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Title:
FASTENING DEVICE FOR A SHOE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/123403
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) for a shoe (11, 411, 811), which comprises an upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612), with an insole (27, 627, 727), and a sole (26, 526). The device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) comprises: - at least one drawstring (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816), - a lever (21, 421), within the upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) and positioned underneath the foot of the user, - at least one binding point (23, 423), on the lever (21, 421), for the passage and/or the deviation of the at least one drawstring (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816), - means for automatic engagement and disengagement (28a, 28b) between the lever (21, 421) and the insole (27).

Inventors:
POLEGATO MORETTI MARIO (IT)
POLONI LIVIO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/060494
Publication Date:
June 27, 2019
Filing Date:
December 21, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
GEOX SPA (IT)
International Classes:
A43B11/00; A43C1/06; A43C11/00; A43C11/16
Foreign References:
US20160302530A12016-10-20
US20080086911A12008-04-17
US20030009917A12003-01-16
US20050198867A12005-09-15
US5205055A1993-04-27
EP3100629A12016-12-07
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MODIANO, Micaela (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) for a shoe (11, 411, 811), which comprises an upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612), with an insole (27, 627, 727), and a sole (26, 526), and which is characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one drawstring (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816),

- a lever (21, 421), within said upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) and positioned underneath the foot of the user,

- at least one binding point (23, 423), on said lever (21, 421), for the passage and/or the deviation of the at least one drawstring (16, 116, 216,

316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816),

- means for automatic engagement and disengagement (28a, 28b) between said lever (21, 421) and said insole (27).

2. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one binding point

(23, 423) is constituted by a through hole and/or a d-ring and/or a hook eyelet.

3. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lever (21, 421) is provided on its lower surface with at least one appendage (22, 422) that protrudes toward said insole (27).

4. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one binding point (23, 423) is arranged on said at least one appendage (22, 422).

5. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one seat (24) for accommodating said at least one appendage (22, 422) the dimensions of which are such as to allow the at least partial accommodation of said at least one appendage (22, 422) with a minimum of play.

6. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shoe (11, 411, 811) is provided with a plurality of openings (13, 113, 313, 513, 14, 114, 214, 314, 514, 523, 524, 613, 614, 753, 754, 763, 764, 853,

854, 863, 864) on said upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 512, 612) which are adapted to be passed through by said at least one drawstring (16, 116, 216, 316, 516, 616, 716, 816).

7. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plurality of openings (13, 113, 313, 513, 14, 114, 214, 314, 514, 523, 524, 613, 614, 753, 754, 763, 764, 853, 854, 863, 864) comprises a plurality of first openings (13, 113, 313, 513, 613, 753, 853) which are arranged on each side wall (17a, 17b, 117, 217a, 217b, 517, 617a, 617b, 717, 817) of said upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 512, 612).

8. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plurality of openings (13, 113, 313, 513, 14, 114, 214, 314, 514, 523, 524, 613, 614, 753, 754, 763, 764, 853, 854, 863, 864) comprises a plurality of second openings (14, 114, 214, 314, 514, 614, 754, 854) which are arranged on each side wall (17a, 17b, 117, 217a, 217b, 517, 617a, 617b, 717, 817) in the front portion of the quarter (15, 215, 315, 515, 615, 715, 815) of said upper assembly (12, 112, 212, 312, 512, 612).

9. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one seat (24) is provided in said insole (27, 627, 727).

10. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one seat (24) is provided with a portion provided inside said sole (26, 526).

11. The fastening device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lever (21, 421) is associated in a downward region with a footbed (25) and/or with a sock (420).

12. The fastening device (410) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sock (420) is associated with said lever (421) by way of reversible anchoring means.

13. The fastening device (410) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises pins (414a, 414b) for deviating said at least one drawstring (416).

