REEL-BASED TIGHTENING DEVICE

Abstract

A reel-based tightening device includes a housing case defining a housing seat, a spool housed rotatable around a first rotation axis in said housing seat and provided with annular groove to allow the winding of a traction cable, a knob assembly rotatably mounted on said housing case around a second rotation axis parallel to said first rotation axis and operatively connected to said spool through drive means, locking means configured to lock the rotary position progressively achieved by the spool by rotating the knob assembly so as to obtain the gradual winding and unwinding of the cable around said spool, and selective release means which can be actuated by a user so as to free the rotation of said spool and allow the quick release of the cable.

Claims

1. Reel-based tightening device comprising: a housing case defining a housing seat, a spool housed rotatable around a first rotation axis and in said housing seat and provided with an annular groove to allow winding of a traction cable, a knob assembly rotatably mounted on said housing case around a second rotation axis parallel to said first rotation axis and operatively connected to said spool through drive means, locking means configured to lock the rotary position progressively achieved by the spool by rotating the knob assembly so as to obtain the gradual winding and unwinding of the cable around said spool, selective release means which can be actuated by a user to free the rotation of said spool and allow a quick release of the cable, wherein said selective release means are adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means being movable between a first position, neutral with respect to said locking means, wherein they allow the progressive locking of the rotary position of the spool together with said knob assembly allowing the gradual and controlled winding/unwinding of the cable, and a second position, wherein they disable said locking means to free the rotation of said spool together with said knob assembly and allow the quick release of the cable, retaining means being provided to stably retain said selective release means in said second position.

2. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprise an elastically deformable element adapted to elastically oppose the movement of said selective release means at least from said second position to said first position.

3. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprise a pinion keyed with a first end to said knob assembly, and associated, with the opposite end, with said spool by engaging a gear teeth system with a circumferential toothing provided on an upper surface of said spool.

4. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 1, wherein said locking means comprise a flange rotatable integrally joined with said knob assembly and a pawl fixed to said casing so as to be able to oscillate around a third rotation axis essentially perpendicular to said first rotation axis countering against second elastic means, said pawl being provided with an engagement tooth adapted to be engaged with a radial toothing obtained on said flange to lock the rotary position progressively reached by said spool, and with an abutment portion adapted to cooperate at least with said selective release means when said selective release means are in said second position.

5. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 4, wherein said knob assembly comprises a control portion that is essentially annular-shaped, which is axially movable along said second rotation axis countering against first elastic means and defining a central seat, an axially non-removable covering element adapted to be partially introduced into said central seat and arranged to close the top opening thereof, and a ring nut centrally drilled for engagement with said drive means and meshed with said control portion.

6. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 4, wherein said flange is mounted on said ring nut.

7. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 4, further comprising safety means adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means, being movable between a neutral position and a safety position in which they prevent the oscillation of said pawl around said third axis.

8. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 5, wherein said selective release means are formed by the control portion of said knob assembly, which is axially movable along said second rotation axis between said first position, wherein it is distal from said spool, and said second position, wherein it is proximal to said spool, said control portion being configured to interact with a first abutment portion (44) of said pawl to cause a rotation of said pawl around said third rotation axis such to disengage said engagement tooth from said radial toothing of said flange.

9. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 8, wherein said retaining means comprise a retaining tooth integrally joined with said control portion and projecting into the central seat, and an elastic ring arranged trapped between said covering element and said ring nut, said ring being adapted to deform elastically in a radial direction to allow said retaining tooth to pass through and to return elastically to the initial condition so as to counteract a reverse movement.

10. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 7, wherein said safety means comprise an arm projecting with a first end portion laterally from said housing case and articulated with a second end portion in the housing seat around a fourth rotation axis, essentially parallel to said first rotation axis, said second end being provided with a safety appendage, said arm being suitable to be rotatably moved between a neutral position, wherein it does not interact with said locking means, and a safety position wherein said safety appendage cooperates with an abutment portion of said pawl to prevent the oscillation thereof around said third rotation axis.

11. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 4, wherein said selective release means comprise an arm projecting with a first end portion laterally from said housing case and hinged at the second end portion in said housing seat around a fourth rotation axis, extending essentially parallel to said first rotation axis, so as to be rotatably movable between said first position and said second position, said second end portion of said arm having a release appendage configured to cooperate, when said arm is in said second position, with a second abutment portion of said pawl to cause a rotation of said pawl around said third rotation axis such to disengage said engagement tooth from said radial toothing of said flange.

12. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 11, wherein said arm can be rotatably moved around said fourth axis also in a safety position, said second end portion of said arm being provided with a safety appendage configured to cooperate, when said arm is in the safety position, with said a second abutment portion of said pawl to prevent the oscillation of said pawl around said third rotation axis.

13. Reel-based tightening device according to claim 11, wherein said retaining means comprise a retaining grub screw mounted on said arm and associated with a compression spring which elastically pushes it to engage a first engagement hole obtained in the housing case when said arm reaches said second position.

14. Tightening assembly comprising a traction cable and a reel-based tightening device according to claim 1.

15. Sports article comprising a reel-based tightening device according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Advantages and characteristics of a reel-based tightening device according to the present invention will be better illustrated in the description of a particular, but not exclusive embodiments shown purely by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows, with a perspective view, a reel-based tightening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in use, that is incorporated in a tightening assembly applied to a sports article represented by a ski boot;

[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B show, with exploded views from different angles, a first embodiment of a reel-based tightening device according to the present invention, comprising selective release means formed by a portion of the knob assembly;

[0020] FIG. 3 shows, with a perspective view, a component element of the tightening device according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0021] 1 FIGS. 4A and 4B show, with cross-sectional views, the reel-based tightening device according to FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively with the selective release means in a first position, so as to allow the incremental tensioning/release of the cable, and with the selective release means in a second position, or release position, so as to allow the quick release of the cable;

[0022] FIG. 5 shows, with a partial exploded perspective view, a variant of the reel-based tightening device according to the first embodiment of the invention, comprising a safety element;

[0023] FIG. 6 shows, with a perspective view, a component element of the tightening device according to the variant of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 shows, with a perspective view, the interaction between the safety element and the component according to FIG. 6, when the safety element is in a safety position;

[0025] FIG. 8 shows, with a partial exploded perspective view, a second embodiment of a reel-based tightening device according to the present invention, wherein the selective release means are formed by a selector;

[0026] FIG. 9 shows, with a perspective view, the interaction of the selector of the tightening device according to FIG. 8 with a component element of the device when the selector is in the second position, or release position, so as to allow the quick release of the cable;

[0027] FIG. 10 shows, with a perspective view, the interaction of the selector of the tightening device according to FIG. 8 with another component element of the device when the selector is in a safety position;

[0028] FIGS. 11A and 11B show, respectively with a top view and a cross-sectional view, a tightening device according to the second embodiment of the invention, wherein the selector is in the second position, or release position; and

[0029] FIGS. 12A and 12B show, respectively with a top view and a cross-sectional view, a tightening device according to the second embodiment of the invention, wherein the selector is in safety position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a tightening device 1, 1 adapted to be incorporated in a tightening assembly which can be associated with a sports article provided with a pair of flaps L1, L2 which can be superimposed or approached to attain the releasable and adjustable fastening thereof.

[0031] In the attached FIG. 1 a tightening device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a sports article 100, suitably represented by a ski boot.

[0032] Said ski boot 100 comprises a shell 101 adapted to receive the foot of a user and essentially formed by a sole S, essentially defining a plane for supporting the foot, from which there depart, on opposite longitudinal sides, a first and a second flap L1, L2 adapted to be arranged respectively on the outer part and on the inner part of the foot, extending between a tip P, located in an area proximal to the tip of the foot, and a heel T, located at an area proximal to the heel, involving the lateral regions of the foot up to about the malleoli area, and being faced or superimposed preferably in the upper area of the foot.

