US20140215770A1 - Drawstring connector and methods of use - Google Patents

Drawstring connector and methods of use Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140215770A1
US20140215770A1 US14/157,303 US201414157303A US2014215770A1 US 20140215770 A1 US20140215770 A1 US 20140215770A1 US 201414157303 A US201414157303 A US 201414157303A US 2014215770 A1 US2014215770 A1 US 2014215770A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
connector
closure means
fastener
drawstring
flexible elongate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/157,303
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English (en)
Inventor
Luc Levesque
Michael Anthony Gerstner
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20140215770A1 publication Critical patent/US20140215770A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
    • A43C1/06—Shoe lacing fastenings tightened by draw-strings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C9/00—Laces; Laces in general for garments made of textiles, leather, or plastics
    • A43C9/06—Releasable ends of laces
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/27—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. including readily dissociable fastener having numerous, protruding, unitary filaments randomly interlocking with, and simultaneously moving towards, mating structure [e.g., hook-loop type fastener]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/32—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. having magnetic fastener
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/37—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49815—Disassembling
    • Y10T29/49817—Disassembling with other than ancillary treating or assembling

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a product and method for replacing drawstrings as used in clothing and drawstring-closed items.
  • drawstrings including laces, ties, pull cords, elastic cords and other similar product closure devices
  • products such as sweat pants, hoodies, jackets, boots, rain wear, gloves, tents, sleeping bags, school bags often use some form of drawstring to secure the product around its intended target.
  • the drawstrings are manufactured separately from the product and then installed in the product before the product is sold.
  • the drawstring is passed through a narrow tubular enclosure (often referred to as a drawstring channel) provided on the product to contain the drawstring. Eyelets provide entrance and exit openings to the drawstring channel.
  • Plastic fittings or aglets at either end of the drawstring help prevent fraying of the drawstring and make feeding the drawstring through the tubular enclosure easier.
  • Pull-type devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,260 to Beddow [Beddow] also exist.
  • a long pulling member releasably captures an aglet of a drawstring to be inserted at the trailing end of the pulling member.
  • the aglet is screwed into a female connector of the pulling member.
  • the female connector may contain a tapered threaded insert into which the aglet is screwed.
  • the leading end of the pulling member is inserted into and fed into and through the drawstring channel, pulling the replacement drawstring into the channel.
  • Beddow overcomes the problem of width through the channel discussed above in Sauger, but adds the inconvenience of working with a long pulling member, which is recommended to be at least as long as the drawstring channel it is being used for.
  • the present invention allows someone easily to change a first drawstring within a drawstring channel of a product by joining one end of the first drawstring to an end of a second drawstring that will be pulled into the enclosure as the first drawstring is pulled out of the enclosure.
  • the second drawstring is versatile in being able to join to that first drawstring, when it is a conventional drawstring having finished ends (e.g. finished with aglets), and also when it is another drawstring similar to the second drawstring.
  • the present invention can also allow opposite ends of a drawstring to be secured together to the lessen movement of the drawstring.
  • the present invention can allow multiple drawstrings to be fastened end-to-end and/or in combination with decorative charms and the like.
  • a closure means for a product includes a flexible elongate body such as a lace, drawstring, elastic, string, rope, wire, tie and strap. At least one connector is positioned on at least one end of the flexible elongate body. A fastener at one end of the connector is for releasably attaching the connector to a corresponding fastener of another connector. A receiver at the other end of the connector mounts the connector to the end of the flexible elongate body. A swivel means of the connector allows the fastener to rotate relative to the receiver.
  • a connector for use with a flexible elongate closure means is provided.
  • a receiver of the connector is for mounting onto an end of the flexible elongate closure means.
  • a fastener of the connector preferably opposite the receiver, is for releasably attaching the connector to a corresponding fastener of another connector located either on the other end of the flexible elongate closure means or on an end of another flexible elongate closure means.
  • a swivel means between the receiver and the fastener allows the fastener to rotate relative to the receiver.
  • a coupler which has a receiver for releasable attachment to an end of a flexible elongate closure means, such end having a conventional aglet.
  • the receiver comprises a threaded cavity for screw-mounting onto the aglet.
  • the other end of the coupler comprises a fastener for releasable attachment either to a corresponding fastener of a connector mounted on another flexible elongate closure means, or to a threading tool.