14. The fastening device (510, 710, 810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one drawstring (516, 716, 816) which is adapted to pass through a plurality of first openings (513, 753, 853), second openings (514, 754, 854), third openings (523, 763, 863) and fourth openings (524, 764, 864), said second (514, 754, 854) and fourth (524, 764, 864) openings being arranged at the front portion of the quarter (515, 715, 815), said drawstring thus describing a loop (518, 718, 818) between said second opening (514, 754, 854) and said fourth opening (524, 764, 864).

15. The fastening device (510, 710) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control lace (519, 719), which is adapted to be bound so that it can slide inside the space comprised between said loop (518, 718) and said portion of quarter (515, 715), which in turn is comprised between said second opening (514, 754) and said fourth opening (524, 764).

16. The fastening device (810) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one drawstring (816) exits from one of said third openings (863), enters one of said first openings (853), exits from one of said second openings (854) and enters one of said fourth openings (864), said drawstring thus describing said loop (818) and turning about a portion thereof, which is different from the portion traced by said loop (818).

Description:
FASTENING DEVICE FOR A SHOE

The present invention relates to a fastening device for a shoe.

Generally a shoe comprises an upper assembly, on the upper portion of which there is an opening.

Arranged along the two opposite sides of such opening are two rows of eyelets or d-rings.

A shoelace is passed through such eyelets and, usually, the lace alternates its passage between an eyelet positioned on one side with passage through an eyelet of the opposite side, starting from the eyelets arranged proximate to the toe of the shoe.

Finally the two free ends of the shoelace are knotted, generally in a region proximate to the instep, in order to keep the shoelace under tension and ensure an adequate contact between the shoe and the foot of the user.

Below the opening, there is usually a tongue which is adapted to be raised through the opening, after having loosened the shoelace, in order to facilitate the insertion of the foot into the shoe, or the exit thereof.

Such conventional techniques have, however, a number of drawbacks.

The shoelace has no memory and it is therefore necessary that the user uses his or her own memory in order to carry out the various different necessary steps and perform the operation.

Precisely because of the lack of memory of the shoelace, a lacing-up never coincides with the previous or subsequent ones.

In order to be able to perform the fastening operation, it is necessary to use the hands and such action is not always easy and rapid.

Also, an excessive tension, applied to the shoelace or owing to the fixing knot, may cause a bothersome pressure on the foot.

Furthermore, the traditional systems and methods of fastening often loosen during the movement or activity of those who wear shoes.

In order to overcome these problems, in recent years models of shoe have appeared on the market which are provided with fastening systems that enable a rapid fastening by pulling on the laces, and an immediate and automatic locking.

US 6,427,361B1 contains the teachings for providing a device for tightening and loosening the shoelace by way of a mechanism which is present between the layers that make up the sole and the upper.

One end of the shoelace is affixed to the upper, and it enters the insole through an opening and is wound around a slider.

When the foot of the user is inserted into the shoe, a platform, associated with the removable insole, is lowered, which slides the slider.

As it slides, the slider tightens the shoelace up until a locking position, which is constituted by a mechanical anchor.

The mechanical coupling is automatic and snap-acting.

The fastening position coincides with the position in which the foot of the user is completely inserted into the shoe, with the platform and the slider immobilized.

Such device ensures a fastening that is the same every time, and prevents the problem of loosening and untying of conventional knots.

However, it is necessary to press a release button, outside the shoe, for disengagement and in order to allow the slider and platform to perform the reverse movement and loosen the shoelace.

Also, it is necessary to modify the appearance of the shoe for the positioning of a release button, thus producing a rather unappealing visual impact, and to provide a seat for accommodating it in the sole.

Furthermore, the use of the device, which comprises sliders and levers, is complex and increases the risks of breakage associated with such components.

Finally the components of the device are inaccessible and do not allow, for example, substitution of a damaged shoelace.

US patent no. 2007/0209234 Al, however, contains the teachings for providing a facilitated fastening device. Such device comprises a U-shaped foil, connected with the base, in a downward region, to a removable insole and, in an upward region, to the two opposite edges of the upper opening of the upper.

