MXPA97002691A - Element of cie - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure element for receiving and guiding a belt, comprising an elastic helocoidal wrapping structure having spaces between the turns and having a first end and a second end, where the wrapping structure defines a path circular to guide the tape, first and second clasp brackets each having first end attached to the first and second ends of the helical structure, where the bracket holders have second ends and are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the path to guide the tape; and an inclined base structure connected to a second end of the first and second support of the uni

Description

CLOSING ELEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to closure systems using cords or tapes and, more particularly, to a closure element that can be used in the closure system of a shoe, garments or any other element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many articles employ closure systems that have eyelets and ribbons. For example, garments, awnings, tarpaulins, laundry bags and the like, typically use cords or strings strung through openings to secure a flap or opening. In particular, most sports shoes use little eyes and laces. A sports shoe is generally divided into two parts, the cut, designed to comfortably enclose the user's foot, and the sole to make contact with a surface. Normally, the cutting of a sports shoe includes a mouth having a tongue and may be formed of several capable that are sewn or glued together. The closure system of a shoe with tapes conventionally uses a threaded shoe from the bottom of the mouth of the shoe through two opposite rows of eyelets spaced equidistantly located on opposite sides of the mouth. The two ends of the shoelaces are tightened tightly and tied in a knot or knot to secure the shoe to the foot. Each time the shoe is removed, the knot is undone and the two ends of the shoe loosen from the little eyes. The edges of the mouth are then separated to loosen the tongue and then removed at the foot of the shoe. When the shoe is to be used again, the shoe loosens additionally between several of the eyes so that additional space is provided for the foot to slide comfortably into the shoe. The two ends of the strap are then pulled to eliminate the slack in the tape and the two ends are tied. Before and during sports activities such as racing, basketball, tennis and other sports, the tapes of a sports shoe must be carefully adjusted by the user to effect the proper tension of the tied shoe and shoe on the foot. These adjustments consume time and require the user to readjust the length of the tape between the small eyes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A closure element to be used as part of a closure system improves the common and time consuming task of adjusting the individual tapes of a shoe to achieve the necessary adjustment. The closure element has a helical wrapping structure for receiving and guiding a ribbon or cord, at least one support pin and a base. A plurality of closure elements may be used to line a closure system for a shoe, garment, awnings, tarpaulins or some other element. An alternative embodiment of the closure element has a helical wrapping structure incorporating a hook element, at least one support pin and a base. The user can hook a ribbon between the interstices of the hook structure instead of stringing the ribbon through the helical structure. The closure elements presented can be used in a shoe closure system that allows the user to quickly and efficiently tie the shoe to the foot. As the user walks with the shoe, the tension between opposite closure elements will automatically adjust to provide a firm but comfortable fit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure IA is a side view of a shoe containing closure elements according to the invention; Figure IB is a top view of the front portion of the shoe of Figure IA; Figure 1C is a front view of an article of clothing containing closure elements according to the invention; Figure ID is a front view of an awning containing closure elements according to the invention; Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are a perspective view, a front view and a side view, respectively, of a closure element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.; Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view of the closure element of Figure 2C taken along line A-A; Figures 3A and 3B are front and side views, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a closure element in accordance with the invention; Figure 3C is a first embodiment of a cross-sectional area of a helical wrapping structure taken along line BB of the Figure Figure 3D is a second embodiment of a cross-sectional area of a helical wrapping structure taken along line BB of Figure 3B.