U.S. patent application number 13/471937 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for locking device for lace strands, tightening system having such device, and footwear having such system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Thierry DONNADIEU.
Application Number | 20120291242 13/471937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45976050 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120291242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DONNADIEU; Thierry |
November 22, 2012 |
LOCKING DEVICE FOR LACE STRANDS, TIGHTENING SYSTEM HAVING SUCH
DEVICE, AND FOOTWEAR HAVING SUCH SYSTEM
Abstract
A device for locking strands of laces, including a hollow body
demarcating a cavity, the cavity defining at least one passageway
for passage of the lace strands, the locking device including a
locking member, the locking member being movable between a locking
position and a release position, the locking device operating via
cooperation of the locking member with each passageway to lock each
lace strand by a wedging effect, an elastic mechanism biasing the
locking member towards the locking position. The locking device
acts for at least three lace strands, and at least one passageway
is adapted to receive two superposed lace strands.
Inventors: |
DONNADIEU; Thierry;
(Sillingy, FR) |
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.S.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
45976050 |
Appl. No.: |
13/471937 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/712.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/0411 20130101;
A43C 11/20 20130101; A43C 11/008 20130101; Y10T 24/3718 20150115;
A43C 7/08 20130101; A43B 5/0439 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/712.7 |
International
Class: |
A43C 7/08 20060101
A43C007/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 16, 2011 |
FR |
11 01486 |
Claims
1. A device for locking lace strands, the device comprising: a
locking member; a hollow body demarcating a cavity; the cavity of
the hollow body defining at least one passageway for passage of the
lace strands; the locking member being structured and arranged to
be movable between a locking position and a release position; in
the locking position, the locking member being positioned in
relation to at least the one passageway to lock each of the lace
strands within at least the one passageway by a wedging effect; in
the release position, the locking member being positioned in
relation to at least the one passageway to allow movement of the
lace strands in relation to at least the one passageway; an elastic
mechanism biasing the locking member toward the locking position;
the locking device being structured and arranged to lock at least
three lace strands; at least the one passageway being structured
and arranged to receive, superposed, at least two of the at least
three lace strands.
2. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: a height of the
cavity is equal to a thickness of the locking member, increased by
a functional clearance.
3. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: a height of the
cavity is equal to the combined cross-sectional heights of the two
superposed lace strands.
4. A locking device according to claim 3, wherein: the locking
member is structured and arranged to have a thickness sufficient to
engage both of the two superposed lace strands in the locking
position of the locking member.
5. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one
passageway comprises a first passageway and a second passageway,
both defined by the cavity of the hollow body, for passage of the
at least three lace strands; the locking member is arranged in the
cavity between the first and second passageways of the lace
strands.
6. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: when the locking
member is in the release position, a shortest distance between the
locking member and a passageway is between 40 and 75% of a height
of the cavity.
7. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the locking
device comprises no more than a single locking member.
8. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the locking
device comprises three parts comprising: the hollow body; the
locking member; and a pusher located outside of the hollow body and
connected to the locking member for manipulating the locking
member.
9. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the locking
member comprises a wheel.
10. A locking device according to claim 8, wherein: the locking
member comprises a wheel.
11. A locking device according to claim 10, wherein: the wheel is
positioned within the cavity; the pusher includes an axle, the axle
being snap-fastened to the wheel via the axle extending through an
upper wall of the body through a slot extending through the upper
wall, along an axial longitudinal direction of the body.
12. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: the locking
member has the general shape of a wedge.
13. A locking device according to claim 8, wherein: the elastic
mechanism comprises two elastic tongues extending from the pusher;
the tongues have respective free ends positioned to be supported on
a flange formed by an edge of the body for biasing the pusher in
the locking direction.
14. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein: each of the
three lace strands has an identical diameter or thickness.
15. A tightening system comprising: at least three lace strands; a
locking device for locking the lace strands, the locking device
comprising: a locking member; a hollow body demarcating a cavity;
the cavity of the hollow body defining at least one passageway for
passage of the lace strands; the locking member being structured
and arranged to be movable between a locking position and a release
position; in the locking position, the locking member being
positioned in relation to at least the one passageway to lock each
of the lace strands within at least the one passageway by a wedging
effect; in the release position, the locking member being
positioned M relation to at least the one passageway to allow
movement of the lace strands in relation to at least the one
passageway; an elastic mechanism biasing the locking member toward
the locking position; the locking device being structured and
arranged to lock at least the three lace strands; at least the one
passageway being structured and arranged to receive, superposed, at
least two of the at least three lace strands.
