AU2016101551A4 - Fastening lace comprising tubular lace body - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastening lace comprising a tubular lace body made from an elastic material having bulges disposed repeatedly at intervals, the bulges changing in diameter according to a magnitude of axial-direction tension applied thereto, in which, of a central tube portion constituted of the tubular structure of the lace body, portions corresponding to a central portion of the bulges have a spherical shape. FIG. 1 FIG. 3 OAK' ... ~'\ ~'4i~ ~' 5r~ 'C N N k N 'V CCC: N FIG 2 FIG. 4 ,\..'\,N '.NV,, 4 N CjcvZ Li r /

Description

FASTENING LACE COMPRISING TUBULAR LACE BODY

Technical Field

I

The present invention relates to a lace comprising a tubular lace body.

Background Art

For a lace that must be passed through a hole to fasten, as in a shoelace, a known conventional technique is a lace formed using an elastic string-like material such as rubber as a core serving as the center, with the outer circumference of the core being covered with fiber, in which a bulge, which catches on a through-hole once it has passed through the through-hole as in a shoelace, is woven into the fiber portion of the outer circumference, and as a result, loosening does not occur even when the lace has not been tied.

The operating principal of the bulge that is woven in so as to catch on a through-hole once it has passed through the through-hole lies in the structure of the bulge, which changes in diameter in response to tension applied to the lace. That is, the lace has a structure in which the rubber as the core and the rubber serving as the core are affixed at both ends, and a plurality of non-elastic (plastic) bulges to which the center is not affixed are woven in. By applying tension to the rubber serving as the core, the rubber is elongated, and therefore the distance between the two ends of the bulge is elongated, and as a result, the central portion of the bulge therebetween is flattened and its diameter decreases.

Additionally, when the tension is released, the rubber again returns to its original length, and therefore, the distance between the two ends of the bulge returns to the original distance, and as a result, the bulge is again restored to the original bulge shape and its diameter increases.

In this way, a shoelace that does not loosen even if not tied can be achieved because flattening and restoration of the bulge - that is, the size of the diameter of the bulge - can be manipulated by the tension applied to the lace, and when the lace is passed through a hole, the bulge is flattened and reduced in diameter and passes easily through the hole as described above, and when passing of the lace through the hole has been completed, the bulge is restored and enlarged in diameter by reducing the tension applied to the lace.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses prior art relating to such a lace having bulges.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3493002

Summary of the Invention & Problems to the Solved by the Invention

However, in the above-described prior art, because the two ends of the non-elastic bulge are affixed to rubber serving as the core, the portions of rubber that are in an affixed relationship with the two ends of the bulge do not stretch even when high tension is applied to the lace. This is because in the bulge, nonelastic fibers are woven and the rubber portions are in an affixed relationship with the non-elastic fibers.

Furthermore, expansion and contraction of the rubber portion corresponding to the central portion of the bulge are repeated each time high tension is repeatedly applied to the lace.

In other words, even with the same elastic core, a portion that drastically expands and contracts coexists with a portion that does not expand and contract at all, and high strain accumulates at the boundary region between them, and when the strain reaches a limit, it ultimately ruptures. A problem with this art is that an operation by which strain accumulates in a relatively weak material like rubber is an essential operation.

Means for Solving Problems [0007]

To solve such problems as described above, the present invention proposes a lace comprising a tubular lace body made from an elastic material having bulges disposed repeatedly at intervals, the bulges changing in diameter according to a magnitude of axial-direction tension applied thereto.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention [0008]

According to the present invention constituted as described above, a lace having excellent economy and efficiency which does not readily rupture and does not readily loosen or slacken even when untied can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] FIG. lisa figure illustrating a part of the lace of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a figure illustrating a state in which axial-direction tension has been applied to the lace of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a figure illustrating a usage example of a case in which the lace of the present invention is used as a shoelace. FIG. 4 is a figure illustrating a usage example of a case in which the lace of the present invention is used as a lace for pants. FIG. 5 is a figure illustrating an example of the flow of fastening using the lace of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the entirety of the lace of embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a section view of a side face of embodiment 3. FIG. 8 is a section view of a side face of embodiment 4. FIG. 9 is a section view of a side face of embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the weave portions of the lace body of embodiment 6. FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the left and right side faces of the lace of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a section view of a case in which the lace of the present invention has been configured in a rubber tube shape.