The fastening, with consequent closing of the shoe, takes place when, by virtue of the insertion of the foot into it, the foil is lowered to an anchoring position.

The laces, positioned on the upper, have a purely decorative function.

In this case too the disengagement is not automatic and in order to release the foil and remove the foot from the shoe it is necessary to press a special release button.

The presence of such a release button necessarily modifies the appearance of the shoe owing to its positioning, producing a rather unappealing visual impact, and it is essential to provide a seat for accommodating it in the sole.

Also on the market are shoes fitted with fastening systems that comprise devices for winding the shoelace, which make use of nylon or steel wires, arranged in the rear region of the heel of the shoe.

However, such systems are complex in terms of both manufacture and use, and they require numerous rotations of the winding device in order to obtain a satisfactory fastening.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a fastening device for a shoe which is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a fastening device for a shoe that is easy to use and does not require the hands to be used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fastening device for a shoe that allows substitution of the shoelace.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fastening device for a shoe with a system for automatic engagement and disengagement. A further object of the invention is to provide a fastening device for a shoe that is simpler and comprises a lower number of components than conventional devices.

Finally, an object of the invention is to provide a fastening device that does not alter the appearance of the shoe and creates an appealing visual impact in the user.

Furthermore, the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art in an alternative manner to any existing solutions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fastening device for a shoe that is highly reliable, easy to implement and at low cost.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a fastening device for a shoe, which comprises an upper assembly, with an insole, and a sole, said device being characterized in that it comprises: at least one drawstring, a lever, inside said upper assembly and positioned under the foot of the user, at least one binding point, on said lever, for the passage and/or the deviation of the at least one drawstring, means for automatic engagement and disengagement between said lever and said insole.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the fastening device for a shoe according to the invention, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a first embodiment;

- Figure 2 is a detail of the fastening device in Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is another detail of the fastening device in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 is a different view of the detail in Figure 3;

- Figures 5a and 5b show some different possible configurations of the detail in Figure 4; - Figure 6 shows a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a second embodiment;

- Figure 7 shows a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a third embodiment;

- Figure 8 shows a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

- Figure 9 shows a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a fifth embodiment;

- Figure 10 is a detail of the fastening device in Figure 9;

- Figure 11 shows a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a sixth embodiment;

- Figures 12 to 15 are various perspective views of a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a seventh embodiment;

- Figures 16 to 19 are various perspective views of a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in an eighth embodiment;

- Figures 20 to 22 are various perspective views of a fastening device for a shoe according to the invention in a ninth embodiment.

With reference to the figures, the fastening device for a shoe according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

The fastening device 10 is applied to a shoe 11.

The shoe 11 comprises an upper assembly 12, with an insole 27, and a sole 26, with which the insole 27 is associated.

On the upper assembly 12 there are two pluralities of first openings 13, for example through holes, on each side wall, 17a or 17b, of the upper assembly 12.

Each plurality of first openings 13, arranged on each side wall, 17a or 17b, of the upper assembly 12 presents first openings 13 which are arranged, for example, along a same line with an extension that is substantially parallel to the line comprised between the heel and the toe of the shoe.

The upper assembly 12 comprises, in the front portion of the quarter 15, two pluralities of second openings 14, for example through holes, each plurality arranged on a corresponding side wall 17a and 17b of the upper assembly 12.

The term“front portion” of the quarter means the portion directed toward the toe of the shoe.

The number of first openings 13 coincides with the number of second openings 14.

Each plurality of second openings 14, arranged on each side wall 17a or 17b, of the upper assembly 12 presents second openings 14 which are arranged, for example, along a same line with an extension that is substantially parallel to the line comprised between the heel and the toe of the shoe and proximate to the edge 18 of the opening 19 provided on the front portion of the upper assembly 12.

The opening 19 is the opening provided to allow the introduction of the foot into the shoe 11 and is per se known.

