Shoe with improved closure device

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.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe with improved closure device.

[0002] To lace one's shoes it is required that a person performs a series of actions including: 1) bringing the foot within reach of the hands; 2) adjusting the tension of the laces by pulling or loosening them typically through a series of holes or hooks provided in flaps of a shoe upper, designed to allow opening of the upper to put on and take off the shoe; 3) making a knot with the ends of the lace, to keep the flaps of the shoe upper in the desired closed position. Such actions require a certain degree of manual skill, and may be difficult to perform by children or people who have a limited degree of manual skill. Moreover, the type of knot typically made with shoelaces may not be tight enough to withstand shocks and vibrations, particularly in case of shoes used for long walks or to run.

[0003] Italian patent application No. TV2002A000063 filed on 29 May 2002 by Benetton Group SpA, a company belonging to the same group of companies to which the present applicant pertains, discloses a device to lace shoes that are part of a ski boot or a skate, for example a roller skate or an ice skate. Such device allows to lace a ski boot or a shoe which is part of a skate by essentially pulling one end only of a lace joining the two flaps of a shoe upper, as it will be described in more detail later. Such patent application, however, discloses a device to lace shoes mounted on a structure external to the shoe itself, namely mounted on a rigid frame on which a shoe in turn is mounted.

[0004] Therefore, the difficulties associated with the closure of a normal shoe, namely a shoe not associated to a sport tool, like a skate or a ski, remains unsolved.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide shoes with an improved closure device that eliminate or reduce the drawbacks associated to conventional shoelaces described above, such that the act of lacing one's shoes be easier and faster than with conventional shoes.

[0006] Another object of the invention is that of providing a shoe with improved closure device which is tight enough to withstand shocks and vibrations, so that unintentional loosening of the shoelaces and opening of the flaps of a shoe is avoided, thereby enhancing safety of use of the shoes.

[0007] The above and other objects of the inventions are achieved by a shoe with improved closure device, said shoe comprising a sole, an upper with seats for a lace fixed at one end to said shoe upper, and a closure device acting on said lace, characterized in that said closure device comprises:

• a tightener fixed to said shoe and rigidly connected to said lace;
• a driving member for said tightener, said driving member being associated to said shoe and comprising a cable rigidly connected to said tightener, at least a portion of said cable being accessible to a user;
• a releasing mechanism for said tightener, to allow opening of said shoe.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the shoe with improved closure device according to the invention comprises a sole, an upper with seats for a lace fixed at one end to said shoe upper, and a closure device acting on said lace, and is characterized in that said closure device comprises:

• a tightener fixed to said shoe and rigidly connected to said lace;
• a driving member for said tightener, said driving member being associated to said shoe and comprising a cable rigidly connected at one end to said tightener, at least a portion of said cable being accessible to a user;
• a releasing mechanism for said tightener, to allow opening of said shoe;

wherein said tightener comprises:

i) a first and a second pulley connected to each other, said lace being wound on said first pulley and fixed to it;

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

iii) a ratchet gear rigidly connected to said first or second pulley, to block them in a desired position;

and said driving member comprises:

i) a third pulley on which said cable is fixed at its other end;

ii) an elastic element acting on said third pulley to control the winding of said cable on said third pulley;

   so that the length of the portion of said cable between said tightener and said
   driving member is kept substantially constant.

[0009] With the word "shoe" in this application it is meant a shoe that is not part of, or associated to, a sport tool like a skate, a ski or the like. The shoe of the invention is any kind of "normal" shoe, closed by means of laces, to be used for walking or running or mountain excursions or the like, which normally do not require that the shoe is mounted on, or fixed to, external sport tools.