  • the coupler is able to be attached for example, to an end of a conventional drawstring or lace already within, e.g.
  • a hoodie thereby permitting an attachment in turn to a corresponding fastener of a connector mounted on another lace that is intended for replacement of the conventional lace.
  • a threading tool such permits placement of the threading tool into a first end of a drawstring channel and then manual manipulation of the threading tool so as to move the threading tool, the coupler and the drawstring through the channel until the threading tool, coupler and the end of the drawstring attached to the coupler, exit the second end of the channel.
  • a drawstring may be installed in such channel when no drawstring was in the channel beforehand.
  • the fastener of the connector is also configured for releasable attachment to a finished end of a flexible elongate closure means for example, wherein said end of the latter means has a conventional finished aglet.
  • fastener can function for releasable attachment either to a corresponding fastener of another connector, or to an (e.g. aglet) end of a flexible elongate closure means, as may be preferred by the user.
  • the fastener has a female receptacle configuration (such as a cavity) selectively, in the alternative, for releasable attachment to a male-configured fastener of another connector, and for releasable screw-attachment to a conventional finished end (e.g. aglet).
  • a female receptacle configuration such as a cavity
  • a conventional finished end e.g. aglet
  • the invention also provides a method of replacing a first closure means of a product (e.g. a conventional drawstring with two finished ends, such as with aglets, that typically comes with the product) with a second closure means (e.g. a replacement drawstring) and then preparing to replace the second closure means with a third closure means (e.g. a second replacement drawstring).
  • the first closure means comprises a flexible elongate body and at least one finished end.
  • the first closure means is at least partially slidably positioned in an enclosure of the product.
  • the second closure means comprises a flexible elongate body and a first connector.
  • the first connector is positioned at one end of the flexible elongate body.
  • the first connector comprises a fastener configured both for selective releasable attachment of the first connector to the at least one finished end of the first closure means and, in the alternative, for selective releasable attachment to a second connector positioned at one end of the third closure means.
  • the third closure means comprises a flexible elongate body and the second connector. The method of using the foregoing comprises the steps of: attaching the fastener to the at least one finished end of the first closure means; pulling on the first closure means until the second closure means has replaced a position of the first closure means on the product; detaching the fastener from the at least one finished end of the first closure means; and attaching the fastener to the second connector in preparation for replacing the second closure means on the product with the third closure means.
  • a connector for use with at least one flexible elongate closure means is described.
  • a first receiver mounts on a first end of a flexible elongate closure means.
  • a second receiver mounts on a second end of the flexible elongate closure means or on an end of a second elongate closure means, where the first receiver is connectable to the second receiver by a coupling means such that the first receiver is opposite the second receiver when the first and second receivers are connected.
  • at least one a swivel means between the coupling means and the first and second allows the first and second receivers to rotate relative to the coupling means.
  • a method of replacing a first closure means of a product with a second closure means is described.
  • a first end of the first closure means is connected to a first end of the second closure means.
  • the first closure means is pulled until the second closure means has replaced a position of the first closure means on the product.
  • the first closure means is unattached from the second closure means.
  • FIG. 1 is a segmented view of the closure means of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of complimentary first and second barrel clasp connectors.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of complimentary first and second barrel clasp connectors having swivel means.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the closure means of the present invention in use in a product.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector where the receiver is a female receptacle.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector where the receiver is a clip, in combination with the closure means of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of a double-ended connector where the first and second receivers are clips and the coupling means is a screw fitting.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of a double-ended connector where the first and second receivers are clips and the coupling means is an elongated bridge.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a double-ended connector where the first and second receivers are female receptacles and the coupling means is swivellable.
  • FIG. 10 a is a cross-sectional view of a male connector attached to a corresponding female connector having a particularly preferred configuration.
  • FIG. 10 b is a cross-sectional view of the male and female connectors of FIG. 10 a , separated from each other.
  • the female connector is also configured for attachment selectively to the aglet end of a conventional drawstring (not shown).
  • drawstring includes any flexible elongated closure means such laces, ties, strings, elastic cords, pull cords and other like product closure means.
  • the drawstring 10 according to the invention includes a connector 12 affixed at a first end 14 and a second end 16 of an elongated, flexible drawstring body 3 .
