U.S. patent application number 10/089633 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for closure.
Invention is credited to Freed, Anna B.
Application Number | 20020178548 10/089633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24667883 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020178548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Freed, Anna B |
December 5, 2002 |
Closure
Abstract
A closure is made up of a strap (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610)
and a holder (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630) that engages with the
strap while it tightens and loosens, and a retainer (170, 270, 370,
470, 570, 670), which retains the holder in one of the two
positions relative to the strap. For items opening lengthwise
(e.g., sneakers), the closure includes a lace (795). To unlock the
closure, the user moves the holder to the unlocked position. To
lock the closure, the user pulls the strap, which automatically
moves the closure back to the locked position. The strap has two
sets of teeth (112, 114, 212, 214, 312, 314, 412, 414, 512, 514,
612, 614). One set (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612), the switching
teeth, automatically moves the holder from the unlocked position to
the locked position.
Inventors: |
Freed, Anna B; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Eugene L Szczecina
Darby & Darby
805 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022-7513
US
|
Family ID: |
24667883 |
Appl. No.: |
10/089633 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
September 14, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US01/28664 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 63/1072 20130101;
Y10T 24/1412 20150115; A43C 11/146 20130101; A43C 11/08 20130101;
B65D 63/1063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/19 |
International
Class: |
B65D 063/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 19, 2000 |
US |
09664895 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A closure comprising: a strap having locking teeth and at least
one switching tooth; a holder having a locking member and a
switching member, and a retainer, said retainer selectively
engaging with said holder and said strap to retain said closure in
one of a locked position and an unlocked position, said holder
being moveable between said locked position and said unlocked
position; wherein, in said locked position, said locking teeth
engage with said locking member to permit said strap to move in a
first direction to tighten said closure, and in said unlocked
position, movement of said strap in a second direction opposite to
said first direction causes said at least one switching tooth to
slide past said switching member thereby permitting said strap to
move in said second direction to loosen said closure.
2. A closure according to claim 1, wherein said holder rotates
between said locked position and said unlocked position.
3. A closure according to claim 2, further comprising a
substantially circular male member on one of said holder and said
retainer which engages with a substantially circular female member
on the other one of said holder and said retainer.
4. A closure according to claim 3, further including a ridge
protruding from said substantially circular male member, said ridge
preventing removal of said substantially circular male member from
said substantially circular female member.
5. A closure according to claim 1, wherein said holder slides
between said locked position and said unlocked position.
6. A closure according to claim 5, further comprising a
substantially rectangular male member on one of said holder and
said retainer which engages with a substantially rectangular female
member on the other one of said holder and said retainer.
7. A closure according to claim 6, further including a ridge
protruding from said substantially rectangular male member, said
ridge preventing removal of said substantially rectangular male
member from said substantially rectangular female member.
8. A closure according to claim 1, further comprising a handle on
said holder.
9. A closure according to claim 8, wherein said handle has a groove
for restraining said strap when said closure is in said locked
position.
10. A closure according to claim 9, wherein said strap
automatically releases from said groove within said handle during
said moving of said holder from said locked position to said
unlocked position.
11. A closure according to claim 9, wherein said handle restraining
said strap prevents said switching of said holder from said locked
position to said unlocked position.
12. A closure according to claim 1, further including a spacer on
one of said retainer and said holder to permit unimpeded moving of
said holder.
13. A closure according to claim 1, wherein said locking member and
said switching member are one piece.
14. A closure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
locking member and said switching member flexes.
15. A closure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
locking teeth and said at least one switching tooth flexes.
16. A closure according to claim 1, further including a string
attached to said strap, an item having an adjustable opening, at
least two eyelet pairs each having an eyelet, said eyelets of said
eyelet pairs disposed on opposite sides of the item, said string
connecting said at least two eyelet pairs, wherein tension on said
strap, to tighten said closure, causes at least two segments of
said string to be pulled simultaneously contracting said adjustable
opening.
17. A closure according to claim 1, further including a string
attached to said strap, a sneaker having an adjustable opening, at
least two eyelet pairs each having an eyelet, said eyelets of said
eyelet pairs disposed on opposite sides of the sneaker, said string
connecting said at least two eyelet pairs, wherein tension on said
strap, to tighten said closure, causes at least two segments of
said string to be pulled simultaneously contracting said adjustable
opening.
