WO2022118353A1

WO2022118353A1 - Closing device with rotor

Info

Publication number: WO2022118353A1
Application number: PCT/IT2021/050376
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea Spinelli
Original assignee: 10 Ottobre S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-12-01
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2022-06-09
Also published as: IT202000029228A1

Abstract

Shoe closing device comprising: a base (1) with a seat (IS) delimited by a side wall (1W); a rotor (4) connectable to the base (1) at the seat (IS) and provided with a spool (4P); a flexible clamping member (5) connectable to the rotor (4) and which passes through two holes (1H) of the base (1) to wind around the spool (4P); means (6) for locking and unlocking the rotor (4) for locking/unlocking the rotor (4) with respect to the base in rotation around an axis (A4); wherein the rotor (4) has a surface (4W) developed orthogonally to the rotation axis (A4) above the spool (4P), on which at least two through holes (4S; 4F) are formed in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) and in which holes (4S) are constrained two ends of the flexible clamping member (5) which pass through the same holes (4S; 4F) passing through the surface (4W).

Description

TITLE: Closing device with rotor DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a closure device, in particular of the type comprising a rotor applicable to the upper of a shoe.

Closing devices of the type comprising a rotor cable reel applicable to the upper of a shoe are known and widely used in the production of footwear for sports use.

These devices have an excessive degree of mechanical and structural complexity in relation to the current production requirements which, on the contrary, require devices that are structurally simpler and more easily assembled. Furthermore, known devices are generally rather bulky and their use is not particularly easy. In addition to this, the devices of the known type are specially structured to use cables which, however, are unsuitable, both for functional and aesthetic reasons, for application to footwear other than those mainly used for sports activities.

EP2845505 relates to a closing device with rotor in which the clamping member passes through holes provided in a lateral circular groove which develops concentrically with respect to the shaft around which the rotor rotates. In this way, the holes for the passage of the clamping member inside the rotor have a radial orientation with respect to the axis of the rotation shaft of the rotor, thus causing difficulties in assembling and using the device.

The main object of the present invention is to eliminate, or at least strongly reduce, the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a closing device with rotor particularly configured to allow its use even using a string instead of a cable.

This result has been achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by adopting the idea of realizing a device having the features indicated in claim 1. Other features of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Among the advantages offered by the present invention can be listed: a greater structural simplicity of the device with respect to known solutions, greater dimensional compactness, the possibility of using strings instead of tightening cables, a considerable ease of practical use of the device. Furthermore, a closing device according to the present invention has a relatively small number of components and is particularly economical in relation to the advantages offered.

These and further advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by every person skilled in the art thanks to the following description and the attached drawings, provided by way of example but not to be considered in a limiting sense, in which:

■ Fig.l represents an exploded perspective view of a closing device according to the present invention;

■ Figs.2-4 show a perspective view (Fig.2), a top plan view (Fig.3) and a side view (Fig.4) of the base (1) of the device;

■ Figs.5-7 show a perspective view (Fig.5), a bottom plan view (Fig.6) and a top plan view (Fig.7) of the lever (6);

■ Figs.8-10 show a perspective view from above (Fig.8), a perspective view from below (Fig.9) and a plan view from above (Fig.10) of the rotor (4);

■ Figs.11-13 show a perspective view (Fig.11), a bottom plan view (Fig.12) and a side view (Fig.13) of the lid (8);

■ Fig.14 shows a device according to the present invention in the form of a kit designed for supply to end users;

■ Fig.15 represents a perspective view of a device according to the present invention realized by assembling the elements illustrated in the previous figures;

■ Fig.16 represents a top plan view of the device of Fig.15;

■ Fig.17 represents a sectional view along the line C-C of Fig.16;

■ Fig.18 is a perspective view of a device according to a further embodiment;

■ Fig.19 represents a top plan view of the device of Fig.18;

■ Fig.20 represents a sectional view along the line B-B of Fig.19;

■ Fig.21 represents a detail of Fig.20;

■ Fig.22 represents a side view of the device of Fig.18;

■ Figures 23-26 show further embodiments of a device according to the present invention;

■ Fig. 27 is another exploded view of a device according to the present invention;

■ Figs. 28-32 illustrate possible ways of associating a shoe lace to the rotor (4);

■ Fig.33 shows a shoe provided with a device according to the present invention.

Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, a closing device according to the present invention comprises a base (1) which can be associated, for example by sewing or gluing, to a substrate (2) which, for example, is the upper (3) of a shoe. The base (1) has an internal seat (IS) configured to receive a rotor (4) which, in turn, is configured to be able to hook two ends of a string (5) to it. As further described below, by rotating the rotor (4) in the seat (IS) of the base (1), the tension of the string attached to the rotor (4) is adjusted. The base (1) has a surface (IL) for anchoring to the substrate (3). Said seat (IS) is delimited by a side wall (1W) formed above the surface (IL) and provided with two radial holes (1H) in diametrically opposite positions for the passage of the string (5) through the seat (IS ), i.e. through the side wall (1W). A channel (1C) is formed on the bottom (IB) of the seat (IS), oriented parallel to the same seat (IS) and arranged in a central position inside the latter. The function of said channel (1C) is described below. The side wall (1W) that delimits the seat (IS) for the rotor has an area of reduced height (hr), where a lateral appendage (1A) is formed. The latter has two side-by-side holes (A, B) whose axes are parallel to the axis of the aforementioned channel (1C). In the drawings, hole (A) is larger in diameter than hole (B).

The device further comprises a lever (6) which has a front end and a rear end. On the internal side (side facing the seat IS in assembled device position), at the front end, the lever (6) has a tooth (6T) whose function is described below. At the rear end, the lever (6) has a flattening (6F) which facilitates its actuation by the user. In an intermediate position between the front and rear ends, the lever (6) has a lower pin (6P). A notch (6G) is formed between the pin (6P) and the tooth (6T). Preferably, the lever (6) is arched.

The lever (6) is connected to the base (1) by inserting the pin (6P) in the hole (A) of the aforementioned appendix (1A) and using a helical spring (7), fitted on the pin (6P), which has one side (7G) inserted in the notch (6G) of the lever and another side (7B) with one end inserted in the hole (B) of the same appendix (1A). The reduced height (hr) of the wall (1W) that delimits the seat (IS) favours the operation of the lever (6) which, as further described below, is intended to interact with the rotor (4). The spring (7) ensures that the tooth (6T) is always pushed towards the inside of the seat (IS) and, consequently, towards the toothing of the rotor (4) positioned in the same seat. A knurling (6Z) can be provided on the external side of the lever (6) to facilitate its operation. By acting with a finger of the hand on the knurled part (6Z) of the lever (6) its rotation is determined by overcoming the resistance of the spring (7), disengaging the rotor (4) which, in this condition, is free to rotate. Conversely, when the tooth (6T) of the lever (6) engages the toothing of the rotor (4), the latter is locked to the wall (1W) of the base (1) and consequently cannot rotate.

The rotor (4) is formed by a toothed disc with an upper side (4U) and a lower side (4L) between which there is a separation surface (4W). On the lower side (4L) of the rotor (4) there is a hollow central pin (4P) intended to be inserted on the channel (1C) arranged on the bottom of the aforementioned seat (IS). In the drawings, the reference “A4” indicates the axis of the pin (4P). The internal diameter of the hollow pin (P) corresponds to the external diameter of the channel (1C). In this way, a pivotal connection of the rotor (4) is made on the base (1), i.e. on the bottom of the seat (IS), thanks to the axial insertion of the channel (1C) in the cavity of the pin (4P). On the upper side (4U) of the rotor (4) a depression is formed laterally delimited by the toothing (4T) formed on the edge of the rotor itself and, below, by the aforementioned surface (4W). A channel (4C) is formed in the center of said depression, similar to that formed on the bottom of the seat (IS). Three slots (4H) angularly equidistant from each other are arranged on the edge of the rotor (4) in which corresponding appendages of the cover described below are installed. In the surface (4W) of the rotor (4) there are two series of through holes (4S, 4F) on diametrically opposite sides with respect to the channel (4C). With reference to the example shown in the attached drawings, the surface (4W) has two central holes (4S) in each series, and two holes (4F) each formed on one side of the respective central hole (4S). In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, only the holes (4S) can be provided. Fig. 27 shows the axes (AS) of the holes (4S, 4F) parallel to the rotation axis (A4) of the rotor (4).

