WO2013109596A1 - Sliding lock such as a cord lock - Google Patents

Abstract

A sliding lock useful on elongate objects such as cords, strings, ropes, straps and the like, has a body defining a hole through which the elongate object extends, a peripheral channel defined in the body, and an elastomeric retainer disposed in the channel and urged against the elongate object within the channel. Material of the retainer can be treated by a process for orienting the crystalline structure of the material

Description

SLIDING LOCK SUCH AS A CORD LOCK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[01] The present application claims the benefits of United States Provisional

Application Serial No. 61/587,840, filed January 18, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[02] The sliding lock disclosed herein relates generally to mechanisms that can be secured at locations along elongate elements such as a string, cord, strap rod or the like; and, more particularly, it relates to cord locks used for example on cords, drawstrings, straps, webs and the like that can be found on, for example, clothing, luggage, sporting gear, personal equipment and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[03] Drawstrings and cords are used extensively on various items such as, for example, articles of clothing, sporting goods, back packs and other luggage or the like. For further examples, hoods on jackets, sweatshirts and other garments commonly are provided with drawstrings around the front opening, allowing the hood to be tightly closed around the face of the wearer. Clothing such as sweat pants, shorts, swim trunks and the like commonly use drawstrings in the waist band, allowing the garment to be drawn snug around a wearer's waist, without the need for a separate belt. On luggage, backpacks and other gear, drawstrings, solid cords or ropes and elastic shock cords are used to close pockets and other openings, secure holders, and the like. In a simple application, a drawstring can be secured simply by tying together the two ends thereof or, if the drawstring is provided as a continuous loop, pulling a segment of the loop together and tying a simple knot.

[04] In some uses of drawstrings and cords, a simple knot works effectively in securing the drawstring or cord. However, in other uses, a simple knot can work loose, allowing slack into the fixed loop or tightened length of the drawstring or cord. Complex knots can be used to prevent loosening but have the disadvantage of being complicating to form and difficult to untie. Further, not all users have familiarity with sufficient knot tying techniques, or may lack the dexterity required to form the knot properly with the cord or drawstring in a taut condition. The use of even a simple knot is inconvenient if frequent adjustments in the cord are required.

[05] To overcome the difficulties associated with tying drawstrings and cords to secure them, cord locks have been used. The cord is passed through the cord lock, which in one way or other pinches or binds the cord therein, often with a spring-biased plunger. In a known use, the cord lock simply slides along the cord when the plunger mechanism is disengaged, and stays in position on the cord when the pinching features of the plunger mechanism are engaged. Using cord locks of such a design can be inconvenient in that there are three separate, discrete items to be manipulated; the cord, the lock and the article on which the cord is used, and disengaging the cord lock requires compressing the plunger into the body and against the spring. Other difficulties can arise, such as frictional wear on the cord from the cord riding against confronting hard plastic parts, especially when one of the plastic parts is spring-biased against the other. The spring force can be difficult from some users to overcome when attempting to release the cords. Further, the overall article can be being bulky due to the multi- component design, and the multi-component design of operating parts can lead to failures.

[06] It is known to secure a cord lock to an article by use of a separate lanyard.

This, too, can make use of the cord lock awkward and cumbersome to use during adjustments.

[07] It is known that a body of thermoplastic elastomer can be processed to align the crystalline structure thereof to a permanently deformed thinner shape having increased flexibility while maintaining the strength of a thicker, more robust and less flexible body. The process has been referred to as "orienting" and can be found described in United States Patent 7,441,758 and in United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0267258. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[08] The sliding lock disclosed herein is simple in design and simple to use. In use, it does not have moving parts to activate or deactivate when making adjustments. It incorporates a soft, elastomeric part providing urging force against a cord, rope, string, strap or other elongate element on which the lock is used.

[09] In one aspect of a form there of, a sliding lock useful on an elongate object is provided with a body defining a hole through which the elongate object extends; a peripheral channel defined in the body, the hole opening into the channel; and an elastomeric retainer disposed in the channel and urged against the elongate object when the elongate object is extended through the hole.