18. A closure according to claim 1, wherein said locking teeth are
disposed on one side of said strap and said at least one switching
tooth is disposed on an opposite side of said strap.
19. A closure according to claim 1, wherein said locking teeth and
said at least one switching tooth are disposed on one side of said
strap.
20. A closure comprising: a strap having locking teeth and at least
one switching tooth; a holder having a locking member and a
switching member, a retainer, said retainer selectively engaging
with said holder and said strap to retain said closure in one of a
locked position and an unlocked position, said holder being
moveable between said locked position and said unlocked position,
wherein, in said locked position, said locking teeth engage with
said locking member to permit said strap to move in a first
direction to tighten said tie, and in said unlocked position, said
at least one switching tooth slides past said switching member to
permit said strap to move in a second direction opposite to said
first direction to loosen said closure; and wherein, in said
unlocked position initial movement of said strap in said first
direction causes said at least one switching tooth on said strap to
push against said switching member in said holder and continued
movement of said strap in said first direction causes said
switching member to automatically move said holder from said
unlocked position to said locked position to thereafter permit said
closure to tighten.
21. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said holder rotates
between said locked position and said unlocked position.
22. A closure according to claim 21, further comprising a
substantially circular male member on one of said holder and said
retainer, said substantially circular male member engages with a
substantially circular female member on the other one of said
holder and said retainer.
23. A closure according to claim 22, further including a ridge
protruding from said substantially circular male member, said ridge
preventing removal of said substantially circular male member from
said substantially circular female member.
24. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said holder slides
between said locked position and said unlocked position.
25. A closure according to claim 24, further comprising a
substantially rectangular male member on one of said holder and
said retainer, said substantially rectangular male member engages
with a substantially rectangular female member on the other one of
said holder and said retainer.
26. A closure according to claim 25, further comprising a ridge
protruding from said substantially rectangular male member, said
ridge preventing removal of said substantially rectangular male
member from said substantially rectangular female member.
27. A closure according to claim 20, further comprising a handle on
said holder.
28. A closure according to claim 27, wherein said handle restrains
said strap when said closure is in said locked position.
29. A closure according to claim 28, wherein said strap
automatically releases from said handle during said moving of said
holder from said locked position to said unlocked position.
30. A closure according to claim 28, wherein said handle restrains
said strap to prevent said moving of said holder from said locked
position to said unlocked position.
31. A closure according to claim 20, further including a spacer on
one of said retainer and said holder to permit unimpeded moving of
said holder from said locked position to said unlocked
position.
32. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said locking member
and said switching member are one piece.
33. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said at least one of
said locking member and said switching member flexes.
34. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said at least one of
said locking teeth and said at least one switching tooth
flexes.
35. A closure according to claim 20, wherein during said automatic
move of said holder from said unlocked to said locked position,
said holder rotates.
36. A closure according to claim 20, wherein during said automatic
move of said holder from said unlocked to said locked position,
said holder slides.
37. A closure according to claim 20, further including a string
attached to said strap, an item having an adjustable opening, at
least two eyelet pairs each having an eyelet, eyelets of said
eyelet pairs disposed on opposite sides of the item, said string
connecting said at least two eyelet pairs, wherein tension on said
strap, to tighten said closure, causes at least two segments of
said string to be pulled simultaneously, contracting said
adjustable opening.
38. A closure according to claim 20, further including a string
attached to said strap, an sneaker having an adjustable opening, at
least two eyelet pairs each having an eyelet, eyelets of said
eyelet pairs disposed on opposite sides of the sneaker, said string
connecting said at least two eyelet pairs, wherein tension on said
strap, to tighten said closure, causes at least two segments of
said string to be pulled simultaneously, contracting said
adjustable opening.
39. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said locking teeth are
disposed on one side of said strap and said at least one switching
tooth is disposed on an opposite side of said strap.
40. A closure according to claim 20, wherein said locking teeth and
said at least one switching tooth are disposed on one side of said
strap.
41. A method for operating a closure comprised of a holder and a
strap, said method comprising the steps of: moving said holder into
an unlocked position in which the closure is free to loosen,
pulling one end of the strap to automatically move said holder into
a locked position in which the closure is prevented from loosening
and to tighten said closure.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the moving step
includes rotating said holder.