16. A tightening system according to claim 15, wherein: a height of
the cavity is equal to a thickness of the locking member, increased
by a functional clearance.
17. A tightening system according to claim 15, wherein: a height of
the cavity is equal to the combined cross-sectional heights of the
two superposed lace strands.
18. A tightening system according to claim 17, wherein: the locking
member is structured and arranged to have a thickness sufficient to
engage both of the two superposed lace strands in the locking
position of the locking member.
19. A tightening system according to claim 15, wherein: the at
least one passageway comprises a first passageway and a second
passageway, defined by the cavity of the hollow body, for passage
of the at least three lace strands; the locking member is arranged
in the cavity between the first and second passageways of the lace
strands.
20. A tightening system according to claim 19, wherein: the first
passageway receives the superposed lace strands; the second
passageway receives a number of lace strands different from that of
the superposed lace strands.
21. A tightening system according to claim 15, wherein: the locking
device acts on no more and no less than the three lace strands.
22. A tightening system according to claim 15, wherein: the locking
device acts on no more and no less than four lace strands.
23. An article comprising: a tightening system comprising: at least
three lace strands; a locking device for locking the lace strands,
the locking device comprising: a locking member; a hollow body
demarcating a cavity; the cavity of the hollow body defining at
least one passageway for passage of the lace strands; the locking
member being structured and arranged to be movable between a
locking position and a release position; in the locking position,
the locking member being positioned in relation to at least the one
passageway to lock each of the lace strands within at least the one
passageway by a wedging effect; in the release position, the
locking member being positioned in relation to at least the one
passageway to allow movement of the lace strands in relation to at
least the one passageway; an elastic mechanism biasing the locking
member toward the locking position; the locking device being
structured and arranged to lock at least the three lace strands; at
least the one passageway being structured and arranged to receive,
superposed, at least two of the at least three lace strands.
24. An article according to claim 23, wherein: the article is an
article of footwear; the article of footwear comprising: two
independent zones to be tightened; a first of the two superposed
lace strands extends to a first of the two independent zones and a
second of the two superposed lace strands extends to a second of
the two independent zones.
25. An article according to claim 24, wherein: the first of the two
independent zones comprises tightening zone extending over a foot
area of the article of footwear; the second of the two independent
zones comprises a tightening zone at a heel area of the article of
footwear.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon French patent application
Ser. No. 11/01486, filed May 16, 2011, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the
priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a mechanical device for locking
flexible strands such as cables, ropes, yarn, laces, and any other
similar product or elongated element of similar form.
[0004] In a particular field of endeavor, the invention relates to
the locking of laces of an article of footwear, such as a shoe or
boot, but also to the locking of cords, laces, ropes, cables, etc.
adapted to connect portions of an article such as a garment,
helmet, bag, and the like.
[0005] Still, more specifically, the invention relates to the field
of sports, and particularly to articles of footwear, such as shoes
or boots for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding,
walking, running, hiking, biking, and the like.
[0006] 2. Background Information
[0007] It is known to lock flexible strands using a mechanism or
device. See, for example, commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.
5,477,593.
[0008] Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,590 discloses a cord retainer
assembly comprising a hollow body demarcating a cavity which
defines a passageway for the strands of a cord. A locking member is
movable in the cavity, between a locking position and a release
position, for reversibly locking the strands. The device according
to U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,590 is described as a reversible lock for
reversibly locking the closure of a bag, such as a laundry or mail
bag. If it were to be used to reversibly tighten two quarters of a
shoe or boot, for example, the user could adjust the tightening to
a desired level.
[0009] However, such tightening would not always be distributed
satisfactorily for the tightening of such footwear. Indeed, in the
context of certain types of footwear, it is sometimes desirable
that different zones be tightened differently and to tighten such
zones at different levels. Such is the case for footwear, for
example, in which certain parts of the foot must be held firmly,
while other parts are allowed more freedom. Therefore, it has been
proposed to differentiate the tightening zones.