[0010] For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, where:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a closure device usable in the shoe of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken through line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of a shoe according to the invention ;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken through line V-V of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the shoe of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Figs. 10 and 11;

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a different version of the fifth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the shoe of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Figs. 13 and 14;

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a bottom view of the shoe of Fig. 16;

Fig. 19 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 16;

Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 21 is a bottom view of the shoe of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 20;

Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 24 is a bottom view of the shoe of Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 23;

Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 27 is a bottom view of the shoe of Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a side elevational view of a tenth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 29 is a schematic perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 30 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 31 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is an exploded schematic perspective view of an thirteenth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 33 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 34 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 35 is a partially sectioned front view of the shoe of Fig. 34;

Fig. 36 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of a component of a shoe according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 38 is a an exploded perspective view of the component of the shoe of Fig. 37;

Fig. 39 is an exploded side elevational view of the shoe according to the seventeenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 40 is a side elevational view of an eighteenth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention;

Figs. 41 and 42 are side elevational views of different versions of the shoe of Fig. 40; and

Fig. 43 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a nineteenth embodiment of a shoe according to the invention.

[0011] Fig. 1 shows the main components of a closure device to be used in shoes according to the invention. This closure device comprises a tightener 1 contained in a casing consisting of two half-shells 12a and 12b provided with seats 14 for a rotatably mounted pin 15 on which a first pulley 17a, a second pulley 17b connected to said first pulley and a ratchet gear 18 connected to said second pulley are mounted through a central hole 16. Preferably, said pulleys and said ratchet gear are made as a one piece. A lace 19 is wound on the first pulley17a in a anti-clockwise direction, and is fixed to such pulley at one end, so that when pulley 17a is rotated in a clockwise direction, lace 19 is wound on it. Lace 19 leaves casing 1 through hole 21 in half-shell 12a and is fixed at its other end to a shoe upper, as it will be described later. A cable 27 is wound on the second pulley 17b according to a winding direction opposite to that of lace 19. Cable 27 leaves casing 1 through opening 33 in a funnel-shaped extension 31 projecting from half-shell 12a. Ratchet gear 18 is operatively associated to a pawl 44 mounted on pin 46 through hole 45. Pawl 44 comprises a lever 52 that, in one operative position, engages the teeth of ratchet gear 18 to block the tightener in such position.

[0012] A manually-operated releasing mechanism for said ratchet gear is also provided within casing 1. It comprises a rod 49 projecting from casing 1, at one end of which a knob 50 is mounted, for easy operation. At the other end, rod 49 engages tongue 44c of pawl 44, so that by pushing knob 50, pawl 44 is tilted and lever 52 disengages from the teeth of ratchet 18, thereby allowing to unwind lace 19 from pulley 17a.

[0013] Tightener 1 is operated by a driving member 2 contained in two half-shells 34a and 34b. In driving member 2, cable 27 enters through hole 42 and is fixed to a third pulley 35 rotatably mounted through hole 37 on pin 36 projecting from half-shell 34a. A coil spring 39 is mounted in seat 38 of pulley 35 and engages a recess 40a by a terminal tongue 32. When driving member 2 is pulled, cable 27 is also pulled and coil spring 39 is loaded. When pulling of the driving member ceases, spring 39 unloads and causes cable 27 to wind on pulley 35, thereby shortening the portion of cable 27 between driving member 2 and tightener 1.

[0014] It is appears from the description above that this closure device functions in the following way. By pulling driving member 2, one unwinds cable 27 from pulley 17b, thereby causing winding of lace 19 on pulley 17a. This in turn causes pulling of lace 19, which, as will be described hereinafter, causes closing of flaps of a shoe in a quick and easy way. When ratchet gear 18 is released by manually pushing knob 50, lace can be unwound from pulley 17a, thereby loosening lace 17 which joins the flaps of a shoe, so that the shoe can be taken off the foot.

[0015] A more detailed description of such closure device is provided in Italian patent application No. TV2002A000063 mentioned above.

[0016] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, a first embodiment of a shoe with improved closure device according to the invention is illustrated.