43. A method according to claim 41, wherein the moving step
includes sliding said holder.
44. A method according to claim 41, wherein the moving step
includes pushing on said holder.
45. A method according to claim 41, wherein said moving step
automatically releases said one end of said strap.
46. A method of operating a closure according to claim 41, further
comprising the steps of: attaching a string to said strap, weaving
said string through eyelets of at least two eyelet pairs, said
eyelets disposed on opposite sides of an item having an adjustable
opening, pulling on said strap to tighten said closure, thereby
causing simultaneous contracting of said adjustable opening between
said eyelets.
47. A method of operating a closure according to claim 41, further
comprising the steps of: attaching a string to said strap, weaving
said string through eyelets of at least two eyelet pairs, said
eyelets disposed on opposite sides of a footwear article having an
adjustable opening, pulling on said strap to tighten said closure,
thereby causing at least two segments of said string to pull
simultaneously with substantially equal tension, thereby
contracting said adjustable opening.
48. The method according to claim 47, further comprising the steps
of: weaving said string through eyelets of at least four eyelet
pairs, said eyelets disposed on opposite sides of a footwear
article having an adjustable opening, pulling on said strap to
tighten said closure, thereby causing at least four segments of
said string to pull simultaneously with substantially equal
tension, thereby contracting said adjustable opening.
49. The method according to claim 49, wherein said pulling step
contracts substantially an entire length of said adjustable
opening.
50. The method according to claim 47, further comprising the step
of: applying tension on said strap to loosen said closure, thereby
causing at least two segments of said string to loosen, thereby
expanding said adjustable opening.
51. The method according to claim 48, further comprising the step
of: applying tension on said strap to loosen said closure, thereby
causing at least four segments of said string to loosen, thereby
expanding said adjustable opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to closures such as ties,
fasteners, laces, straps, belts or ropes. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a closure which can be used to tie
items such as, footwear, garments, packages, cables, orthopedic
devices, bandages, sports equipment, seat belts, luggage, plants,
etc.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Current art closures commonly consist of ties made of
plastic, VELCRO.TM., or cord. Closures made of VELCRO.TM. do not
have a strong gripping capability and tend to further lose their
gripping strength after repeated usage and laundering. Closures
made of cord (such as laces, string or rope) tend to come undone,
wear out easily, and the knots and bows are difficult to tie or
untie. Current art plastic closures, (such as cable ties) don't
have the extensive features and benefits of the present invention.
The closures of the present invention overcome the above
disadvantages of current art plastic, VELCRO.TM., and cord
closures, and have additional advantages, benefits, and features
that no known closures currently have.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The closures of the present invention have benefits that
don't exist in any other closures and additionally are extremely
simple to use and manufacture, for example by molding. Two basic
embodiments are disclosed. A swivel closure and a slide closure.
Both the swivel and slide closures may be comprised of as few as
two parts and as many as four parts (of course, the closure may be
comprised of more than four parts). The four parts are: a strap,
holder, retainer, and a lace. The closure, when closing a
lengthwise opening (such as a sneaker or corset), includes the lace
which is attached to the strap. When the closure totally surrounds
an item, the strap could be integral with the retainer and the lace
may not be necessary, thus, the closure may have only two parts,
(i.e., a strap/retainer and a holder). The closure has uses in many
applications and industries. For example, the closure can be used
to tie many items. In the footwear field alone, there are many
different kinds of articles such as, for example, sneakers,
sandals, boots, shoes, slippers, etc. The closure can be used to
advantage with simple modifications by someone knowledgeable in the
art in almost all instances where VELCRO.TM., cord, or plastic ties
are being used. The closure is released by ratcheting (i.e.,
expands automatically in discrete increments with pressure from the
inside). The closure unlocks with a simple swivel (or slide) of the
holder by the user. The closure locks automatically (swivels or
slides back to the locked position) when the user pulls on the
strap. The strap has a set of locking teeth and a set of switching
teeth. The locking teeth engage with a locking member disposed in
the holder to lock the closure or tie in discrete ratcheted
increments. The locking member may flex vertically (e.g., in the
direction indicated by arrow Y in the drawing Figures) to insure a
firm hold. The switching teeth engage with a switching member in
the holder in two ways, (depending on which end of the strap is
being pulled), to perform the following two functions: 1) They
permit a loose hold and thus allow discrete ratcheted controlled
loosening of the tie (i.e., a ratcheted release). 2) They move the
holder from the unlocked position to the locked position when the
user pulls on the strap to tighten. The switching member may flex
when the tie loosens. When the user pulls on the strap in the
direction of arrow C, to tighten, the switching member does not
move and engages the holder thereby causing the holder to move
(e.g., by swiveling or sliding) within the retainer, thereby
automatically moving the holder back to the locked position.