A cover (8) is positioned above the rotor (4). The latter has, on its lower face, three appendages (8 A) intended to settle in the slots (4H) of the rotor (4). The cover (8) is fixed to the rotor (4) by means of a screw (9), passing through a central hole (8H) of the cover and a central hole (4K) of the rotor (4), which engages the channel (1C) of the base (1) passing internally in the pin (4P) of the rotor. The said central hole (4K) is the internal hole of the aforementioned channel (4C).

Preferably, the outer edge (8Z) of the cover (8) is knurled to facilitate its grip. In practice, the cover (8) is the upper external part of the rotor (4) which, therefore, can be made to rotate around the axis of the pin (4P) by gripping the cover (8) on its edge.

Preferably, the cover (8) has a trilobate shape to facilitate its actuation.

Arrow-shaped symbols (F) may be imprinted on the cover (8) indicating the direction of rotation to be imparted to the rotor for the tightening.

A specially shaped spacer (40) is inserted inside the central hole (4K) of the rotor (4) to hold the head of the screw. (9). The spacer serves to ensure that the screw does not interfere with the central hole (4K) of the rotor, thus preventing the screw from being unscrewed when the rotation of the rotor allowed by the release of the lever (6) allows to loosen the string connection. The spacer (40) is represented only in Fig.20 and Fig. 27 while in the other drawings it is not represented to simplify the drawings themselves. In the exploded view of Fig. 26 it can be seen that on the lever (6) two buttons (60) are applied at the ends of the lever itself, which facilitate its actuation and can be made with shapes and colours of any desired type.

The procedure for applying a string to the device described above, starting from the configuration shown in Fig. 14, is as follows.

A ferrule (50) of the string (5) is inserted in a hole (1H) of the base (1) and the other ferrule of the same string is inserted into the other hole (1H) of the same base (1). Each ferrule is then made to pass from below into a corresponding hole (4F) of the rotor (4) and is arranged in a folded position, i.e. against the upper surface of the rotor (4), as schematically represented in Fig. 28. Subsequently, with the aid of the screw (9), the cover (8) is mounted and the two ferrules (50) of the string (4) are trapped in the chamber (84) formed between the surface (4W) of the rotor (4) and the cover (8) above the pin (4P) and chamber (IS). If the string does not have ferrules, then each end of the string is made to pass first through a corresponding hole (1H) of the base (1), then, from below, through a respective lateral hole (4F) of the rotor (4) in correspondence of the same inlet side (Fig. 29), then, from above, through the other side hole (4F) of the same series of holes (Fig. 30) and finally, from the bottom upwards, through the relative hole central (4S) (Fig. 31). Also in this case, with the assembly of the cover (8) the two ends of the string are contained in the chamber (84) formed between the rotor (4) and the cover (8). Alternatively, after having passed the two ends of the string through the holes (1H) of the base (1), these can be inserted with movement from the bottom upwards each in a respective hole (4F) of the rotor (4) and then knotted (see Fig. 32 where the nodes are indicated by the reference "N5"). In any case, the string remains permanently associated with the rotor (4). Therefore, when the rotor (4) is rotated in the tightening direction, the string is tightened with its winding around the pin (4P), which acts as a winding spool, inside the seat (IS). Note that the tooth (6T) of the lever (6) does not oppose the rotation of the rotor (4) in the tightening direction. Conversely, when the rotor (4) is released by acting on the lever (6), so that the rotor is free to rotate on its own axis (A4), the lace can be unwound to loosen the shoe.