[Embodiments] [0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below together with drawings. The mutual relationships between the embodiments and the claims are as follows. First, Embodiment 1 corresponds mainly to Claim 1. Embodiment 2 corresponds mainly to Claim F Embodiment 3 corresponds mainly to Claim 1. Embodiment 4 corresponds mainly to Claim 2. Embodiment 5 corresponds mainly to Claim 3. Embodiment 6 corresponds mainly to Claim 4. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and may be implemented in a variety of modes within a scope that does not deviated from the spirit thereof.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a part of the lace of the present invention. As illustrated in the drawing, the lace of this embodiment is characterized by comprising a tubular lace body made from an elastic material having bulges disposed repeatedly at intervals, the bulges changing in diameter according to a magnitude of axial-direction tension applied thereto. Due to having this constitution, a lace that does not readily rupture even when strong tension is repeatedly applied to the lace body can be realized.

[0012]

Here, the design of the lace of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 continues only to the left and right in a front view, and FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the left and right side faces of the lace of the present invention. <Constitution> [0013]

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the “lace” 0100 of the present embodiment consists of a tubular lace body having bulges disposed repeatedly at intervals. Specifically, the lace is arranged by repeating “central portions” 0101 and “end portions” 0102. On the other hand, FIG. 2 illustrates the lace of the present embodiment in a state where axial-direction tension has been applied. As illustrated in the drawing, the diameter of the bulge portions contracts due to axial-direction tension being applied. Then, when the tension that was applied in the axial direction is released, the diameter of the bulge portions expands as the lace body contracts.

[0014]

In regard to the “bulges” in the lace of the present embodiment, “repeatedly disposed at intervals” indicates a state in which a plurality of bulges are disposed on the lace. The plurality of bulges should be disposed with the respective central portions disposed at intervals, and those intervals do not have to be uniform. That is, the bulges may be disposed with the central portions at constant intervals or disposed randomly, and the intervals are a matter of design. As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, laces corresponding to a variety of different purposes of use, such as fastening shoes on the feet and fastening pants on the waist, can be provided by the lace of the present embodiment having this constitution.

[0015]

Furthermore, with regard to the bulges, “changing in diameter according to a magnitude of axial-direction tension applied thereto” indicates specifically that the diameter decreases as the axial-direction tension increases, and the diameter that had decreased increases as the tension becomes weaker.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the flow of fastening the lace of the present embodiment. The process flow of this diagram consists of the following steps. First, in step S0501, axial-direction tension is applied to the lace, and the diameter of the bulge contracts so as to become small. Then, in step S0502, in the state where tension has been applied, the lace is passed through a lace hole. Then, in step S0503, it is determined whether or not the length of the lace passed through the lace hole is an appropriate length for maintaining a fastened relationship. If it is not an appropriate length, the operation of step S0502 is repeated and the operation of passing the lace through the lace hole continues to be performed. If it is an appropriate length, the processing proceeds to step S0504. In step S0504, the axial-direction tension is decreased and the bulge diameter expands so as to become large. By performing such operations, it is ultimately possible to maintain a fastened relationship due to a bulge being caught on the lace hole without the user going through the operation of tying the laces.

[0017]

Furthermore, the “bulge” that the lace of the present invention possesses indicates a portion having a larger diameter than the diameter of the portion that does not have a bulge in a state where no axial-direction tension has been applied. That is, a bulge is a part of the lace body, and of course, like the lace body, is made from an elastic material to be described in detail later.

[0018] “Made from an elastic material” means that the lace is made of a material having the property of stretching and contracting. Natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers and the like may be considered as the elastic material, and the entire lace may be configured in a rubber tube as illustrated in FIG. 12 using these materials alone, or using a combination of these materials and non-elastic materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polyurethane. In any case, due to the entire lace body having a constitution made from elastic material, it is possible to provide a lace in which strain does not occur in portions of the lace and which does not readily rupture even when strong tension is repeatedly applied to the lace body, because the entire lace made from elastic material expands and contracts due to axial-direction tension being applied. <Advantageous Effects> [0019]

The lace of the present embodiment having this constitution can be used repeatedly while maintaining the bulge shape even when strong tension is applied to the lace body, and can solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art. «Embodiment 2» <Summary> [0020] FIG. 6 is an oblique view illustrating the entirety of the lace of this embodiment. As illustrated in the drawing, the lace of the present embodiment is basically the same as the lace described in Embodiment 1, but is characterized in that the elastic material is constituted of a weave of a rubber-like material and a non-elastic ordinary material. By having a constitution characterized in this way, it can expand and contract in the axial direction without applying much of a load to the lace. functional Constitution> [0021]

The constitution of the lace of the present embodiment is basically common to the lace of Embodiment 1 described using FIG. 1 and so forth. For this reason, it will be described below with a focus on the constitution of the elastic material, which is a point of difference.