Below the opening 19, there is a tongue 20 to protect the instep, which is adapted to be raised through the opening 19 in order to facilitate the introduction of the foot into the shoe 11 and is per se known.

Figure 1 shows a view that comprises only one of the two side walls, the one designated with 17a, of the upper assembly 12 and only one of the two pluralities of first openings 13.

There is a similar configuration in the side wall of the upper assembly, which is not shown in the figures and is arranged opposite the side wall described above.

The device 10 comprises a plurality of drawstrings 16, and in the embodiment considered these are represented by laces.

The device 10 comprises a lever 21.

The lever 21 is preferably made of polymeric material such as for example polyamide, polystyrene, thermoplastic polyurethane or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or metallic material.

The lever 21 is within the upper assembly 12 and is positioned underneath the foot of the user.

The lever 21 is associated in a downward region, for example by way of adhesive bonding, with a footbed 25, or with a removable insole.

At least one appendage or tab 22 protrudes from the lower surface of the lever 21, toward the insole 27.

The at least one appendage 22 is preferably made of the same material as the lever 21.

In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4 the appendages 22 are three in number.

In particular, the at least one appendage 22, in the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, is constituted by a rectangular plate perpendicular to the plane of the lever 21.

On the at least one appendage 22 there is a plurality of binding points 23 for the passage and/or the deviation of the drawstrings 16.

Alternatively, the binding points 23 may be arranged on the lower surface of the lever 21.

Each binding point 23 is constituted, for example, by a through hole and/or a d-ring and/or a hook eyelet.

The number of the plurality of binding points 23 is at least equal to the number of drawstrings 16 and first openings 13.

Each drawstring 16 defines a closed path: the two ends of the drawstring 16 are united and coincide.

In its closed path, each drawstring 16 progressively passes through one of the first openings 13 and its corresponding second opening 14, on the same side wall 17a of the upper assembly 12.

Then it passes through the corresponding second opening 14, arranged on the side wall 17b opposite to the previous side wall, passing over the opening 19 and keeping the tongue 20 inside the upper assembly 12; then it passes through one of the first openings 13, on the same side wall 17b.

At this point, each drawstring 16 passes through one or more binding points 23 which are arranged on the at least one appendage 22 and closes the path.

In particular, the plurality of drawstrings 16 slides on a portion of the outer surface of the upper assembly.

On the insole 27, there is at least one seat 24 which is adapted to accommodate, at least partially, the at least one appendage 22 and/or the binding points 23.

The at least one seat 24 may have a portion provided inside the sole

26.

The number of seats 24 is equal to the number of appendages 22.

In particular, in the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the at least one seat is constituted by a slit of dimensions such as to allow the insertion of the at least one appendage 22, with a minimum of play.

The at least one seat 24 is preferably blind, so as to not promote the entry into the shoe of water, dirt or other impurities from outside.

Advantageously the plurality of first 13 and/or second openings 14 may be provided with eyelets made of plastic material or metal.

Alternatively, the second openings 14 may be substituted by d-rings and/or slots and/or hook eyelets, of many and varied forms, such as for example circular, ellipsoid, quadrangular or triangular, which are joined to the front portion of the quarter 15 by way of webbing.

In a variation of this first embodiment, not shown in the figures, the plurality of drawstrings 16 passes through a plurality of first and second openings, sliding on the inner lateral portion of the upper assembly.

Means for automatic engagement and disengagement 28a are positioned on the surface of the lever 21 directed toward the surface of the insole 27. Means for automatic engagement and disengagement 28b, complementary to the previous means 28a, are positioned on the surface of the insole 27 that faces the lever 21.

The means for automatic engagement and disengagement are adapted to keep the lever 21 in the closed position.

For example two strips of“hook and loop” material may be positioned on two corresponding portions of facing surfaces, respectively, one of the insole 27 and one of the lever 21.

The strips are adapted to join, in the closed configuration, producing a removable anchoring.

