ES2292895T3 - FOOTWEAR WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Shoe with improved closure device, said shoe comprising a sole (60), an upper (62) with seats for a lace (19) fixed at one end to said shoe upper, and a closure device acting on said lace (19), characterized in that said closure device comprises: a tightener (1) fixed to said shoe and connected to said lace (19); a driving member for said tightener, comprising a cable (27) having one end connected to said tightener (1) and the opposite end being associated to said shoe at a location easy to be reached by a user; a releasing mechanism for said tightener (1), to allow opening of said shoe. <IMAGE>

Description

Footwear with improved closure device.

The present invention relates to a shoe With improved locking device.

In order to cordon off footwear, a person has to perform a series of actions that include: 1) bringing the foot closer to the reach of the hands; 2) adjust the tension of the laces by pulling or loosening them, typically through a series of holes or hooks provided on the flaps of a shoe's shoe, designed to allow the blade to open to fit and take off your shoes; 3) tie a knot with the ends of the cord to keep the flaps of the shoe shovel in the desired narrow position. Such actions require a certain level of manual ability, and can be difficult for children or people with a limited level of manual skill. In addition, the type of knot that is typically made with shoelaces may not be tight enough to withstand bumps and vibrations, particularly in the case of footwear used for excursions or for
to run.

Italian patent application No. TV2002A000063, filed on May 29, 2002 in the name of the Benetton Group SpA, a company that is part of the same group of companies to which the applicant for the present application belongs, discloses a device to cordon off the footwear, which is part of a ski boot or skate, for example a roller skate or an ice skate. Said device allows to tie a ski boot or footwear that is part of a skate, essentially pulling only one end of a cord that joins the two flaps of a shoe shovel, according to the description provided in greater detail below. However, said patent application discloses a device to cord a shoe mounted on a structure outside the shoe itself, namely mounted on a rigid frame on which, in turn, a
footwear.

For example, the document US-B-6467194 unveils a device intended to cordon footwear according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Therefore, the difficulties associated with the action of closing a normal shoe, namely a shoe that does not is associated with a sports tool such as a skate or a Ski, remain unsolved.

An objective of the present invention is to provide footwear with an improved closure device that eliminate or reduce the inconvenience associated with the cords of conventional footwear described above, so make the shoelace action easier and faster than With conventional footwear.

Another object of the invention is to provide footwear with an improved closure device that be tense enough to withstand the blows and vibrations, so as to avoid the non-accidental loosening of the shoelaces and the opening of shoe flaps, improving this Safe use of footwear mode.

The previous and other objectives of the invention by means of a shoe with a closure device improved according to claim 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the footwear with an improved closure device according to the invention it comprises a sole, a shovel provided with seats for a cord attached to one end to said shoe shovel, and a closure device that acts on said cord, and is characterized in that said closing device comprises:

-

a tensioner associated with said footwear and rigidly coupled to said footwear cord;

-

a actuator element for said tensioner, said said being associated actuator element to said footwear and comprising a cable rigidly coupled to one end to said tensioner, resulting accessible at least a part of said cable to a Username;

-

a release mechanism for said tensioner, to allow opening of said footwear;

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wherein said tensioner comprises:

i)

nail first and second pulleys coupled to each other, being winding said cord over said first pulley and being fixed to she;

ii)

a cable fixed to one end on said second pulley and wound on said second pulley in a direction opposite to the winding direction of said cord on said first pulley;

iii)

a ratchet firmly coupled to said first or second pulleys, intended to immobilize them in a desired position;

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and said conduit element comprises:

i)

a third pulley on which said cable is fixed in its other extreme;

ii)

a elastic element acting on said third pulley to control winding said cable over said third pulley;

so that the length of the part of said cable between said tensioner and said actuator element is maintained substantially constant.

In this application it is understood that the term "footwear" refers to footwear that is not part of, or is associated with, a sports utensil, such as a skate, A ski or similar. The footwear of the invention is any type of "normal" shoes, closed with laces, used to walking, running, hiking or similar, which it does not normally require that the footwear be mounted on or fixed to some outdoor sports equipment.