  • the connector 12 at each end preferably consists of at least two parts: a receptor 18 and a fastener 20 , 22 .
  • the receptor 18 is for mounting the connector 12 to an end of the flexible elongate body 3 .
  • the receptor includes a cavity of a diameter appropriate for receiving an aglet 9 of the flexible elongate body. This cavity may be 4 mm in depth, but other depths are possible as required.
  • One of the aglets 9 is inserted into the cavity and glued or otherwise permanently fixed in place, thus bonding the connector 12 to the drawstring body 3 .
  • the fasteners 20 , 22 are each preferably one half of a barrel or torpedo clasp. Other types of fasteners are possible.
  • the fastener is coupled to the receptor 18 and is for attaching to a complimentary fastener of another connector, either on the same drawstring or on a second drawstring.
  • the fastener of a first end 14 of the drawstring 10 compliments the fastener of the second end 16 of the drawstring 10 .
  • the fastener of the first end 14 of the drawstring 10 may be configured as a female fastener 20 and the fastener of a second end 16 of the drawstring 10 may be configured as a male fastener 22 .
  • the complimentary fasteners at first and second ends of the drawstring may be fastened together to lessen the movement of the portion of the drawstring that is outside the drawstring channel.
  • Ribbing 5 on the circumference of the connector may be added to assist in gripping the connector.
  • the receptor and fastener are manufactured as one unit and may be designed in many different shapes, sizes and materials.
  • the connector may be made of metals or precious metals such as but not limited to gold, silver, bronze and copper plating, and may also be made of hard plastic, for example.
  • FIG. 2 shows a close up of an exemplary connector where the fastener is a barrel clasp.
  • the female fastener 20 includes a threaded cavity 21 and the male fastener 22 includes a threaded insert 23 that compliments the threaded cavity such that the male fastener 22 may be screwed into the female fastener 20 .
  • a swivel means is incorporated into the connector to allow the fastener to rotate in either direction relative to the receiver and the drawstring.
  • Such rotatability of the fasteners facilitates easier connection by eliminating the need to turn the whole drawstring to fasten the connectors. The rotatability also lessens curling and twisting of the drawstring.
  • the swivel means is a T-shaped swivel dial 30 and swivel arm 31 .
  • the swivel dial 30 is positioned on the inner side of a base 26 of the fastener.
  • the swivel arm 31 extends from the swivel dial 30 , through the base 26 , and attaches to the receptor 18 .
  • the swivel arm 31 may be molded as part of the receptor 18 .
  • Ball bearings 32 may be further added to the swivel means at the rubbing surface between the swivel dial 30 and the base 26 . This adds longevity to the swivel by lessening the amount of friction between the swivel and the base.
  • the connectors may be fastened to other similarly configured drawstrings.
  • a first drawstring 10 having connectors 12 described above at first 14 and second 16 ends is secured to a product 2 in a drawstring channel 4 , where both the first and second ends of the first drawstring are outside of the channel.
  • a second similarly configured drawstring 10 a may be fastened to the second end 16 of the first drawstring 10 through the use of the complimentary fasteners.
  • the faster 20 a of the second drawstring 10 a compliments and can attach to the fastener 22 of the first drawstring 10 .
  • the first drawstring 10 may be pulled through and entirely out of the drawstring channel 4 , leading with the first end 14 of the first drawstring 10 . This simultaneously pulls the second drawstring 10 a into the drawstring channel 4 . After the second drawstring 10 a has replaced the former position of the first drawstring 10 in the drawstring channel 4 , the two drawstrings may be unfastened at the connectors. In this way, the first drawstring 10 is replaced in the product 2 by the second drawstring 10 a.
  • This invention thereby allows for easy replacement of drawstrings configured according to the invention that are present in products, as may be desired for reasons including wear, breakage or fashion statement. Different sizes, types, lengths and colours of drawstrings may be exchanged by this invention, so consumers will be able to accessorize and customize the products concerned as they see fit.
  • the invention is not limited to replacing drawstrings.
  • two or more drawstrings may be attached in series, end to end, using the connectors. This allows a user to connect drawstrings to vary the length of the overall drawstring and to combine different colours or styles of drawstrings.
  • drawstring and drawstring channel such as a hoodie
  • different styles of drawstrings could appear from each end of the drawstring channel, with the connector being hidden inside the channel.