The lever 21 is thus kept in the closed position, preventing the shoe 11, when subjected to the stresses generated during walking, from becoming loosened.

Other means for maintaining the lever 21 in the closed position entail, for example, the use of magnets or of magnets and ferromagnetic plates.

Such means are actuated directly by the foot of the user.

Operation of the fastening device according to the invention is the following.

When the foot of the user is inserted into the shoe 11 , it rests on the footbed 25, which is pushed toward the sole 26 with which the insole 27 is associated.

The insole 25 is pushed together with the lever 21, which is associated with it.

The plurality of drawstrings 16 is placed under tension by the at least one appendage 22 which, by being lowered and entering the seat 24, increases the path of the drawstrings 16 and, as a consequence, pulls the plurality of drawstrings 16 toward the lower part of the shoe 11, thus ensuring that the foot of the user remains in adherence to the shoe.

The lever 21 stops against the insole 27: in this configuration, which corresponds to the closed configuration, the at least one appendage 22 is contained in the at least one seat 24.

In such configuration, the means for automatic engagement and disengagement 28a and 28b are engaged.

Advantageously, an elastic collar for an upper assembly may be positioned, which extends up to the ankle in order to keep the foot of the user adhering to the shoe.

In order to remove the foot from the shoe 11, it is sufficient to perform a plantar flexion movement with an angle greater than that which characterizes normal walking: in this manner the instep pushes toward the tongue 20 which, in turn, pushes the plurality of drawstrings 16 outward.

The drawstrings 16, owing to the thrust received from the tongue 20, lift the lever 21, defeating the force exerted by the means for automatic engagement and disengagement 28a and 28b which keep it in the closed position.

The tension exerted on the plurality of drawstrings 16 by the foot of the user in its movement is transmitted by way of the at least one appendage 22 to the lever 21, which is lifted in the direction of the tongue 20.

The length of the drawstrings 16 may be established based on the tension necessary to keep the shoe stably adherent to the foot of the user.

The drawstrings 16 are subjected to a tension owing to the movement of the at least one appendage 22 toward the sole 26.

The maximum tension value is reached when the at least one appendage 22 is in the at least one seat 24.

Preferably, the at least one seat 24 is dimensioned to accommodate the corresponding at least one appendage 22 completely.

In this manner the tension to which the drawstrings 16 are subjected is maximized.

As the thickness of the sole structure decreases, however, the useful depth of the at least one seat decreases, and, as a consequence, it may be difficult to subject the laces to an adequate tension. With reference to Figures 5a and 5b, in order to overcome the drawback described above, it is possible to increase the tension of the laces by changing the number and/or the arrangement of the appendages 22 on the lever 21, for example by passing from the configuration shown in Figure 5a, with only one appendage at the central portion of the lever 21, to the configuration shown in Figure 5b, with two appendages 22 arranged proximate to the edges of the lever 21.

If it is necessary to replace one of the drawstrings 16, access to the device 10 is possible without needing to dismantle and/or remove any component of the shoe apart from the shoelace.

In this manner such operation is simpler than a similar operation in conventional automatic fastening systems.

In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 6, the fastening device 110 comprises a single drawstring 116, which is constituted by a shoelace.

In this case the drawstring 116 advantageously is crossed between the two pluralities of second openings and/or d-rings 114 and passes through two single first openings 113, each of which is arranged on one of the lateral walls 117 of the upper assembly 112.

With reference to Figure 7, another embodiment of the invention is designated with the reference numeral 210.

In such embodiment, a single drawstring 216, constituted by a shoelace, is arranged according to a crossed configuration above the tongue 220.

The drawstring 216 passes through a plurality of second openings 214 and first openings, not shown in the figure, which are provided on the side walls 217a and 217b of the upper assembly 212 and the binding points, not shown in the figure, which are arranged on the appendages of the lever, which are also not shown in the figure.

Use of a single drawstring 216 simplifies the construction of the shoe, reducing its number of components.