[0017] In a shoe generally comprising a sole 60 and an upper 62, said upper is formed with two flaps 4a and 4b spaced apart and defining a central longitudinal opening closed by a flexible tongue 5 positioned below said flaps. U-shaped elements 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like are fixed to flaps 4a and 4b to define a series of opposed slots 6a and 6b. A lace 19 is fixed with its end 8a to the shoe upper and is thread through the opposed slots 6a and 6b to join flap 4a and flap 4b together. The opposite end of lace 19 is fixed to a tightener 1, for example of the type described with reference to Fig. 1. In this first embodiment, tightener 1 is fixed to the upper portion of tongue 5 and is operated by a driving member 2, connected to tightener 1 via a cable 27, for example as described with reference to Fig. 1. It is apparent from the description above that a pulling action on driving member 2 causes winding of lace 19 within tightener 1, which in turn causes lace 19 to shorten and pull flaps 4a and 4b one toward the other. When the pulling force ceases and member 2 is released, ratchet gear 18 contained in tightener 1 as described above is blocked by pawl 44, so that shoelace 19 keeps the desired tightened condition. Any portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 is wound on member 2, so that member 2 remains in a position close to tightener 1, and the length of the portion of cable 27 between member 2 and tightener 1 is kept substantially constant. To open flaps 4a and 4b it is necessary to loosen lace 19, which becomes possible after having released ratchet gear 18 contained in tightener 1 by means of a manually operated releasing mechanism not shown in Figs. 2 and 3 but described in connection to Fig. 1. It is apparent that a shoe with the improved closure device described above is easy to put on, since no knots are to be made and no particular manual skill is required. To lace one's shoes it is simply required to pull member 2 until the desired degree of tightness is achieved. To take the shoe off it is simply required to push a knob of a release mechanism, and loosening of the laces becomes possible in a easy and quick way, since no unlacing of knots is required.

[0018] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of a shoe with improved closure device according to the invention is illustrated. In this and any further embodiment, the reference numerals used may be the same used in the previous embodiment when same or corresponding elements are to be designated. In this second embodiment, the shoe is generally comprised of a sole 60 and an upper 62 made at least partially of a resilient material, so that it can expand to fit the shape of a foot. A plate 15 with a curved shape to fit the shape of a foot is attached to the central frontal portion of upper 62. As in the previous embodiment, U-shaped elements 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like are fixed to upper 62 to define a series of opposed slots 6a and 6b. A lace 19 is fixed with its end 8a to the shoe upper and is thread through the opposed slots 6a and 6b to tighten the shoe upper and plate 15. The opposite end of lace 19 is fixed to a tightener 1, as described above, fixed to plate 15. Tightener 1 is operated by a driving member 2 via a cable 27, as previously described. The operation of the improved closure device of this embodiment is the same as described above, the main difference being that the shoe does not have flaps but is put on by expanding a resilient upper and is closed by tightening lace 19 which causes a movement of ropes or bands 7 one toward the other, which in turn causes a compression of the frontal central portion of the upper around the foot. In terms of structure, the main difference with the first embodiment described above is that tightener 1 is fixed to a plate on the upper instead of being fixed to a tongue onto which the flaps rest.

[0019] A third embodiment of the shoe according to the invention is shown in Figs 6 and 7. As previously described, the shoe comprises a sole 60 and an upper 62 formed with two flaps 4a and 4b spaced apart and defining a central longitudinal opening closed by a flexible tongue 5 positioned below said flaps. U-shaped elements 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like are fixed to flaps 4a and 4b to define a series of opposed slots 6a and 6b. A lace 19 is fixed with its end 8a to the shoe upper and is thread through the opposed slots 6a and 6b to join flap 4a and flap 4b together. Lace 19 is movably housed in the end portion of a sheath 13 on a flank of upper 62, which sheath 13 is placed inside the shoe structure between sole and upper to reach tightener 1, to which it is fixed. Tightener 1, which is for example of the type described previously, is placed in a corresponding seat between the bottom side of an arch support 14 and the top of sole 60, as shown in Fig. 7. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 and is movably housed in a second sheath 65 placed near sheath 13. Cable 27 is pulled by means of a ring 59 to drive tightener 1 as previously described. The portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 by effect of pulling ring 59 can be wound around upper 62 or temporarily positioned on a hooking device or the like, not shown, to avoid any hindrance to the use of the shoe. Opening of flaps 4a and 4b is obtained by loosening lace 19 by means of a manually operated releasing mechanism acting on tightener 1, not shown.