  • the fasteners are not limited to the preferred barrel or torpedo clasps mentioned above and shown in the drawings.
  • fastener Any type of fastener that is practical in nature and size for use on the first and second ends of a drawstring that has sufficient hold and can easily fit through a drawstring channel would suffice.
  • the fasteners may include magnetic, loop, snap, VelcroTM and latch forms of attachments.
  • the present invention also contemplates the more common situation where the drawstring in a product does not include the connectors described above, but is a conventional drawstring.
  • a stand-alone connector also referred to as a coupler 40 , may be used to facilitate the replacement of a conventional drawstring with either another conventional drawstring, or a drawstring with the connector described above.
  • the coupler 40 has a coupler receiver 42 and a coupler fastener 44 .
  • the receiver is for releasably mounting on an end of a conventional drawstring.
  • the end is a finished aglet 46 of a conventional drawstring.
  • the coupler receiver 42 functions much like the receiver 18 of the attachment means described above, but it may not be affixed to the aglet of the drawstring.
  • the coupler receiver may include a helical female receptacle means such as a threaded cavity for screwing onto the aglet 46 .
  • the threaded cavity is inwardly tapered (i.e. widest at the opening of the cavity, and tapers as it deepens) and has a depth of about 10 mm, though other depths are possible depending on the size of the aglets being considered.
  • the tapered shape accommodates various sizes of aglets, and enables the aglet to be fastened securely to the receiving portion. The threading secures the coupler 40 to the aglet 46 .
  • couplers may be used.
  • the table below presents suggested tapered cavity diameters of several sizes of couplers. These ranges accommodate most conventional aglets. It should be appreciated that the cavities may be made in other sizes if needed to accommodate aglets not within the ranges provided below.
  • the coupler fastener 44 may include a threaded male insert 50 , configured to fasten to the threaded female connector 21 of the fastener 20 of a drawstring 10 of the present invention.
  • the coupler fastener 44 is not limited to barrel-type screw fasteners, but may include magnetic, loop, snap, VelcroTM and latch forms of fasteners.
  • the threaded male insert 50 of coupler 40 in FIG. 5 may be configured for releasable attachment to a threading tool, such as an elongated, rigid or semi-rigid tube, rod, or wire, suitable for manipulation by a user for threading the drawstring through a drawstring channel, e.g. on a hoodie.
  • a threading tool such as an elongated, rigid or semi-rigid tube, rod, or wire, suitable for manipulation by a user for threading the drawstring through a drawstring channel, e.g. on a hoodie.
  • the threading tool is a tube that may be friction-fit or screwed onto the threaded male insert 50 .
  • a hoodie without a drawstring by inserting the tool into one end of an empty drawstring channel of the hoodie and manipulating the threading tool along the channel, so as to simultaneously pull the drawstring into and through the channel, until the threading tool and one end of the drawstring exits the channel at the other end.
  • the threading tool and/or the coupler 40 may then be detached from the drawstring.
  • the receiver 42 of the coupler 40 may alternatively be a clip.
  • the clip may be a conventional roach clip, but other designs and mechanisms for holding means known in the art are possible.
  • the clip includes a jaw 58 formed by first and second holding means connected by a pivot 56 .
  • the jaw 58 may include a lock and grip mechanism 60 such as teeth, hooks, barbs, studs and the like.
  • a lever 62 may be used to open the jaw 58 .
  • a closing mechanism (not shown), such as a spring, magnet, elastic or coil, keeps the jaw in a closed position unless the lever 62 is pressed.
  • the jaw In use, the jaw is opened and releasably attached to an end of a drawstring.
  • the clip is streamline to prevent catching in the drawstring channel. As such, the lever 62 should not protrude from the clip in the closed position.
  • a portion of one or both of the first and second holding means proximal to the fastener 44 may have an oval cavity 16 to accommodate an aglet 46 .
  • Each oval cavity 16 is sized for receiving an aglet.
  • the oval cavity may be approximately, 5 mm in depth and the width of an aglet. This allows one to push the aglet of the drawstring to the back of the throat, lessening the side to side shifting of the aglet end of the drawstring.
  • the oval cavity 16 may also allow teeth 20 of the holding means 2 , 4 to reach beyond the aglet, and instead lock into the drawstring body.