[0022] “Rubber-like material” indicates a thread-like material having excellent elasticity like rubber, and has the function of giving rise to the advantageous effect of stretching well by the application of force in the axial direction. Here, “rubber-like” is an expression indicating only the physical properties of a material, and is not intended to exclude rubber itself as a subject material. Therefore, “rubber-like material” stated here encompasses rubber itself, regardless of type such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber.

Due to the fact that the rubber-like material has a weave structure, it can stretch sufficiently with a small amount of force when axial-direction tension is applied to the lace.

[0023] “Non-elastic ordinary material” indicates a fiber material having poor elasticity compared to the aforementioned rubber-like material. That is, “non-elastic” is a technical term meaning “poor in elasticity,” and does not mean “having no elasticity .” Examples of non-elastic ordinary materials include fiber materials such as the aforementioned polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polyurethane. Due to having a structure in which these ordinary materials, which are fiber materials of high linear density, are woven in, it can form a lace that is robust and does not readily rupture. Additionally, due to using ordinary materials, it is possible to mold bulges of a variety of shapes that are difficult to mold with rubber-like material alone.

[0024]

Furthermore, the elastic material of the present embodiment is constituted by weaving the rubber-like material and the ordinary material with each other. Here, “weaving” indicates all methods of weaving such that the rubber-like material and the ordinary material mutually intersect. By using this constitution, the advantages of using the rubber-like material and the advantages of using the ordinary material can be simultaneously realized. Specifically, due to the fact that the rubber-like material is woven with a robust ordinary material, it contracts and does not readily rupture even when strong axial-direction tension is applied due to frictional force that occurs. Also, due to the fact that the ordinary material is woven with a rubber-like material, it can expand and contract in the axial direction without excessive load being applied.

[0025]

Furthermore, the timing with which the materials are made to intersect during weaving and the quantity of each of the used materials may be determined as appropriate. That is, the ratio of rubber-like material to ordinary material may be equal at 1:1, or a greater amount of ordinary materials may be used, such as in a ratio of 1:5 or 1:7. Here, to assure sufficient elasticity to achieve the functions served by the lace of the present embodiment, a ratio of rubber-like material to ordinary material of about 1:7 may be considered.

[0026]

Next will be described a method for forming bulges provided in the lace body in the lace of the present embodiment in which the lace body made from an elastic material is constituted of a weave. As described previously, the bulges must be formed such that they change in diameter when axial-direction tension is applied to the lace, and this function of the lace must be assured with a woven structure as well. As a specific method that may be considered, for the bulge portions, the weaving of the lace is partially given different timing, such as relaxing the weave compared to the other portions of the lace, so that it can respond to changes in diameter due to axial-direction tension. Due to having such a weave, it can be constituted of a series of rubber-like materials and ordinary materials without piecing together individual woven materials in the central portions and the end portions of the bulges in the lace body, to enable bending of the bulge portions such that they expand and contract. <Advantageous Effects> [0027]

In addition to having the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, the lace of the present embodiment having the above-described constitution that uses ordinary material makes it possible to form laces of various designs, and additionally, not only is it robust and not easily ruptured, the fibrous ordinary material can mitigate resistance with holes and make it slide easily. «Embodiment 3» <Summary> [0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a summary of the lace of this embodiment. As illustrated in the drawing, the lace of the present embodiment is basically the same as the lace described in Embodiment 1, but is characterized in that a bulge core made from a non-elastic material is configured in a central “tube portion” 0703 constituted by the tubular structure of the lace body, and there is a “central lace” 0705 balled up at a “bulge corresponding portion” 0704 so as to conform to changes in distance between the two ends of the bulge in response to changes in bulge diameter. By having a configuration with such characteristics, it has the advantageous effect of preventing the bulge portions of the lace body from being difficult to restore as a result of the lace being used repeatedly. functional Constitution> [0029]

The constitution of the lace of the present embodiment is basically common to the lace of Embodiment 1 described using FIG. 1 and so forth. For this reason, it will be described below with a focus on the central lace, which is a point of difference.

