DEVICE FOR LOCKING FLEXIBLE STRANDS

Abstract

A locking device for at least one strand, including a first portion and a second portion. The device includes an articulation which connects the portions to one another, the first portion having a first locking zone and a first biasing zone, the second portion having a second locking zone and a second biasing zone, the articulation enabling the locking zones to come relatively closer together when the biasing zones move away from one another, and vice versa, the locking device further including a primary guide which retains each strand between the locking zones, as well as an elastic mechanism which biases the locking zones toward one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French Patent Application No. 09.00377, filed on Jan. 29, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a mechanical device for locking flexible strands, such as cords, threads, laces, other filiform elements, and any other product having the same or similar attribute(s).

The invention relates, according to particular embodiments, to the locking or blocking of laces for articles of footwear, or laces for other clothing or storage articles.

In more particular embodiments, the invention relates to the field of sports, and in particular to walking shoes, running shoes, hiking shoes, cycling shoes, cross-country ski shoes or boots, snowboard boots, alpine and other ski boots, and the like. The invention relates to any article that requires closing or tightening, such as a bag, a garment, or the like, and which requires same to be locked or blocked from opening or loosening.

2. Description of Background and Other Information

Devices for locking flexible strands or threads are known.

The documents FR 2 706 743 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,593 disclose an example of a locking device for a lace. According to these two documents, the device comprises a manipulatable member defining the axis of rotation of a locking member, as well as a hollow body of which a cavity defines at least one path for passage of each strand of the lace, on the one hand, and a housing for the locking member, on the other hand. The locking member has a circular shape and is rotationally free for movement about the axis which itself is translationally movable.

The device according to the documents FR 2 706 743 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,593 operates by cooperation of the locking member with each path for locking each strand of the lace by wedging the strand against movement. The locking member is elastically biased in the locking direction of the strand(s) of lace by action on its axis of rotation.

Thus, although being elastically biased, the locking member remains rotationally free and enables balancing of the tensions along the two strands of the lace, even in the case of a difference between the forces exerted on the strands. Therefore, locking is always achieved.

The reverse operation, that of unlocking, is accomplished by manual action on the pushing member against the elastic bias.

The unlocking operation is not always easy to carry out, in particular for young children.

Indeed, for the purpose of making the pushing member compact in size, it is pressed flat against the hollow body. This forces a user to retain the hollow body at the same time that he/she moves the pushing member to unlock the lace. To retain the body while moving the pushing member can be a challenge for young children. This operation is all the more difficult as the size of the device is reduced. A child may find it necessary to use both hands.

Moreover, the device is often housed in a small and difficult-to-reach area. This is the case, for example, for certain applications relating to shoes with flaps, in which the device is positioned in a space between such flaps. As a result, the device is more difficult to reach, which contributes to the difficulty of actuating the pushing member.

Finally, the unlocking operation is even more difficult when the user is wearing gloves, as they hinder the handling of the device.

Each of the aforementioned factors can contribute to hindering the unlocking operation.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, the invention is directed to an improved locking device that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the invention facilitates the unlocking operation of a locking device. Similarly, the invention improves upon the reverse operation, i.e., that of locking each strand. In other words, the locking and unlocking operations are made easier and faster.

As described further below, the invention also provides for the locking of any number of strands, including the locking of a single strand.

The invention further achieves the locking of each strand, which means that a difference in tension between two strands does not prevent, or reduce, the locking of one of them.

To this end, the invention provides for a locking device for at least one strand, including a first portion and a second portion.

The locking device according to the invention includes an articulation that connects the portions to one another, the first portion having a first locking zone and a first biasing zone, the second portion having a second locking zone and a second biasing zone, the articulation enabling the locking zones to come relatively closer together when the biasing zones move away from one another, and vice versa, the locking device further including a primary guide that maintains each strand between the locking zones, as well as an elastic mechanism that biases the locking zones toward one another.

