Fastening lever for sports shoes

Abstract: A lever which is used in particular in the field of sports shoes and includes a lever arm 5 which is rotatably associated, at one end, with a support 3 which is rigidly coupled to a flap of the shoe. An auxiliary grip lever 11 for the user is associated with the lever arm at the free end and allows to increase the working length of the lever arm, thus ensuring easier closure thereof.

Description: The present invention relates to a fastening lever for sports shoes. Several types of lever are currently known which have the main function of allowing to fasten two flaps of a shoe, such as for example a ski boot, a roller skate or ice skate, or a mountain boot. Levers are known which include a support constituted by a plate rigidly coupled at a flap of the shoe from which two wings protrude laterally. The end of a lever arm is pivoted to the ends of the wings, and a connecting member for a metal wire or string is pivoted to the lever arm approximately in a middle region. The metal wire or string is connected to a tooth and the tooth or metal wire interacts with, or selected engages at, one of a plurality of teeth which protrude from a rack which is rigidly coupled to the other flap to be joined. In these conventional types of lever, the user closes the boot by presetting the mutual connection between the rack and the metal wire or tooth and by then rotating the lever arm by gripping its free end. Such closure operation is awkward, because the user must exert a considerable effort because the flaps to be joined can be constituted by plastic flaps which are stiff and between which a certain friction is produced, because when fastening the flaps it is necessary to compress an innerboot which surrounds the leg or foot of the user, and because the length of the lever arm is short with respect to the pivoting point of the connecting member. All this is worsened by the fact that the user usually wears gloves and therefore is unable to achieve a good hold on the lever arm. If instead the user were to perform closure without wearing gloves, he would be certainly hindered in this maneuver, because the lever, if made of metal, would be difficult to grip at the low temperatures at which the shoe is used, and by having a limited grip surface might escape from the grip of the user, who might even injure himself. Finally, it is noted that the lever arm, if it has to fasten the quarter of a boot or skate, is usually arranged laterally to the leg and therefore forces the user to perform an additional effort with respect to the force that might be performed to close the lever for example in the toe region. DE-A-2 912 946 discloses an extensible tool than can be applied to a boot lever for aiding the actuation thereof. The aim of the present invention is therefore to overcome the above described drawbacks and therefore solve the described technical problems by providing a lever which allows the user to fasten it easily and quickly. An object is to provide a lever which can be fastened by the user by applying a low force and while having an optimum grip thereon during closure. A further object is to provide a lever which is structurally simple and has low manufacturing costs. A further object is to provide a lever which allows optimum fastening of the flaps of a shoe. This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent from the following description are achieved by a fastening lever for sports shoes, according to independent claim 1. Other objects will become apparent from the following description, which must be considered together with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of non-limitative example two particular embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 is a side view of the lever in the condition that precedes the fastening step; Figure 2 is a side view of the lever in the condition which allows to fasten it; Figure 3 is a side view of the lever after fastening has been completed; Figure 4 is a top view of the lever; Figures 5-7 have been deleted. Figure 8 is a view, similar to Figure 2, of another embodiment of the lever; Figure 9 is a view, similar to Figure 3, of the embodiment of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 9; Figures 11, 12 and 13 are views, similar to Figures 8, 9 and 10, of another embodiment of the lever; Figures 14 and 15 are views, similar to Figures 2 and 3, of another embodiment of the lever. With reference to the above figures, and bearing in mind that they exemplify particular embodiments, that they are in different scales and that individual reference numerals designate identical or equivalent elements in the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a fastening lever which is particularly useful in the field of sport shoes such as for example ski boots, roller skates, ice skates and mountain boots. The lever is constituted by a plate 2 which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe and from which two wings, or end portions, 3 protrude laterally; a first end 4 of a lever arm 5 is pivoted to the wings, and a connecting member 6 is rotatably associated for example with the lever arm and provides connection to an elongated member such as a metal wire or cable 7 which is in turn connected to a tooth 8 which selectively interacts at a rack 9 associated with a second flap to be joined of the shoe. The structure of these components is illustrated by way of example in order to provide a complete description of operation. According to the invention, an auxiliary grip lever 11 for the user is for example associated proximate to the second free end 10 at the