[0033] The boot 100 may further comprise a cuff 102, adapted to wrap around at least at the rear part the lower part of the leg of the user, said cuff 102 being preferably articulated to the shell 101 around suitable hinge means C, which define a rotation axis essentially horizontal and parallel to the plane defined by the sole S.

[0034] A tightening device 1, 1 according to the present invention is adapted to be incorporated in a tightening assembly 200 which further comprises at least one traction element 10, essentially formed by a cable or a stranded wire that is flexible and essentially inextensible, preferably metallic.

[0035] Said reel-based tightening device 1, 1 can therefore be constrained to one of the flaps of said pair of flaps L1. L2 and it is adapted to gradually tension a first end portion 11 of said cable 10, the latter being suitable to be anchored with the opposite end 12, for example through a cable lug 2, preferably to the other flap of said pair of flaps L1, L2.

[0036] In a preferred use, shown in FIG. 1, said reel-based tightening device 1, 1 is incorporated in a tightening assembly 200 further comprising suitable guide means 4 suitably arranged on the flaps L1, L2, and possibly also a lever tightening device 3 which can be constrained to one of the flaps of said pair of flaps L1, L2, and arranged and configured to cooperate with an intermediate portion of said traction cable 10, as described in the patent Italian application No. 102023000012099 of the Applicant in question.

[0037] It should be observed that the tightening device 1, 1 according to the present invention is shown applied to a flap of the pair of flaps L1, L2 which form the shell 101 of the boot 100; clearly, to a man skilled in the art it will be clear that the same tightening assembly 200 may be equally applied also to a pair of flaps for example arranged at the cuff 102, same case applying to any other portion of the upper of a footwear, or a sports article in which there is the need to releasably tighten a pair of flaps facing each other around the foot of the user.

[0038] Generally, a tightening device 1, 1 according to the present invention comprises a housing case 24 defining a housing seat 24A; a spool 21 housed rotatable around a first rotation axis X-X in said housing seat 24A and provided with an annular groove 21A to allow the winding of a traction cable 10, a knob assembly 22 rotatably mounted on said housing case 24 around a second rotation axis Y-Y essentially parallel to said first rotation axis X-X and operatively connected to said spool 21 through drive means 30; locking means 40 configured to lock the rotary position progressively achieved by the spool 21 by rotating the knob assembly 22 so as to obtain the gradual winding and unwinding of the cable 10 around said spool 21; and selective release means which can be actuated by a user so as to free the rotation of said spool 21 and allow the quick release of the cable 10.

[0039] In particular, advantageously, the selective release means are adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means 40, being movable between a first position, neutral with respect to said locking means 40, wherein they allow the progressive locking of the rotary position of the spool 21 together with said knob assembly 22, allowing the gradual and controlled winding/unwinding of the cable 10, and a second position, wherein they disable said locking means 40 so as to free the rotation of said spool 21 together with said knob assembly 22 and allow the quick release of the cable 10.

[0040] There are further provided for retaining means 60, 60 for keeping said selective release means in said selective release means stably in said second position. Advantageously, said retaining means 60, 60 comprise an elastically deformable element adapted to counter the movement of said selective release means at least from said second position to said first position.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown in exploded view a reel-based tightening device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Said device 1 comprises a housing case 24, preferably made of polymeric material, within which there is housed a winding mechanism comprising a spool 21 with which there can be associated said first end portion 11 of said traction cable 10.

[0042] Said spool 21 essentially consists of a pulley provided with a circumferential groove 21A, and it is arranged in an axially non-removable fashion and pivoted idle around a first rotation axis X-X within a housing seat 24A defined by the housing case 24, which advantageously has a through side opening adapted to allow, in use, the slidable through passing of the first end portion 11 of the cable 10, to allow the operation of the device 1.

[0043] Advantageously, said reel-based tightening device 1 comprises a mounting base 23, preferably made of metal, adapted to be arranged, in use, on the outer surface of the flap of the footwear 100 and advantageously shaped at the lower part so as to essentially copy the curvature thereof. Said mounting base 23 is adapted to support, on the upper surface thereof, the winding mechanism of the device 1 and allow the fixing thereof to the footwear 100 through fastening means (not shown).

