially support the actuation member 16, the second support element is associated with or fixed to a second ski region of the ski boot, separate from the first region. The motion transmission element 32 is therefore adapted to connect the actuation member 16 and the actuation mechanism 18, that is the spool element 14, together supported support elements separately from each other.
Advantageously, in this condition, the winding device 10 provides for a construction that can be easily and widely adapted in the design stage, according to the needs, and in particular according to the characteristics of the article with which it is associated.
As a matter of fact, for example there may be configured the winding device 10 so as to arrange the spool element 14, the holding mechanism 20, the winding mechanism 18 substantially at a first region, for example of the shell, which is suitably selected depending on the characteristics and the path of the traction element 200 of the tightening system. Whereas, the actuation member 16 may be arranged at a second region, for example the cuff, which is suitably selected to obtain a simple accessibility and manoeuvrability by the wearer.
In particular, the motion transmission element 32 of the flexible type ensures a wide choice of orientation/arrangement of the actuation member 16 with respect to the other components, for example relatively distant from each other, while avoiding the use of complex mechanical transmission elements or combinations thereof.
Described below is a method of operation of the winding device 10 according to any one of the embodiments described above and the variants thereof.
The method comprises a step for the manual actuation of the actuation member 16 by the user.
Preferably, during this step the user operates on the command element 52 moving it from the first position P1 to the second position P2, for example in rotation about said second rotation axis R2. In this manner, the command pulley 54 is in turn rotated around the second rotation axis R2 and the first end portion 34 of the motion transmission element 32 is at least partially wound around the command pulley 54, driving the motion transmission element 32 as a result.
Therefore, in the subsequent step, said manual actuation of the actuation member 16 is transmitted to the winding mechanism 18 through the motion transmission element 32 in order to convert the movement of the actuation member 16 into a rotation of the spool element 14 around the first rotation axis R1 in the first direction, so as to wind the traction element 200 around the shaft portion 28.
Preferably, at this stage, engagement element 46 of the engagement assembly 42, to which the second end portion 36 of the motion transmission element 32 is connected, is moved from this disengagement position to said engagement position by overcoming the force of the second return elastic element 50, so as to mesh with the drive element 38 of the spool element 14. In this condition, the toothed driving element 38 and the spool element 14 are made substantially rotatably integrally joined with the engagement assembly 42 and the dragging element 44 with respect to a rotation around the first rotation axis R1.
Furthermore, in this step, the dragging element 44, to which there is in turn connected the engagement element 46, is moved from said resting position to said operating position overcoming the force of the first return elastic element 48, in order to rotate the toothed drive element 38 about the first rotation axis R1. In this condition, the spool element 14 is rotated in the first direction, as a result winding the traction element 200 around the shaft portion 28.
Therefore, the holding mechanism 20 allows the rotation of the spool element 14 in the first direction, and prevents it from rotating in the second direction, as a result maintaining a tensioning condition of the traction element 200 achieved by rotating the spool element 14 in the first direction.
Subsequently, when the user terminates the actuation on the command element 52, the second return elastic element 50 returns the engagement element 46 from said engagement position to said disengagement position so as to release the toothed driving element 38, and the first return elastic element 48 returns the dragging element 44 from said operating position to said resting position, as a result pulling the motion transmission element 32 and its first end portion 34.
In this condition, the command pulley 54, to which the first end portion 34 of the motion transmission element 32 is connected is rotated returning the command element 52 from said second position P2 to said first position P1.
Therefore, by acting once again on the command element 52, it can be moved again from said second position P2 to said first position P1 and subsequently release it, so as to impart for a desired plurality of times a rotation of the spool element 14 obtaining further winding of the traction element 200 around the shaft portion 28 up to a desired tension of the traction element 200.
If necessary, the user may act on the release actuation element 62, overcoming the force of the third return elastic element 64, in order to disengage the toothed retaining element 58 from the pawl element 60 to obtain said releasing position, and therefore allow the spool element 14 to rotate freely in the second direction, and as a result releasing the traction element 200 and the tensioning of the latter.
In the light of the above, it is clear that significant results have been achieved, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, allowing to obtain an improvement on a winding device 10 adapted to be applied to an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away, such as an article to be worn and preferably a sports footwear. As a matter, the winding device 10 provides for a construction which, in the design stage, can be widely adapted to characteristics of the article with which the winding device is associated.
Furthermore, the construction of the winding device 10 allows, in the design stage, to widely select a desired orientation of the first rotation axis R1 of the spool element 14 with respect to the movement direction or axis R2 of the actuation member 16.
Furthermore, the construction of the winding device 10 allows to reduce the overall dimensions height-wise.
Furthermore, the construction of the winding device 10 can be extensively adapted in the design stage to traction elements 200 of different types, such as for example straps or cables.
Furthermore, the winding device 10 provides for a small number of components.
Furthermore, the construction of the winding device 10 is a simple construction.
Furthermore, the construction of the retractor 10 provides for strength and operational reliability.
Furthermore, the construction of the winding device 10 provides for a reliable degree of tightening of the flaps of the article.
Naturally, the materials and equipment used to implement the present invention, as well as the shape and size of the individual components, may be the most appropriate depending on the specific requirements.