[0030]

The “central lace” has the function of conforming to changes in distance between the two ends of the bulge in response to changes in bulge diameter. It constitutes the core of the bulge and is balled up at a bulge corresponding portion. “Changes in distance between the two ends of the bulge in response to changes in bulge diameter” indicates the characteristics of the lace of the present invention that the bulge diameter changes due to some axial-direction tension being applied to the lace body, and that the distance between the ends of the bulge also changes so as to correspond to that change in diameter. Also, the “function of conforming” means a function in which, for example, when the distance between the ends of the bulge is short, the below-mentioned balled-up portion of the central lace balls up even more so as to contract, and when the distance between the ends widens, the balled-up portion of the central lace expands.

Here, the balled-up portion of the central lace is provided in the portions of the lace body corresponding to the bulges. With this constitution, while no tension is applied, the elastic material that constitutes the lace body forms bulges so as to run along the bulge corresponding portions of the central lace, and therefore, the bulge corresponding portions function as cores for forming the bulges. Also, due to the fact that on the inside there is also a central lace that functions as a core, the bulges can be firm enough to withstand repeated use. To make the central lace function as the core of the bulges, the positions of the bulge corresponding portions must not deviate. To assure this function as a core of the bulges, the central lace must link together the respective bulge corresponding portions to form a lacelike structure affixed with the lace at, for example, the ends of the lace or the like.

[0031]

Furthermore, because the central lace need not have a function of making the lace expand and contract, it does not need to be made from an elastic material and may be made from a non-elastic material. That is, even when axial-direction tension is applied to the lace body and it stretches, the central lace does not stretch like the aforementioned rubber-like material does. The central lace is somewhat longer than the lace body, and the “balled-up portions” have a helical shape, for example. By having this constitution, a situation in which the balled-up portions get tangled and the bulges are difficult to restore can be averted even when the lace is repeatedly expanded and contracted. <Advantageous Effects> [0032]

In addition to having the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, the lace of the present embodiment < having the above-described constitution has the advantageous effect of preventing a situation in which the bulge portions of the lace body become difficult to restore as a result of repeated use of the lace. «Embodiment 4» <Summary> [0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a summary of the lace of this embodiment. As illustrated in the drawing, the lace of the present embodiment is basically the same as the lace described in Embodiment 1, but is characterized in that a “central portion of the bulge” 0801 of the lace body has a diameter W1 of not less than 1.5 times the diameter W2 of the “bulge end portion” 0802 in the state where axial-direction tension is zero. By having such a characteristic regarding the shape of the bulge, the lace is not only easily caught on a hole, but also can be moved smoothly while the length is adjusted. functional Constitution> [0034]

The constitution of the lace of the present embodiment is basically common to the lace of Embodiment 1 described using FIG. 1 and so forth. For this reason, it will be described below with a focus on the size of the bulge diameter, which is a point of difference.

[0035]

The “state where axial-direction tension is zero” indicates a state where no force that pulls the lace occurs. In this state, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the central portion of the bulge has a larger diameter than the two end portions, and functions as a fastener by causing the bulge to be caught on a hole.

[0036]

On the other hand, when the diameter of the central portion of the bulge gets excessively large, the balance of the shape of the entire lace is destroyed and esthetics are lost. Not only that, in order to pass the lace through the hole, the diameter of the central portion of the bulge must be reduced and the lace must be pulled excessively in the axial direction to equalize the diameter of the entire lace. Since it is assumed that laces are widely used as fasteners or ties in daily life by both men and women, young and old, it is preferable for the diameter of the central portion of the bulge to change by application of as little axial-direction tension as possible so that weak elderly people and children can use the lace. For this reason, it is desirable for the diameter to be such that the entire lace is equalized with little axial-direction tension.

[0037]

In this regard, when the lace of the present invention was prepared with 7 mm as the diameter of the central portion of the bulge of the lace body and 4 mm as the diameter of the two end portions, the diameter of the bulge became small and the lace body was equalized without applying particularly great axial-direction tension. <Advantageous Effects> [0038]

In addition to having the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, the lace of the present embodiment having the above-described constitution is not only easily caught on a hole, but also can be moved smoothly while the length is adjusted. «Embodiment 5» <Summary> [0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a summary of the lace of this embodiment. As illustrated in the drawing, the lace of the present embodiment is basically the same as the lace described in Embodiment 1, but is characterized in that a “central portion of the bulge” 0901 of the lace body has a diameter W3 of not greater than 1.3 times the diameter W4 of the “bulge end portion” 0902 in the state where axial-direction tension has been applied. By having a constitution having such a characteristic, the lace can be passed smoothly through a hole without being caught on the hole. functional Constitution> [0040]

The constitution of the lace of the present embodiment is basically common to the lace of Embodiment 1 described using FIG. 1 and so forth. For this reason, it will be described below with a focus on the size of the bulge diameter in the state where axial-direction tension has been applied to the lace body, which is a point of difference.