[10] In another aspect of a another form thereof, a sliding lock on an elongate object is provided with a body defining a hole, the elongate object extending through the hole. A peripheral channel is defined in the body, the hole opening into the channel. An elastomeric retainer is disposed in the channel and urged against the elongate object along a length of the elongate object extending outwardly from the opening of the hole.

[11] In a further aspect of a further form thereof, a sliding lock useful on an elongate object is provided with a body defining a hole through which the elongate object extends; a peripheral channel defined in the body, the hole opening into the channel; an elastomeric retainer having a loop disposed in the channel and urged against the elongate object when the elongate object is extended through the hole; and the loop being of a material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure of the material.

[12] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[13] Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a cord lock installed on a cord;

[14] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cord lock and cord of Fig. 1; [15] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cord lock and cord, the cross-section taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

[16] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one part of the cord lock;

[17] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another part of the cord lock;

[18] Fig. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a cord lock, shown installed on a cord;

[19] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cord and cord lock shown in Fig. 6;

[20] Fig. 8 is a top view of yet another embodiment of a cord lock;

[21] Fig. 9 is a an illustration of the cord lock of Fig. 8 installed on the cord after forming a loop in the cord;

[22] Fig. 10 is a side view of the installed cord lock of Fig. 9;

[23] Fig. 11 is a top view of a further modification of the cord lock as shown in

Fig. 9;

[24] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a part for a cord lock similar to the cord locks shown in Figs. 8-11;

[25] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the part of Fig. 12, shown in a fully installed cord lock on a cord;

[26] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the installed cord lock shown in Fig.

13, the cross-section taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13; and

[27] Fig. 15 is a plan view of another lock shown installed on a strap.

[28] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including", "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[29] Referring now more particularly to the drawings and to Figs, 1-5 in particular, a sliding lock in the form of a cord lock 100 is shown installed on a cord 102. Cord lock 100 includes an annular body 104 and an elastomeric retainer 106 surrounding annular body 104. In this embodiment, body 104 is generally shaped as a ring, having an open center or internal void, and diametrically opposed and aligned holes 108, 110 on opposite sides of the void defining a path through body 104. Cord 102 extends along the path body 10 defined by through holes 108, 110. The outer peripheral surface of body 104 defines a circumferential channel 112. Holes 108 and 110 have openings thereto in circumferential channel 112 and in the axial void defined by annular body 104. Elastomeric retainer 106 includes first and second loops 114, 116, respectively, and a web 118 between first and second loops 114, 116. In the assembled form with cord lock 100 on cord 102, first and second loops 114, 116 are disposed within channel 112, on opposite sides of cord 102 where cord 102 passes through holes 108, 110. First and second loops 114, 116 are pinched between cord 102 and the walls defining channel 112. First and second loops 114, 116 are urged against cord 102 and provide frictional resistance to relative movement between cord 102 and body 104. For some uses, channel 112 of body 104 can be formed with enlargements 122 in the width of channel 112 adjacent holes 108, 110 to more readily accommodate loops 114, 116 adjacent cord 102 therebetween.

[30] Body 104 can be a molded synthetic material such as plastic, an elastomer, or the like. Elastomeric retainer 106 is made of material that is suitably elastic to be stretched over the widest portions of body 104, while seating securely within channel 112 and against cord 102 after installation in channel 112. Accordingly, elastomeric retainer 106, and specifically first and second loops 114, 116 thereof are snapped into the receiving channel or groove 112 similar to the manner in which an O-ring is seated. Elastomeric retainer 106 traps the cord and prevents premature sliding movement. The elastomeric retainer adds a sliding frictional force against the direct smooth path of cord 102 as routed through the cord lock body 104, and specifically as a cord 102 passes through holes 108, 110. The force required to actuate relative movement between cord lock 100 and cord 102 can be tuned via part design and dimensions. The hoop stress provided by elastomeric retainer 106 also can be controlled through the selection of materials, size and treatments such as orienting, to be described subsequently. Elastomeric retainer 106, and particularly individual loops 114, 116 thereof, can be molded from flexible, yet wear and tear resistant material to prevent fraying of the cord while also maintaining tensile strength and frictional force for the life of the intended product.