Claims

A winding device (10) for tensioning a traction element (200) for tightening an article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away, said winding device (10) comprising:
- a spool element (14) around which said traction element (200) is operatively wound and unwound when said spool element (14) is respectively rotated in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction,

- an actuation member (16) connected to said spool element (14) through a winding mechanism (18) configured to cause a movement of said spool element (14) in the first direction upon actuation of said actuation member (16) by a user, and

- at least one holding mechanism (20) coupled with said spool element (14) and configured so as to allow rotation of the spool element (14) in the first direction upon actuation of said actuation member (16), and so as to prevent a rotation of the spool element (14) in the second direction,
characterised in that
said actuation member (16) and said winding mechanism (18) are connected to each other through a motion transmission element (32) of the flexible type which is configured to transmit an actuation movement of the actuation member (16) to the winding mechanism (18) so as to cause a movement of the spool element (14) in the first direction.
The winding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein said spool element (14) comprises a shaft portion (28) configured to operatively receive by winding said traction element (200), said shaft portion (28) being connected to a toothed driving element (38).
The winding device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said winding mechanism (18) comprises an engagement assembly (42) connected to said motion transmission element (32),
said engagement assembly (42) being movable with respect to said toothed driving element (38) and being configured so that upon actuation of said actuation member (16) it is adapted to engage said toothed driving element (38) and to rotate the latter so as to cause a rotation of said spool element (14) in the first direction.
The winding device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said engagement assembly (42) comprises:
- a dragging element (44) associated with said spool element (14) and rotatable with respect to said toothed driving element (38) between a resting position and an operating position, and

- at least one engagement element (46) pivoted to said dragging element (44) and movable between an engagement position in which it is operatively adapted to engage said toothed driving element (38) of said spool element (14), and a disengagement position from said toothed driving element (38),
said dragging element (44) and said at least one engagement element (46) being configured so that upon actuation of said actuation member (16) said at least one engagement element (46) is adapted to be moved from said disengagement position to said engagement position, and said dragging element (44) is adapted to be moved from said resting position to said operating position so as to rotate said toothed driving element (38) to cause a rotation of said spool element (14) in the first direction.
The winding device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said motion transmission element (32) is connected through its second end portion (36) to said at least one engagement element (46).
The winding device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said winding mechanism (18) comprises a first elastic element (48) adapted to return said dragging element (44) from said operating position to said resting position.
The winding device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said actuation member (16) comprises a command element (52) connected to a command pulley (54), and
said command pulley (54) being connected to a first end portion (34) of said motion transmission element (32).
The winding device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said motion transmission element (32) comprises a first end portion (34) associated with said actuation member (16), and a second end portion (36) opposite the first end portion (34) and associated with said winding mechanism (18), wherein
said actuation member (16) comprises a command element (52) adapted to be manually operated by the user and connected to a command pulley (54), and

said first end portion (34) of said motion transmission element (32) being connected to the command pulley (54) so as to be operatively at least partially windable around said command pulley (54).
The winding device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said spool element (14) is adapted to rotate about a first rotation axis (R1) and said actuation member (16) is operable by rotation about a second rotation axis (R2), said first rotation axis (R1) and said second rotation axis (R2) being arranged transverse or skew with respect to each other.
The winding device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one holding mechanism (20) is movable between a holding position and a releasing position, wherein
- in said holding position it is adapted to allow a rotation of the spool element (14) in the first direction upon actuation of said actuation member (16) and to prevent a rotation of the spool element (14) in the second direction, and

- in said releasing position it is adapted to allow a rotation of the spool element (14) in the second direction.
The winding device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said spool element (14) comprises a shaft portion (28) configured to operatively receive by winding said traction element (200), said shaft portion (28) being connected to a toothed retaining element (58).
The winding device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one holding mechanism (20) comprises:
- a pawl element (60) urged by a third elastic element (64) to operatively engage said toothed retaining element (58) of said spool element (14) so as to obtain said holding position, and

- a release actuation element (62) operable by the user and configured to disengage said pawl element (60) from said toothed retaining element (58) so as to obtain said releasing position.
The winding device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said motion transmission element (32) is a traction cable.
Article provided with a pair of flaps to be moved mutually towards/away, said article including a tightening system comprising at least one traction element (200) associated with at least one winding device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.
The article according to the preceding claim, wherein said winding device (10) comprises a first support element and a second support element formed distinct from each other,
said first support element being adapted to support said spool element (14), said at least one holding mechanism (20) and said winding mechanism (18), and

said second support element being adapted to support said actuation member (16), said actuation member (16) and said winding mechanism (18) being connected to each other through said motion transmission element (32), wherein

said first support element and said second support element are fixed respectively at a first region of said article and at a second region of said article distinct from said first region.