[0044] Said device 1 further comprises a knob assembly 22, advantageously mounted on the top opening of said housing case 24 so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis Y-Y essentially parallel to said first axis X-X.

[0045] Said knob assembly 22 is operatively connected to said spool 21 through drive means 30 so as to allow the user to drive the spool 21 in rotation around said first rotation axis X-X at least in a first rotation direction, or winding direction, so that said cable 10 is wound around the spool 21, therefore obtaining a progressive approaching of the flaps L1, L2 and therefore the desired tightening action thereof, and possibly also in the opposite rotation direction, or unwinding direction, so as to obtain the unwinding of the cable 10 from the spool 21 and therefore allow the moving away of the two flaps L1, L2.

[0046] Preferably, said knob assembly 22 comprises a control portion 22A, essentially annular-shaped to define a central seat 220, a covering element 22B, that is axially non-removable, adapted to be partially introduced into said central seat 220 and arranged to close the top opening thereof, and a ring nut 22C that is centrally drilled for engagement with said drive means 30 and meshed with said control portion 22A.

[0047] Advantageously, said ring nut 22C is provided, on the outer lateral surface 221, with a helical threading adapted to be engaged with a helical counter-threading obtained on the inner surface of the central seat 220 of the control portion 22A.

[0048] Said control portion 22A is advantageously configured to be movable along said second axis Y-Y with respect to the housing 24 in a guided fashion by the helical threading of the ring nut 22C and countering against the first elastic means 25, such as for example a compression spring housed in said central seat 220.

[0049] Said drive means 30 are preferably formed by a pinion 31, provided with a stem 31A splined with a first end 31B to said knob assembly 22, and associated, with the opposite end, with said spool 21, by engaging a gear teeth system 31C with a circumferential tooth 21B provided on an upper surface thereof, so that the rotations imparted by the use on the knob assembly 22 are transferred, with suitable reduction ratios, to the spool 21.

[0050] Preferably, said pinion 31 is splined with said first end 31B to said covering element 22B and its stem 31A is engaged in the central hole 222, suitably shaped, of said ring nut 22C.

[0051] Therefore, rotations of the knob assembly 22 carried out by the user by acting in particular on the control portion 22A, result in integral rotations of said ring nut 22C, of said covering element 22B and therefore of the pinion 31, resulting in driving in rotation said spool 21 too, obtaining the winding/unwinding of the cable 10 thereon and therefore the desired tightening degree of the footwear 100.

[0052] Advantageously, said device 1 further comprises locking means 40 configured to lock the progressive rotary position of the spool 21 so as to maintain the tensioning condition of the cable 10 achieved progressively, both in the winding direction and in the unwinding direction, therefore enabling to carry out a controlled and continuous fine adjustment of the closure of the flaps L1, L2 of the footwear 100.

[0053] Said locking means 40 advantageously comprise a flange 41 rotatable integrally joined with the knob assembly 22, and a pawl 42, fixed to said casing 24 so as to be able to rotate/oscillate around a third rotation axis R-R that is essentially perpendicular to said first rotation axis X-X countering against second elastic means 46, such as for example a compression spring. Said pawl 42 is conveniently provided with an engagement tooth 43 adapted to be engaged with a radial toothing 41A obtained in said flange 41 to lock the rotary position progressively reached by said spool 21.

[0054] As better shown in FIG. 3, said pawl 42 advantageously comprises an articulation portion 42A arranged at a first end thereof, through which it is articulated to the casing 24 so as to oscillate around the third rotation axis R-R so as to allow the engagement tooth 43 to surmount in succession the teeth of the radial toothing 41A of the flange 41, and it is provided, preferably at a second 42B, with a first abutment portion 44, which rises from the surface of the pawl 42, and it is configured to interact with an edge portion 220A of said control portion 22A in the step for unwinding the cable 10, as explained in greater detail below.