The locking device according to the invention is therefore comparable to a clamp that tightens and locks each strand reversibly between the first and second locking zones. The elastic mechanism makes the action of the device constant. The elastic mechanism is used to initiate the locking, which is amplified by the action of each strand on a biasing zone. A mere relative coming closer together of the two biasing zones, obtained for example by a mere grip between the forefinger and the thumb, is sufficient to stop the locking. This handling, carried out against the action of the elastic mechanism, is both simple and fast. The unlocking is thus undertaken in a very simple manner, even for a child, by simply pressing/pinching the biasing zones, the locking occurring automatically as soon as the elastic mechanism is relaxed. Bringing the biasing zones closer together implies a relative spacing apart of the locking zones. As is described below, the invention provides that an increase in the tension of the strands amplifies the locking effect. For example, on an article of footwear, such as a shoe or a boot, the strands which tighten the upper are arranged so as to bias the biasing zones in the direction to space them apart. Thus, an exceptional stress on the upper increases the tightening of the strands.

The elastic mechanism biases the biasing zones in a direction spacing them from one another.

Any number of strands, i.e., one or more, can be used. Consequently, the locking device multiplies the arrangement possibilities for managing the tightening of the articles involved. For example, the lacing system of an article of footwear can include one or more strands of a lace, each strand having a specific path.

Once locking is obtained for one strand, it is also obtained for the other(s). A difference in tension between two strands does not prevent the locking of one of them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view a shoe according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded double perspective view of a locking device used for the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross section along the line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross section along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross section along the line V-V of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the locking device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross section along the line VII-VII of FIG. 1, in the case in which the locking device is biased in an unlocking direction;

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, in the case in which the locking device exerts a moderate locking of the strands;

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 7, in the case which the locking device exerts a substantial locking of the strands;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a locking device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a locking device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a locking device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first embodiment described hereinafter relates more specifically to shoes for walking or running on flat or uneven ground. However, the invention applies to other fields, such as those mentioned hereinabove, including bags, garments, etc.

The first embodiment is described hereafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

As shown in FIG. 1, a running shoe 1 is adapted to receive the wearer's foot.

In a known manner, the shoe 1 includes an outer sole assembly 2 and an upper 3 arranged on and secured to the sole assembly. The shoe 1 extends lengthwise between a rear end, or heel 4, and a front end, or tip 5, and widthwise between a lateral side 6 and a medial side 7.

As shown, the upper 3 includes a lower portion 10, provided to surround the foot, but does not have an upper portion. However, the upper could also be provided to include an upper portion. That is, the illustrated shoe has an upper side that extends below the area of the ankle. However, the upper could extend higher, such as at the ankle region, thereby comprising a mid-upper, or covering the ankle and extending thereabove, thereby comprising a high upper.

The shoe 1 is structured to allow a good foot-rolling movement during walking, transmissions of sensory information and of impulses for supporting the shoe during walking and during landings, i.e., such as when the wearer steps down or lands after a jump. For these reasons, the outer sole assembly 2 and the upper 3 are relatively flexible.

However, the shoe could also be provided to be more rigid to facilitate certain activities or sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing, cycling, and others.

The upper 3 includes a lateral quarter 12, a medial quarter 13, and a tongue 14. The tongue 14 connects the quarters 12, 13 to one another, i.e., it extends between the quarters, in order to provide the upper 3 with its continuity. However, the invention encompasses an article of footwear having no such tongue. In such a case, the quarters 12, 13 can remain separate, spaced apart, or they can be superimposed, i.e., one overlapping the other.

The upper 3 is affixed to the sole assembly 2 at the periphery of the sole assembly. The attachment is made by adhesive, such as glue. However, other manners of attachment, such as stitching or the combination of adhesive and stitching, or injection of the sole onto the upper, is encompassed by the invention.

In order to tighten and to loosen the upper 3, the shoe 1 is provided with a tightening system 20. The tightening system 20 includes keepers 21, for example, arranged on the lateral 12 and medial 13 quarters, a lace 22, and a locking device 23.

The keepers 21, or lace guides, can be those known to ones of ordinary skill in the art and, therefore, they are not described in further detail here. The lace 22 as well can be that which is known to those skilled in the art. According to the first embodiment, in a non-limiting manner, the lace 22 extends along a path by which they are guided by the keepers 21, making a round trip to and from the locking device 23. In other words, the lace 22 includes two strands 24, 25 which are co-extensive with one another, each strand 24, 25 running from one quarter 12, 13 to the other. Consequently, as explained further hereinafter, the locking device 23 is provided to lock the two strands 24, 25. However, generally speaking, the device 23 is provided for at least one strand. In particular, the device 23 can be provided for a single strand.