To facilitate understanding of the invention, Reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, from the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents an exploded view in perspective of a closing device that can be used in the shoes of the invention;

Figure 2 represents a top view of a first embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 3 represents a sectional view according to line III-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 represents a top view of a second embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 5 represents a sectional view according to line V-V of Figure 4;

Figure 6 represents a perspective view of a third embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 7 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 6;

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 9 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 8;

Figure 10 represents a perspective view exploded of a fifth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 11 represents a bottom view of the footwear of Figure 10;

Figure 12 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 13 represents a perspective view exploded from a different variant of the fifth form of realization of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 14 represents a bottom view of the footwear of Figure 13;

Figure 15 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figures 13 and 14;

Figure 16 represents an elevation view side of a sixth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 17 represents a perspective view exploded footwear of Figure 16;

Figure 18 represents a bottom view of the footwear of Figure 16;

Figure 19 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 16;

Figure 20 represents a perspective view exploded of a seventh embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 21 represents a bottom view of the shoes of Figure 20;

Figure 22 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 20;

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Figure 23 represents a perspective view exploded of an eighth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 24 represents a bottom view of the footwear of Figure 23;

Figure 25 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 23;

Figure 26 represents a perspective view exploded of a ninth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 27 represents a bottom view of the shoes of Figure 26;

Figure 28 represents an elevation view side of a tenth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 29 represents a perspective view schematic of an eleventh embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 30 represents a perspective view exploded and schematic of a twelfth embodiment of the footwear according to the invention;

Figure 31 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 30;

Figure 32 represents a perspective view exploded and schematic of a thirteenth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 33 represents a perspective view exploded and schematic of a fourteenth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 34 represents a perspective view exploded and schematic of a fifteenth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figure 35 represents a previous view in partial section of the footwear of Figure 34;

Figure 36 represents a perspective view exploded and schematic of a sixteenth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Figure 37 represents a perspective view of a component of a shoe according to a seventeenth form of embodiment of the invention;

Figure 38 represents a perspective view exploded of the footwear component of Figure 37;

Figure 39 represents an elevation view exploded side of the footwear according to the seventeenth form of embodiment of the invention;

Figure 40 represents an elevation view side of an eighteenth embodiment of footwear according to the invention;

Figures 41 and 42 represent views in side elevation of different versions of the footwear of the Figure 40; Y

Figure 43 represents a perspective view exploded and schematic of a nineteenth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention.

Figure 1 represents the main components of a closure device intended to be used in  the footwear according to the invention. Said closing device comprises a tensioner 1 contained in an envelope consisting of two semi-shells 12a and 12b provided with seats 14 for a pin 151 rotatably mounted, on which a first pulley 17a, a second pulley 17b associated with the first pulley and a ratchet 18 associated with said second pulley are mounted through a central hole 16. Preferably, said pulleys and said Ratchet form a single piece. A cord 19 is wound on the first pulley 17a counterclockwise, and is fixed to said pulley to one end, so that when pulley 17a is rotated in clockwise, the cord 19 is wound on it. Cord 19 leaves shell 1 through a hole 21 made in the semiconcha 12a and is fixed at its other end to the shovel of a footwear, according to the following description. A cable 27 is wound on the second pulley 17b according to a winding direction opposite to the of the cord 19. The cable 21 comes out of the shell 1 through the opening 33 made in a funnel-shaped extension 31 that protrudes from the 12th semiconcha. Ratchet 18 is associated with functional form to a fastener 44 mounted on a pin 46 through of the hole 45. The latch 44 comprises a lever 52 which, in a Functional position, cooperates with ratchet teeth 18 to immobilize the tensioner in said position.

A release mechanism that works manually for said ratchet is also provided in the envelope 1. It comprises a rod 49 protruding from a shell 1, to a end of which a knob 50 is mounted, to facilitate the functioning. At the other end, the stem 49 cooperates with the tongue 44c of the latch 44, so pushing the knob 50, it inclines the latch 44 and the lever 52 disengages from the teeth of the ratchet 18, thereby allowing the cord 19 to unwind the pulley 17a.

The tensioner 1 is operated by a actuator element 2 contained in two semi-shells 34a and 34b. At actuator element 2, cable 27 enters through hole 42 and is fixed to a third pulley 35 rotatably mounted to through the hole 37 on the pin 36 protruding from the semiconcha 34a. A coil spring 39 is mounted on a seat 38 of pulley 35 and cooperates with a cavity 40a by means of a terminal tab 32. When the actuator element 2 is pulled, the cable 27 is also pulled and the coil spring 39 is loaded. When you stop pulling the conductive element, the spring 39 and causes the cable 27 to wind over the pulley 35, thus shortening the part of the cable 27 provided between the actuator element 2 and tensioner 1.

It can be seen from the previous description This locking device works as follows. To the pull the actuator element 2, the cable 27 of the pulley 17b, thereby causing cord 19 to wind over the pulley 17th In turn, this pulls the cord 19, which, as will be described then it makes the flaps of a shoe from close Quick and easy way. When the ratchet 18 is released by pushing manually the knob 50, the pulley cord can be unwound 17a, thus loosening the cord 19 that joins the flaps of a shoe, so that footwear can be removed.

A more detailed description of said closing device in Italian patent application no. TV2002A000063 mentioned above.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, illustrates a first embodiment of a shoe with a improved closure device according to the invention.