  • a coupler allows a user to attach a conventional drawstring to a drawstring of the present invention.
  • the receiver or the coupler releasably attaches to an end of a conventional drawstring, typically in a drawstring channel of a product.
  • a drawstring of the present invention is connected to the fastener of the coupler via the complimentary fasteners. Once linked, the conventional drawstring may be pulled through and entirely out of the drawstring channel, leading with the free end opposite the coupler. This simultaneously pulls the coupler and drawstring of the present invention.
  • the drawstring of the present invention Once the drawstring of the present invention has replaced the conventional drawstring in the drawstring channel 4 , the two drawstrings may be unfastened and the coupler removed. In this way, a conventional drawstring is replaced in the product by a drawstring of the present invention.
  • a first coupler 40 a may be connected via a coupling portion 47 to a second coupler 40 b substantially opposite the first coupler 40 a to provide a double-ended coupler 80 .
  • the fasteners 44 a , 44 b of the first and second couplers make up the coupling portion 47 , where the fastener of the first coupler 44 a includes a male threaded portion and the fastener of the second coupler 44 b includes a female threaded cavity.
  • the male threaded portion is capable of screwing into the female threaded cavity for connecting the first and second couplers such that the receiving portion of the first coupler 42 a is substantially opposite the receiving portion of the second coupler 42 b.
  • a double-ended coupler allows a user to connect a first conventional drawstring to a second conventional drawstring by releasably attaching the receiver of the first coupler 42 a to an end of the first drawstring, and releasably attaching the receiver of the second coupler 42 b to an end of the second drawstring.
  • the first drawstring is secured in a product through a drawstring channel
  • the first drawstring may be pulled through and entirely out of the drawstring channel.
  • the double coupler and the second drawstring are simultaneously pulled into the channel. Since the double coupler passes through the channel, it should have a streamline profile so as to allow movement through the channel.
  • the two drawstrings may be disconnected by unfastening the ends from the first and second couplers.
  • the coupling portion between the first and second couplers 40 a , 40 b may a flexible bridge 82 , for example, a rubber band, chain, linked beads, a cord, spring, or other flexible bridge.
  • a flexible bridge 82 for example, a rubber band, chain, linked beads, a cord, spring, or other flexible bridge. This provides separation between the first and second couplers and to allow the double coupler to be more bendable, so that it may bend and correspond with the design of the drawstring channel through which it must pass.
  • a preferred length of the bridge is approximately 4-10 mm, therefore allowing enough room between the first and second couplers for maneuverability.
  • At least one of the first and second couplers can swivel relative to the coupling portion.
  • both the first and second couplers can swivel independently of each other about the coupling portion.
  • a first swivel arm 72 a attaches to the first coupler 40 a at a first end and extends through a first side 76 of the coupling portion 47 to a first swivel dial 74 a at a second end. This enables the first coupler 40 a to rotate relative to the coupling portion 47 .
  • Ball bearings (not shown) may be included on the rubbing surface between the first swivel dial 74 a and the first side 76 of the coupling portion.
  • a second swivel arm 72 b may be included which attaches to the second coupler 40 b at a first end and extends through a second side 78 of the coupling portion 47 to a second swivel dial 74 b at a second end.
  • the coupling portion and/or the first and second couplers may include circumferential ribbing (not shown) to assist in gripping and rotating the double coupler for easier fastening.
  • the coupler of FIG. 9 or a modified coupler thereof (not shown) in which coupling portion 47 is rigidly connected to couplers 40 a and 40 b (i.e. without any swivel attachment), is configured for attachment of one coupler (e.g. 40 a ) to an aglet end of a drawstring (to be inserted into a drawstring channel of a garment such as a hoodie), and attachment of the other coupler (e.g. 40 b ) to a threading tool, such as an elongated, rigid or semi-rigid cord, tube, rod, or wire, suitable for manipulation by a user for threading the drawstring through a drawstring channel, e.g.
  • a threading tool such as an elongated, rigid or semi-rigid cord, tube, rod, or wire
  • the threading tool may be screwed into the other coupler.
  • a user may thread the drawstring into e.g. a hoodie without a drawstring, by inserting the threading tool into one end of an empty drawstring channel of the hoodie and manipulating the threading tool along the channel, so as to simultaneously pull the drawstring into and through the channel, until the threading tool and one end of the drawstring exits the channel at the other end.
