BUCKLE, LACING DEVICE AND BOOT

Abstract

A buckle includes a base and a grip lug. The base underside can be placed against and fastened to a boot shell. The base upper side has at least one first receiving extension. In an engagement position a swivel element on the lug is latched at least in certain regions in the first receiving extension to form a swivelable first latching connection, to permit swiveling the lug in the engagement position from an open into a closed engagement position by the swivel element. At least one first latching extension is on the base upper side, and the lug has at least one latching element corresponding thereto. In the closed position, the latching element is latched at least in certain regions on the first latching extension to form a releasable second latching connection, to secure the lug against leaving the engagement position and against swiveling into the open position.

Claims

1. A buckle (1) for a lacing device (2) of a boot (3), in particular a ski boot (3), comprising a base part (4) and a grip lug (8), wherein the base part (4) can be placed with its underside (5) against a shell (7) of a boot (3) and can be fastened to the shell (7), wherein the base part (4) has at least one first receiving extension (9) on its upper side (6), and wherein a swivel element (10) is configured on the grip lug (8), wherein in an engagement position (11) the swivel element (10) is latched at least in certain regions in the first receiving extension (9) to form a swivelable first latching connection, so that the grip lug (8) can be swiveled in the engagement position (11) from an open engagement position (12) into a closed engagement position (13) by means of the swivel element (10), wherein at least one first latching extension (14) is configured on the upper side (6) of the base part (4), and wherein the grip lug (8) is configured with at least one latching element (15) corresponding to the first latching extension (14), wherein the first latching extension (14) and the latching element (15) are configured such that, in the closed engagement position (13), the latching element (15) is latched at least in certain regions on the first latching extension (14) to form a releasable second latching connection, so that the grip lug (8) is secured in the closed engagement position (13) against leaving the engagement position (11) and against swiveling into the open engagement position (12).

2. The buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the grip lug (8) is configured with a lead-through (16), the lead-through (16) being arranged so as to extend at least substantially parallel to a swivel axis (17) of the swivel element (10), and the lead-through (16) being configured to receive and deflect a rope- or strap-shaped pulling means (18) of a lacing device (2).

3. The buckle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lead-through (16) is configured in the region of the swivel element (10), or in the swivel element (10), or in a sleeve (19) in the swivel element (10), or wherein the lead-through (16) is arranged in a distance to the swivel element (10), in particular in a sleeve (19).

4. The buckle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lead-through (16), or the swivel element (10) in the region of the lead-through (16), or the sleeve (19) is formed from an electrically non-conductive material, in particular from plastic, and wherein the remaining part of the grip lug (8) is formed from an electrically conductive material, in particular from aluminum.

5. The buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the latching element (15) is configured as at least one aperture (20) in the grip lug (8), or wherein the latching element (15) is configured as a bolt (21) in the grip lug (8).

6. The buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein a second receiving extension (22) and a second latching extension (23) are configured on the upper side (6) of the base part (4), the second receiving extension (22) and the first latching extension (14) being configured on the same extension.

7. The buckle (1) according to claim 6, wherein a tooth bar (24) is configured by the first latching extension (14) and the second latching extension (23) and optionally by further latching extensions.

8. The buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base part (4) is in one piece and can be connected in a fixed position to a shell (7) of a boot (3), wherein the at least one first receiving extension (9) and the at least one first latching extension (14) are integrally formed onto the base part (4), or wherein the base part (4) is multi-part and has a first base part portion (25) which can be connected in a fixed position to a shell (7) of a boot (3), wherein the first base part portion (25) is coupled via a further swivel element (26) to a second base part portion (27) which can be placed against the shell (7) of a boot (3), wherein the at least one first receiving extension (9) and the at least one first latching extension (14) are integrally formed onto the second base part portion (27).

9. The buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the buckle (1) comprises an intermediate plate (28), wherein the intermediate plate (28) is arranged on the underside (5) of the base part (4) and can be positioned between a shell (7) of a boot (3) and the base part (4), wherein the intermediate plate (28) has a tongue (29) projecting beyond the base part (4), wherein the tongue (29) can be brought into direct contact with the shell (7).