[0041]

The “state where axial-direction tension has been applied” indicates a state where the lace body has been pulled. In this state, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the diameter of the central portion of the bulge is smaller than in the state where axial-direction tension is zero, and it functions such that the lace can be passed smoothly through a hole without being caught on the hole. Therefore, in order for the bulge to serve this function, the diameter must be small enough to pass through a hole even in a state where axial-direction tension has been applied. A “diameter small enough to pass through a hole even in a state where axial-direction tension has been applied” most preferably means that it ultimately becomes the same size as the diameter of the two end portions of the bulge. However, since there is a leeway portion inside the tube, even if the diameter of the central portion of the bulge is somewhat larger than the diameter of the two end portions, it can be passed through a hole having about the same diameter as the end portions due to the bulge portion contracting toward the leeway portion when passed through the hole.

[0042]

In this regard, the lace of the present invention was prepared with 7 mm as the diameter of the central portion of the bulge of the lace body and 4 mm as the diameter of the end portions, and when axial-direction tension sufficient to pass it through a 4 mm diameter hole was applied, it could be passed through even in the state where the diameter of the bulge was approximately 5 mm. <Advantageous Effects> [0043]

In addition to having the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, the lace of the present embodiment having the above-described constitution can be passed smoothly through a hole without being caught on the hole. «Embodiment 6» <Summary> [0044] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the weave portions of the lace body of this embodiment. As illustrated in the drawing, the lace of the present embodiment is basically the same as the lace described in Embodiment 1, but is characterized in that the aforementioned weave of the lace body is woven with an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the axial direction. functional Constitution> [0045]

The constitution of the lace of the present embodiment is basically common to the lace of Embodiment 1 described using FIG. 1 and so forth. For this reason, it will be described below with a focus on the angle of the weave of the lace body, which is a point of difference.

[0046]

As illustrated in FIG. 10, “the weave of the lace body is woven with an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the axial direction” indicates that the rubber-like material and the ordinary material are woven so as to result in an angle of substantially 45 degrees. While it is desirable that the lace body is not caught on a hole to the extent possible when the lace body is passed through the hole as has been explained up to now, in the case of fastening by catching on a hole, the surface shape of the bulge may change in addition to the size of the diameter of the bulge changing. Specifically, the smoother the surface shape of the bulge, the less readily it gets caught when passed through a hole. Here, the more gentle the angle when weaving the materials, the looser the weave, and as a result, the more readily the bulge gets caught on a hole. On the other hand, the sharper the angle, the smaller the diameter of the lace body, and as a result, the bulge diameter required for it to get caught on a hole becomes relatively large, and it is difficult to reduce the bulge diameter and pass the bulge through a hole unless strong axial-direction tension is applied.

[0047]

In this regard, when using a lace of the present invention consisting of a lace body formed by a weave in which a rubber-like material and an ordinary material are woven with an angle of approximately 45 degrees, the lace can be passed smoothly through a hole without the above-described negative effects occurring. <Advantageous Effects> [0048]

In addition to having the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, the lace of the present embodiment having the above-described constitution can be passed smoothly through a hole.

[Description of Reference Numerals] [0049] 0100 Lace 0101 Central portion of bulge 0102 End portion of bulge 0103 End 0200 Lace 0201 Central portion of bulge 0202 End portion of bulge 0701 Central portion of bulge 0702 End portion of bulge 0703 Tube portion 0704 Bulge corresponding portion 0705 Central lace 1201 Central portion of bulge 1202 End portion of bulge

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS [Claim 1] A fastening lace comprising a tubular lace body made from an elastic material having bulges disposed repeatedly at intervals, the bulges changing in diameter according to a magnitude of axial-direction tension applied thereto, in which, of a central tube portion constituted of the tubular structure of the lace body, portions corresponding to a central portion of the bulges have a spherical shape, [Claim
2. 2] The fastening lace according to claim 1, wherein the elastic material is constituted of a weave of a rubber-like material and a non-elastic ordinary material. [Claim
3. 3] The fastening lace according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bulges of the lace body have a diameter of not less than 1.5 times the diameter of the portions of the lace body that have no bulges in the state where axial-direction tension is zero. [Claim
4. 4] The fastening lace according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the bulges of the lace body have a diameter of not greater than 1.3 times the diameter of the portions of the lace body that have no bulges in the state where axial-direction tension has been applied. [Claim
5. 5] The fastening lace according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weave of the lace body is woven with an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the axial direction.