[0020] A fourth embodiment of the shoe according to the invention is shown in Figs 8 and 9. As previously described, the shoe comprises a sole 60 and an upper 62 formed with two flaps 4a and 4b spaced apart and defining a central longitudinal opening closed by a flexible tongue 5 positioned below said flaps. U-shaped elements 7 such as ropes or hooks or the like are fixed to flaps 4a and 4b to define a series of opposed slots 6a and 6b. A lace 19 is fixed with its end 8a to the shoe upper and is thread through the opposed slots 6a and 6b to join flap 4a and flap 4b together. Lace 19 goes then into the end portion of a sheath 13 on a flank of upper 62, where sheath 13 goes through the shoe upper to reach, and be connected to, tightener 1. Tightener 1, which is of the type described previously, is placed in a seat made in a flank of upper 62, as shown in Fig. 9. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 and is contained in a second sheath, not shown, so that cable 27 is brought to the rear portion of upper 62 and projects upwardly from it. An eyelet 59a is fixed at the end of cable 27, so that tightener 1 is operated to tighten lace 19 when eyelet 59a is pulled. The portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 by effect of pulling eyelet 59a can be wound around upper 62 or temporarily positioned on a hooking device or the like, not shown, to avoid any hindrance to the use of the shoe. Opening of flaps 4a and 4b is obtained by loosening lace 19 by means of a releasing mechanism acting on tightener 1, not shown, manually operated by pushing knob 50a.

[0021] Figures 10, 11 and 12 show a fifth embodiment of a shoe with improved closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment a shoe upper 62 is attached to a sole 60 that has an opening 84 in the plantar arch area. Opening 84 is the seat for a U-shaped bracket 85 supporting in its central lower portion a tightener 1, as previously described. Tightener 1 has holes 88 and is fastened to bracket 85 by means of screws 87 passing through holes 88 and engaging threaded holes 86 of bracket 85. A lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is contained, for at least part of its length, in sheath 13. For the remaining part lace 19 is associated to upper 62 in a way described previously and not shown here, to tighten the shoe. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously. A disc 59b is fixed at one end of cable 27, for easy manual operation. As described earlier, the portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 by effect of pulling disc 59b can be wound around upper 62 or temporarily fastened by a strap-type device made of material known with the commercial name or trademark VELCRO or the like, not shown, to avoid any hindrance to the use of the shoe. Opening of flaps is obtained by loosening lace 19 by means of a manually operated releasing mechanism acting on tightener 1, not shown.

[0022] Figure 13, 14 and 15 correspond to Figures 10, 11 and 12 but show a version in which tightener 1 is fastened to bracket 85a by glue or other adhesive means instead of being fastened by screws, or tightener 1 and bracket 85a are made as one piece.

[0023] Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 show a sixth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment a shoe upper 62 is attached to a sole 60 that has an opening 84 in the plantar arch area. Opening 84 is the seat for a U-shaped bracket 85b supporting, on its side external portion 85b', a tightener 1. A lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is contained, for at least part of its length, in sheath 13. For the remaining part lace 19 is associated to upper 62 in a way described previously and not shown here, to tighten the shoe. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously. A disc 59b is fixed at one end of cable 27, for easy manual operation. As described earlier, the portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 by effect of pulling disc 59b can be temporarily fastened to the shoe upper. Opening of the shoe is obtained by loosening lace 19 by means of a manually operated releasing mechanism acting on tightener 1, not shown.

[0024] Figures 20, 21 and 22 show a seventh embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment a shoe upper 62 is attached to a sole 60 that has an opening 84 in the plantar arch area. Opening 84 is the seat for a U-shaped bracket 85c supporting, on its bottom side, a tightener 1. A lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is contained, for at least part of its length, in sheath 13. For the remaining part lace 19 is associated to upper 62 in a way described previously and not shown here, to tighten the shoe. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously by pulling a disc 59b is fixed at one end of cable 27. Cable 27 is housed in sheath 65, which is fastened to the bottom side of a projection 89 of bracket 85c. Projection 89 is housed in a longitudinal groove 88 made in sole 60, so that cable 27 is brought to the rear side of the shoes and disc 59b can be pulled from the area behind the heel. As described earlier, the portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 by effect of pulling disc 59b can be temporarily fastened to the shoe upper. Opening of the shoe is obtained by loosening lace 19 by means of a manually operated releasing mechanism acting on tightener 1, not shown.