10. A lacing device (2) for a boot (3), in particular for a ski boot (3), wherein the lacing device (2) can be attached to a shell (7) of a boot (3), wherein the shell (7) comprises a forefoot shell (31) for receiving a user's foot, and wherein the forefoot shell (31) has a first shell portion (32) on the inside of the foot and a second shell portion (33) on the outside of the foot, the lacing device (2) comprising at least one buckle (1), a rope- or ribbon-shaped pulling means (18), and two anchoring points (30), wherein the pulling means (18) extends in a meandering manner starting from the anchoring points (30) and is arranged to pass through the at least one buckle (1), wherein the at least one buckle (1) is configured according to claim 1.

11. The lacing device (2) according to claim 10, wherein three buckles (1) are configured, wherein two buckles (1) can be arranged on the first shell portion (32), and wherein the two anchoring points (30) and the third buckle (1) can be arranged on the second shell portion (33).

12. The lacing device (2) according to claim 10, wherein the pulling means (18) is guided at least in some areas over the tongue (29) of the intermediate plate (28) and rests at least in some areas on the tongue (29), so that a force acting from the pulling means (18) on a shell (7) of a boot (3) is guided and distributed via the tongue (29) onto the shell (7).

13. The lacing device (2) according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate plate (28) is configured on a buckle (1) arranged on the first shell portion (32), the tongue (29) of the intermediate plate (28) extending to an outer edge or at least to a close region of the outer edge of the first shell portion (32).

14. The lacing device (2) according to claim 10, wherein a buckle (1) is attached to the second shell portion (33), wherein the base part (4), in particular the second base part portion (27), extends over an instep region up to the first shell portion (32).

15. The lacing device (2) according to claim 10, wherein the rope- or ribbon-shaped pulling means (18) is formed from an electrically conductive material or has an electrically conductive surface.

16. The lacing device (2) according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the anchoring points (30) is configured with an adjustable, in particular in a continuous manner, fine or superfine adjustment device, by means of which a length of the pulling means (18) can be varied.

17. A boot (3), in particular a ski boot (3), with a shell (7) comprising a forefoot shell (31) for receiving a foot of a user, wherein the forefoot shell (31) has a first shell portion (32) on the inside of the foot and a second shell portion (33) on the outside of the foot, wherein the first shell portion (32) and the second shell portion (33) are spaced apart in an instep region, or wherein the first shell portion (32) is configured as an upper shell portion and the second shell portion (33) is configured as a lower shell portion, and the first shell portion (32) overlaps the second shell portion (33) at least in certain areas in an instep region, starting from an inner boot edge (34) in the direction of an outer boot edge (35), wherein the boot (3) is configured with at least one buckle (1) according to claim 1 and/or wherein the boot (3) is configured with a lacing device (2) that can be attached to the shell (7) of the boot (3), the lacing device (2) comprising at least one buckle (1), a rope- or ribbon-shaped pulling means (18), and two anchoring points (30), wherein the pulling means (18) extends in a meandering manner starting from the anchoring points (30) and is arranged to pass through the at least one buckle (1).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which show simplified, schematic representations. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0049] In the drawings,

[0050] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a boot with a lacing system, with one buckle outside the engagement position and two buckles in the open engagement position, in tilted frontal view;

[0051] FIG. 2 shows the boot of FIG. 1 with a buckle in the open engagement position, a buckle outside the engagement position and a buckle in the closed engagement position, in tilted frontal view;

[0052] FIG. 3 shows the boot from FIG. 1 with all buckles in the closed engagement position, in tilted frontal view;

[0053] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a buckle with a one-piece base part and a grip lug, in exploded view; and

[0054] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a further exemplary embodiment of a buckle, wherein FIG. 5A shows a grip lug in view of its underside and FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the grip lug from FIG. 5A and a multi-part base part in view of the top side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the various embodiments described, the same parts are provided with the same reference signs or the same component designations, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred analogously to the same parts with the same reference signs or the same component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0056] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a boot 3, in particular a ski boot 3, wherein the ski boot 3 is preferably configured as a racing ski boot. The ski boot 3 has a shell 7, in particular a hard shell made of plastic. It would also be conceivable for the shell 7 to be made of fabric, leather or comparable materials typical of footwear and for the boot 3 to be a sports boot or a climbing boot, for example. While it is common in ski boots 3 for the shell 7 or hard shell to be an outer shell, wherein an inner boot can be arranged in the outer shell, such a multi-part shell arrangement is rather unusual in sports or climbing boots, although it is just as conceivable. It goes without saying that the ski boot 3 shown is only one possible exemplary embodiment representative of a large number of conceivable embodiments and that the invention is by no means limited to this type of construction shown in the figure or this intended use.