  • the threading tool and/or the coupler 40 a may then be detached from the drawstring.
  • a fastener of the connector is configured both for releasable attachment selectively to a corresponding fastener of another connector (e.g. located on the other end of the flexible closure means), or to a conventional finished end (e.g. an aglet) of a flexible elongate closure means on a product (e.g. a drawstring that typically is included with a product when purchased).
  • the fastener 100 of connector 101 has a female configuration selectively either for releasable attachment to a male-configured fastener 102 of another connector 103 , or for releasable attachment to a finished aglet on the end of a typical drawstring of (e.g. similar to 46 of FIG. 5 ).
  • the flexible elongate closure means is a drawstring (not shown) provided with a male connector 103 on one end and a female connector 101 on the other end.
  • the male connector 103 has a receiver 104 which is preferably glued onto one end of the drawstring, and fastener 102 , opposite to the receiver 104 , which is on a swivel 105 relative to the receiver 104 .
  • the fastener 102 of male connector 103 preferably includes an outer ribbed section 106 to facilitate turning of the fastener using fingers and, preferably, a threaded section 107 configured for screw-attachment to a corresponding threaded cavity 108 of fastener 100 of the female connector 101 .
  • the female connector 101 likewise has a receiver 109 , which is preferably glued onto the aglet on the other end of the drawstring (not shown) from the end where the male connector 103 is attached, and fastener 100 which is on a swivel 110 relative to the receiver 109 .
  • the fastener 100 also, preferably, has an outer ribbed section 111 to facilitate turning of the fastener 100 using fingers.
  • the threaded cavity 108 of the fastener 100 of the female connector 101 preferably includes a first threaded section 112 for selective attachment to corresponding threaded section 107 of the male connector 103 , and a second threaded section 113 for selective attachment to a conventional (unthreaded) aglet of a normal (typical) drawstring.
  • the fastener of the female connector is configured for two separate, independent functions depending on the needs of the user: attachment to a conventional aglet of a normal drawstring (e.g. located within a hoodie) for replacement of the latter with the drawstring to which the female connector is attached; and attachment to a corresponding fastener of a male connector on a drawstring (e.g. located in a hoodie) for replacement of the latter with the drawstring to which the female connector is attached.
  • a conventional aglet of a normal drawstring e.g. located within a hoodie

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US14/157,303 2013-01-16 2014-01-16 Drawstring connector and methods of use Abandoned US20140215770A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2802416A CA2802416A1 (fr) 2013-01-16 2013-01-16 Dispositif de raccordement de cordons ameliore et methodes d'utilisation
CA2802416 2013-01-16

Publications (1)

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130097829A1 (en) * 2010-04-12 2013-04-25 Alexander Moreno-Stolz Lace joining and exchanging system
WO2016154265A1 (fr) * 2015-03-24 2016-09-29 Steven Finley Lacets de serrage pouvant être reliés ayant un outil d'insertion
WO2016171634A1 (fr) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 Yildiz Teknoloji̇ Geli̇şti̇rme Bölgesi̇ Teknopark Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ Composant de liaison destiné à des lacets de chaussure
US10299539B2 (en) * 2015-03-24 2019-05-28 Steven Douglas Finley Connectable drawstrings with insertion tool
WO2021142149A1 (fr) * 2020-01-07 2021-07-15 Fast Ip, Llc Article chaussant à micro-ajustement
US20230119199A1 (en) * 2021-10-15 2023-04-20 Penny Keith Headwear retaining device
US11819085B1 (en) 2020-01-07 2023-11-21 Fast Ip, Llc Adjustable footwear having apertures in sole structure
US11903445B2 (en) 2020-01-07 2024-02-20 Fast Ip, Llc Footwear comprising a dynamic material exhibiting topographic transformation
US11918082B1 (en) 2020-01-07 2024-03-05 Fast Ip, Llc Arch adjustable footbeds for footwear