[0010] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2008/0250618 (a family member of document WO 2007/057926) discloses
a device for reversibly locking four lace strands. Two of the lace
strands are assigned to tightening a first zone of the article of
footwear, and the other two to tightening a second zone. To act on
the four lace strands, according to US 2008/0250618, the locking
device demarcates four cavities, each of which defines a passageway
for the strands. Each cavity houses a locking member that is
movable between a locking position and a release position. For each
strand, the locking is obtained by a wedging effect between the
locking member and a passageway defined in the cavity, taking into
account that an elastic mechanism biases the locking member toward
its locking position.
[0011] In the footwear according to document US 2008/0250618, the
tightening is differentiated in two zones, which enables the user
to better adjust the support of the foot in relation to the support
of the lower leg. Therefore, use of the footwear is more
comfortable. The device according to this document has a complex
structure. Indeed, four cavities, four passageways, four locking
members, and four elastic mechanisms are necessary to tighten the
four lace strands.
[0012] Further, the implementation of the device according to US
2008/0250618 is complicated, because the tension of the four
strands must be adjusted separately. Moreover, the device is bulky
and expensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY
[0013] In view of the preceding, the invention generally seeks to
improve a locking device adapted to reversibly tighten two
different zones of an article such as those mentioned above.
[0014] More specifically, the invention simplifies a device for
reversibly locking lace strands, in terms of its structure, as well
as its implementation.
[0015] In addition, the invention reduces the space requirement of
the device.
[0016] Further, the invention lowers the manufacturing cost of a
locking device.
[0017] To this end, the invention provides a device for locking
lace strands, or strands of other elongated flexible elements, such
device comprising a hollow body demarcating a cavity, the cavity
defining at least one passageway for passage of the lace strands,
the locking device including a locking member, the locking member
being movable between a locking position and a release position,
the locking device operating via the cooperation of the locking
member with each passageway to lock each lace strand by a wedging
effect, an elastic mechanism biasing the locking member toward the
locking position.
[0018] The locking device according to the invention acts for at
least three lace strands and at least one passageway is capable of
receiving two superposed lace strands. The device acts
simultaneously for the three laces, and at least two laces are
housed in the same passageway.
[0019] Therefore, the locking member of the invention cooperates
with three lace strands, or more. It can be said that the locking
member of the device immobilizes or releases all of the lace
strands passing through the cavity. An unexpected result is that
all of the lace strands are maintained in the locking configuration
even when each lace is subject to a different tensioning force.
This means that the locking device according to the invention
maintains the tension states of the laces.
[0020] Important among the resulting advantages is simplicity. The
reversible locking device according to the invention has a simple
structure, and it is implemented in a simple fashion. Indeed, a
single action of the locking member against the action of the
elastic mechanism releases all of the lace strands.
[0021] Another advantage of the device according to the invention
is that of reduced space requirement. Indeed, a single locking
mechanism is needed for all the lace strands. Consequently, the
implementation of the locking device on an article is easier.
[0022] Yet another advantage is lower manufacturing cost, compared
to other known devices, due to the reduced number of parts.
[0023] Broadly speaking, it could be said that the invention
improves a locking device adapted to reversibly tighten two
different zones of an article, such as an article of footwear, a
garment, a bag, or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
be better understood from the following description, with reference
to the annexed drawings showing, by way of non-limiting
embodiments, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a boot of a first
embodiment of the invention showing a system for tightening the
boot upper, the system including a device for reversibly locking a
plurality of lace strands;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view, similar to FIG. 1,
which shows the passageway of the constituent elements of the
tightening system;
[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the locking device
used on the boot of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0028] FIG. 4 is an external top view of the locking device in the
position for locking, or wedging, the lace strands;
[0029] FIG. 5 is an external view, similar to FIG. 4, of the
locking device in the position for releasing the lace strands;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, along lines of contact of
the lace strands and the passageways, of the locking device in the
position for locking the lace strands;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6, with the locking
device in the position for releasing the lace strands;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a cross section along the line VIII-VIII of FIG.