In footwear comprising, in general, a sole 60 and a blade 62, said blade is constituted by two flaps 4a and 4b spaced apart from each other and delimiting a longitudinal central opening that closes with a flexible tongue 5 disposed under said flaps . U-shaped elements and reference number 7, such as ropes or hooks or the like, are fixed to flaps 4a and 4b to define a series of collision holes 6a and 6b. A cord 19 is fixed at its end 8a to the shoe blade and is routed through the opposite collision holes 6a and 6b to join the flap 4a and the flap 4b together. The opposite end of the cord 19 is fixed to a tensioner 1, for example of the type described with reference to Figure 1. In the first embodiment, the tensioner 1 is fixed to the upper part of the tongue 5 and is operated by an actuator element 2, coupled to the tensioner 1 by means of a cable 27, for example as described with reference to Figure 1. It is evident from the above description that when a tension occurs on the actuator element 2 the winding occurs of the cord 19 inside the tensioner 1, which in turn shortens the cord 19 and pulls the flaps 4a and 4b to approach each other. When the element 2 stops being pulled and released, the ratchet 18 contained in the tensioner 1, as described above, is immobilized by the fastener 44, so that the cord 19 maintains the desired tensioning state. Any part of the cable 27 that unwinds from the tensioner 1 is wound on the element 2, so that the element 2 remains in a position close to the tensioner 1, and the length of the part of the cable 27 between the element 2 and the tensioner 1 It remains substantially constant. In order to open the flaps 4a and 4b it is necessary to loosen the cord 19, and this is possible once the ratchet 18 contained in the tensioner 1 is released by means of a manually operated release mechanism that is not shown in Figures 2 and 3, but is described with reference to Figure 1. It is understood that it is easy to put on a shoe with the improved closure device described above, since no knot is made and no manual capacity is necessary. To cordon the shoe simply have to pull the element 2 until the desired degree of tension is achieved. To take off your shoes you simply have to push the knob of a release mechanism, and you can loosen the laces easily and quickly because you don't have to undo any
knot.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. In this and any other embodiment, the reference numbers that apply may be the same as those used in the forms of previous performance when you have to designate some equivalent or corresponding elements. In this second form of realization, the footwear is constituted, in general, by a sole 60 and a blade 62 made at least partially in a material elastic, so that it can be expanded to fit the shape of a foot. A plate 15 presenting a curved configuration for fit in the shape of a foot, is fixed to the central part front of the blade 62. As happened in the embodiment above, the U-shaped elements and the reference number 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like, are fixed to the blade 62 to define a series of opposite collision holes 6a and 6b. A cord 19 is attached at its end 8a to the shoe shovel and is line through the opposite collision holes 6a and 6b to squeeze the shoe pad and plate 15. The opposite end of the cord 19 is fixed to a tensioner 1, as described previously, fixed to plate 15. The tensioner 1 is operated by means of an actuator element 2 through a cable 27, according to described above The operation of the device improved closure of this embodiment is the same as the one described above, resulting in the main difference that the footwear does not have flaps, but that it fits expanding a shovel of elastic material and closes by tensioning the cord 19, what which produces the displacement of the strings or bands 7 one towards the other, and which in turn compresses the anterior central part of the Shovel around the foot. In terms of structure, the main difference with respect to the first embodiment lies in that the tensioner 1 is fixed to a plate on the blade, instead of be fixed to a tongue on which the flaps rest.

A third embodiment of the footwear according to the invention in Figures 6 and 7. According to described above, the footwear comprises a sole 60 and a shovel 62 consisting of two flaps 4a and 4b distanced from one of the another and that define a central longitudinal opening that closes with a flexible tongue 5 arranged under said flaps. U-shaped elements and with the reference number 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like, they are fixed to the flaps 4a and 4b to define a series of opposite collision holes 6a and 6b. A cord 19 is attached at its end 8a to the shoe shovel and is line through the opposite collision holes 6a and 6b to join with each other the flap 4a and 4b. Cord 19 is housed so mobile at the end of a sheath 13 on one side of the blade 62, said sheath 13 being disposed inside the footwear structure between the sole and the paddle to reach the tensioner 1, to which it is fixed. Tensioner 1, which is for example type described above, is arranged in a seat corresponding between the bottom side of a support in the form of arch 14 and the upper part of the sole 60, as illustrated in the Figure 7. Also a cable 27 is associated with the tensioner 1 and is mobilely housed in a second case 65 arranged in the proximity of sheath 13. Cable 27 is pulled by a ring 59 to drive the tensioner 1 as described above. The part of the cable 27 that unwinds from the tensioner 1 because there is a handle of ring 59, it can be wound on the blade 62 or arranged provisionally in a hook device or similar, no represented, to avoid interfering with the use of footwear. Open  the flaps 4a and 4b loosening the cord 19 by a mechanism of release that works manually and acts on tensioner 1, and which is not represented in the drawings.