[31] Elastomeric retainer 106 may be manufactured from essentially elastomeric material capable of being oriented to provide the desired final characteristics. For example, the material used may be a thermoplastic elastomer, polyester, nylon-based TPE or a thermoplastic urethane. A variety of alternative elastomers may be suitable for use in the present sliding locks. The thickness and shape can vary from one application to another, depending on conditions in which it will be used and the desired performance characteristics, including flexibility and retention. Accordingly, the as-molded size and shape of elastomeric retainer 106 can differ to achieve the desired result after processing for orienting.

[32] After elastomeric retainer 106 is formed by molding, the entirety thereof, or at least first and second loops 114, 116 are oriented to achieve the desired final physical characteristics. In the orienting process, for example, first and second loops 114, 116 may be intentionally and permanently deformed during processing to align the crystalline structure thereof. By orienting in this way prior to actual use, undesired deformation, referred to as "creep", that otherwise might occur during use can be limited and potentially avoided. In anticipation of orienting and the resulting permanent deformation, the portion(s) to be oriented are intentionally molded in an as molded size that is smaller and thicker than required during use, with the amount different being equivalent to the amount of permanent deformation that will be brought on during the orienting process. The precise method and manner of orienting may vary from application to application and may differ depending in part on the intended use and final characteristics required, and the material used for the portions to be oriented. As known to those skilled in the art, a single act of stretching, repeated acts of stretching under the same or different conditions and/or compression by hammering or pressing are all examples of suitable orienting processes. Acts of bending around a curved surface such as a mandrel, or twisting while stretching can be used to develop permanently curved or rotated shapes in the oriented portion.

[33] It should be understood that body 104 need not be annular, and can be provided in a variety of different shapes. Figs. 6 & 7 illustrate a cord lock 200 on a cord 202, cord lock 200 having a triangle shaped body 204 receiving an elastomeric retainer 206, all similar to the corresponding elements described previously, except for the shape of body 204. Still other shapes can be used as well.

[34] The mechanism for the retention of the cord lock on a cord is simple, requires no moving parts after assembly and no trigger mechanism to deactivate prior to adjustment. Accordingly, embodiments of the present cord lock can be provided in overall small configurations. A small, solid cord lock 300 on a cord 302 is shown in Figures 8-10. Cord lock 300 includes a body 304 and an elastomeric retainer 306, which may be processed by orienting as described previously, retainer 306 being seated within a channel 312 of body 304.

[35] An additional feature of elastomeric retainer 306 is shown in Figure 11 in which the elastomeric retainer 306 is manufactured with an integral tie-down or hold-down tab 307, which is an outwardly projecting tab having a mounting hole 309 therein through which a fastener or stitching can be used to fasten cord lock 300 to an object.

[36] Fig. 12 shows a body 404 which may be similar to body 304 shown in the previous drawings. Body 404 includes two generally semi-spherical halves 403, 405 separated by column 407 having a through hole 408 extending there through. Column 407 is of smaller diameter than the diameters of the bases of semi- spherical haves 403, 405 such that a circumferential channel 412 is defined, with opposite ends of through hole 408 opening into circumferential channel 412.

[37] Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate an installation of a cord lock 400 on a cord 402, cord lock 400 including body 404 as described previously and an elastomeric retainer 406. In this embodiment, elastomeric retainer 406 is a single hoop, loop or ring, which may be processed by orienting as described previously, retainer 406 being snapped into channel 412. Elastomeric retainer 406 is installed within channel 412 so that elastomeric retainer 406 is on one side of cord 402 at one and of through hole 408 and is on the opposite side of cord 402 at the opposite end of through hole 408, and therefore urged against cord 402 at each end of through hole 408.