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. IA is a side view of a shoe 10 having a sole 12 and a cut 14. FIG. IB is a top view of the front portion 5 of the cut 14 of the shoe 10 of FIG. The cutout 14 includes a mouth 15 having opposite side faces 16 and 17. A tongue 18 extends through the mouth 15. The shoe 10 is secured to the foot of a user by a shoe 19 threaded through a closure system . An automatically adjustable tension closure system in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of closure elements 20. Figure 1C is a front view of a hooded sweatshirt 60 employing a closure system 61 that utilizes the closure elements of according to the invention. In particular, the closure elements 20 are shown joined opposite one another in a uniform configuration on a first side 62 and on a second side 64 of the upper portion 63 of the chest of the sweatshirt 60. The term "uniform configuration" carries the connotation that each closure element 20 of the first side 62 is paired with a closure element 20 of the second side 64. A cord or ribbon or cord 65 made of cotton or other material is threaded through the closure elements 20. One second closure system 66 is shown which also utilizes closure elements 20 in a uniform configuration and a rope 67. The closure systems 61 and 66 allow the user of the sweatshirt 60 to quickly and easily tighten the sweatshirt to the body to provide an adjustment tight. Figure ID is a front view of an awning 70 having closed fins 72, 73 containing a closure system 71 using closure elements in accordance with the invention. In particular, it is shown that the closure elements 20 are attached to the fins 72, 73 of the awning in an alternate configuration or in three bobbin with the front 74 of the awning 70. The term "alternate configuration or in three bobbin" means that the closure elements 20 on the flap 72 of the tent are not directly through it and, thus, do not align with the closure elements 20 on the flap 73 of the awning. In Figure ID, a cord 75 made of skin or other material is threaded through the wrapping elements 20 and is tensioned from the inside of the tent 70 to quickly and securely close the fins 72 and 73 of the store. Because the closure elements 20 are connected in an alternating configuration or, in three roll, when the cord 75 is tensioned the helical wrapping structures 26 (shown, for example, in Figures 2A and 2B) of the closure elements 20 will be aligned to tightly or tightly close the fins 72 and 73 of the tent, as shown. This fast and tight or narrow closure is advantageous, for example, to prevent rain or snow from making contact with the camper within the store 70. It will be apparent from the above examples illustrated in the FIGS. of closure according to the invention could be used in closure systems for numerous applications. For example, fasteners could be used on tarpaulins, cargo truck bed linings, various garments and other items. Figure 2A is a perspective view of a closure elements 20 in accordance with the invention. The closure element 20 includes a base portion 22, support clips 23, 24 and a helical wrapping structure 26. The helical wrapping structure 26 has the shape of a spring and like a spring is a little elastic to provide function when a tape or cord is strained. In particular, a characteristic of a spring is its ability to store and release energy when it is bent or twisted. Similarly, when for example, a shoe is threaded through the helical wrapping structure 26 of each of the closure elements 20 into a shoe 10 and is then tensioned, as shown in Figure IB, there may initially be an unequal voltage along the closure system. However, when the user takes a few steps with the shoe, the helical structure of each of the closure elements 20 will be rolled or unrolled to redistribute the tension therebetween which results in a comfortable fit of the shoe on the foot. Figure 2B is a front view and Figure 2C is a side view of the closure element 20 of Figure 2A. The helical wrapping structure 26 as shown in Figures 2A-2D has four turns to define four closed circles, but may contain as few as two rounds or as many as six rounds. In the example shown, the circular opening 25 through the helical wrapping structure 26 is sized to allow easy taping of the shoelaces. The base 22 can be surged or riveted, for example, to a layer of the material 13 of the cut of a shoe 10 (see, for example, Figures IA and IB). Referring to the side view of the closure element 20 of Figure 2C, the diameter D of the opening 25 through the turns of the helical wrapping structure 26 for use with a shoe is approximately 7 millimeters, but it may be so small as 3.5 mm. An opening having a diameter D of the order of 3.5 to 7 millimeters is larger than the uncompressed cross section of a tack, which allows a tack to pass freely through the helical structure 26. Thus, a sports shoe having a plurality of opposite closure elements 20, as shown in Figures IA and IB, can be closed with tapes quickly by threading the shoe through the openings 25 of each closure element 20 and pulling tightly