[0025] Figures 23, 24 and 25 show an eighth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, opening 84 is the seat for a U-shaped bracket 85c supporting, on its bottom side, a tightener 1. A lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is directed toward the shoe upper 62 in a way described previously and not shown here, to tighten the shoe. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously of actuating tightener 1 by pulling a disc 59b is fixed at one end of cable 27. Cable 27 is contained in sheath 65, which is housed through hole 84a in the shoe, in a longitudinal position, so that cable 27 is brought to the rear side of the shoes and disc 59b can be pulled from the area behind the heel. As described earlier, the portion of cable 27 unwound from tightener 1 by effect of pulling disc 59b can be temporarily fastened to the shoe upper. Opening of the shoe is obtained by loosening lace 19 by means of a manually operated releasing mechanism acting on tightener 1, not shown.

[0026] Figures 26 and 27 show a ninth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a groove 90 is made in the plantar arch area of the sole to house a tightener 1, as described before. Lace 19 is connects tightener 1 to the shoe upper, to tighten the shoe. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 and is contained in sheath 65 housed in a longitudinal groove 91 made in the lower side of heelpiece 92. In the version of Fig. 27, cable 27 is housed in a groove 91a made in heelpiece 92, internally. A disc 59b, with or without a system to automatically wind cable 27 as described previously in this application, is provided at the end of cable 27.

[0027] In the embodiment of Fig. 28 a shoe is shown which comprises a sole 60 and an upper 62 with U-shaped elements 7 around which a lace 19 is wound to tighten the shoe, as described previously. Lace 19 is fixed at one end to the shoe upper. At the other end lace 19 is housed in a sheath 13 and is connected to a tightener 1 fixed to a side of the shoe, about in the area of the plantar arch. A cable 27, partially housed in a sheath 65, is connected to tightener 1 and is directed backwards and upwards, towards the heel zone. At the end of cable 27 a disc 59b is fixed, for easy pulling and actuation of the tightener, as described previously.

[0028] In the embodiment of Fig. 29, lace 19 partially housed in sheath 13 is connected to tightener 1, which is placed on heel 92 at the rear of the shoe. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 and is directed upwardly. A driving member 2, for example of the type described in connection with Fig.1, is connected to the end of cable 27, to actuate tightener 1 and determine winding of cable 27, if necessary. A button 50b on tightener 1 allows releasing of the tightener to loosen lace 19 and open the shoe, as described before.

[0029] Figures 30 and 31 show a twelfth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a recess 98 is provided in heel 92, within the shoe, but in an area at the edge of the heel toward the rear of the shoe. Tightener 1 is housed in recess 98 and is connected to a lace 19 which reaches the upper of the shoe in a way not shown. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 and, through window 99, is directed upwardly. A driving member 2, for example of the type described in connection with Fig.1, is connected to the end of cable 27, to actuate tightener 1 and determine winding of cable 27, if necessary. A mechanism that allows releasing of the tightener to loosen lace 19 and open the shoe is provided, as described before, but it is not shown.

[0030] In the embodiment of Fig. 32, a recess 98a is provided in heel 92, within the shoe, but in the area of the plantar arch and at the edge of the heel. Tightener 1 is housed in recess 98a and is connected to a lace 19, movably housed in a sheath 13, from which it reaches the upper of the shoe through window 99a. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 and exits recess 98a through window 99b or, according to a different version of this embodiment, through a longitudinal groove 100 made in the sole and directed to the rear of the shoe. A driving member 2, for example of the type described in connection with Fig.1, is connected to cable 27, to actuate tightener 1 and determine winding of cable 27, if necessary. A mechanism that allows releasing of the tightener to loosen lace 19 and open the shoe is provided, as described before, but it is not shown.

[0031] In the embodiment of Fig. 33, an upper 62 is fixed to a sole 60 where a recess 98b is provided in the area of the plantar arch and at the edge of the heel. A tightener 1 is housed in recess 98b, and is connected to lace portions 19a and 19b, movably housed in sheaths 13a and 13b, from which they reach the upper of the shoe through window 99c and groove 99d and join together to form lace 19. By pulling at least one of lace portions 19a or 19b, a tightening of lace 19 is caused by tightener 1, with the effect discussed previously. More particularly, lace portion 19a is fixed to tightener 1 and lace portion 19b can be wound in tightener 1 to cause closing of the shoe. According to a different version of this embodiment, both lace portions 19a and 19b can be wound in tightener 1, if suitable winding means is provided. A cable 27 is connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously, and can be housed in groove 99f to reach a position from which it can be manually operated, or via opening 99e in the sole. Actuation and release of tightener 1 is as described previously.