The single drawstring 216 slides on a portion of the outer surface of the upper assembly 212.

Advantageously the plurality of first and/or second openings is provided with eyelets made of plastic material or metal.

In particular, the plurality of first openings may be substituted by d- rings or ring slots or hook eyelets of many and varied forms, such as for example circular, ellipsoid, quadrangular or triangular, which are joined to the front portion of the quarter 215 for example by way of webbing.

With reference to Figure 8, a fourth embodiment of the invention is the one generally designated with the reference numeral 310.

In this variation, in the device 310 the drawstring 316 is constituted by a single band that may be made of natural or synthetic fabric, advantageously elastic.

The drawstring 316 is fixed with one of its ends 318 to an upper portion of the upper assembly, for example the front portion of the quarter 315.

At the other end, not shown in the figures, the drawstring 316 is fixed to one of the appendages of the lever.

The drawstring 316 wraps around the upper, passing through the second openings 314 above the tongue 320, and the plurality of binding points of the lever, not shown in figure.

In this manner a simplification of construction of the shoe is obtained, while giving it an appealing visual impact.

The single drawstring 316 passes through a plurality of first 313 and second 314 openings of the upper assembly 312 and the binding points which are located on the at least one appendage of the lever, not shown in the figure.

The single drawstring 316 slides on a portion of the outer surface of the upper assembly 312. Advantageously the pluralities of first 313 and/or second 314 openings are provided with eyelets made of plastic material or metal.

In particular, the plurality of second openings 314 may be substituted by d-rings or ring slots or hook eyelets of many and varied forms, such as for example circular, ellipsoid, quadrangular or triangular, which are joined to the front portion of the quarter 315.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, another variation of embodiment of the device according to the invention is generally designated with the reference numeral 410.

The device 410 is applied to a shoe 411, which comprises an upper assembly 412 inside which a sock 420 is placed.

In such device 410 the drawstrings 416 are constituted by a plurality of bands.

A lever 421 is connected below the sock 420, preferably reversibly, for example by way of reversible anchoring means like“hook and loop” strips and/or clips and/or magnetic and/or mechanical means.

In a variation of embodiment, not shown in the figures, a footbed is present above the sock.

In such variation, the lever may be connected either to the footbed or to the sock, or to both.

Figure 10 shows the lever 421 and the sock 420, partially extracted from the shoe 411.

Both ends of each drawstring 416 are affixed, for example by way of pins 414a and 414b shown in Figure 9, respectively to a front portion of the quarter which is directed toward the outer and inner side portion of the foot.

Each drawstring 416 makes at least one turn around the sock 420, wrapping around it; subsequently it passes through a binding point 423, which is constituted preferably by an opening arranged on at least one appendage 422 that protrudes from the lower face of the lever 421.

It should be noted that in this embodiment first and/or second openings are not necessary, either on the upper assembly or on the lining, and therefore there is a very reduced impact on the overall appearance of the shoe, which has an appealing visual impact, and on the complexity of construction of the upper assembly.

Operation of the device 410 is the following.

The foot of the user, on being inserted into the sock 420, by virtue of its weight actuates the lever 421 which places the drawstrings 416 under tension, making the shoe adhere to the foot of the user.

This embodiment allows both the replacement of the drawstrings 416 and the replacement of the sock 420.

It is possible to, for example, use a sock that is more or less insulating, or to change a sock that is soaked in sweat.

In a sixth embodiment, shown in Figure 11, the fastening device according to the invention is generally designated with the reference numeral 510.

In such device 510, a plurality of drawstrings 516, constituted by laces, passes through a plurality of binding points, which are not shown in the figures but which are similar to those used in the first embodiment.

Each one of the drawstrings 516 passes through a plurality of first openings 513 and second openings 514, and also a plurality of third openings 523 and fourth openings 524.

The second openings 514 and the fourth openings 524 are arranged at the front portion of the quarter 515.