A fourth embodiment of the footwear according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. As described above, the footwear comprises a sole 60 and a blade 62 consisting of two flaps 4a and 4b spaced apart from each other and defining an opening longitudinal central that is closed by a flexible tongue 5 arranged under said flaps. U-shaped elements and with the reference number 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like, are fixed to the flaps 4a and 4b to define a series of opposite collision holes 6a and 6b. A cord 19 is fixed with its end 8a to the shoe blade and is routed through the opposite collision holes 6a and 6b to join the flap 4a and the flap 4b together. Then the cord 19 enters the end part of a sheath 13 on one side of the blade 62, where the sheath 13 passes through the shoe blade to reach, and engage the tensioner 1. The tensioner 1, which is of the type described above, is arranged in a seat formed on one side of the blade 62, as illustrated in Figure 9. Also a cable 27 is coupled to the tensioner 1 and is contained in a second sheath, not shown, of so that the cable 27 is carried towards the back of the blade 62 and protrudes from it upwardly. An eyelet 59a is fixed to the end of the cable 27, so that the tensioner 1 is operated to tighten the cord 19 when the eyelet 59a is pulled. The part of the cable 27 that is unwound from the tensioner 1 by pulling the eyelet 59a, can be wound around the blade 62 or provisionally arranged in a hook or similar device, not shown, to avoid interfering with the use of the footwear. The flaps 4a and 4b are opened by loosening the cord 19 by means of a release mechanism that acts on the tensioner 1, not shown, and which is operated manually by pushing the
50th knob

Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device improved according to the invention. In this embodiment, the blade 62 is fixed to a sole 60 that has an opening 84 in the plantar arch area. The opening 84 constitutes the seat for a U-shaped clamp and with reference number 85 that supports in its lower central part a tensioner 1, as it has been previously described. Tensioner 1 has holes 88 and is attached to clamp 85 by means of screws 87 that pass through holes 88 and cooperate with threaded holes 86 of the clamp 85. A cord 19 is fixed to the tensioner 1 and is contained, at least for a part of its length, in a holster 13. As for its remaining part, the cord 19 is associated with the shovel 62 in a manner described above and that is not returned to illustrate in this case, to tighten the footwear. A cable 27 is also connected to tensioner 1, to perform the function that has been previously described. A disk 59b is fixed to one end of the cable 27, to facilitate manual operation. As it has been described above, the part of the cable 27 that unwinds from the tensioner 1 due to the tensile effect of the disc 59b can be wound around the blade 62 or can be provisionally fixed by a strip type device made of known material under the VELCRO name or brand, or similar, that is not represented, with the in order to avoid interfering with the use of footwear. The open flaps loosening cord 19 by a release mechanism that works manually and acts on tensioner 1, and is not represented in the drawings.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 correspond to the Figures 10, 11 and 12, but illustrate a variant in which the tensioner 1 is attached to clamp 85a by glue or other adhesive means, instead of being fastened by screws, or the Tensioner 1 and clamp 85a are made in one piece.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 illustrate a sixth form of realization of a shoe with a closing device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the shoe 62 of a shoe is fixed to a sole 60 that has an opening 84 in the area of the plantar arch. The opening 84 constitutes a seat for a U-shaped clamp with reference number 85b that supports, on its outer side 85b ', a tensioner 1. A cord 19 is coupled to tensioner 1 and is contained, at least by one part of its length, in the sheath 13. As for its part remaining, the cord 19 is associated with the blade 62 in a manner described above and which is not represented in this case, to tighten footwear. A cable 27 is also connected to the tensioner 1, to perform the function described above. A disc 59b is fixed to one end of the cable 27, to facilitate the manual operation As described above, the part of the cable 27 that unwinds from tensioner 1 by pulling the disk 59b can be provisionally attached to the shoe shovel. The flaps are opened by loosening the cord 19 by a mechanism release that works manually and acts on the tensioner 1, and that is not represented in the drawings.

Figures 20, 21 and 22 illustrate a seventh embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the blade 62 of a footwear is fixed to a sole 60 that has an opening 84 in the plantar arch area. The opening 84 constitutes a seat for a U-shaped clamp with reference number 85c that supports, in its lower part, a tensioner 1. A cord 19 is coupled to tensioner 1 and is contained, at least a part of its length, in the sheath 13. As for its remaining part, the cord 19 is associated with the blade 62 in a manner described above and which is not represented in this case, to tighten the footwear. A cable 27 is also connected to tensioner 1, to perform the function described above by pulling a disk 59b attached to a end of the cable 27. Said cable 27 is housed in the sheath 65, which is attached to the bottom side of a boss 89 of the clamp 85c The projection 89 is housed in a longitudinal groove 88 formed in the sole 60, so that the cable 27 is carried to the back side of the shoe and you can pull the disk 59b from the area behind the heel. As described above, the part of the cable 27 that unwinds from the tensioner 1 by pulling the disk 59b can be provisionally attached to the shoe shovel. The flaps are opened by loosening the cord 19 by a mechanism release that works manually and acts on the tensioner 1, and that is not represented in the drawings.