5;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, of a second
embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8, of the second
embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8, of a third
embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, for a fourth
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The first embodiment of the invention, described below, more
particularly relates to footwear, such as a sports boot, and, for
example, an article of footwear for the practice of cross-country
or telemark skiing. However, the invention applies to other
disciplines and to other fields of endeavor, as mentioned
above.
[0038] The first embodiment is illustrated below with reference to
FIGS. 1-8.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an article of sports footwear,
such as a cross-country ski boot, is adapted to receive the foot of
the user.
[0040] As known, such as from commonly owned U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2009/0100717, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, the
boot 1 includes an outsole 2 and an upper 3. The boot 1 extends
lengthwise from a rear end, or heel 4, to a front end, or tip 5;
and widthwise between a lateral side 6 and a medial side 7.
[0041] As shown, the upper 3 includes a lower portion 10, provided
to surround the foot of the wearer, and an upper portion 11,
provided to surround the ankle and extend above the ankle. However,
an article of footwear to which the invention is suitable can have
only the lower portion, extending below the ankle or at the
ankle.
[0042] According to the first illustrated embodiment, the boot 1
extends height-wise, from the sole 2 to an upper end 12, that is to
say, up to the free end of the upper portion 11 or of the upper
3.
[0043] The boot 1 is structured to allow good flexion of the leg or
good foot rolling movement, as well as the transmission of sensory
information or steering impulses or thrusts. Therefore, the upper 3
is relatively flexible. The sole may be relatively rigid, for
example for the practice of skate-skiing, i.e., with skate steps,
or more flexible for the practice of classic skiing, i.e., with
alternate steps.
[0044] The boot 1 includes a lateral portion 15 and a medial
portion 16. The portions 15, 16 include quarters that are adapted
to cover the foot.
[0045] In the example shown, the portions 15, 16 are affixed to the
sole by known techniques such as gluing, sewing, or any equivalent.
The portions 15, 16 are arranged so that the boot 1 has a foot
insertion opening 17, which extends from the upper end 12 towards
the front end 5. Towards the upper end 12, the opening 17 has an
upper subdivision 18 adapted to allow the foot therethrough, and
also to surround the ankle after the boot is put on. In the area of
the instep, between the upper end 12 and the front end 5, the
opening 17 has a lower subdivision 19 allowing for a variation in
the dimension of the opening and the fitting volume. The upper 18
and lower 19 subdivisions are co-extensive.
[0046] The upper 3 includes a tongue 20 arranged between the
lateral 15 and medial 16 portions, in the area of the lower
subdivision 19 of the opening 17, in order to provide the upper 3
with continuity. However, the tongue could be omitted. In such a
case, the portions 15, 16 can remain separate or be superposed or
overlapped. Alternatively, a gusset can connect the portions to one
another.
[0047] Also, although not essential or required, the boot 1
includes a flap 25 provided to reversibly cover the lower
subdivision 19 of the opening 17. The flap 25 extends from one
portion 15, 16 to the other to improve the sealing of the boot.
[0048] According to the first embodiment, the flap 25 is fixedly
secured to the medial portion 16. A reversible closure 26 makes it
possible to affix the flap 25 also to the lateral portion 15. For
example, the reversible closure 26 includes a zipper. However, any
other structure could be provided to obtain the closure, such as a
series of snap-fasteners, for example.
[0049] The boot 1 also comprises a tightening system 30 provided to
reversibly tighten zones of the upper 3. The tightening system 30
includes a first linkage or lace strand 31 and a second linkage or
lace strand 32, provided to exert a reversible tightening of the
upper 3 towards the instep, in the area or zone of the lower
subdivision 19 of the opening 17. The tightening system 30 also
includes a third linkage or lace strand 33, provided to exert a
reversible tightening around the heel or the ankle, that is to say,
towards the rear end or heel 4. The word "lace" is used as a term
of convenience and not to limit such tightening linkage to a
particular type and includes elements such as those described as
laces or as cords, ropes, cables, filiform elements, etc., made of
different respective materials suitable for its application.
Further, such linkages can have any of various cross sections,
diameters, and thicknesses, such cross sections including circular,
oval, flat, rectangular, etc.