[0032] Figures 34 and 35 show a fifteenth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a recess 98c is provided in sole 60 to house tightener 1, which is fixed to the bottom of an arch support 103. Lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and reaches the upper of the shoe through window 105. A cable 27 is connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously, and can be housed in groove 104 of sole 62, to reach a position from which it can be manually operated, in the rear portion of the shoe. Actuation and release of tightener 1 is as described previously.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 36, a sixteenth embodiment of a shoe with a closure device according to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an arch support 103a is provided on sole 60. A recess 108 is provided in the area of the plantar arch of support 103a, near its edge, to house a tightener 1. A lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is partially housed in a sheath 13 that reaches the upper of the shoe through window 105a in shoe upper 62. A cable 27 is connected to tightener 1, to perform the function described previously, and can be housed in groove 108 in arch support 103a, to reach a position from which it can be manually operated, at the rear portion of the shoe. To this purpose, a window 109 is provided in the rear portion of upper 62. Actuation of tightener 1 is obtained by pulling cable 27 by means of driving member 2, as described previously. A release mechanism actuated by button 111 is provided in tightener 1, to allow loosening of lace 19. Button 111 protrudes from opening 110 in upper 62.

[0034] In the embodiment of Figs. 37, 38 and 39, a shoe according to the invention comprises a heel-supporting element 120, shaped to surround the heel area. Such shaped element is fixed to the sole, and the rear portion of upper 62 abuts on it. To the bottom side of element 120 a tightener 1, as described for example with reference to Fig. 1, is fixed.

[0035] A funnel-shaped extension 31a projects laterally from tightener 1, and houses a lace 19 partially housed in a sheath 13. Lace 19 is connected at one end to tightener 1 and at the opposite end to shoe upper 62, as described previously. A corresponding recess, not shown, is provided in sole 60 to house tightener 1 and extension 31a. A cable 27 is also connected to tightener 1 to actuate it, as described previously. Cable 27 is housed in sheath 65 associated to the bottom of element 120 and positioned longitudinally toward the rear of the shoe. A member 2 to allow actuation by pulling and winding of cable 27, as already explained, is fixed at the end of cable 27. Functioning is the same as described in connection with other embodiments.

[0036] In the embodiment of Fig. 40 a heel-support element 120a is fixed onto the rear portion of sole 60 so that upper 62 abuts on it, as described in connection with the previous embodiment. However, tightener 1 is fixed to a side of element 120a, not to the bottom. Lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is at least partially housed in sheath 13. Cable 27 is also fixed to tightener 1, is at least partially housed in sheath 65 and can be pulled at the rear of element 120a by means of a driving member 2, with cable winding means in it, or by a simple ring or the like, as described previously for other embodiments.

[0037] Fig. 41 shows a slightly different version of the embodiment of Fig. 40, where tightener 1 is fixed at the rear area of element 120a, and shows a button 115 to actuate a release mechanism in tightener 1, to allow loosening of lace 19.

[0038] Fig. 42 shows another version of the embodiment of Fig. 40, where tightener 1 is fixed at the rear area of element 120a and sheath 13 for lace 19 is at least partially housed within the shoe, in a hollow space between element 120a and upper 62, not shown.

[0039] In the embodiment of Fig. 43 a heel-support shaped element 122 is fixed onto the rear portion of sole 60 so that upper 62 abuts on it, as described in connection with the previous embodiment. However, element 122 is formed with a lower wing 122a directed rearwards, substantially parallel to the bottom of element 122, defining a hollow space 125 with element 122. Lower wing 122a is preferably made of elastic material. Tightener 1 is fixed to the bottom side of element 122 and occupies part of hollow space 125. A couple of lateral projections 127 of element 122 are designed to be inserted into a couple of corresponding seats 128 made in central wings 129 of sole 60. Lace 19 is connected to tightener 1 and is at least partially housed in sheath 13. Cable 27 is also fixed to tightener 1 and is at least partially housed in sheath 65, directed rearwards. Driving member 2, with or without cable winding means in it, is pulled to actuate tightener 1, as described previously for other embodiments. When the shoe is put on, lower wing 122a of element 122 is elastically deformed against sole 60 and act as a cushioning element on the foot of the user. A release mechanism for tightener 1, not shown, is used to loosen lace 19.