Figures 23, 24 and 25 show an octave embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the opening 84 is the seat for a U-shaped clamp 85c that supports, on its lower side, a tensioner 1. A cord 19 is connected to a tensioner 1 and is directed towards shoe paddle 62 in the manner described above and not shown, to tighten the footwear. A cable 27 is also connected to the tensioner 1, to perform the function described above which consists of activating the tensioner 1 by pulling a disk 59b fixed at one end of the cable 27. Cable 27 is contained in sheath 65, which is housed through a hole 84a in the footwear, in a position longitudinally, so that the cable 27 is carried to the rear side of the footwear and can be pulled from disk 59b from the area behind of the heel. As described above, the cable part 27  unwound tensioner 1 due to the traction effect of disc 59c It may be temporarily attached to the shoe shovel. The opening of the footwear is obtained by loosening the cord 19 through a mechanism of manual operation release acting on tensioner 1, not represented

Figures 26 and 27 illustrate a ninth form of realization of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a slot 90 is practiced in the area of the plantar arch, intended to house a tensioner 1, such as described above. Cord 19 connects tensioner 1 to the shoe paddle to tighten said shoe. A cable 27 is also coupled to tensioner 1 and is contained in a sheath 65, housed in a longitudinal groove 91 practiced on the lower side of a part of heel 92. In the variant of Figure 27, the cable 27 is housed in a groove 91a practiced in the heel part 92, inside. A disk 59b, with or without a winding system automatically cable 27 as described previously in This request is provided at the end of the cable 27.

In the embodiment of Figure 28, illustrates a shoe comprising a sole 60 and a paddle 62, provided with U-shaped elements and with the number of reference 7 around which a cord 19 is wound in order of tightening the footwear, as described above. He Cord 19 is attached to one end of the shoe paddle. The other end, the cord 19 is housed in a sheath 13 and is connected to a tensioner 1 that is attached to the side of the shoe, approximately in the area of the plantar arch. A cable 27, partially housed in a sheath 65, is connected to the tensioner 1 and is oriented towards back and up, towards the heel area. At the end of the cable 27 a disk 59b is fixed, to facilitate pulling and operating the tensioner, as described above.

In the embodiment of Figure 29, a cord 19 partially housed in a sheath 13 is connected to a tensioner 1, arranged in heel 92 on the back of the footwear. A cable 27 is also coupled to the tensioner 1 and is facing up. An actuator element 2, for example of type described in association with Figure 1, is connected to the end of cable 27, in order to drive tensioner 1 and produce the winding of cable 27, if applicable. A 50b button provided on the tensioner 1 allows to release the tensioner to loosen the cord 19 and open the footwear, as described above.

Figures 30 and 31 illustrate a twelfth form of realization of a shoe with a closing device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a cavity 98 is provided in heel 92, inside the shoe, but in an area on the edge from the heel to the back of the shoe. Tensioner 1 is housed in recess 98 and is coupled to a cord 19 that reach the shoe shovel in a manner not illustrated. A cable 27 it is also connected to tensioner 1, and through window 99, It is facing up. An actuator element 2, for example of the type described in relation to Figure 1, it is connected to the end of cable 27, in order to drive tensioner 1 and produce the winding of said cable 27, if applicable. A mechanism that allows loosen the tensioner to loosen the cord 19 and open the shoe provided as described above, but not illustrated in this case.

In the embodiment in Figure 32, it is provides a cavity 98a in the heel 92, inside the footwear, stops in the area of the plantar arch and at the edge of the heel. The tensioner 1 is housed in recess 98a and is coupled to a cord 19, mobilely housed in a sheath 13, from which it reaches the shoe shovel through window 99a. A cable 27 is also connected to tensioner 1 and leaves recess 98a through window 99b or, according to another variant of this embodiment, through a longitudinal groove 100 formed in the sole and oriented towards the back of the shoe. An element actuator 2, for example of the type described with reference to Figure 1 is connected to cable 27, in order to operate the tensioner 1 and produce the winding of said cable 27, if applicable. Be provides a mechanism that allows the tensioner to be released to loosen the lanyard 19 and open the footwear, as described above, but it is not illustrated in this case.