The locking device 23 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. According to the invention, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 9, the locking device 23 includes an articulation 40, i.e., here in the form of a pivot connection, that connects the portions 31, 32 to one another, the first portion 31 having a first locking zone 41 and a first biasing zone 42, the second portion 32 having a second locking zone 43 and a second biasing zone 44, the articulation 40 enabling the locking zones 41, 43 to be brought relatively closer together when the biasing zones 42, 44 move away from one another, and vice versa. The locking device 23 further includes a primary guide 45 which retains each strand 24, 25 between the locking zones 41, 43, as well as an elastic mechanism 46 which biases the locking zones 41, 43 toward one another.

Thus, the locking device has the general shape of a clamp, structured and arranged to reversibly tighten or lock each strand 24, 25. Tightening is done by the action of the elastic mechanism 46. As explained hereinafter, an increase in the tension of the strands 24, 25 creates an additional action that is added to the action of the elastic mechanism. The locking becomes all the more strong as the strands 24, 25 are tensioned. The unlocking is achieved simply by bringing the biasing zones 42, 44 relatively closer together against the elastic mechanism 46. Bringing the biasing zones toward each other results, for example, from the pinching of the biasing zones between the forefinger and the thumb; this movement is easy to achieve and fast to carry out.

According to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first portion 31 extends lengthwise from a first end 51 to a second end 52, widthwise from an inner side 53 to an outer side 54, and depthwise from a first surface 55 to a second surface 56 opposite the first.

In the same context, the second portion 32 extends lengthwise from a first end 61 to a second end 62, widthwise from an inner side 63 to an outer side 64, and depthwise from a first surface 65 to a second surface 66 opposite the first.

As detailed hereinafter, the first 31 and second 32 portions are provided to be assembled to one another, so that the respective inner sides 53, 63 of the portions 31, 32 are opposite one another. Between the inner sides 53, 63 the locking device 23 demarcates a volume V for passage of the strands of lace 24, 25. This volume is demarcated by the inner sides 53, 63, a plane that contains the first surfaces 55, 65, and a plane that contains the second surfaces 56, 66. Each strand 24, 25 runs, in the volume V, along a passage plane P that is perpendicular to the inner sides 53, 63. The plane P is also parallel to the surfaces 55, 56, 65, 66 of the portions 31, 32 and contains the ends 51, 52, 61, 62 of the portions 31, 32. In other words, each strand of lace 24, crosses the locking device 23, from one end 51, 61 to the other 52, 62 of each portion 31, 32.

The portions 31, 32 are assembled by means of the articulation 40, as can be understood with reference to FIG. 2, and also with reference to FIG. 3. The portions 31, 32 are assembled by means of a snap engagement, i.e., by means of a friction fit as one portion is slightly biased against the other, as the portions are brought toward one another, until the complementary parts of the portions are seated together.

In a non-limiting manner, the articulation 40 includes a cap 70 arranged on the inner side 53 of the first portion 31, in the vicinity of the first end 51. The cap 70 includes a first rib 71 and a second rib 72, which project from the inner side 53. Each rib is parallel to the plane P for passage of the strands. The ribs 71, 72 are identical with respect to their shapes, and are opposite one another. Between the ribs 71, 72 the cap 70 has a slit 73, or slot, that is used as the primary guide for each strand 24, 25. The slit, or primary guide 73, is located in the passage plane P. The width of the slit 73 is greater than or equal to the diameter, or the thickness, of each strand 24, 25. This makes it easier for the strands to slide through the device.

In a non-limiting manner, the slit 73 is located halfway between the first 55 and second 56 surfaces of the first portion. This guides the strands between the surfaces. Further, each rib 71, 72 is set back with respect to the corresponding surfaces 55, 56, respectively.

A first journal 75 projects from the first rib 71 in a direction away from the slit 73. Similarly, a second journal 76 projects from the second rib 72 in a direction away from the slit 73. The two journals 75, 76 have the same diameter ranging, for example, between 1 and 8 mm, and are aligned along a common axis A1. The axis A1 is perpendicular to the passage plane P and, consequently, perpendicular to the surfaces 55, 56 of the first portion 31. Each journal 75, 76 has an inclined free end 77, 78, respectively. This means that each end forms, together with the axis A1, an angle α ranging, for example, between 30° and 85°. This arrangement of the journals 75, 76 facilitates the mutual nesting of the portions 31, 32 and therefore the assembly, as explained further hereinafter.