[0057] The boot 3 comprises a forefoot shell 31 for receiving a foot of a user, wherein the forefoot shell 31 has a first shell portion 32 on the inside of the foot and a second shell portion 33 on the outside of the foot. As is known per se, ski boots 3 usually also have a further shell area to accommodate the ankle and at least part of a user's lower leg. Sports or climbing boots may also be configured as low boots, as is well known.

[0058] The first shell portion 32 on the inside of the foot and the second shell portion 33 on the outside of the foot of the forefoot shell 31 may be spaced apart in an instep region. This variant is not shown in the figure, but is known in particular from ski touring boots, for example from EP3153047B1, or climbing boots.

[0059] Alternatively, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first shell portion 32 is configured as an upper shell portion and the second shell portion 33 is configured as a lower shell portion. In this case, the first shell portion 32 overlaps the second shell portion 33 starting from an inner boot edge 34 in the direction of an outer boot edge 35 in an instep area, at least in some areas in an overlap area. In principle, a reverse overlap is also conceivable, wherein the first shell portion 32 is configured as a lower shell portion and the second shell portion 33 is configured as an upper shell portion.

[0060] The exemplary embodiment of the boot 3 is configured with a lacing device 2 on its forefoot shell 31. The lacing device 2 comprises at least one buckle 1, a rope- or strap-shaped pulling means 18, in particular an unsheathed steel cable, and two anchoring points 30 or two fixed points to which the two ends of the pulling means 18 are attached. Starting from the anchoring points 30, the pulling means 18 runs in a meandering pattern and is arranged to run through the at least one buckle 1.

[0061] By means of the two anchoring points 30, the pulling means 18 can be fixed at both ends and thus permanently connected to the shell 7 of the boot 3. The anchoring points 30 can be fixed to the shell 7 in a non-detachable manner, for example using rivets, but also in a detachable manner, for example using a screw connection. It may be provided that at least one of the anchoring points 30 is configured with an adjustable, in particular in a continuous manner, fine or superfine adjustment device, by means of which a length of the pulling means 18 can be varied. This may be a device for micro-adjustment or fine adjustment of the tension and length of the pulling means 18. Various mechanisms are conceivable here, for example such a fine or superfine adjustment device can be actuated by means of a screw or an eccentric.

[0062] Various embodiments, views and positions of the buckle 1 are shown in FIGS. 1 to 5B. In all embodiments it is provided that the buckle 1 comprises a base part 4 and a grip lug 8. The base part 4 can be placed with its underside 5 on a shell 7 of a boot 3 and can be attached to the shell 7. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the base part 4 is attached to the first shell portion 32 or the second shell portion 33 of the forefoot shell 31. The attachment is shown in all FIGS. 1 to 3 by means of a screw. Of course, all other conventional attachment means are also conceivable, such as rivets.

[0063] The base parts 4 of the buckles 1 shown have at least one first receiving extension 9 on their upper side 6. A swivel element 10 is configured on each of the grip lugs 8. In an engagement position 11, the swivel element 10 is latched at least in part in the first receiving extension 9 to form a swivelable first latching connection, so that the grip lug 8 can be swiveled in the engagement position 11 by means of the swivel element 10 from an open engagement position 12 into a closed engagement position 13.

[0064] It is further provided that at least one first latching extension 14 is configured on the upper side 6 of the base part 4, and in that the grip lug 8 is configured with at least one latching element 15 corresponding to the first latching extension 14, wherein the first latching extension 14 and the latching element 15 are configured such that, in the closed engagement position 13, the latching element 15 is latched at least in certain regions on the first latching extension 14 to form a releasable second latching connection. This secures the grip lug 8 in the closed engagement position 13 against unintentional or unwanted leaving the engagement position 11 and against swiveling into the open engagement position 12. In the closed engagement position 13, when both the first and second latching connections are engaged, the grip lug 8 can only be released by intentionally applying a force to the underside of the grip lug 8.

[0065] In FIGS. 1 to 3, the lacing device 2 is configured with three such buckles 1. In FIG. 1, in the first buckle 1 closest to a toe area of the boot 3, the swivel element 10 is latched in the first receiving extension 9 to form the first latching connection and is in the open engagement position 12. Similarly, the second or middle one of the buckles 1 shown is latched in the first receiving extension 9 to form the first latching connection and is in the open engagement position 12. In the third buckle 1, which is furthest away from the toe area of the boot 3, the swivel element 10 is not latched in the first receiving extension 9 and is shown virtually in its released position.

