[0001] The present invention relates to a lever arm particularly for sports shoes.
[0002] Currently, in order to allow the mutual fastening of two flaps of a shoe, such as
for example a ski boot or a roller skate or ice skate, levers are known which comprise
a base which can be coupled rigidly to a flap of the shoe and from the longitudinal
ends of which there protrude approximately at right angles two tabs between which
a lever arm is rotatably associated.
[0003] The lever arm, typically made of folded or stamped metal plate, or alternately of
rigid plastic material, is approximately U-shaped in plan view, and has an approximately
flat head adapted to be gripped by the user and from one end of which two arms protrude
approximately at right angles, such arms being pivoted, at their free end, to the
tabs of the base.
[0004] A pivot is supported transversely between the head and the free ends of the arms,
and a hollow cylinder is rotatably associated with said pivot, is threaded internally
and is open at its end which is directed away from the head; a complementarily threaded
shaft is associated axially with the cylinder and its free end is associated rotatably
with an element for temporary connection, such as for example a grip ring or tooth
for a rack, which can be associated with a second flap of the shoe.
[0005] By acting on the lever arm it is therefore possible to pull the ring element or the
grip tooth, thus mutually fastening the first and second flaps of the shoe.
[0006] However, these known types of lever arm have a drawback: if they are made of metal
plate, they can in fact have sharp or pointed edges, which can injure the user during
operations for opening and fastening the shoe, especially if the operation is performed
with one's bare hands; in this case, the low temperature of the environment makes
the fingers less sensitive, consequently making it less likely for the user to notice
promptly any cuts in his/her skin.
[0007] In order to eliminate this drawback, it is known to subject such lever arms to suitable
finishing processes by means of numeric-control machines, which however increase the
production times and costs of these known types of lever arm.
[0008] Known types of lever arm made of plastic material do not suffer the drawbacks mentioned
above but have the disadvantage that they are more fragile than metal ones and therefore
are not suitable for example for use for competitive practice, during which the shoe
is subjected to intense stresses which might break them.
[0009] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, eliminating
the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a lever arm, particularly
for sports shoes, which can be used safely by the user.
[0010] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a lever arm which
is reliable and strong and therefore can be used both in amateur practice and in competitive
practice, maintaining its strength characteristic at a high level.
[0011] Another object is to provide a lever arm which is structurally simple and has low
manufacturing costs.
[0012] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter
are achieved by a lever arm, particularly for sports shoes, which can be associated
with a base which can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of a shoe from which two
first perforated tabs protrude, characterized in that it is constituted by a rigid
wire-like element which is approximately U-shaped so as to form two first arms which
are folded, at a first end, so as to form seats for first means for pivoting to said
pair of first tabs, a stiffening cage being associated with said wire-like element
and having second pivoting means for an element for interconnection to means for engaging
a second flap of said shoe.
[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent
from the following detailed description of a particular but not exclusive embodiment
thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
Figure 1 is a side view of a lever arm according to the invention, associated with
a base and with an element for interconnection for means for engaging a second flap
of the shoe;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the lever arm of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lever arm according to the invention
and of the base which can be associated therewith;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the wire-like element of the lever arm according to the
invention;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the stiffening cage of the lever arm according to the invention;
Figure 6 is a front view of the cage of Figure 5.
[0014] In the exemplary embodiments that follow, individual characteristics, given in relation
to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics
that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
[0015] Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting
process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
[0016] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a lever
arm, particularly for sports shoes, which can be associated with a base 2 which can
be rigidly coupled to a first flap of the shoe, which is not shown in the accompanying
figures.
[0017] The base 2 has an approximately flat surface 3 and an approximately rectangular plan
shape with appropriately rounded corners, from the longitudinal perimetric edges of
which there protrude, approximately at right angles and preferably proximate to one
of its ends, two first tabs 4a, 4b, which are mutually parallel and on which two first
holes 5a, 5b are formed along a same axis.
[0018] The lever arm 1 comprises a rigid wire-like element 6, which is preferably provided
by means of a metal wire which is appropriately treated and bent until it assumes
an approximately U-shaped plan configuration, in which there are two first arms, designated
by the reference numerals 7a and 7b, which are bent so as to form a curl at their
first ends 8a, 8b so as to form respectively two seats 9a, 9b for first means for
pivoting to the pair of first tabs 4a, 4b.
[0019] Advantageously, the first ends 8a, 8b of the first arms 7a, 7b have such a mutual
distance as to allow their placement, during use, in the interspace and adjacent with
respect to the first tabs 4a, 4b, respectively, of the base 2, preferably in engagement
with their lateral surfaces, which face each other; advantageously, the first ends
8a, 8b are rotatably coupled to the contiguous first tabs 4a, 4b by means of the first
pivoting means, which are constituted for example by two rivets 10a, 10b, which can
be arranged in the first holes 5a, 5b and in the seats 9a, 9b.