In this context, the articulation 40 also includes a fork 80 arranged on the inner side 63 of the second portion 32, in the vicinity of the first end 61. The fork 80 receives the cap 70, as explained hereinafter. The fork 80 includes a first wing 81 and a second wing 82, which project from the inner side 63. Each wing 81, 82 is parallel to the plane P for passage of the strands. The wings 81, 82 are similar with respect to their shapes, and they are positioned opposite one another. Between the wings 81, 82 the fork 80 demarcates a housing 83 for the cap 70. The housing 83 is located in the plane P. The width of the housing 83 is equal to, or slightly greater than, the thickness of the cap 70. This enables the ribs 71, 72 to be inserted between the wings 81, 82.

Further, each wing 81, 82 is flush with a surface 65, 66, respectively, of the second portion 32.

A cavity 85 is arranged in the first wing 81 to receive the first journal 75. Similarly, a second cavity 86 is arranged in the second wing 82 to receive the second journal 76. The two cavities 85, 86 are circular holes, for example, of the same diameter, which are aligned along a common axis A2. The axis A2 is perpendicular to the passage plane P and, consequently, to the surfaces 65, 66 of the second portion 32.

The diameter of each hole 85, 86 is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the respective journal 75, 76 with which it cooperates. Thus, the diameter of a hole ranges between 1 and 9 mm.

The connection of the portions 31, 32 with one another is therefore simple. It suffices to bring them closer to one another so that the inner sides 53, 63 are opposite one another. The orientation of the portions 31, 32 is such that the first ends 51, 61 and second ends 52, 62 are also opposite one another, respectively. As a result, the cap 70 faces the housing 83 of the fork 80. It suffices to bring the portions further closer together in order to insert the cap 70 in the fork 80. Consequently, each journal 75, 76 becomes positioned in a hole 85, 86. In other words, the axes A1 of the journals and A2 of the holes are merged. The articulation 40 is carried out in the direction along which the articulation 40 keeps the portions 31, 32 together, and in the direction along which it allows a relative rotation of the portions along the plane P for passage of the strands 24, 25. The articulation axis 40, designated by the reference A1 or A2, is perpendicular to the plane P for passage of the strands 24, 25.

The nesting of the cap 70 in the fork 80 is made easier because the free ends 77, 78 of the journals are inclined and, thereby, they act like levers to cause the wings 81, 82 of the fork to bend temporarily. This means that the fork 80 becomes reversibly elastically deformed to enable the portions to be assembled.

Other methods of articulation are also encompassed by the invention. The one shown and described has the advantage of requiring fewer parts and being easy to mount.

According to the first embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the first locking zone 41 is in the area of the first end 51. This zone 41 includes, for example, one or more teeth 95 (see, e.g., FIG. 7) projecting from the inner side 53 to pinch or tighten one or more strands 24, 25. Each tooth 95 is halfway between the first 55 and second 56 surfaces. In the same context, the second locking zone 43 is in the area of the first end 61. This zone 43 also includes one or more teeth 96 projecting from the inner side 63 in order to pinch or tighten each strand 24, 25. Here again, each tooth 96 is halfway between the first 65 and second 66 surfaces. The respective teeth 95, 96 of the first 31 and second 32 portions cooperate to carry out the pinching or the tightening of each strand 24, 25.

The first 41 and second 43 locking zones are constantly biased toward one another by the elastic mechanism 46. In other words, the first ends 51, 61 of the two portions 31, 32 are constantly biased toward one another in order to carry out the pinching of the strands between these two ends. To this end, the elastic mechanism 46 includes at least one blade 97, 98 biasing the biasing zones 42, 44 in a direction away from one another. In a non-limiting manner, a first blade 97 projects from the inner side 53, in the area of the first surface 55, to a free end 99 (see FIG. 4). In the same manner, the second blade 98 projects from the inner side 53, but this time in the area of the second surface 56, to a free end 100 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the first portion 31 of the device 23 is shown to carry the entire elastic mechanism 46, namely the two blades 97, 98.