[0055] Advantageously, said flange 41 is mounted on said ring nut 22C, preferably with said toothing 41A faced downwards, that is towards the spool 21, and the engagement tooth 43 is obtained on the upper surface of the pawl 42 in an intermediate portion between the two ends 42A, 42B, said second elastic means 46 being arranged to elastically push said engagement tooth 43 to the engagement with said toothing 41A.

[0056] In the step for the controlled winding of the cable 10, the rotation of the knob assembly 22 actuated by the user through the control portion 22A induces the integral rotation of the flange 41; the engagement tooth 43 of the pawl 42 slides along the back of the teeth of the toothing 41A, causing the oscillation of the pawl 42 around its rotation axis R-R thereof countering against the action of said second elastic means 46 which, once the tooth has been overcome, elastically returns it to the subsequent seat between adjacent seats; in this manner, advantageously, the engagement tooth 43 overcomes with a reciprocating motion the succession of teeth of the toothing 41A of the flange 41, maintaining the position achieved through the temporary engagement of one of the teeth thereof.

[0057] On the other hand, in the step for the controlled unwinding the cable 10, each rotation of the knob assembly 22 causes a roto-translating reciprocating motion between an initial position and a lowered position of the control portion 22A along the helical threading of the ring nut 22C, approaching and moving away with respect to the spool 21; in the descending stroke, the edge surface 220A of said control portion 22A impacts against the first abutment portion 44 of the pawl 42, causing an oscillation of the latter around the third axis R-R, which has the effect of temporarily moving away the engagement tooth 43 of the toothing 41A, therefore allowing the rotation of the flange 41.

[0058] The engagement tooth 43 of the pawl 42 is then returned engaged with the toothing 41A thanks to the action of said second elastic means 46, while said first elastic means 25 elastically return said control portion 22A in the initial position.

[0059] Therefore, the rotary movement imparted by the user on the knob assembly 22 through the control portion 22A, both in the winding direction and in the unwinding direction of the cable 10, allows the engagement tooth 43 to surmount in succession, with reciprocating oscillations of the pawl 42, the teeth of the toothing 41A, then maintaining the position achieved through the temporary engagement of one of the teeth thereof.

[0060] Advantageously, said device 1 further comprises selective release means which can be actuated by a user so as to free the rotation of said spool 21 and therefore allow the quick release of the cable.

[0061] In particular, advantageously, said selective release means are adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means 40, being movable between a first position, neutral with respect to said locking means 40, wherein they allow the progressive locking of the rotary position of the spool 21 allowing the gradual and controlled winding/unwinding of the cable 10, and a second release position in which they disable said locking means 40 to free the rotation of said spool 21 and allow the quick release of the cable 10.

[0062] Furthermore, according to an advantageous characteristic of the present invention, said device 1 further comprises retaining means adapted to stably maintain said selective release means in the release position, so that the quick release of the cable 10 can continue independently even when the user stops the action thereof thereon.

[0063] According to a further characteristics of the present invention, irrespective of the position taken by said selective release means, the knob assembly 22 remains operatively connected, through the drive means 30, to the spool 21, rotating integrally joined therewith.

[0064] In the first embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, said selective release means are essentially formed by the control portion 22A, which can be moved along said second axis Y-Y through a pressure applied by the user, from the first position (shown in FIG. 4A), distal from said spool 21 and with the top surface preferably flush with the covering element 22B, to the second position (shown in FIG. 4B), proximal to said spool 21; the reverse movement occurs through an axial traction action of the control portion 22A carried out by the user along said second axis Y-Y.

[0065] The second position of said control portion 22A is maintained thanks to said retaining means 60 which, in this first embodiment, preferably comprise a retaining tooth 61 integrally joined with said control portion 22A and advantageously formed by a circumferential edge protruding into the central seat 220 thereof, and an elastically deformable element 62, preferably formed by an elastic ring having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the retaining tooth 61 and arranged trapped between said covering element 22B and said ring nut 22C.