[0050] With respect to the lower subdivision 19 of the opening 17
or of what can be referred to as a tightening zone, in a
non-limiting arrangement and according to the first embodiment, the
tightening system 30 includes lateral keepers 35, 36, 37, 38, or
lace guides, for example four in number, arranged on the lateral
portion 15. The tightening system 30 also includes medial keepers
40, 41, 42, 43, or lace guides, for example four in number,
arranged on the medial portion 16. The lateral and medial keepers
are affixed to the upper 3 in the area of the lower subdivision 19
of the foot insertion opening 17. The keepers 35 to 38 and 40 to 43
are sliding keepers, so that the linkages/strands 31, 32 can slide
freely therein. As further described below, this facilitates the
tightening or loosening of the upper.
[0051] According to the first illustrated embodiment, the first
linkage 31 is a lace strand and the second linkage 32 is also a
lace strand. The first lace 31 and second lace 32 extend one
another, i.e., they are co-extensive, to form a loop, in the area
of the forwardmost portion of the lower subdivision 19 of the foot
insertion opening 17 or tightening zone. The first 31 and second 32
lace strands could alternatively be provided to remain distinct. In
this case, they would be attached to the upper 3, for example in
the area of the forwardmost portion of the lower subdivision
19.
[0052] Each lace strand 31, 32 alternately runs from the lateral
portion 15 to the medial portion 16, passing through some of the
lateral keepers 35 to 38 and medial keepers 40 to 43. The
tightening of the upper 3 in the area of the lower subdivision 19,
including tensioning the lace strands 31, 32 and maintaining the
tensions, is explained below.
[0053] Initially, with respect to tightening the heel or the ankle,
the tightening system 30 includes a lateral initial keeper 45
located on the lateral portion 15, at the border between the lower
portion 10 and the upper portion 11 of the upper 3. The tightening
system 30 also includes a lateral intermediate keeper 46, located
on the lateral portion 15, between the initial keeper 45 and the
front end 5. The initial 45 and intermediate 46 keepers are sliding
keepers, as described further below. The tightening system 30
further includes a final keeper 47, located on the medial portion
16. The final keeper 47 is fixed. The opposite is also within the
scope of the invention. In such case, there would be a sliding
initial keeper on the medial portion, a sliding intermediate keeper
on the medial portion 16, and a fixed final keeper on the lateral
portion 15.
[0054] In any case, the third linkage 33 comprises a lace strand 48
and a linkage in the form of a strap 49, the lace and the strap
being co-extensive. The third linkage 33 passes through the sliding
initial keeper 45, then through the sliding intermediate keeper 46,
and then runs along the upper 3 by extending around the heel,
between the sole 2 and the upper end 12, to arrive at the fixed
final keeper 47. Consequently, the lace strand 48 passes through
the sliding keepers 45, 46 and the strap extends the lace 48
between the intermediate keeper 46 and the final keeper 47.
[0055] Finally, the locking device 51 according to the first
embodiment of the invention is structured and arranged for exactly
three linkages or lace strands 31, 32, 48, i.e., no more and no
less than three linkages or lace strands.
[0056] The overall tightening of the upper 3, that is to say, in
the area of both the lower subdivision 19 and the heel or ankle, is
explained next.
[0057] Initially, the tightening system 30 of the boot 1 includes a
device 51 for locking the lace strands 31, 32, 48. As can be
understood, not only with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, but also
FIGS. 3 to 8, the device 51 for locking the lace strands 31, 32, 48
comprises a hollow body 52 demarcating a cavity 53. The cavity
defines at least one passageway 54, 55 for passage of the lace
strands 31, 32, 48. The locking device 51 includes a locking member
58, which is movable between a locking position and a release
position, the device 51 functioning via cooperation of the locking
member 58 with each passageway 54, 55 to lock each lace strand 31,
32, 48 by a wedging effect. An elastic mechanism 59 biases the
locking member 58 towards the locking position.
[0058] According to the invention, the locking device 51 is
structured and arranged for at least three lace strands 31, 32, 48.