[0040] The foregoing represent preferred embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, the structure and functioning of tightener 1 and driving member 2 can be different from that described with reference to Fig. 1, provided that upon a pulling action exerted on driving member 2, tightener 1 is actuated, which causes lace 19 to be wound in tightener 1 and the shoe to be closed or tightened. All such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 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 associated to said shoe and reachable by a user;

• a releasing mechanism for said tightener (1), to allow opening of said shoe.

2. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said driving member (2) comprises winding means for said cable (27), so that the length of the portion of said cable (27) between said tightener (1) and said driving member (2) is kept substantially constant.

3. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a portion of said lace (19) in the vicinity of said tightener (1) is housed in a sheath (13) for a sliding movement in said sheath (13) upon actuation of said tightener (1).

4. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a portion of said cable (27) in the vicinity of said tightener (1) is housed in a sheath (65) for a sliding movement in said sheath (65) upon pulling of said driving member to drive said tightener (1).

5. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to said shoe at a frontal central portion of said upper (62).

6. Shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that said upper comprises flaps (4a, 4b) joined by said lace (19) and a tongue (5) between said flaps (4a, 5a), said tightener (1) being fixed on said tongue (5).

7. Shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that said upper (62) comprises at least a resilient portion and a central plate (15) on which said tightener (1) is fixed.

8. Shoe according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said cable (27) of said driving member (2) is associated to said shoe in the vicinity of said frontal portion of said upper (62).

9. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is housed in a seat provided in an arch support (14) positioned on said sole (60).

10. Shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that said sheath (13) for said lace (19) is housed inside said shoe and emerges at a flank of it to allow a sliding movement of said lace (19) from said tightener (1) to said seats (6a, 6b) on said upper (62).

11. Shoe according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed inside said shoe and emerges at a flank of it to allow a sliding movement of said cable (27) upon a pulling force to drive said tightener (1).

12. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is housed in a recess provided in a flank of said upper (62).

13. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed inside said shoe and emerges at the rear of the shoe to allow a sliding movement of said cable (27) upon a pulling force to drive said tightener (1).

14. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is mounted on a bracket (85, 85a, 85b, 85c) housed on a seat (84) at the bottom of said sole (60), in the area of the plantar arch.

15. Shoe according to claim 14, characterized in that said tightener (1) is mounted on the bottom of said bracket (85).

16. Shoe according to claim 14, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to the bottom of said bracket (85) by removable fastening means (87).

17. Shoe according to claim 14, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to the bottom of said bracket (85a) by adhesive means.

18. Shoe according to claim 14, characterized in that said bracket is a U-shaped bracket (85b) with upwardly directed side portions, said tightener (1) being mounted on a side portion of said bracket (85b).

19. Shoe according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that said cable (27) is associated to said shoe in the vicinity of a flank of the shoe.

20. Shoe according to claim 14, characterized in that said bracket (85c) has a projection (89) housed in a longitudinal groove (88) of sole (60), said sheath (65) of said cable (27) being fixed to said projection (89) to allow actuation of said tightener (1) from the rear side of the shoe.

21. Shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that said seat (84) comprises and opening (84a) into said sole (60) through which said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed inside said show up to the rear portion of said shoe, from which said cable (27) emerges for actuation of said tightener (1).

22. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is mounted on a groove (90) at the bottom of said sole (60), in the area of the plantar arch.

23. Shoe according to claim 22, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinal groove (91) in the lower side of a heelpiece (92).

24. Shoe according to claim 22, characterized in that said sheath (65) for said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinal groove (91a) at the top side of said a heelpiece (92).

25. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to a side of said sole, in the area of the plantar arch.

26. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to the rear of said sole, in the area of heel (92).

27. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is housed in a recess (98, 98a, 98b, 98c) provided in the top side of said sole (60).

28. Shoe according to claim 27, characterized in that said recess (98) is provided in the area of said heel (92) at the edge thereof, a window (99) being provided in said sole (60) through which said lace (19) and said cable (27) connected to said tightener (1) exit said recess (98).

29. Shoe according to claim 27, characterized in that said recess (98a) is provided in the area of the plantar arch and at the edge of said heel (92), said sheath (13) for said lace (19) reaching said upper (62) of the shoe through a window (99a) in said sole (60).

30. Shoe according to claim 29, characterized in that said cable (27) exits said recess (98a) through a window (99b) in said sole (60).

31. Shoe according to claim 29, characterized in that said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinal groove (100) in said sole (60) directed to the rear of the shoe.

32. Shoe according to claim 27, characterized in that said recess (98b) is provided in the area of the plantar arch and at the edge of said heel (92) to house said tightener (1), said tightener (1) being connected to lace portions (19a, 19b) housed in sheaths (13a,13b), said sheaths (13a, 13b) being inserted in a window (99c) and a groove (99d) respectively, and said lace portions (19a, 19b) being joined together in the area of said upper (62).

33. Shoe according to claim 32, characterized in that said cable (27) is housed in a longitudinally oriented groove (99f) in communication with the rear of said shoe.

34. Shoe according to claim 32, characterized in that said cable (27) is housed in an opening (99e) in the sole.

35. Shoe according to claim 27, characterized in that said recess (98c) is provided in the area of plantar arch in said sole (60) to house said tightener (1), said tightener being fixed at a corresponding position to the bottom of an arch support (103) to be placed on said sole (60), a window (105) being provided at the edge of said sole to receive said lace (19), and a groove (104) being provided in said sole (60) to house said cable (27).

36. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is housed in a recess (108) provided in an arch support (103a) placed on said sole (60), said cable (27) being connected to said tightener (1) and being housed in a groove (108) in said arch support (103a),

37. Shoe according to claim 36, characterized in that an opening (109) for said cable (27) is provided at the rear portion of said upper (62).

38. Shoe according to claim 37, characterized in that openings (105a, 110) are provided in said upper (62) for said lace (19) and for a button (111) of a tightener release mechanism, respectively.

39. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to a heel-supporting element (120, 120a, 122) fixed to said sole (60), said upper (62) abutting on said heel-supporting element (120, 120a, 122) which surrounds the rear portion of the foot of a user.

40. Shoe according to claim 39, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to the bottom of said heel-supporting element (120), an extension (31a) projecting laterally from said tightener (1) to house said sheath (13) for said lace (19) connected at one end to said tightener (1) and at the opposite end to said shoe upper (62), corresponding seats being also provided in said sole (60) for said tightener (1), said extension (31a) and said sheath (65) for said cable (27).

41. Shoe according to claim 39, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to a flank of said heel-supporting element (120a).

42. Shoe according to claim 39, characterized in that said tightener (1) is fixed to the rear of said heel-supporting element (120a).

43. Shoe according to claim 39, characterized in that said heel-supporting element (122) is formed with a lower wing (122a) directed rearwards and with a couple of lateral projections (127), said tightener (1) being fixed to the bottom side of said heel-supporting element (122) and above said lower wing (127), and said lateral projections (127) being housed in a couple of corresponding seats (128) in central wings (129) of said sole (60), so that, when the shoe is put on, said lower wing (122a) is elastically deformed against said sole (60) and act as a cushioning element on the foot of a user.

44. Shoe according to any of claims 5, 9, 12, 14, 22, 26, 27, 36 and 39, characterized in that said tightener (1) comprises:

- a first (17a) and a second (17b) pulley connected to each other, said lace (19) being wound 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 direction opposite to the direction of winding said lace (19) on said first pulley (17a);

- a ratchet gear (18) rigidly connected to said first (17a) or second (17b) pulley, to block them in a desired position;

and further characterized in that said driving member (2) comprises:

- a third pulley (35) on which said cable (27) is fixed at 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 portion of said cable (27) between said tightener (1) and said driving member (2) is kept substantially constant.

Drawing