[0066] Advantageously, said elastically deformable element 62 is configured so that, when said control portion 22A is in the first position, distal with respect to the spool 21, and during the actuation thereof by the user aimed at obtaining the gradual winding/unwinding of the cable 10, it does not interfere with the retaining tooth 61.

[0067] When the user desires to obtain the quick release of the cable 10, the user acts by applying an axial pressure on the knob assembly 22: such pressure induces the control portion 22A, initially arranged in the first position, to be screwed on the ring nut 22C roto-translating approaching the spool 21 and coming into contact, in the descending stroke thereof, with the first abutment portion 44 of the pawl 42, causing a rotation around said third rotation axis R-R of a degree such to disengage and move away said engagement tooth 43 from the radial toothing 41A of said flange 41.

[0068] When passing from the first position to the second position, the user must impart on the control portion 22A an evenly distributed pressure, such to cause a descending stroke of greater degree with respect to the one travelled to obtain the gradual unwinding of the cable 10, so as to allow the retaining tooth 61 to deform the ring 62 exerting a radial pressure thereon, until it overcomes it; subsequently, the ring 62 elastically returns to the previous condition, therefore counteracting the reverse movement of the control portion 22A, which is therefore maintained in the second position even when the user interrupts the pressure action thereon.

[0069] As a result, the rotary movement of the spool 21 is no longer controlled by the locking action carried out by the pawl 42 and therefore the cable 10, if subjected to a tension, drives the spool 21 in idle rotation around the first rotation axis X-X, therefore being quickly and non-controllably released by the tightening device 1.

[0070] In order to obtain the restoration of the controlled/incremental winding/unwinding operating mode of the cable 10 on the spool 21 one has to return the control portion 22A to the first position, that is the raised position with respect to the spool 21.

[0071] Such operation can be carried out by the user, axially driving the control portion 22A moving away from the spool 21; such movement causes a reverse roto-translation of the control portion 22A with respect to the ring nut 22C, forcing the retaining tooth 61 beyond the elastic ring 62.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows a device 1 according to a variant embodiment, comprising safety means 50 adapted to selectively cooperate with said locking means 40 to prevent them from being inadvertently disabled due to impacts.

[0073] In particular, advantageously, said safety means 50 can be moved between a neutral position, in which they do not interact with the locking means 40, and a safety position, set once there has been defined the desired tightening degree of the footwear 100, in which they prevent the pawl 42 from oscillating, maintaining the tooth 43 firmly engaged with the toothing 41A of the flange 41.

[0074] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, said safety means 50 are formed by a stiff arm 51 arranged in a specific side opening 26 obtained on said housing 24 so that a first end portion 51A thereof protrudes externally.

[0075] Said arm 51 is articulated at the second end portion 51B to said housing 24 around a fourth rotation axis Z-Z, essentially parallel to said first rotation axis X-X and preferably defined by a pin 52.

[0076] The second end 51B of the arm 51 is advantageously provided with a safety appendage 53, and said arm 51 can be rotatably moved by the user between a neutral position, in which said safety appendage 53 does not interact with said locking means 40, and a safety position, shown in FIG. 7, wherein said safety appendage 53 cooperates with an abutment portion 45 (shown in FIG. 6) conveniently protruding from the second end 42B of said pawl 42 below said abutment portion 44, being inserted beneath it, to prevent the oscillation thereof around said third rotation axis R-R.

[0077] Preferably, said stiff arm 51 further comprises a grub screw 55 and an elastically deformable element 56, such as a compression spring, which elastically pushes said grub screw 55 to engage a first and a second engagement hole 27, 28 suitably obtained in the housing case 24 at the side opening 26, to elastically retain said arm 51 respectively in the neutral position and in the safety position.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 8, shows a tightening device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. With respect to the description outlined above in relation to the first embodiment, the change therein lies in the fact that said selective release means 50 are formed by a selector comprising a stiff arm 51 arranged in a specific side opening 26 obtained on said housing 24 so that a first end portion 51A thereof protrudes externally.