With reference to the example shown in Figs 18-22 of the attached drawings, the lateral surface (1W) of the base (1) surrounds the toothing of the rotor (4) which therefore never remains exposed. In particular, the base (1) has an internal upper step (1R) in which the toothing of the rotor (4) is received which, in this way, is surrounded by the side wall (1W) and more protected from dust, earth, gravel, etc. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the lever (6) can be configured to be stably constrained to the base (1) in the unlocked position of the rotor (4). For example, with reference to Figs. 23-24 of the attached drawings, the lever (6) can be provided with a rear part (600) shaped to be able to interfere with a corresponding fixed locking tab (100) formed on the external surface of the base (1). In Fig. 23 the lever (6) is in the position of engagement of its tooth (6T) with the toothing (4T) of the rotor (4), while in Fig. 24 the lever (6) is in the position of interference of its rear part (600) with locking tab (100). Again, for example, with reference to Figs. 25-26 of the attached drawings, the lever (6) can be provided with an internal appendix (601) on its rear side intended to be seated in a corresponding cavity (101) formed on the base (1). In Fig. 25 the lever (6) is in the position of engagement of its tooth (6T) with the toothing (4T) of the rotor (4), while in Fig. 26 the lever (6) is in the position of its appendix (601) in the cavity (101). In Fig. 26 the lever (6) in the rotor release position is shown in dashed lines. In both cases, it is possible to keep the lever (6) in the open position for unlocking the rotor without having to push on its rear part.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that a closure device in accordance with the present invention comprises: a base (1) with one side (IL) connectable to a substrate (3) and with a seat (IS) bounded by a side wall (1W) of the same base (1); a rotor (4) connectable to said base (1) at said seat (IS) and provided with a surface (4P) which acts as a winding spool; a flexible clamping member (5) connectable to the rotor (4) and configured to pass through two holes (1H) formed in the base (1) and to be able to wind around said spool (4P); means (6) for locking and unlocking the rotor (4) for locking the rotor (4) to the base (1) in a configuration of prevented rotation of the rotor (4) and respectively for unlocking the rotor allowing it to rotate around a respective axis rotation (A4); a gripping surface (8) by means of which the rotor (4) can be rotated manually; in which the rotor (4) has a surface (4W) developed orthogonally to said rotation axis (A4), arranged above said spool (4P), on which at least two through holes (4S; 4F) are formed in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) and in which holes (4S) are constrained two respective end portions of the flexible clamping member (5) which pass through the same holes (4S; 4F) passing through said surface (4W), said through holes (4F; 4S) having an axis (AS) parallel to the rotation axis (A4) of the rotor (4). In a preferential embodiment, further holes (4F) are formed on said surface (4W).

Preferably, said holes (4S, 4F) are divided into two series of holes in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) of the rotor (4).

Again, preferably, said holes (4S, 4F) are divided into two series of three holes in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) of the rotor (4).

In accordance with the present invention, the rotor (4) can be advantageously connected to the base (1) by means of a hollow pin (4P) formed on a lower side of said surface (4W) and intended to be invested on a cylindrical body (1C) formed in the base (1). Preferably, the cylindrical body (1C) is internally hollow, assuming the shape of a channel, to be more elastic and facilitate the positioning of the rotor pin (4P).

Preferably, the flexible tightening member is a shoelace.

In accordance with the exemplified embodiment, the rotor (4) has a perimeter toothing (4T) configured to interact with the locking and unlocking means of the rotor.

Preferably, the locking and unlocking means of the rotor comprise a lever (6) constrained to the base (1) by means of a pin (6P) with axis parallel to the axis (A4) of the rotor (4), the lever (6) having a toothed end (6T) configured to interact with a perimeter toothing (4T) of the rotor (4). Preferably, the lever (6) is elastically constrained to the base (1).

In accordance with the embodiment exemplified above, the base (1) has an external appendix (1A) on which the locking and unlocking means of the rotor (4) are constrained. This conformation of the base (1) facilitates the assembly of the locking and unlocking means of the rotor (4).

Preferably, in accordance with the present invention, the gripping means of the rotor comprise a cover (8) which can be connected to the rotor (4) in such a way as to form a chamber (84) suitable for containing the end portions of the flexible member (5). In practice, the rotor (4) has an internal cavity (84), above the spool (4P), in which the end portions of the flexible member (5) remain seated. By making said chamber (84) by associating the cover (8) with the rotor (4) with screw connection devices (9), the access to the chamber (84) during the application of the lace and the subsequent closure of the chamber are facilitated.