[0020] The two first arms 7a, 7b are connected, on the opposite side with respect to the
first ends 8a, 8b, to a first base 11, which has in plan view an approximately teardrop-shaped
configuration so as to form two arms, designated by the reference numerals 12a and
12b, which are mutually connected at the vertex 11a of the first base 11.
[0021] Advantageously, the arms 12a, 12b are approximately V-shaped and comprise first portions
13a, 13b which are substantially straight and are connected respectively to the first
arms 7a, 7b and mutually diverge away from said arms.
[0022] The first portions 13a, 13b are connected, at the opposite end with respect to the
first arms 7a, 7b, respectively to two second portions, designated by the reference
numerals 14a, 14b, which are inclined by a suitable angle with respect to the first
portions 13a, 13b and mutually converge toward the vertex 11a of the first base 11.
[0023] A stiffening cage 15 is associated with the wire-like element 6 and is constituted
preferably by a plate 16 which is conveniently flat and preferably made of metal or
plastic material and advantageously has an approximately U-shaped plan configuration;
advantageously, the cage 15 can be associated in an upper region with the wire-like
element 6 by way of suitable engagement means described hereinafter.
[0024] The plate 16 has a second base 17, which is arranged between the first portions 13a,
13b and from which two second arms 18a, 18b protrude approximately at right angles
and are arranged, during use, above the first arms 7a, 7b of the wire-like element
6.
[0025] Advantageously, the dimensions of the second arms 18a, 18b are such that they protrude
laterally beyond the underlying first arms 7a, 7b of the wire-like element 6, so as
to surround them at least partially.
[0026] Advantageously, the second base 17 acts as a reinforcement to avoid possible deformations
of the wire-like element 6 transversely thereto, thus increasing its solidity.
[0027] Advantageously, the second free ends 19a, 19b of the second arms 18a, 18b are folded
so as to partially wrap around the underlying first arms 7a, 7b of the wire-like element
6, so as to constitute said means for engaging the cage 15 with the wire-like element
6.
[0028] Advantageously, the cage 15 further comprises two wings, designated respectively
by the reference numerals 20a and 20b, which protrude at the connecting region between
the first arms 7a, 7b and the second base 17 and are inclined with respect to the
latter, so as to be superimposed during use on the first portions 13a, 13b of the
first base 11 of the wire-like element 6.
[0029] Advantageously, the third free ends 21a, 21b of the wings 20a, 20b are folded so
as to wrap around the underlying first portions 13a, 13b of the wire-like element
6, so as to form additional means for engaging the cage 15 with the wire-like element
6.
[0030] Advantageously, the cage 15 has second pivoting means for an element 22 for interconnection
to appropriately provided means for engaging a second flap of said shoe, not shown
in the accompanying figures.
[0031] Such second pivoting means advantageously comprise two second tabs 23a, 23b, which
protrude approximately at right angles from the non-facing longitudinal perimetric
edges of the second arms 18a, 18b and in the direction of the underlying first arms
7a, 7b of the wire-like element 6 and have such dimensions as to protrude downward
from them.
[0032] Advantageously, in the portions of the second tabs 23a, 23b that protrude downward
beyond the first arms 7a, 7b, along a same axis there are two second holes, of which
in the accompanying figures only the one provided in the first arm 7a is shown and
designated by the reference numeral 24a.
[0033] Advantageously, it is possible to fix in said second holes, for example by riveting
its transverse ends, a pivot 25 with which the interconnection element 22 is rotatably
associated.
[0034] Advantageously, the interconnection element 22 is constituted by a hollow and internally
threaded cylinder 26, and is open at its end which is directed away from the second
head 17 of the cage 15, in which a through opening 26a is provided transversely and
within which the pivot 25 can be accommodated.
[0035] A complementarily threaded shaft 27 is associated inside the cylinder 26 and its
free end is associated rotatably with said grip means, which are constituted for example
by an engagement tooth 28, which can be associated selectively with a rack 29 which
in turn is associated with a second flap of the shoe, not shown in the accompanying
figures.
[0036] The use of the lever arm according to the invention is therefore as follows. With
reference to the accompanying figures, after fixing the cage 15 to the wire-like element
6, the cylinder 26 is arranged between the second tabs 23a and 23b of the cage 15
and is then rotatably associated with them by means of the pivot 25.
[0037] The first ends 8a, 8b of the first arms 7a, 7b of the wire-like element 6 are then
associated rotatably with the first tabs 4a, 4b of the base 2 by means of the rivets
10a, 10b, and the latter can be fixed to a first flap of a shoe, which is not shown
in the accompanying figures.
[0038] At this point it is possible to associate the shaft 27, which is rotatably connected
to the engagement tooth 28, with the cylinder 26.