lever arm 5. The auxiliary lever 11 is, for example, rotatably pivoted at one end at a pivot 12 which connects the wings of the lever arm 5. The rotating connection occurs against the force of a flexible member, such as a substantially U-shaped spring 13 the base 14 of which interacts at the upper lateral surface 15 of the auxiliary lever 11 and the wings of which are coaxially wound around the pivot 12 and then interact, at their ends, with the upper lateral surface 16 of the lever arm 5. The shape of the auxiliary lever 11 and the arrangement of the spring 13 are such as to force the auxiliary lever 11 to arrange itself adjacent to the lever arm 5 so that its free end 17 is directed toward the tooth 8 and optionally lies partially above it. The free end 17 can advantageously have an arc-like shape, so as to protrude beyond the surface of the tooth 8 and therefore allow the user a good grip. The auxiliary lever 11 is therefore allowed, by loading the spring 13, to rotate counterclockwise until it interacts by abutment with the second free end 10 of the lever arm 5. A further rotation imparted by the user to the auxiliary lever 11 produces a rotation of the lever arm 5, consequently fastening the flaps. Because of the longitudinal and/or transverse extension of the auxiliary lever 11, the fastening of the lever is considerably eased , since the user has available a lever arm which virtually has a greater working length given by the sum of the lever arm 5 and approximately of the auxiliary lever 11 that protrudes axially from it. The illustrated embodiment therefore has achieved the intended aim and all the intended objects, since a lever has been obtained which allows the user to achieve much more easily and quickly, and with less effort, the fastening of the flaps and therefore the closure of the lever, this operation being possible with a better grip and safely. The presence of the spring that repositions the auxiliary lever 11 adjacent to the lever arm 5 allows to leave the space occupation of the lever substantially unchanged, without therefore altering the aesthetics of the shoe. The illustrated embodiment can be the subject of numerous variations, within the scope of the claims. Figures 8 to 10 show an embodiment, in which the lever is constituted by a plate which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe and from which two wings 203 protrude laterally; a first end 204 of a U-shaped lever arm 205 is pivoted to the wings, and at least one transverse pivot 219 is arranged between the wings; a rack 209 is detachably associable with the transverse pivot and is connected to an elongated member such as a band 207 which is in turn connected to a second shoe flap to be joined. Figures 11 to 13 show another embodiment, in which the lever is constituted by a plate which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe and from which two wings 303 protrude laterally. A first end 304 of a U-shaped lever arm 305 is pivoted to the wings, and a member 306 for connection to a metal cable or string 307 is rotatably associated with the lever arm. In turn, the cable or string is connected to a tooth 308 which selectively interacts at a rack 309 which is associated with a second shoe flap to be joined. An auxiliary grip lever 311 for the user is rotatably associated at the lever arm 305 proximate to the second free end 310. The lever 311 is rotatably pivoted, at one end, at a pivot 312 which is arranged at right angles to the wings of the lever arm 305. Rotary connection occurs in contrast with a flexible member, such as a torsion spring 313 which is coaxial to the pivot and is locked, at its ends, to the lever arm and to the auxiliary lever; the spring allows to keep the auxiliary lever, as shown in Figure 13, arranged axially with respect to the lever arm 305. The auxiliary lever is allowed to turn for example clockwise through approximately 180□, so that it can be used in the rotation that can be imparted to the lever arm 305. The lateral opening of the auxiliary lever facilitates closure and opening, while the inactive position of the auxiliary lever also acts as a member for preventing the opening of the lever arm 305. Figures 14 and 15 show another embodiment, in which the lever is constituted by a plate which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe and from which two wings protrude laterally. A first end 404 of a U-shaped lever arm 405 is pivoted to the wings, and a member 406 for connection to a metal cable or string 407 is rotatably associated with the lever arm; in turn, the cable or string is connected to a tooth 408 which selectively interacts at a rack 409 which is associated with a second shoe flap to be joined. An auxiliary grip lever 411 for the user is rotatably associated at the lever arm 405, proximate to the second free end 410. The corresponding end of a soft grip member 420, such as a band which is associated, at its other end, for example with the free end of the lever 411, is associated with the auxiliary lever in a lower region, at the second end 410. Since the band is approximately as wide as the auxiliary lever and has a such a length that it is tensioned when the auxiliary lever is arranged adjacent to the lever arm, the band causes no hindrance during sports practice; on the contrary, it is suitable to further facilitate the user's grip as soon as the auxiliary lever is raised, since a loop is formed. The above embodiments, too, achieve the intended aim and objects. The materials and the dimensions that constitute the individual components of the lever may of course be the most pertinent according to the specific requirements.