Preferably, the cover (8) has a predetermined number of lower teeth (8A) shaped to fit into corresponding slots (4H) formed on the surface (4W) of the rotor (4) carrying out the movement of the latter by gripping the cover (8), the perimeter surface of which is preferably rough, for example knurled to facilitate its grip. The present device can also be supplied in the form of a partially assembled kit to speed up its use by shoe factories. For example, the kit may include the base (1) with the rotor (4) and the lever (6) pre-assembled, and the cover (8) and the screw (9) not pre-assembled similarly to what is shown in Fig. 14. In practice, the details of execution can in any case vary in an equivalent way as regards the individual elements described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the idea of the solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits, of the protection granted by this patent in accordance with the following claims.

Claims

1) Shoe closing device comprising: a base (1) with one side (IL) connectable to a substrate (3) and with a seat (IS) bounded by a side wall (1W) of the same base (1); a rotor (4) connectable to said base (1) at said seat (IS) and provided with a surface (4P) which acts as a winding spool; a flexible clamping member (5) connectable to the rotor (4) and configured to pass through two holes (1H) formed in the base (1) and to be able to wind around said spool (4P); means (6) for locking and unlocking the rotor (4) for locking the rotor (4) to the base (1) in a configuration of prevented rotation of the rotor (4) and respectively for unlocking the rotor allowing it to rotate around a respective axis rotation (A4); a gripping surface (8) by means of which the rotor (4) can be rotated manually; characterized in that the rotor (4) has a surface (4W) developed orthogonally to said rotation axis (A4), arranged above said spool (4P), on which at least two through holes (4S; 4F) are formed in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) and in which holes (4S; 4F) are constrained two respective end portions of the flexible clamping member (5) which pass through the same holes (4S; 4F) passing through said surface (4W), said through holes (4F; 4S) having an axis (AS) parallel to the rotation axis (A4) of the rotor (4).

2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that more than two through holes (4S; 4F) are formed on said surface (4W) of the rotor (4).

3) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that said holes (4S, 4F) are divided into two series of holes in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) of the rotor (4).

4) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that said holes (4S, 4F) are divided into two series of three holes in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the axis (A4) of the rotor (4).

5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotor (4) is connected to the base (1) by means of a hollow pin constituting the spool (4P) and formed on a lower side of said surface (4W) and intended to be fitted on a cylindrical body (1C) formed in the base (1).

6) Device according to claim 5 characterized in that said cylindrical body (1C) is

9 internally hollow.

7) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the flexible tightening member is a shoelace.

8) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotor (4) has a perimeter toothing (4T) configured to interact with the locking and unlocking means of the rotor.

9) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the locking and unlocking means of the rotor comprise a lever (6) constrained to the base (1) by means of a pin (6P) with axis parallel to the axis (A4) of the rotor (4), the lever (6) having a toothed end (6T) configured to interact with a perimeter toothing (4T) of the rotor (4).

10) Device according to claim 9 characterized in that the lever (6) is elastically constrained to the base (1).

11) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base (1) has an external appendix (1A) on which the locking and unlocking means of the rotor (4) are constrained.

12) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotor (4) has a chamber (84), suitable for containing the end portions of the flexible member (5), above the spool (4P).

13) Device according to claims 1 and 12 characterized in that said chamber (84) is formed by said surface (4W) provided with holes and by an overlying cover (8).

14) Device according to claim 13 characterized in that the cover (8) has a predetermined number of lower teeth (8A) shaped to fit into corresponding slots (4H) formed on the surface (4W) of the rotor (4), thus carrying out the dragging of this last by gripping the cover (8).

15) Device according to claim 14 characterized in that the perimeter surface of said cover (8) is rough to facilitate its grip.

16) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in the form of a kit.

17) Device according to claim 16 characterized in that the kit comprises the base (1) with the rotor (4) and the lever (6) pre-assembled, and the cover (8) not pre-assembled.