The first openings 513 and the third openings 523 are arranged on the single side wall 517 of the upper assembly 512, proximate to the sole 526.

In particular each drawstring 516 exits from the second opening 514 and enters the fourth opening 524, thus describing a loop 518 and turning about a control lace 519.

The control lace 519 is bound so that it can slide inside the space comprised between the loop 518 and the portion of quarter 515, which in turn is comprised between the second opening 514 and the fourth opening 524.

Each drawstring 516 constitutes a binding point on the sliding of the control lace 519.

The configuration just described is repeated substantially symmetrically on the opposite side wall of the upper assembly 512, not shown in the figure.

The control lace 519, which is advantageously elastic, enables a simple adjustment of the tension of the fastening, since it is not necessary to act on the individual drawstrings 516, but it is sufficient to act on a single control lace 519.

The drawstrings of the embodiments described above slide over a portion of the outer surface of the upper assembly, but alternatively they may be interposed between the lining and the upper, becoming visible only at the tongue.

In this manner the impact on the overall appearance of the shoe is limited.

This enables application of the invention even in types of shoe, such as those in more classic lines, where the appearance of the shoe, and in particular of the upper assembly, must be more traditional.

In a seventh embodiment, shown in Figures 12 to 15, the fastening device according to the invention is generally designated with the reference numeral 610.

On the upper assembly 612 there are two pluralities of first openings 613, one on each side wall, respectively 617a and 617b.

Such upper assembly 612 comprises, in the front portion of the quarter 615, two pluralities of second openings 614, each plurality arranged on a corresponding side wall, respectively 617a and 617b, of the upper assembly 612.

In this embodiment, a drawstring 616 is arranged according to a crossed configuration above the tongue 620.

The drawstring 616 passes through the binding points, not shown in the figures, which are arranged on the surfaces of the lever, which are also not shown in the figures, according to a crossed configuration above the insole 627.

The first openings 613 and second openings 614 are not through holes, and therefore the drawstring 616 slides between the lining and the upper, becoming visible only at the tongue 620.

The term“lining” means, in the present description, the layer of material that is in contact with the bridge of the foot of the user.

The term“upper” means, in the present description, the outer part of the shoe that covers the upper surface of the foot.

The drawstring 616 has two ends 616a and 616b, and by pulling them it is possible to adjust the tension of the fastening.

The length of the drawstring 616 is fixed, for example, by knotting the ends 616a and 616b to each other.

Alternatively, it is possible to leave the ends 616a and 616b free for the length that gives the desired tension and closing the drawstring 616 onto itself, for example by way of a clip or the like.

Figures 16 to 19 show an eighth embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention, generally designated with the reference numeral 710.

A drawstring 716 passes through a plurality of first openings 753 and second openings 754, and also a plurality of third openings 763 and fourth openings 764.

The second openings 754 and the fourth openings 764 are arranged at the front portion of the quarter 715.

The first openings 753 and the third openings 763 are arranged on the single side wall 717 of the upper assembly, proximate to the sole.

Arrows indicated with F show a possible direction of the tension applied to the drawstring 716.

In particular, the drawstring 716 exits from the third opening 763 and enters the first opening 753.

Furthermore, the drawstring 716 exits from the second opening 754 and enters the fourth opening 764, thus describing a loop 718 and turning about a control lace 719.

The control lace 719 is bound so that it can slide inside the space comprised between the loop 718 and the portion of quarter 715, which in turn is comprised between the second opening 754 and the fourth opening 764.

The drawstring 716 constitutes a binding point on the sliding of the control lace 719.

The control lace 719 advantageously slides inside eyelets 770 which constitute an additional binding point on the sliding of the control lace 719.

The control lace 719 is arranged according to a crossed configuration above the tongue 720.

The drawstring 716 passes through the binding points, not shown in the figures, which are arranged on the appendages of the lever, which are also not shown in the figures, according to a crossed configuration above the insole 727.