[0039] By gripping the first base 11 of the wire-like element 6, it is possible to impart
to the lever arm 1 a suitable rotation which allows to position the engagement tooth
28 in engagement with a chosen tooth of the rack 29 which is associated with a second
flap of the shoe, which is not shown in the accompanying figures.
[0040] By turning the lever arm 1 until the wire-like element 6 is in a position which is
approximately parallel to the base 3, with the vertex 11a of the first base 11 directed
away from the rack 29, mutual fastening of the first and second flaps of the shoe
is achieved.
[0041] It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects,
a lever arm particularly for sports shoes having been devised the use of which is
very safe for the user, since such user, in order to actuate the lever arm, only needs
to handle the wire-like element, which has no sharp corners or edges which might injure
him/her.
[0042] Moreover, the lever arm according to the invention is very strong and therefore can
be used both for amateur practice and for competitive practice; in particular, a lever
arm in which the cage is made of plastic material (which is cheaper but less strong
than metal) can be used advantageously for amateur practice, while a metal cage can
be preferred in competitive practice.
[0043] Further, the lever arm according to the invention can be provided with production
costs which are lower than those of known types of metal lever arm.
[0044] The invention is of course susceptible of numerous modifications and variations,
all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
[0045] The materials used, as well as the dimensions which constitute the individual components
of the invention, may of course be more pertinent according to specific requirements.
[0046] The various means for performing certain different functions need not certainly coexist
only in the illustrated embodiment but can be present per se in many embodiments,
including ones that are not illustrated
[0047] The characteristics indicated as advantageous, convenient or the like may also be
omitted or be replaced with equivalents.
[0049] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs,
those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility
of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect
on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference
signs.
1. A lever arm, particularly for sports shoes, which can be associated with a base which
can be rigidly coupled to a first flap of a shoe from which two first perforated tabs
protrude, characterized in that it is constituted by a rigid wire-like element which is approximately U-shaped so
as to form two first arms which are folded, at a first end, so as to form seats for
first means for pivoting to said pair of first tabs, a stiffening cage being associated
with said wire-like element and having second pivoting means for an element for interconnection
to means for engaging a second flap of said shoe.
2. The lever arm according to claim 1, characterized in that said first ends of said first arms have a mutual distance which allows their arrangement,
during use, in the interspace and adjacent to said first tabs of said base, respectively,
in engagement with the lateral surfaces of the latter which face each other.
3. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said first arms are bent so as to form a curl at said first ends so as to form said
seats for said first pivoting means.
4. The lever arm according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first arms are connected, on the opposite side with respect to said first ends,
to a first base which has, in plan view, a teardrop-shaped configuration so as to
form two arms which are mutually connected at the vertex of said first base.
5. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that said arms have an approximately V-shaped configuration and comprise first substantially
straight portions, which are connected respectively to said first arms and mutually
diverge in the direction away from said arms.
6. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that said first portions are connected, on the opposite side with respect to said first
arms, respectively to two second portions, which are inclined by an angle with respect
to said first portions and mutually converge toward said vertex of said first base.
7. The lever arm according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wire-like element is provided by means of a suitably treated metallic wire.
8. The lever arm according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein two first
holes are provided along a same axis within said first tabs of said base and characterized in that said first pivoting means are constituted by a pair of rivets which can be positioned
within said first holes and within said seats formed in said first ends of said arms.
9. The lever arm according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stiffening cage is constituted by a flat plate preferably made of metal or plastic
material, which can be associated in an upper region with said wire-like element by
way of engagement means.
10. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 9, characterized in that said plate has an approximately U-shaped plan configuration and has a second base
which is arranged between said first portions of said arms of said wire-like element,
so as to act as a reinforcement to avoid deformations of the latter transversely thereto.
11. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 10, characterized in that two second arms protrude approximately at right angles from said second base, are
arranged during use above said first arms of said wire-like element and have such
dimensions that they protrude laterally beyond said underlying first arms, so as to
wrap around them at least partially.
12. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 11, characterized in that the second free ends of said second arms are folded so as to partially wrap around
said underlying first arms of said wire-like element, so as to constitute said means
for the engagement of said cage with said wire-like element.
13. The lever arm according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cage comprises two wings, which protrude at the connecting region between said
first arms and said second base and are inclined with respect to the latter, so as
to be superimposed during use on said first portions of said first base of said wire-like
element.
14. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 13, characterized in that the third free ends of said wings are folded so as to wrap around said underlying
first portions of said wire-like element, so as to form additional means for the engagement
of said cage with said wire-like element.
15. The lever arm according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second pivoting means comprise two second tabs, which protrude approximately
at right angles from the non-facing longitudinal perimetric edges of said second arms,
said two second tabs protruding toward said underlying first arms of said wire-like
element and having such dimensions as to protrude downward from them.
16. The lever arm according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that two second holes are provided, along a same axis, in the portions of said second
tabs which protrude downward beyond said first arms, a pivot being fixable in said
holes, said interconnection element being rotatably associated with said pivot.