[0079] Said arm 51 is articulated at the second end portion 51B to said housing 24 around a fourth rotation axis Z-Z, essentially parallel to said first rotation axis X-X and preferably defined by a pin 52.

[0080] Advantageously, from the second end portion 51B of said arm 51 there protrudes at least one release appendage 54 configured to selectively cooperate with a second abutment portion 44 conveniently protruding from the second end 42B of said pawl 42, below said first abutment portion 44, as better observed in FIG. 9.

[0081] Said selector 50 is therefore arranged and configured so that it can be moved by the user, acting on the first end 51A of the arm 51, by rotating in a direction of rotation shown in FIG. 8 by arrow B around said fourth axis Z-Z, between a first position, in which said release appendage 54 does not interact with the locking means 40, therefore allowing the controlled and progressive winding/unwinding of the cable 10 around the spool 21, and a second release position shown in FIGS. 9, 11A and 11B, in which said release appendage 54 disables said locking means 40 so as to free the rotation of the spool 21 and therefore allow the quick release of the cable 10.

[0082] To this end, said release appendage 54 is advantageously cam-shaped or inclined, and configured so as to lie, when said selector 50 is in the release position, on the second abutment portion 44 of the pawl 42, so as to cause the rotation of the latter around said third rotation axis R-R and involve the disengagement of the engagement tooth 43 from the radial toothing 41A of the flange 41.

[0083] Advantageously, the retaining means 60 of said device 1 are configured stably keep the selector 50 in the release position and comprise a retaining grub screw 61 mounted on said arm 51 and associated with an elastically deformable element 62, such as a compression spring, which elastically pushes it to engage a first engagement hole 65 suitably provided in the housing case 24 at the side opening 26.

[0084] Possibly, a second engagement hole 66 may be provided for at the side opening 26 of the casing 24 and arranged to receive the grub screw 61, pushed by the spring 62, when said selector 50 takes the first position.

[0085] Advantageously, said selector 50 may be moved by the user, by rotating in a second direction of rotation shown in FIG. 8 of arrow C, around said fourth rotation axis Z-Z, until it reaches a safety position in which, once the desired tightening degree has been reached, it interacts with said locking means 40 so as to prevent them from being inadvertently disabled due to impacts.

[0086] To this end, said selector 50 advantageously has a safety appendage 53, protruding from the second end portion 51B of the arm 51 below and laterally with respect to said release appendage 54, and configured so that, when said selector 50 is rotatably moved in the safety position, shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, it is arranged at said second abutment portion 44 of the pawl 42, being inserted beneath it as shown in FIG. 10, preventing the rotation of the latter around the third rotation axis R-R and therefore the disengagement of the tooth 43 from the toothing 41A.

[0087] Advantageously, said casing 24 may have, at said side opening 26, a third engagement hole 67 suitably arranged to receive said locking grub screw 61 pushed by the spring 62 when said selector 50 reaches the safety position.

[0088] In conclusion, in the light of the above it is clear that the present invention allows to attain the initially envisaged objects and advantages. As a matter of fact, there has been provided a reel-based tightening device incorporating the function of quick release of the traction cable.

[0089] In particular, the reel-based tightening device according to the present invention is rather practical given that it comprises selective release means which can be actuated by the user and retaining means configured so as to allow that the quick release of the cable can continue independently even when the user stops the action thereon.

[0090] Furthermore, it is clear that a reel-based tightening device according to the present invention is rather strong and compact, that is provided with a recessed profile with respect to the prior art devices.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention there is further proposed a reel-based tightening device that is even safer, incorporating safety means which can be actuated by the user and configured to prevent the inadvertent release of the cable due to impacts when performing sports activities or an involuntary actuation of the release means.

[0092] Obviously, the present invention is susceptible to numerous applications, modifications or variants without departing from the scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims. Furthermore, the materials and equipment used in the present invention, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the individual components, may be the most appropriate depending on the specific requirements.