[0066] In FIG. 2, in the first buckle 1 closest to a toe area of the boot 3, the swivel element 10 is latched in the first receiving extension 9 to form the releasable and swivelable first latching connection. In addition, in this first buckle 1, the latching element 15 is now latched at least in some areas on the first latching extension 14 to form the releasable second latching connection. Thus, this first buckle 1 now assumes the first and second latching connection at the same time and is therefore in its closed engagement position 13. The second or middle buckle 1 is unthreaded in FIG. 1, i.e. the swivel element 10 is not latched in the first receiving extension 9 and is shown virtually in its released position. In the third buckle 1, which is furthest away from the toe area of the boot 3, the swivel element 10 is latched in a second receiving extension 22 to form the releasable and swivelable first latching connection and is in the open engagement position 12.

[0067] In FIG. 3, all three buckles 1 are shown in their closed engagement position 13, wherein in the first and second buckle 1 the swivel element 10 is latched in the first receiving extension 9 and in the third buckle 1 the swivel element 10 is latched in the second receiving extension 22.

[0068] The buckles 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3 are also shown in detail in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B. Hereinafter FIGS. 1 to 5B are described below largely in a synopsis to avoid unnecessary repetition. For characteristics of individual embodiments or illustrations, please refer to the respective figure. In addition, the numbering of the three buckles 1 in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3 is also retained below.

[0069] It may be provided that the grip lug 8 is configured with a lead-through 16, the lead-through 16 being arranged so as to extend at least substantially parallel to a swivel axis 17 of the swivel element 10, and the lead-through 16 being configured to receive and deflect the rope- or strap-shaped pulling means 18 of the lacing device 2. It is not absolutely necessary for the lead-through 16 to be closed over its entire axial length. FIG. 3 clearly shows that the lead-throughs 16 are open on one side, so that the pulling means 18 is also visible in the area of the lead-through 16.

[0070] It may also be provided that the lead-through 16 is configured in the area of the swivel element 10, or in the swivel element 10, or in a sleeve 19 in the swivel element 10. The lead-through 16 can be at least essentially congruent or identical with the swivel axis 17 of the swivel element 10. This is shown, for example, in the first and third buckles in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIG. 4.

[0071] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the lead-through 16 is arranged at a distance from the swivel element 10, in particular in a sleeve 19. The lead-through 16 may be at a distance from the swivel axis 17 of the swivel element 10. This, for example, is provided according to the second buckle in FIGS. 1 to 3, as well as in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0072] It may also be provided that the lead-through 16, or the swivel element 10 in the region of the lead-through 16, or the sleeve 19 is formed from an electrically non-conductive material, in particular from plastic, and that the remaining part of the grip lug 8 is formed from an electrically conductive material, in particular from aluminum. In the first and third buckles in FIGS. 1 to 3, as well as in the buckle 1 in FIG. 4, the grip lug 8 is a one-piece composite component with a plastic lead-through 16 and a remaining part made of metal, in particular aluminum. In the second buckle 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3, as well as in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the grip lug 8 is a multi-part component with a grip lug 8 made of metal, in particular aluminum, and a sleeve 19 made of plastic permanently connected to it, for example clipped on or clipped in with a positive fit.

[0073] It may also be provided that the rope or ribbon-shaped pulling means 18 is formed from an electrically conductive material or has an electrically conductive surface. Advantageously, the pulling means 18 is not sheathed with a plastic, a material or fabric, etc. This is because plasticized or sheathed steel cables cannot be visually inspected for any damage to the pulling means 18 or steel cable. In addition, sheaths are comparatively soft and can therefore be easily damaged and become partially or completely detached.

[0074] It may further be provided that the latching element 15 is configured as at least one aperture 20 in the grip lug 8, as in the first and third buckle 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3, as well as in the buckle 1 in FIG. 4.

[0075] Alternatively, it may be provided that the latching element 15 is configured as a bolt 21 in the grip lug 8, as in the second buckle 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this exemplary embodiment, it is shown that the swivel element 10 may also be configured as a bolt independently of this.

[0076] It may also be provided that a second receiving extension 22 and a second latching extension 23 are configured on the upper side 6 of the base part 4, the second receiving extension 22 and the first latching extension 14 being configured on the same extension.