the ends of the shoe . Of course, if the closure element 20 will be used in another application other than a shoe, such as those shown in Figures 1C or ID, then a larger or smaller opening size 25 could be used depending on the cord, the cord or the tape that would be used. Referring again to Figure 2C, the thickness between the arrows T-. - T2 of the helical wrapping structure 26 is preferably approximately 2 millimeters and, the thickness between the arrows Sx-S2 of the support brooches 23, 24 is preferably approximately 3 millimeters. As shown, the base portion 22 is ramp-shaped and has a thickness of approximately 3 millimeters at the point Px and 0.5 millimeters thick at the point P7. the ramp shape of the base allows the stitches to be sewn more easily through it or, allows the rivets to pass more easily through it. The length from the point P3 at the top of the support pin 24 to the point P2 at the bottom of the base is approximately 22 millimeters and, the width W (shown in Figure 2B) of the base is approximately 22 millimeters . A shoe can withstand up to 120 pounds of force applied when a user tightens or tightens the shoelaces. Therefore, a closure element 20 must be strong enough to retain the circular shape of the openings through the helical structure 26 when it is under this tension, but it must be flexible enough to be slightly deformed so that the shoe self-adjusts to provide comfort Consequently, the closing element 20 may be a linear piece formed thermally surprised of semi-rigid plastic materials or of a high-density elastic plastic. Alternatively, the closure element can be manufactured from a high density polyurethane or it can be made of metal or, of a composite of materials, such as a metal wire coated with a plastic or rubber material. The closure element 20 can be manufactured in an injection molding process or it can be formed as a one piece metallic component. Figure 2D is a cross-sectional front view of the closure element 20 taken along the line B-B of Figure 2C. As shown, the cross-sectional area 28 of the helical structure 26 has a semicircular shape, to stop a flat and smooth interior surface 29 that allows a needle to pass through it with a minimum amount of friction. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the cross-sectional area 28 may be spherical or have some other shape, which may depend on the application and / or the manufacturing method. Referring to Figure IB, it is shown that the catch 19 is threaded through the closure elements 20 which are uniformly spaced around the opposite edges 16 and 17 of the mouth 15. However, it is shown that the closure elements 20a are also attached to the cut 14 in places that are away from the mouth 15. In this way, the user can thread the shoe 18 through some or all of the closure elements 20 and 20a. Alternatively, the closure elements can be attached or connected in other positions remote from the mouth 15. In addition, the closure elements 20 could be separated non-uniformly in an alternate configuration or in three bundles, for example, on opposite sides of the mouth 15. These alternative configurations could be used to achieve different tensioning configurations. For example, three closure elements 20 can be connected on the side 16, while on the side 17 five closure elements 20 could be connected. These alternate configurations can be beneficial for people having the feet of different widths and / or whose personal preferences vary about the tightness of the fit of the shoe to the foot. In this way, a shoe manufacturer can join the closure elements in different configurations to build various wrapping systems. Figures 3A and 3B represent an alternative embodiment of a closure element 30 for use in a closure system. Figure 3A is a front view of the closure element 30 including a base 32, angled support clips 33, 34 and a generally helical structure 36. The helical structure 36 contains a hook element 37 which will be explained in detail later. In the example shown, the closure element 30 is for use in a closure system of a shoe. The dimensions are therefore as follows: the width Wx of the base is approximately 24 mm and, the height E is approximately 15 mm. The total length from the bottom of the base to the top of the helical structure 36 is approximately 37 millimeters. The width 2 of the helical structure is approximately 16.5 millimeters. Figure 3B is a side view of the closure element 30 of Figure 3A, illustrating the opening 38 of circular shape through the helical structure 36. The diameter of the opening 38 is preferably between 3.5 and 7.5 millimeters to allow the easy taping of a shoe through it, but sizes of smaller or larger openings can be used, depending on the application and, the turns of the helical structure 36 are approximately 2 millimeters thick. The base 32 has a ramp-shaped portion having a length H2 of about 10 millimeters. The ramp-shaped portion of the base 32 allows the pompoms to be sewn more easily