In the embodiment in Figure 33, a blade 62 is fixed to a sole 60 in which a cavity is provided 98b in the plantar arch area and at the heel edge. A tensioner 1 it is housed in recess 98b and is coupled to parts 19a and 19b of a cord, mobilely housed in covers 13a and 13b, from which they reach the shoe shovel through the window 99c and longitudinal slot 99d and join together to form the cord 19. When pulling at least one of the parts 19a and 19b of the cord, the tensioner 1 is made to tension said cord 19, and the effect mentioned above occurs. Plus particularly, the part 19a of the cord is fixed to the tensioner 1 and the part 19b of the cord can be wound on the tensioner 1 to close Footwear. According to another variant of this embodiment, they can wind both parts 19a and 19b of the cord in the tensioner 1, provided that adequate means of winding are provided. A cable 27 is connected to tensioner 1 to perform the described function above, and can be accommodated in slot 99f to reach a position from which it can be operated manually, or through opening 99e in the sole. Drive and the release of the tensioner 1 is carried out in the manner described previously.

Figures 34 and 35 illustrate a fifteenth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a cavity 98c in the sole 60 intended to accommodate the tensioner 1, which is fixed to the bottom of a support for the arch 103. The cord 19 is connected to tensioner 1 and reaches the shoe paddle to through window 105. A cable 27 is connected to tensioner 1, to perform the function described above, and can be accommodated in the groove 104 made in the sole 62 to reach a position from which it can be operated manually, in the back of footwear. The drive and release of the Tensioner 1 are performed in the manner described above.

Referring to Figure 36, it is illustrated a sixteenth embodiment of a shoe with a closing device according to the invention. In this form of In the soleplate 60, an arch support 103a is provided. In addition, a cavity 108 is provided in the area of the plantar arch of the support 103a, in the vicinity of its edge, intended to accommodate a tensioner 1. A cord 19 is connected to tensioner 1 and is housed partially in a sheath 13 that reaches the shoe paddle to through a window 105a provided in the shoe paddle 62. a cable 27 is connected to tensioner 1, to perform the function described above, and can be accommodated in slot 108 practiced in the arch support 103a, to reach a position from which it can be operated manually, in the part shoe back. To that end, a window 109 is envisaged in the back of the blade 62. The tensioner 1 is activated pulling the cable 27 with an actuator element 2, as it has been previously described. A release mechanism that activates by means of a button 111 it is arranged in the tensioner 1, to allow loosen cord 19. Button 111 protrudes from opening 110 provided in blade 62.

In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures 37, 38 and 39, a shoe according to the invention comprises a heel support member 120, shaped so that it surrounds the heel area. Said shaped element is fixed to the sole, and the back of the blade 62 abutting it. Next to bottom of element 120 is fixed a tensioner 1, as it has been described for example with reference to Figure 1.

A funnel-shaped extension 31a protrudes laterally from the tensioner 1, and houses a cord 19 that is partially housed in a sheath 13. Cord 19 is connected to one end to the tensioner 1 and the opposite end to the blade 62 of the footwear, as described above. A cavity corresponding, not illustrated, is provided in the sole 60 for accommodate tensioner 1 and extension 31a. A cable 27 is connected also to the tensioner 1 in order to actuate it, as it has been previously described. Cable 27 is housed in sheath 65 associated with the bottom of element 120 and is arranged in longitudinal direction towards the back of the shoe. A element 2 intended to produce the cable drive 27 pulling it and winding it, as explained above, it is fixed to the end of cable 27. The operation is equivalent to that described in relation to the other embodiments.

In the embodiment of Figure 40, a heel support member 120a is fixed on the part back of the sole 60 so that the blade 62 forms a stop with the same, as described in relation to the embodiment previous. However, the tensioner 1 is fixed to one side of the element 120a, not to the bottom. Cord 19 is connected to tensioner 1 and is at least partially housed in the sheath 13. Cable 27 is also fixed to tensioner 1, is housed by at least partially in the sheath 65 and it can be pulled in the back of element 120a by means of an actuator element 2, provided with means for winding the cable inside, or by a simple ring or the like, as described previously in relation to the other embodiments.

Figure 41 illustrates a slightly variant different from the embodiment of Figure 40, in which the tensioner 1 is fixed in the rear area of element 120a, and is illustrates a button 115 that drives a release mechanism in the tensioner 1, to allow loosening cord 19.

Figure 42 illustrates another variant of the form of embodiment of Figure 40, in which the tensioner 1 is fixed to the back of the element 120a and the cover 13 for the cord 19 is housed at least partially inside the footwear, in a hollow space between the element 120a and the blade 62, no represented.