[0077] It may also be provided that a tooth bar 24 is configured by the first latching extension 14 and the second latching extension 23 and optionally by further latching extensions. This variant is shown for the second buckle 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIGS. 5A and 5B. A tooth bar 24 may also be configured in several parts, for example with sliding and/or elastic toothings facing each other. A tooth bar 24 may consist of two or more components, wherein a slightly displaceable inner part of the tooth bar may be arranged in an outer part of the tooth bar. In the second base part portion 27 in FIG. 5B it is illustrated that the tooth bar 24 may consist of two or more components, wherein a slightly displaceable inner part of the tooth bar may be arranged in an outer part of the tooth bar. In the example, the inner part of the tooth bar is inserted into the frame-like outer part of the tooth bar from below. The inner part of the tooth bar has a clearance on its underside in relation to the outer part of the tooth bar, which enables it to be displaced or moved in a radial direction in relation to the swivel axis 17.

[0078] In particular, if the engagement element 15 is configured as a bolt 21, fixing in the second latching position or in the closed engagement position 13 can be improved by means of a tooth bar 24, in particular by means of a tooth bar 24 with elastic or displaceable toothing. Interlocking toothings of a tooth bar 24 may prevent a bolt 21 held therein from being unintentionally lifted out or levered out in the closed engagement position 13.

[0079] It may also be provided that the base part 4 is in one piece and can be connected in a fixed position to a shell 7 of a boot 3, wherein the at least one first receiving extension 9 and the at least one first latching extension 14 are integrally, i.e. virtually in one piece, formed onto the base part 4. This variant is shown for the first and third buckles 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and for the buckle 1 in FIG. 4.

[0080] Alternatively, it may be provided that, according to the second buckle 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base part 4 is multi-part and has a first base part portion 25 which can be connected in a fixed position to a shell 7 of a boot 3, wherein the first base part portion 25 is coupled via a further swivel element 26 to a second base part portion 27 which can be placed against the shell 7 of a boot 3, wherein the at least one first receiving extension 9 and the at least one first latching extension 14 are integrally formed onto the second base part portion 27. The further swivel element 26 may be configured as a part or region of the second base part portion 27, forming a further joint arrangement together with the first base part portion 25. It may also be provided that a spring element not shown in detail, for example a spiral spring, with a predefined preload is configured within this further joint arrangement. Such a spring element may be configured to press the second base part portion 27 in the direction of the shell 7 so that improved attachment and good contact is ensured.

[0081] It may also be provided that, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIG. 4, the buckle 1 comprises an intermediate plate 28, wherein the intermediate plate 28 is arranged on the underside 5 of the base part 4 and can be positioned between a shell 7 of a boot 3 and the base part 4, wherein the intermediate plate 28 has a tongue 29 projecting beyond the base part 4, wherein the tongue 29 can be brought into direct contact with the shell 7. The functionality of the tongue 29 is particularly clear from FIGS. 1 to 3. Here, the pulling means 18 is guided over the tongue 29 and thus does not come into direct contact with the shell 7, or only in certain areas. The tongue 29 extends at least approximately to the edge of the overlapping first shell portion 32. Due to the stepped transition from the first shell portion 32 to the second shell portion 33, it may be provided that the pulling means 18 does not come into contact with the second shell portion 33, or comes into contact with it only slightly, or at least with reduced compressive force. A tongue 29 with a guiding groove for the pulling means 18 is also conceivable but not shown in the figure. Of course, such a tongue 29 can also be useful in a boot 3 in which the shell portions 32, 33 are spaced apart.

[0082] It may therefore also be provided that the pulling means 18 is guided at least in some areas over the tongue 29 of the intermediate plate 28 and rests at least in some areas on the tongue 29, so that a force acting from the pulling means 18 on a shell 7, in particular on a first shell portion 32 of a forefoot shell 31 on the inside of the foot of a boot 3, is guided and distributed via the tongue 29 to the shell 7. The pulling means 18 can rest on the tongue 29 so that there is no direct contact between the shell 7 and the pulling means 18. Since the tongue 29 may also have a function as wear protection for the shell 7, it may be configured to be replaceable as a spare part, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate plate 28 may also be made of a harder or more abrasion-resistant material compared to the shell 7.

[0083] It may be provided that the intermediate plate 28 is configured on a buckle 1 arranged on the first shell portion 32, wherein the tongue 29 of the intermediate plate 28 extends to an outer edge or at least to a close region of the outer edge of the first shell portion 32.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it may be provided that a buckle 1 is attached to the second shell portion 33, wherein the base part 4, in particular the second base part portion 27, extends over an instep region up to the first shell portion 32. This middle or second buckle 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 extends from the second shell portion 33 over the edge or outer edge of the first shell portion 32, thus virtually overlapping the overlapping area of the shell portions 32, 33. This may be useful in combination with a two-part or multi-part configuration of the base part 4.