In other words, the single locking member 58 cooperates with all of
the laces which, here, are for example three in number. Therefore,
the locking member 58 immobilizes or releases all of the laces. In
the locking configuration, all the lace strands 31, 32, 48 are held
in tension, even though each lace strand is tensioned differently
or even though at least one of the lace strands is tensioned
differently from the other two. In fact, the locking device 51
according to the invention maintains the tension states of the lace
strands in their respective tightness levels. The device 51
according to the invention is advantageously simple, due to its
structure, and it is easy to use.
[0059] As shown more particularly in FIG. 3, the locking device 51,
according to a non-limiting embodiment, includes three parts,
including the hollow body 52, the circular-shaped locking member
58, and a pusher or push-button 60 located outside of the body 52
and connected to the locking member 58 for maneuvering the locking
member. The push-button 60 actuates the locking member 58 in
translation.
[0060] The locking member 58 here is comprised of a wheel provided
with teeth 65 on its periphery. In the center of the wheel 58 is a
hole 66 aligned with a countersink 67 to define an eyelet 68 for
the ratchet-reception of an axle 69 of the pusher, which
constitutes the axis of rotation of the wheel 58. The axle 69,
circular and extending directly from the pusher 60, has an outward
projecting side 70 for connection to the wheel 58. The side 70 has
an axial slit 71 along a portion of its length, and is recessed by
a peripheral receiving groove 72 for receiving the wheel 58. The
end of the outward projecting side has the shape of a truncated
cone. The wheel 58 is rotatably mounted on the axle 69. In
practice, only one rotation of a few degrees is necessary to
complete the balancing of the tensions, during the locking.
Alternatively, it is possible for the wheel to be fixed, i.e., not
to be rotatable.
[0061] This structure enables the ratchet-assembly of the wheel 58
onto the axle 69, whereby the two are press-fitted, or snapped,
together.
[0062] The body 52, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, internally
demarcates the cavity 53 adapted to house the toothed wheel 58 and
defines, as described below, two passageways 54, 55 for the passage
and wedging of the lace strands 31, 32, 48.
[0063] To mount the locking device 51, the wheel 58 is positioned
within the cavity 53 of the body 52 by passing through an opening
78 provided at one axial end of the body, and the pusher 60 is
snap-fastened via its axle 69 in the eyelet 68 of the wheel 58 by
extending through the wall of the upper surface 79 of the body 52
through a slot 80 arranged in the upper surface 79, or upper wall,
along an axial longitudinal direction of the body.
[0064] The pusher or push-button 60 thus mounted is translationally
movable in relation to the body 52, along the slot 80, and in the
longitudinal direction of the hollow body 52, along the direction
of the arrows L or S shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example.
[0065] The dimensions of the groove 72 and hole 66 of the wheel 58
are provided so that the wheel 58 is mounted to rotate freely about
the axle 69.
[0066] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 more particularly show the embodiment of
the passageways 54, 55 and the cooperation of the locking member or
wheel 58 therewith.
[0067] The passageways 54, 55 are located in the cavity 53, along
each of the two lateral surfaces 81, 82 of the body 52, and
comprise serrations 83.
[0068] In order to receive the laces 31, 32, 48, the passageways
54, 55 have a groove-shaped cross section that can be rounded or
formed of straight segments 84, as shown in FIG. 8. As explained
further below, this promotes a strong pinching of the lace strands
31, 32, 48 between the locking member 58 and an associated
passageway 54, 55.
[0069] According to the first embodiment, the height h of the
cavity 53 is equal to the thickness e of the locking member 58,
increased by a functional clearance j. This functional clearance j
is between 0 and 15% of the thickness e of the member 58, taking
into account that values between 2 and 7% yield good results. The
height of the cavity and of the locking member also corresponds to
that of two superposed lace strands. Alternatively, the locking
member is structured and arranged such that the height, or
thickness, thereof is at least sufficient to engage both of the two
superposed lace strands, particularly in the locking position of
the locking member. Alternatively, also, the diameter or thickness
(the latter at least considered in the direction of the height h of
the cavity) of a respective lace strand, in a tensioned state, is
no more than one-half the height h of the cavity. Stated
differently, in the orientation of the exemplary non-limiting
embodiment of the locking device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for
example, the two superposed lace strands are superposed in a
longitudinal vertical plane, or substantially so, with the boot
outsole supported on a horizontal surface.