Each blade 97, 98 is connected to the first portion 31 between the ends 51, 52 in the vicinity of the articulation 40. More precisely, each blade 97, 98 is affixed to the portion 31 between the second end 52 and the articulation 40. The two blades 97, 98 have the same general shape and are arranged so as to be opposite one another, as shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the blades 97, 98 are symmetrical relative to the passage plane P. This makes it possible to balance the actions of the blades on both sides of the plane P. The free ends 99, 100 of the blades take support on the inner side 63 of the second portion 32, in order to cause the teeth 95, 96 to be biased toward each other and to be brought closer together.

In order to promote its progressive bending, each blade 97, 98 has a thickness that is reduced from the inner side 53 to the free ends 99, 100. Each blade is positioned askew on the inner side 53, which distributes the bending stresses over its entire length. Each strand of lace 24, 25 passes between the blades 97, 98.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the blades 97, 98 are integral with the portion 31, which facilitates the assembly. Alternatively, the blades can be provided in the form of separate springs.

The locking device 23 is structured and arranged so that each biasing zone 42, 44 contributes to reducing or accentuating the action of the elastic mechanism 46, depending upon the circumstances.

According to the first embodiment, the first biasing zone 42 is in the area of the second end 52. This zone 42 includes the portion of the outer side 54 that joins the second end 52. The outer side 54 is concave in this area in order to facilitate cooperation with the fingers of one hand. In other words, the first biasing zone 42 is configured to be biased by hand. However, this zone 42 is also provided to be biased by a strand of a lace and, for this reason, the zone 42 also includes the portion of the inner side 53 that joins the second end 52. The inner side 53 is convex in this area. This facilitates the cooperation between a strand and the locking device 23, as is explained further hereinafter. However, in this context, as shown in FIG. 5, the first biasing zone 42 includes a first secondary guide 111. In a non-limiting manner, the guide 111 is in the area of the inner side 53, close to the second end 52. The guide 111 includes a first finger 112 and a second finger 113, projecting from the inner side 53 towards a first free end 114 and a second free end 115, respectively. In the area of the ends 114, 115, the fingers 112, 113 come closer together without, however, contacting one another. The space between the fingers is therefore divided into an inlet 116, in the area of the ends 114, 115, and into a chamber 117, in the area of the junction with the inner side 53. The inlet 116 is slightly narrower than the strand 24, while the chamber 117 has a cross section that is equal to or greater than that of the strand. Therefore, it is possible to insert the strand 24 in the chamber 117 by passing it slightly forcibly through the inlet 116. During the insertion, the strand is pushed toward the inner side 53 in order to press thereagainst. Then, the guide 111 maintains the strand of lace 24 in contact with, or in the vicinity of, the inner side 53.

According to the same principle, the second biasing zone 44 is in the area of the second end 62. This zone 44 includes the portion of the inner side 64 that joins the second end 62. The outer side 64 is concave in this area in order to facilitate cooperation with the fingers of one hand. In other words, the second biasing zone 44 is configured to be biased by hand. However, this zone 44 is also provided to be biased by a strand of lace and, for this reason, the zone 44 also includes the portion of the inner side 63 that joins the second end 62. The inner side 63 is convex in this area. This facilitates the cooperation between a strand 25 and the locking device 23. The second biasing zone 44 includes a second secondary guide 121. This guide is in the area of the inner side 63, close to the second end 62. The guide 121 includes a first finger 122 and a second finger 123, projecting from the inner side 63 toward a first free end 124 and a second free end 125, respectively. The fingers 122, 123 come closer together in the area of the ends 124, 125. The space between the fingers is divided into an inlet 126 and a chamber 127. Here again, the inlet 126 is slightly narrower than the strand 25, and the chamber 127 has a cross section that is equal to or greater than that of the strand. The strand cooperates with the second guide 121 as in the case of the first 111. The strand of lace 25 is kept in contact with or in the vicinity of the inner side 63.