In the embodiment of Figure 43, a shaped and support element of heel 122 is fixed on the back of sole 60 so that blade 62 stops with it, as described above in relation to the previous embodiment. However, element 122 is conformed with a rear fin 122a facing back, substantially parallel to the bottom of element 122, which defines a hollow space 125 with the element 122. The lower fin 122a is preferably made of an elastic material. He tensioner 1 is fixed to the lower side of element 122 and occupies a part of the hollow space 125. A pair of lateral projections 127 of the element 122 are designed to be introduced in a pair of corresponding seats 128 practiced in central fins 129 of sole 60. Cord 19 is connected to tensioner 1 and is housed at least partially in the sheath 13. Cable 27 is also attached to tensioner 1 and is at least partially housed in case 65, facing back. The item is pulled actuator 2, with or without the cable winder means in its inside, to drive the tensioner 1, as described previously in relation to the other embodiments. When a user puts on the footwear, the lower fin 122a of the element 122 elastically deforms against the sole 60 and acts as a damping element on the user's foot. Used a release mechanism for tensioner 1, not shown, for loosen the cord 19.

The previous figures represent shapes Preferred embodiments of the invention. Variants and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the inventive concepts that are disclosed in the memory. For example, the structure and operation of the tensioner 1 and actuator element 2 may be different from those that have been described with reference to Figure 1, provided that when actuator element 2 is pulled, tensioner 1 is activated, so which causes the winding of the cord 19 in the tensioner 1 and the closure or shoe tensioning.

Claims (43)