[0070] The cavity 53 of the hollow body 52 defines two passageways
54, 55 for passage of the lace strands 31, 32, 48, namely, a first
passageway 54 along the first lateral surface 81 and a second
passageway 55 along the second lateral surface 82. The locking
member 58 is arranged in the cavity 53, between the first 54 and
second 55 passageways of the lace strands 31, 32, 48. As a result,
each passageway 54, 55 has a height equal to the height h of the
cavity 53 and is adapted to receive at least two superposed lace
strands. This guides the lace strands 31, 32, 48 opposite the
locking member or wheel 58. More specifically, the first passageway
54 here guides two lace strands 31, 48 and the second passageway 55
guides a single lace 32. In the locking situation, unexpectedly, as
further described below, the device 51 maintains the tightening or
locking of the three lace strands 31, 32, 48, even though they have
different tensions or at least one of the lace strands has a
tension different from the other two.
[0071] In order to maintain each of the lace strands 31, 32, 48 in
contact with an associated passageway 54, 55, it is provided that,
when the locking member or wheel 58 is in a release position, the
shortest distance between the locking member 58 and a passageway
54, 55 is between 40 and 75% of the height h of the cavity. The
height h is twice the diameter of the laces, or slightly greater.
This ensures the superposition of at least a pair of the lace
strands. Thus, the first 91 and second 92 openings for passage of
the lace strands, as respectively demarcated by the first 54 and
second 55 passageways, the wheel 58, the upper surface 79, and the
lower surface 85 each have a shape elongated in a direction
perpendicular to the upper 79 and lower 85 surfaces. This keeps the
two lace strands 31, 48 one above the other in the area of the
locking member 58, in the direction perpendicular to the surfaces
79, 85. In other words, each of the lace strands 31, 48 is opposite
both the passageway 54 and the locking member 58. As a result, the
strands are locked or unlocked simultaneously.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the passageways 54, 55 are
substantially rectilinear, and their non-parallel directions
converge to intersect along the axis of symmetry 93 of the locking
device 51, in the direction S.
[0073] There are two end positions of the pusher 60, one of which
corresponds to the locking of the lace strands 31, 32, 48 and the
other to the release of the lace strands.
[0074] The locking position is shown in particular in FIGS. 6 and
8.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the wheel 58, which is constantly biased
in the S direction in the locking position, tightens the lace
strands 31, 32, 48 by pressing the laces to the bottom of the
passageways 54, 55 of the body 52.
[0076] The locking of the lace strands 31, 32, 48 is thus achieved
by a wedging effect via cooperation of the passageways 54, 55 and
the wheel 58.
[0077] The advantage provided by the locking via a wedging effect
is that the tightening value of the lace strands 31, 32, 48 by the
wheel 58 is proportional to the tension forces exerted on the
strands and results only from these forces.
[0078] Another advantage, related to the fact that the wheel 58 is
mounted to rotate about the axle 69, is that a difference in the
tension forces F1, F2 on the lace strands does not cause jamming of
the system or relative sliding of one of the strands in relation to
the locking member 58.
[0079] An elastic mechanism, shown in particular in FIGS. 4 and 5,
is also incorporated into the locking device 51. This elastic
mechanism may take any of various forms or shapes.
[0080] The elastic mechanism comprises two elastic tongues 95, or
tabs, for example, which extend in V-shaped formation from the
center of the pusher 60, and whose free ends are provided so as to
be supported on a flange 96 formed by an edge of the body 52 to
bias the pusher 60 in the locking direction S as shown in FIG. 4.
The tongues 95 may also have a different shape.
[0081] Therefore, these tongues 95 also bias the wheel 58 in the
locking direction S, via its axle 69 affixed to the pusher 60.
[0082] Thus, the locking member 58 is elastically biased in the
locking direction of the lace strands 31, 32, 48 via its axle of
rotation 69.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the axle 69, the pusher 60,
and the tongues 95 are formed in one piece, i.e., a unitary
element.
[0084] The parts and operation described above provide the
advantage of having a precise and immediate lace locking without
requiring external action on the locking member 58.