In the end, each biasing zone 42, 44 includes a secondary guide 111, 121 and each strand 24, 25 is maintained in the passage plane P by the primary guide 73 and secondary guides 111, 121. The primary guide 73 and secondary guides 111, 121 define the passage plane P. Each strand 24, 25 is maintained in a secondary guide 111, 121. According to the first embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner, the locking device 23 includes two single parts. The first part includes the first portion 31, the first rib 71, the second rib 72, the first journal 75, the second journal 76, the first blade 97, the second blade 98, and the first secondary guide 111. The second part includes the second portion 32, the first wing 81, the second wing 82, and the second secondary guide 121. Each part is a unitary element made, for example, out of a plastic material, such as polyurethane, polyamide, or the like. This makes the device easy to manufacture and quick to assemble.

The operation of the locking device 23 is explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 to 9.

During normal use of the shoe 1, as is the case in FIGS. 1 and 6, the locking device 23 keeps the strands 24, 25 tensioned. The strands 24, 25 are tensioned on the side of the second ends 52, 62, and loose on the side of the first ends 51, 61. It is possible to loosen the shoe 1 as can be understood from FIG. 7. Only a manual action is needed on the outer sides 54, 64 of the portions 31, 32, in the area of the second ends 52, 62, in a direction bringing these ends closer together. This action is represented by the arrows P1, P2. In other words, the user pinches the device 23 on the side of the keepers 21. During the pinching, the teeth 95, 96 move away from one another, which enables the strands 24, 25 to slide freely in the passage plane P. The wearer can thus make the device 23 slide along the strands to increase tightening or, on the contrary, to reduce it. It is noted that the pinching is done against the action of the elastic mechanism 46.

The tightening is carried out as soon as the user releases the device 23, as shown in FIG. 8. The action of the elastic mechanism 46, in this case by the blades 97, 98, constantly biases the teeth 95, 96 in a direction bringing the teeth closer together. This is sufficient to maintain the locking device 23 in a stable position along the strands 24, 25. The tightening of the strands is amplified when the tension of the lace 22 increases in the area of the keepers. In this case, the strands 24, 25 bias the second ends 52, 62 in a direction spacing them away from one another. Consequently, the teeth 95, 96 are biased toward one another.

In addition, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the tightening of the strands 24, by the locking zones 41, 43 is proportional to the tension of the upper 3 or of the lace 22. As the tension increases, the tightening of the strands becomes stronger. This is due to the clamp-like structure of the locking device 23, and to the guiding by the secondary guides 111, 121 which make it possible to reflect the tensions on the biasing zones.

The passage volume V varies according to the tension of the strands. The volume V increases when the tension increases, and the volume V decreases when the tension decreases.

Other embodiments of the invention are shown hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. For reasons of convenience, the common elements with the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

The second embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 10. It includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 connected to one another by an articulation 40. Again, two strands 24, 25 pass within the locking device 23, in the plane P, between the first ends 51, 61 and the second ends 52, 62.

What is specific to the second embodiment is the structure of the elastic mechanism designated by the reference numeral 136. This elastic mechanism 136 still includes a first blade 137 and a second blade 138. However, the first blade 137 here projects from the inner side 53 of the first portion 31, in the area of the second end 52, while the second blade 138 projects from the inner side 63 of the second portion 32, in the area of the second end 62. This means that the elastic mechanism 136 is carried by the two portions 31, 32. The operation of the device according to the second embodiment is similar to that according to the first embodiment.

The third embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 11. It also includes the portions 31, 32 and the articulation 40, as well as the strands 24, 25.

What is specific to the third embodiment is again the structure of the elastic mechanism, here identified by reference 146. This elastic mechanism 146 includes a single attached blade 147 that connects the portions 31, 32 to one another, for example from the second end 52 to the second end 62. The blade 147 is generally C-shaped, and includes any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or the like. The blade 147 is affixed to each portion 31, 32, or to only one, by any appropriate means. According to the third embodiment, the locking device 23 includes three elements.

The fourth embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 12. Here, the locking device 23 is identical or similar to that according to the first embodiment. A particular feature of the fourth embodiment relates to the strands 24, 25 of the lace. The first strand 24 passes within the passage plane P, between the first ends 51, 61 and the second ends 52, 62, as explained above, for example, for the first embodiment. But here, only one strand 24 is reversibly tightened by means of the device 23. The other strand 25 is permanently immobilized with respect to the device. For example, the second strand 25 is retained to the second portion 32 by means of a knot 150, or other enlarged element fixed to the strand 25, which cooperates with the second secondary guide 121, to prevent separation of the strand 25 from the portion when the tightening system is being tensioned. In this case, the tension or the release are obtained by the relative displacement of the first strand 24 and of the device 23. The operation is the same as for the other embodiments.