through it or allows the rivets to pass through it more easily. The thickness of the support clips 33, 34 is about 3 millimeters and the thinnest part of the base 32 at the point 31 is about 0.5 millimeters thick. As mentioned above, a closure element for use with a shoe must be strong but flexible, to neutralize the tension applied when the tapes are tensioned and to allow the shoe to self-adjust to provide comfort. Accordingly, the closure element 30 can be a thermally formed linear part composed of a semi-rigid plastic material or a high density elastic plastic. In alternative form, the closure element can be made of a high density polyurethane or, it can be made of metal or, it can be made of a composite material such as a metallic wire covered with a plastic or rubber material. The closure element 30 can be manufactured in an injection molding process or it can be formed as a one-piece metallic component. Referring again to Figure 3A, a hook structure 37 is shown at half the width 2. The hook structure 37 allows a user to hook a shoe between the interstices 35 and 39 instead of thread the shoe through the window. the opening 38 (shown in Figure 3B). The spaces 35, 39 are, thus, 3.5 millimeters wide or wider to allow a tack to be easily threaded around them, but may be larger or smaller for other applications. This particularity allows the user of a shoe to fasten it with the closing element 30 very quickly. It should be understood that two or more hook structures could be formed along the length of the helical structure 36 to allow a user to select one or more connection points on that closure element 30 for the shoe. If a plurality of closure elements 30 is used to form a shoe wrapping system, on opposite sides 16, 17 of a shoe mouth (as shown in Figures IA and IB), the user could choose to thread the shoe. through the opening 38 of some of the closure elements 30 and hooking the shoe around the hook structure 37 of the other closure elements 30. This configuration would provide alternative stresses along the tongue of the shoe. Figure 3C is a first embodiment 40 in cross section taken along the line B-B of Figure 3B of the helical structure 36. As shown, the cross-sectional area 42 is spherical. In this way, the inner surface 44 which contacts a ribbon or cord is rounded, which minimizes friction between the tape and the closure element as the tape is either hooked thereon or threaded to a cross section taken along the line BB of Figure 3B of the helical structure 36. As shown, the cross-sectional area 52 is semicircular in shape. In this way, the inner surface 54 that contacts a ribbon or cord, is flat. This flat inner surface introduces slightly more friction than the rounded surface of the cross-sectional area 42 of Figure 3C, however, this structure may be desirable for some applications. In addition, it may be easier to manufacture a helical structure with a flat interior surface when using certain materials. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that other modifications would be apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS; 1. A closure element for receiving and guiding a belt, comprises: a helical wrapping structure; at least one support pin; and a base. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein the helical wrapping structure contains at least two turns. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein the helical wrapping structure further comprises at least one hook structure. 4. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the helical wrapping structure is flat. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the helical wrapping structure is rounded. A quick fastening system for the mouth of a shoe comprising: a plurality of closure elements, each connected or attached on opposite sides of the shoe mouth in a uniform configuration, wherein each closure element comprises a structure of helical wrapping, at least one support pin and one base. The quick lacing system according to claim 7, wherein the helical wrapping structure of at least one of the closure elements comprises at least one hook structure. 8. A quick fastening system for the mouth of a shoe comprising: a plurality of closure elements, each attached to opposite sides of the shoe mouth in an alternate configuration or in three bundle, wherein each closure element comprises a helical wrapping structure, at least one support pin and a base. The quick lacing system according to claim 9, wherein the helical wrapping structure of at least one of the closure elements comprises at least one hook structure. A closure system for an article, comprising: a plurality of closure elements, arranged or arranged to accept a cord that can be tensioned to close an opening, wherein each closure element comprises a helical wrapping structure, at least one support pin and one base. 11. The closure system according to claim 10, wherein the helical wrapping structure further comprises; at least one hook element.