[38] It should be understood that cord locks as disclosed herein can be provided in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate cords, strings, ropes and other generally elongated structures. For example, Fig. 15 illustrates a cord lock 500 on a strap 502, with cord lock 500 including a body 504 and an elastomeric retainer 506, which may be processed by orienting as described previously, retainer 506 including a tie-down tab 507 having a mounting hole 509.

[39] While shown and described herein on substantially flexible elongated bodies such as cords, ropes, strings, straps or the like, it should be understood that a cord lock of the present design can also be used as a rod lock, disposed on and sliding along a rod, tube or other more rigid elongate element for one purpose or another.

[40] Actuation to cause relative movement between the sliding locks disclosed herein and cord, ropes, straps, rods etc. upon which the lock is installed is performed simply by a gross motor skill of pulling the cord lock relative to the cord. It is not necessary to actuate a release mechanism of any type to enable relative movement between the sliding lock and the elongate body on which it is used. Accordingly, the cord lock can be moved along the elongate element even in adverse situations such as cold weather when a user may be wearing gloves, or when the cord lock is placed in a small, restricted area on a garment, bag or the like.

[41] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sliding lock useful on an elongate object, the sliding lock comprising:

a body defining a hole through which the elongate object extends during use;

a peripheral channel defined in said body, said hole opening into said channel; and

an elastomeric retainer disposed in said channel and configured to be urged against the elongate object when the elongate object is extended through said hole.

2. The sliding lock of claim 1, said elastomeric retainer forming a single loop in said channel.

3. The sliding lock of claim 1, said elastomeric retainer forming two loops in said channel.

4. The sliding lock of claim 1, said elastomeric retainer having a loop of a material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure of the loop.

5. The sliding lock of claim 1, said retainer having first and second loops connected by a web.

6. The sliding lock of claim 5, said first and second loops being of material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure thereof.

7. The sliding lock of claim 1, said body having a circular perimeter.

8. The sliding lock of claim 1, said channel having an enlargement formed adjacent the opening of said hole in said channel.

9. The sliding lock of claim 1, said body having an internal void and first and second aligned holes on opposite sides of said void, each of said first and second holes having an opening into said channel.

10. A sliding lock on an elongate object, the sliding lock comprising: a body defining a hole, said elongate object extending through said hole; a peripheral channel defined in said body, said hole opening into said channel; and

an elastomeric retainer disposed in said channel and urged against the elongate object along a length of the elongate object extending outwardly from said opening of said hole.

11. The sliding lock on an elongate object of claim 10, said elastomeric retainer disposed between the elongate object and a first side of the channel on one side of the sliding lock and between the elongate object and a second side of the channel on an opposite side of the sliding lock.

12. The sliding lock on an elongate object of claim 10, said elastomeric retainer forming a single loop in said channel.

13. The sliding lock on an elongate object of claim 12, said loop being of material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure of the material.

14. The sliding lock on an elongate object of claim 10, said elastomeric retainer having two loops in said channel.

15. The sliding lock on an elongate object of claim 14, both of said loops being of material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure of said material.

16. The sliding lock on an elongate object of claim 10, said elastomeric retainer having first and second loops disposed in said channel, and said elongate object extending between said first and second loops within said channel.

17. A sliding lock useful on an elongate object, the sliding lock comprising:

a body defining a hole through which the elongate object extends during use;

a peripheral channel defined in said body, said hole opening into said channel;

an elastomeric retainer having a loop disposed in said channel and urged against the elongate object when the elongate object is extended through said hole; and

said loop being of a material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure of said material.

18. The sliding lock of claim 17, said elastomeric retainer having first and second loops disposed in said channel and urged against the elongate object when the elongate object is extended through said hole; and each of said loops being of a material treated by a process for orienting crystalline structure of said material.

19. The sliding lock of claim 17, said body having an internal void and first and second aligned holes on opposite sides of said void, each of said first and second holes having an opening into said channel.

20. The sliding lock of claim 17, said elastomeric retainer having first and second loops disposed in said channel, and said elongate object extending between said first and second loops within said channel.