1. Footwear with a closing device improved, said footwear comprising a sole (60), a shovel (62) with seats for a cord (19) fixed at one end to said shoe shovel, a closing device that acts on said cord (19), a tensioner (1) fixed to said footwear and connected to said cord (19), an actuator element for said tensioner, which comprises a cable (27) having an end connected to said tensioner (1) and the opposite end associated with said footwear and which may be reached by a user, a release mechanism for said tensioner (1), to allow said footwear to be opened, characterized in that said actuator element (2) comprises winding means for said cable (27), such that the length of the part of said cable (27) between said tensioner (1) and said actuator element (2) is kept substantially constant. 2. Footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of said cord (19) in the vicinity of said tensioner (1) is housed in a sheath (13) to allow sliding movement in said sheath (13) when said tensioner (1) is actuated. 3. Footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of said cable (27) in the vicinity of said tensioner (1) is housed in a sheath (65) to allow sliding movement in said sheath (65) when said actuator element is pulled to drive said tensioner (1). 4. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to said footwear in a central front part of said blade (62). 5. Footwear according to claim 4, characterized in that said blade comprises flaps (4a, 4b) joined by said cord (19) and a tongue (5) between said flaps (4a, 4b), said tensioner (1) being fixed on said tab (5). 6. Footwear according to claim 4, characterized in that said blade (62) comprises at least one elastic part and a central plate (15) on which said tensioner (1) is fixed. 7. Footwear according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said cable (27) of said actuator element (2) is associated with said footwear in the vicinity of said front part of said blade (62). 8. Footwear according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is housed in a seat provided in an arch support (14) disposed on said sole (60). 9. Footwear according to claim 8, characterized in that said sheath (13) for said cord (19) is housed inside said shoe and emerges on a flank thereof to allow a sliding movement of said cord (19) from said tensioner (1) to said seats (6a, 6b) in said blade (62). 10. Footwear according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed inside said footwear and emerges on a flank thereof to allow a sliding movement of said cable (27) when a tensile force is exerted to drive said tensioner (1). 11. Footwear according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is housed in a cavity provided on a flank of said blade (62). 12. Footwear according to claim 11, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed inside said footwear and emerges in the back of the shoe to allow a sliding movement of said cable (27) when exerts a tensile force to drive said tensioner (1). 13. Footwear according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is mounted on a clamp (85, 85a, 85b, 85c) housed on a seat (84) in the lower part of said sole (60) , in the area of the plantar arch. 14. Footwear according to claim 13, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is mounted on the lower part of said clamp (85). 15. Footwear according to claim 13, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to the lower part of said clamp (85) by removable fastening means (87). 16. Footwear according to claim 13, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to the lower part of said clamp (85a) by adhesive means. 17. Footwear according to claim 13, characterized in that said clamp consists of a U-shaped clamp (85b) with lateral parts directed upwards, said tensioner (1) being mounted on a lateral part of said clamp (85b). 18. Footwear according to any of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that said cable (27) is associated with said footwear in the vicinity of a flank of the shoe. 19. Footwear according to claim 13, characterized in that said clamp (85c) comprises a projection (89) housed in a longitudinal groove (88) of the sole (60), said sheath (65) of said cable (27) being fixed to said projection (89) to allow said tensioner (1) to be activated from the rear side of the shoe. 20. Footwear according to claim 14, characterized in that said seat (84) comprises an opening (84a) in said sole (60) through which said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed inside said sole to the back of said shoe, from which said cable (27) arises to actuate said tensioner (1). 21. Footwear according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is mounted on a groove (90) in the lower part of said sole (60), in the area of the plantar arch. 22. Footwear according to claim 21, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinal groove (91) on the underside of a heel piece (92). 23. Footwear according to claim 21, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinal groove (91a) on the upper side of said heel piece (92). 24. Footwear according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to one side of said sole, in the area of the plantar arch. 25. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to the back of said sole, in the heel area (92). 26. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is housed in a cavity (98, 98a, 98b, 98c) provided on the upper side of said sole (60). 27. Footwear according to claim 26, characterized in that said cavity (98) is provided in the area of said heel (92) at the edge thereof, a window (99) being provided in said sole (60) through the that said cord (19) and said cable (27) connected to said tensioner (1) leave said cavity (98). 28. Footwear according to claim 26, characterized in that said cavity (98a) is provided in the area of the plantar arch and on the edge of said heel (92), said sheath (13) reaching for said cord (19) said blade (62) ) of the footwear through a window (99a) in said sole (60). 29. Footwear according to claim 28, characterized in that said cable (27) leaves said cavity (98a) through a window (99b) in said sole (60). 30. Footwear according to claim 28, characterized in that said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinal groove (100) in said sole (60) directed towards the back of the shoe. 31. Footwear according to claim 26, characterized in that said cavity (98b) is provided in the area of the plantar arch and on the edge of said heel (92) to accommodate said tensioner (1), said tensioner (1) being connected to the cord parts (19a, 19b) housed in covers (13a, 13b), said covers (13a, 13b) being inserted in a window (99c) and in a slot (99d) respectively, and the parts being joined together ( 19a, 19b) of cord in the area of said blade (62). 32. Footwear according to claim 31, characterized in that said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinally oriented groove (99f) in communication with the back of said footwear. 33. Footwear according to claim 31, characterized in that said cable (27) is housed in an opening (99e) in the sole. 34. Footwear according to claim 26, characterized in that said cavity (98c) is provided in the area of the plantar arch in said soleplate (60) to accommodate said tensioner (1), said tensioner being fixed in a position corresponding to the lower part of an arch support (103) to be arranged on said sole (60), a window (105) being provided on the edge of said sole to receive said cord (19), and a groove (104) provided on said sole ( 60) to accommodate said cable (27). 35. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is housed in a cavity (108) provided in an arc support (103a) disposed in said sole (60), said cable (27) being connected ) to said tensioner (1) and being housed in a groove (108) in said arc support (103a). 36. Footwear according to claim 35, characterized in that an opening (109) is provided for said cable (27) on the back of said blade (62). 37. Footwear according to claim 36, characterized in that openings (105a, 110) are provided in said blade (62) for said cord (19) and for a button (111) of a tensioner release mechanism, respectively. 38. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to a heel support element (120, 120a, 122) fixed to said sole (60), said shovel stopper (62) on said heel support element (120, 120a, 122) surrounding the back of a user's foot. 39. Footwear according to claim 38, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to the bottom of said heel support element (120), an extension (31a) protruding laterally from said tensioner (1) to accommodate said sheath (13) for said cord (19) connected at one end to said tensioner (1) and at the opposite end to said paddle of said footwear (62), corresponding seats are also provided in said sole (60) for said tensioner (1), said extension (31a) and said sheath (65) for said cable (27). 40. Footwear according to claim 38, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to a flank of said heel support member (120a). 41. Footwear according to claim 38, characterized in that said tensioner (1) is fixed to the back of said heel support member (120a). 42. Footwear according to claim 38, characterized in that said heel support element (122) is formed with a rear-facing lower wing (122a) and with a pair of lateral projections (127), said tensioner (1) being fixed to the lower side of said heel support element (122) and above said lower fin (127), and said lateral projections (127) being housed in a corresponding pair of seats (128) in the central fins (129) of said sole (60) so that, when the footwear is worn, said lower fin (122a) elastically deforms against said sole (60) and acts as a damping element on the foot of a user. 43. Footwear according to any one of claims 4, 8, 11, 13, 21, 25, 26, 35 and 38, characterized in that said tensioner (1) comprises: - a first (17a) and a second (17b) pulleys connected to each other, said cord (19) winding on said first pulley (17a); - a cable (27) fixed at one end on said second pulley (17b) and wound on said second pulley (17b) in a opposite direction to the winding direction of said cord (19) on said first pulley (17a); - a ratchet (18) rigidly connected to said first (17a) and second (17b) pulleys, to block them in a desired position; and further characterized in that said actuator element (2) comprises: - a third pulley (35) on which said cable (27) is fixed to its other end; - an elastic element (39) acting on said third pulley (35) to control the winding of said cable (27) on said third pulley (35); so that the length of the part of said cable (27) between said tensioner (1) and said actuator element (2) is keeps substantially constant.