The first openings 753, second openings 754, third openings 763 and fourth openings 764 are not through holes, and therefore the drawstring 716 slides between the lining and the upper, becoming visible only at the tongue 720.

The plurality of first openings 753 is equal in number to the plurality of third openings 763.

The plurality of second openings 754 is equal in number to the plurality of fourth openings 764.

In this embodiment a single drawstring 716 is sufficient to actuate the device 710. The control lace 719, which is advantageously elastic, enables a simple adjustment of the tension of the fastening, since it is not necessary to act on the drawstring 716 which may be less immediately accessible than the control lace 719.

A ninth embodiment is illustrated in Figures 20 to 22, which show a view of the shoe 811 respectively: from above, from inside the opening 819 with a perspective view, and from inside the opening 819 with a view from above.

The fastening device according to the invention is generally designated with the reference numeral 810.

In the device 810 a drawstring 816 is affixed, at the ends, to the flaps 834a and 834b of a front portion of the quarter 815 which is directed respectively toward the outer and inner side portion of the foot.

The drawstring 816 is affixed, at the ends, to the flaps 834a and 834b, for example, by way of stitching.

Alternatively, the drawstring 816 may be knotted to specific eyelets or d-rings.

Alternatively, in a variation (not shown), the ends of the drawstring 816 may be joined together to form a closed path.

Arrows indicated with P show a possible direction of the tension applied to the drawstring 816.

The drawstring 816 passes through a plurality of first openings 853 and second openings 854, and also a plurality of third openings 863 and fourth openings 864.

The second openings 854 and the fourth openings 864 are arranged at the front portion of the quarter 815. The first openings 853 and the third openings 863 are arranged on the single side wall 817 of the upper assembly, proximate to the sole.

In particular, the drawstring 816 exits from the third opening 863 and enters the first opening 853. Furthermore, the drawstring 816 exits from the second opening 854 and enters the fourth opening 864, thus describing a loop 818, turning about a portion thereof, which is different from the one described by the loop 818. In other words, the drawstring 816 describes, from the flap 834a to the flap 834b, a path that is concatenated with itself.

Alternatively, in a variation not shown in the figures, the ends of the drawstring 816 may be joined together to form a closed path, concatenated with itself.

The drawstring 816 passes through the binding points, not shown in the figures, which are arranged on the appendages of the lever, which are also not shown in the figures.

The plurality of first openings 853 is equal in number to the plurality of third openings 863.

The plurality of second openings 854 is equal in number to the plurality of fourth openings 864.

In this embodiment the drawstring 816 is advantageously crossed between the two pluralities of second openings 854 and fourth openings 864.

Adjustment of the tension of the fastening may be done by acting on the ends of the drawstring 816 which is fixed at the ends to the flaps 834a and 834b.

Adjustment of the drawstring 816 occurs on the basis of the length of the portion of drawstring 816 that is left free to be concatenated with itself.

The drawstring 816 is advantageously elastic: this to adjust the tension of the fastening if the ends of the drawstring 816 are joined together to form a closed path.

The plurality of first openings 853 and of third openings 863 is smaller in number than the plurality of second openings 854 and of fourth openings 864. This to decrease the number of passages that the drawstring 816 performs below the lever. This is advantageous since, in moving closer to the fulcrum, the contribution to the operation of the device 810 decreases considerably, until it becomes negligible.

In other words, closer to the fulcrum, the lever stroke needed to actuate the device 810 decreases drastically, making it preferable to decrease the number of passages of the drawstring 816, which is equal to the number of first openings 853 or of third openings 863, in order to simplify the device 810.

In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a fastening device for a shoe, which comprises an upper assembly, with an insole, and a sole, the device being characterized in that it comprises: at least one drawstring, a lever, inside the upper assembly and positioned under the foot of the user, at least one binding point, on the lever, for the passage and/or the deviation of the at least one drawstring, means for automatic engagement and disengagement between the lever and the insole.

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102017000148716 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

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.