In any case, the invention is embodied from materials and according to techniques of implementation known the one with ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove, and includes all of the technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

For example, the locking device 23 can include more than two or three parts.

The invention can be summarize as a locking device, for at least one strand, including a first portion and a second portion, the portions cooperating with one another in the manner of a clamp, the device including a structural arrangement to bias the strands in a locking state, as well as a structural arrangement to stop the locking.

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A locking device for at least one strand, said locking device comprising:

a first portion and a second portion;

an articulation that connects the portions for movement relative to one another;

the first portion having a first locking zone and a first biasing zone;

the second portion having a second locking zone and a second biasing zone;

the articulation enabling the first and second locking zones to move closer together when the first and second biasing zones are moved away from one another;

a primary guide structured and arranged to retain each strand between the locking zones; and

an elastic mechanism structured and arranged to bias the locking zones toward one another.

2. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the first locking zone is in an area of a first end of the first portion; and

the second locking zone is in an area of a first end of the second portion.

3. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the articulation includes a cap arranged on the first portion, the cap including a first rib, a second rib, a first journal projecting from the first rib, and a second journal projecting from the second rib;

the articulation includes a fork arranged on the second portion, the fork including a first wing, a second wing, a first cavity being arranged in the first wing to receive the first journal, and a second cavity being arranged in the second wing to receive the second journal.

4. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the axis of the articulation is perpendicular to the plane for passage of the strands.

5. A locking device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a slit structured and arranged as the primary guide of the locking device for each of the strands.

6. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

each of the biasing zones includes a respective secondary guide.

7. A locking device according to claim 6, wherein:

each of the strands is maintained in one of the secondary guides.

8. A locking device according to claim 6, wherein:

the primary guide and the secondary guides define the passage plane.

9. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the elastic mechanism is structured and arranged to bias the biasing zones away from one another.

10. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the elastic mechanism comprises at least one blade structured and arranged to bias the biasing zones in a direction away from one another.

11. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the elastic mechanism comprises a first blade and a second blade, the first portion of the device carrying the first and second blades.

12. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the elastic mechanism comprises a first blade projecting from the first portion, and a second blade projecting from the second portion.

13. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the elastic mechanism comprises a single blade connecting the first and second portions to one another.

14. A locking device according to claim 11, further comprising:

a first unitary part comprising the first portion, the first rib, the second rib, the first journal, the second journal, the first blade, the second blade and the first secondary guide; and

a second unitary part comprising the second portion, the first wing, the second wing, and the second secondary guide.

15. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the first locking zone includes one or more teeth; and

the second locking zone includes one or more teeth.

16. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein:

the assembly of the portions is obtained by snap engagement.

17. An article of footwear comprising:

an outer sole;

an upper mounted on and attached to the outer sole;

said upper comprising a lateral quarter and a medial quarter;

at least one filiform element comprising at least one strand;

a plurality of guides mounted on said lateral and medial quarters to guide the at least one strand along a path to enable the lateral and medial quarters to be tightened; and

a locking device for the at least one strand, said locking device comprising: a first portion and a second portion; an articulation that connects the portions for movement relative to one another; the first portion having a first locking zone and a first biasing zone; the second portion having a second locking zone and a second biasing zone; the articulation enabling the first and second locking zones to move closer together when the first and second biasing zones are moved away from one another; a primary guide structured and arranged to retain each strand between the locking zones; and an elastic mechanism structured and arranged to bias the locking zones toward one another.

18. A locking device for at least one strand, said locking device comprising:

a first portion;

a second portion;

said first and second portions being structured and arranged to cooperate in movement one relative to another to comprise a clamp for selectively locking the at least one strand against movement along a length of the at least one strand, and (2) unlocking the at least one strand for movement along the length of the at least one strand; and

means for biasing the at least one strand in a direction of toward a locked state; and

means for facilitating application of a force opposing said biasing of the strands to bring the at least one strand to an unlocked state.