US11986056B1 (en) 2020-01-07 2024-05-21 Fast Ip, Llc Footwear having an adjustable lining
US12004599B1 (en) * 2023-05-05 2024-06-11 Penguin Magic, Inc. Magnetic shoelaces and method of use

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US131879A (en) * 1872-10-01 Improvement in round-belt couplings
US1738371A (en) * 1929-03-05 1929-12-03 D M Watkins Co Inc Connecter for necklaces and the like
US5447260A (en) * 1993-09-30 1995-09-05 Beddow; Randall E. Draw string puller
US6981391B2 (en) * 2003-06-06 2006-01-03 Luxcess Company Ltd. Connector for accessories
US20080141502A1 (en) * 2006-12-14 2008-06-19 Ideavillage Products Corp. Jewelry clasp
US20080256978A1 (en) * 2007-04-18 2008-10-23 Lok Chan Jewelry Clasp
US20090013720A1 (en) * 2007-07-10 2009-01-15 Altick Scott R Jewelry clasp
US20090044566A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2009-02-19 Underdown William C Illuminated articles of adornment
US20100186205A1 (en) * 2009-01-26 2010-07-29 Stehman Jr James J Enhanced aglet with specialized attachment means
US20120060332A1 (en) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-15 Mitchell Lucy A Hook with magnetic closure
US20140033486A1 (en) * 2012-08-02 2014-02-06 Victor Beaufrere Decorative string holder device and method of use
US8904821B1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2014-12-09 Jason DiPietro Jewelry clasp

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US131879A (en) * 1872-10-01 Improvement in round-belt couplings
US1738371A (en) * 1929-03-05 1929-12-03 D M Watkins Co Inc Connecter for necklaces and the like
US5447260A (en) * 1993-09-30 1995-09-05 Beddow; Randall E. Draw string puller
US6981391B2 (en) * 2003-06-06 2006-01-03 Luxcess Company Ltd. Connector for accessories
US20090044566A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2009-02-19 Underdown William C Illuminated articles of adornment
US20080141502A1 (en) * 2006-12-14 2008-06-19 Ideavillage Products Corp. Jewelry clasp
US20080256978A1 (en) * 2007-04-18 2008-10-23 Lok Chan Jewelry Clasp
US20090013720A1 (en) * 2007-07-10 2009-01-15 Altick Scott R Jewelry clasp
US20100186205A1 (en) * 2009-01-26 2010-07-29 Stehman Jr James J Enhanced aglet with specialized attachment means
US20120060332A1 (en) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-15 Mitchell Lucy A Hook with magnetic closure
US20140033486A1 (en) * 2012-08-02 2014-02-06 Victor Beaufrere Decorative string holder device and method of use
US8904821B1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2014-12-09 Jason DiPietro Jewelry clasp

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130097829A1 (en) * 2010-04-12 2013-04-25 Alexander Moreno-Stolz Lace joining and exchanging system
US9510648B2 (en) * 2010-04-12 2016-12-06 Sigrun Schneider Lace joining and exchanging system
WO2016154265A1 (fr) * 2015-03-24 2016-09-29 Steven Finley Lacets de serrage pouvant être reliés ayant un outil d'insertion
US10299539B2 (en) * 2015-03-24 2019-05-28 Steven Douglas Finley Connectable drawstrings with insertion tool
WO2016171634A1 (fr) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 Yildiz Teknoloji̇ Geli̇şti̇rme Bölgesi̇ Teknopark Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ Composant de liaison destiné à des lacets de chaussure
US11622594B2 (en) 2020-01-07 2023-04-11 Fast Ip, Llc Footwear having micro adjustability
WO2021142149A1 (fr) * 2020-01-07 2021-07-15 Fast Ip, Llc Article chaussant à micro-ajustement
US11819085B1 (en) 2020-01-07 2023-11-21 Fast Ip, Llc Adjustable footwear having apertures in sole structure
US11903445B2 (en) 2020-01-07 2024-02-20 Fast Ip, Llc Footwear comprising a dynamic material exhibiting topographic transformation
US11918082B1 (en) 2020-01-07 2024-03-05 Fast Ip, Llc Arch adjustable footbeds for footwear
US11986056B1 (en) 2020-01-07 2024-05-21 Fast Ip, Llc Footwear having an adjustable lining
US20230119199A1 (en) * 2021-10-15 2023-04-20 Penny Keith Headwear retaining device
US12004599B1 (en) * 2023-05-05 2024-06-11 Penguin Magic, Inc. Magnetic shoelaces and method of use

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STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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