[0085] In addition, as shown particularly in FIG. 8, the body 52
has cavities 97, 98 on its upper and lower surfaces, respectively,
adapted to facilitate the ergonomic engagement of the body 52
during locking.
[0086] The depressions of the cavities 97, 98 of the body 52 each
correspond substantially to the shape of a surface of a finger
oriented so as to exert a force in the direction S of FIG. 6.
[0087] It is therefore easier for the user to pull on the laces
with one hand and to press on the locking device 51 with the other
hand to move the latter along the lace strands, up to the desired
locking position. Once this position is reached, it suffices to
release the device 51, without having to exert any other action on
the pusher, in order to obtain the desired tightening, the wheel
58, biased by the tongues 95, automatically exerting the desired
wedging effect. One advantage is that the locking manipulation is
easier.
[0088] The release operation is carried out with one hand, by
tension on the locking device 51. The tension is required to bias
the pusher 60 in an unlocking direction, along the direction L of
FIG. 7. The release operation is also easier.
[0089] The other embodiments of the invention are illustrated below
with reference to FIGS. 9-12. For convenience, the elements shared
with the first embodiment are designated by the same reference
numerals. Differences are highlighted.
[0090] The second embodiment, illustrated with reference to FIGS. 9
and 10, features a boot 1 with a tightening system 30 comprising a
locking device 51.
[0091] Specific to the second embodiment is that the locking device
51 is structured and arranged for exactly four lace strands 31, 32,
48, 111. The first two lace strands 31, 32 are identical or similar
to those of the first embodiment: they tighten the lower
subdivision 19 of the foot insertion opening 17 or tightening zone.
The other two laces 48, 111 participate in the tightening of the
heel or the ankle.
[0092] The tightening system 30 still includes a lateral initial
keeper 45 and an intermediate keeper 46 located, as noted, on the
lateral portion 15. Similarly, the tightening system 30, this time,
includes a medial initial keeper 115 and a medial intermediate
keeper 116 located on the medial portion 16. The third linkage 117
successively includes the lateral lace 48, a surrounding strap 118,
and the medial lace 111.
[0093] In order to reversibly tighten the upper 3, the four lace
strands 31, 32, 48, 111 cooperate with the locking device 51. The
latter receives two laces on each passageway 54, 55. The operation
and effects obtained are identical or similar to those according to
the first embodiment.
[0094] The third embodiment is illustrated with reference to FIG.
11.
[0095] The tightening system 30 for this embodiment also functions
when the locking device 51 is operative for two lace strands 31,
32, although it is designed to accept at least three laces.
[0096] In this case, the lace strands 31, 32 occupy a reduced space
in the passage openings 91, 92.
[0097] The fourth embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 12.
Particular to this embodiment is the structure of the locking
member 128. The locking member 128 has the general shape of a
wedge. For example, without being limiting to this embodiment, the
locking member 128 has a trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the
tightening of the lace strands 31, 32, 48 is obtained by wedging
effect alone.
[0098] In general, the invention is made from materials and using
implementation techniques known to one having ordinary skill in the
art. For example, each component of the locking device can be made
from a plastic material.
[0099] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described
above and shown in the drawings, and includes all technical
equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that
follow.
[0100] For example, although the locking member 58 has been
described in the form of a wheel or a wedge, it may alternatively
have another shape.
[0101] The locking member may also include a plurality of parts.
For example, two wheels mounted on the axle 69 of the pusher 60 to
lock four lace strands can be provided. In such a case, each
locking member acts for at least two lace strands, the locking
device acting properly for at least three lace strands, and there
is only one elastic mechanism which biases all of the locking
members.
[0102] Each lace, and consequently each lace strand, is provided to
have the same diameter. This facilitates the implementation of the
locking device. However, laces of various diameters or thicknesses
may alternatively be provided.
[0103] The invention applies to a tightening system 30 comprising a
locking device 51 as described hereinabove.
[0104] The invention also applies to an article comprising a
tightening system with the locking device. In particular, the
invention relates to a boot 1 including the tightening system
described above.
[0105] In addition to the foregoing, the invention disclosed herein
by way of exemplary embodiments suitably may be practiced in the
absence of any element or structure which is not specifically
disclosed herein.
* * * * *