[0085] When putting on a boot 3 with the buckle arrangement and lacing device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the following procedure may be followed.

[0086] So that a user can comfortably step into the boot 3 with his foot or forefoot, it may be useful that all buckles 1 are initially unthreaded, i.e. are not in the engagement position 11. Even if all of the grip lugs 8 are not in the first latching connection, they are attached to the lacing device 2 or boot 3 by means of the pulling means 18 and therefore cannot get lost. If individual buckles 1 are nevertheless left in the engagement position 11, these are preferably in the open engagement position 12 and not in the closed engagement position 13, as this would prevent the shell portions 32, 33 from being pushed apart. Preferably, the middle or second buckle 1 is in the open engagement position 12 when stepping into the boot 3 and the first and third buckles 1 of the same construction are each completely unthreaded, i.e. the grip lug 8 is detached from the base part 4. The next step is illustrated in FIG. 1. As soon as the user's foot is in the boot 3, the first and third buckles 1 are first moved to their respective open engagement positions 12. The first and third buckles 1 act as a means for presetting the pretension of the pulling means 18 or the steel cable. For this purpose, the first and third buckles 1 may have one or more adjustment positions, i.e. one, two or more receiving extensions. For this purpose, it may be sufficient if a tension or a tensile force is comparatively low when closing the grip lug 8 or when swiveling the grip lug 8 into the closed engagement position 13. This means that the lever movement only causes a comparatively small change in position of the pulling means 18. For this purpose, it may be provided that the lead-through 16 is configured in the area of the swivel element 10, or in the swivel element 10, or in a sleeve 19 in the swivel element 10. The lead-through 16 can be at least essentially congruent or identical with the swivel axis 17 of the swivel element 10. The fact that the first and third buckles 1 are doubly secured in their closed engagement position against unintentional loosening or unintentional opening, particularly during use, by forming a first latching connection and also a second latching connection, means that this presetting can be left as it is for the entire service life.

[0087] A user now only has to move the grip lug 8 of the second or middle buckle 1 into the desired engagement position 11 in the tooth bar 24. The adjustment path or the tensile force that is covered or applied by swiveling or closing the grip lug 8 of the second or middle buckle 1 may be comparatively greater than that previously applied by the first and third presetting buckle 1. This means that the second or middle buckle 1 can act as the main buckle 1 and the boot 3 can be brought from a loosened latched state into a tightened state of use with just one movement of the grip lug 8 of the second or middle buckle 1. For this purpose, it is also conceivable that the lead-through 16 is arranged at a distance from the swivel element 10. The lead-through 16 may be at a distance from the swivel axis 17 of the swivel element 10. The radial distance between the swivel axis 17 and the lead-through 16 corresponds to the tensioning path of the pulling means 18 when swiveling from the open engagement position 12 to the closed engagement position 13.

[0088] In an operational state, all buckles 1 are closed as shown in FIG. 3. If desired, for example in the case of a break while skiing, the user may cause a considerable loosening of the cable pull or the tensile force of the pulling means 18 by swiveling the grip lug 8 of the second or middle buckle 1 into the open engagement position 12.

[0089] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the technical teaching provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0090] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. Nevertheless, the description and drawings are to be used for construing the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

[0091] All indications regarding ranges of values in the present description are to be understood such that these also comprise random and all partial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

[0092] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

[0093] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0094] 1 buckle [0095] 2 lacing device [0096] 3 boot [0097] 4 base part [0098] 5 underside [0099] 6 top side [0100] 7 shell [0101] 8 grip lug [0102] 9 first receiving extension [0103] 10 swivel element [0104] 11 engagement position [0105] 12 open engagement position [0106] 13 closed engagement position [0107] 14 first indexing extension [0108] 15 latching element [0109] 16 lead-through [0110] 17 swivel axis [0111] 18 pulling means [0112] 19 sleeve [0113] 20 aperture [0114] 21 bolt [0115] 22 second receiving extension [0116] 23 second indexing extension [0117] 24 tooth bar [0118] 25 first base part portion [0119] 26 further swivel element [0120] 27 second base part portion [0121] 28 intermediate plate [0122] 29 tongue [0123] 30 anchoring point [0124] 31 forefoot shell [0125] 32 first shell portion [0126] 33 second shell portion [0127] 34 inner boot edge [0128] 35 outer boot edge