Claims: Fastening lever (1) for sports shoes, comprising a lever arm 5, 105, 305, 405 which is rotatably associated, at a first end, with a support which is rigidly coupled to a flap of a shoe and an auxiliary grip lever (11, 111, 311, 411), characterised in that said auxiliary grip lever is associated with said lever arm and defines at least two positions relatively to said lever arm 5, 105, 305, 405 a rest position and an operative position; and, in said operative position, said auxiliary grip lever (11, 111, 311, 411) increases the working length of said lever arm 5, 105, 305, 405. Fastening lever according to claim 1, comprising a plate (2) which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe and from which two wings, or end portions (3) protrude laterally, a first end (4) of said lever arm (5) being pivoted to said end portions, a connecting member (6) for connecting to elongated member (7) being rotatably associated with said lever arm, said elongated member (7) being in turn connected to a tooth (8) which selectively interacts with a rack (9) which is associated with a second flap to be joined of the shoe, characterized in that said auxiliary grip lever (11) for the user is associated with said lever arm proximate to a second free end of said lever arm. Fastening lever according to claim 2, characterized in that said auxiliary lever (11) is rotatably pivoted at one end at a pivot (12) for connecting the end portions of said lever arm (5), said rotary connection occurring against the force of at least one flexible member such as a spring (13). Fastening lever according to claim 3, characterized in that said spring (13) is substantially U-shaped, having a base (14) interacting at the upper lateral surface (15) of said auxiliary lever (11) and having wings, or end portions, wound coaxially around said pivot (12) in order to interact, at their free ends, with an upper lateral surface (16) of said lever arm (5), the shape of said auxiliary lever and the arrangement of said spring being such as to force said auxiliary lever to arrange itself adjacent to said lever arm with its free end directed toward said tooth. Fastening lever according to claim 4, characterized in that said free end (17) of said auxiliary lever (11) has an arc-like shape, such as to protrude beyond the surface of said tooth (8) in order to allow a good grip for the user. Fastening lever according to claim 5, characterized in that said auxiliary lever (11) is allowed, by loading said spring (13) to rotate counterclockwise so as to make it interact by abutment with said second free end (10) of said lever arm (5), a further rotation imparted by the user to said auxiliary lever (11 ) producing a rotation of said lever arm so as to fasten the flaps. Fastening lever according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one seat is provided at said second free end of said lever arm, said at least one seat being a through seat and is provided with a given inclination with respect to the upper lateral surface of said lever arm. Fastening lever according to claim 7, characterized in that the end of said auxiliary lever can be arranged within said seat said separate auxiliary lever being appropriately shaped, to protrude beyond said lever arm so as to temporarily increase the working length thereof. Fastening lever according to claim 8, characterized in that said auxiliary lever has a free end which is wider than the end that can be positioned at said seat, so as to further increase grip for the user. Fastening lever according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plate which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe and from which two end portions (303) protrude laterally, a first end (304) of a U-shaped lever arm (305) being pivoted to said end portions, at least one transverse pivot being arranged between the end portions of said arm, a rack (309) being detachably associable with said transverse pivot, said rack being connected to an elongated member (307) which is in turn connected to a second shoe flap to be joined. Fastening lever according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user auxiliary grip lever (311) is associated at said lever arm (305), proximate to said second free end (310), and is rotatably pivoted, at one end, at a pivot (312) arranged at right angles to the end portions of said lever arm (305), the rotary connection occurring in contrast with a flexible member, such as a torsion spring (313) which is coaxial to said pivot and is locked at its ends to said lever arm (305) and said auxiliary lever, said spring being suitable to force said auxiliary lever arranged axially with respect to said lever arm (305). Fastening lever according to claim 11, characterized in that said auxiliary lever (311) is allowed to rotate through approximately 180°, so as to allow to use it in the subsequent rotation that can be imparted to said lever arm (305), the lateral opening of said auxiliary lever facilitating the closure and opening of said lever arm, whilst the inactive position of said auxiliary arm also acts as a member for preventing the opening of said lever arm. Fastening lever according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end of a soft grip element (420), such as a band which is associated with the free end of said auxiliary lever (411) at its other end, is associated with said auxiliary lever in a lower region at said second end (410). Fastening lever according to claim 13, characterized in that said band is approximately as wide as said auxiliary lever and has such a length that it is tensioned when said auxiliary lever is adjacent to said lever arm, said band (420) forming a user grip loop when said auxiliary lever is raised.

Inventors: BAGGIO GIORGIO, GIUSTI DINO, MARCONATO LUCA, BAGGIO, GIORGIO, GIUSTI, DINO, MARCONATO, LUCA
Applicants: HTM SPORT SPA, HTM SPORT S.P.A.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A43C11
IPC codes: A43C11