Continued pulling on the strap tightens the tie further. Thus, when
the user pulls the strap, the tie automatically moves from the
unlocked position to the locked position and continues to ratchet
tighter and tighter.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
closure that will lock and unlock quickly and easily, even when
used by the elderly and young children.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
closure that will lock automatically when the user pulls on the
strap to tighten the closure.
[0008] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
closure that can be made and assembled easily.
[0009] It is still yet another object of this invention to provide
a closure that can be easily individualized for logos, cartoon
characters, sports themes, etc. for use, for example, on sneakers
or clothes.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
closure that is useful in multiple applications and industries.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
closure that can be readily manufactured to attach as an after
market accessory. For example, the string can be made to attach
into the lace holes, loops or other lace redirection structure of a
sneaker or other footwear article.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
closure that can be configured to be replaceable and
adjustable.
[0013] It is another object of this invention to provide a closure
having a strong and reliable hold so that it can be used where
reliability and strength are important, such as, for example, on
performance footwear, medical devices, seat belts, sail boats,
etc.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an improved closure whose lace segments constrict a portion of an
opening simultaneously and with substantially equal tension, when
the user pulls on the strap.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
closure whose operation is intuitive to the user.
[0016] Other objects, features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of structure and the combination of parts and the
economies of manufacture will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings all of
which form a part of the specification, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] This invention will further be described with reference to
the following drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the three piece swivel tie
closure in the locked position in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the closure in FIG. 1A in
the unlocked position;
[0020] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the closure in FIG. 1A,
shown switching to the unlocked position as the strap is released
from the handle;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the swivel holder
and strap in the locked position;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
the swivel holder, strap, and retainer in the unlocked
position;
[0023] FIG. 4A is a top view of the holder and strap of the swivel
tie closure in the locked position;
[0024] FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the swivel holder and
strap in the locked position;
[0025] FIG. 4C is a top view of the bottom of the swivel holder and
strap in the locked position;
[0026] FIG. 4D is a cross-section view taken along lines 4D-4D of
FIG. 4B, showing the top of the swivel holder and strap in the
locked position;
[0027] FIG. 5A shows a top view of the holder and strap in the
unlocked position;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a cross section view of the swivel holder and
strap in the unlocked position;
[0029] FIG. 5C is a cross-section view taken along lines 5C-5C of
FIG. 5B, showing the top of the holder and strap and the flexible
switching member flexing in the unlocked position;
[0030] FIG. 5D is a top view of the bottom of the swivel holder and
strap in the unlocked position;
[0031] FIG. 5E is a top view of the swivel holder and strap about
to swivel to the locked position;
[0032] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the three piece slide tie
closure in the locked position;
[0033] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of tie in FIG. 6A, shown in
the unlocked position;
[0034] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the tie in FIG. 6A, shown
when switching to the unlocked position and the strap is about to
be released from under the handle;
[0035] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the slide holder
and strap, shown in the locked position;
[0036] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
the slide holder, strap, and retainer, shown in the unlocked
position;
[0037] FIG. 9A is a cross section of the slide holder;
[0038] FIG. 9B is a top view of the bottom of the slide holder and
strap, shown in the locked position;
[0039] FIG. 9C shows a top view of the bottom of the slide holder
and strap, shown switching to the unlocked position;
[0040] FIG. 10A is a top view of the bottom of the slide tie, shown
in the unlocked position;
[0041] FIG. 10B is a top view of the bottom of the slide holder and
strap, shown switching from the unlocked position to the locked
position;
[0042] FIG. 11A is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the
swivel tie closure, holder and strap;
[0043] FIG. 11B is a side view of the tie shown in FIG. 11A,
without the strap;
[0044] FIG. 11C is a side view of the tie shown in FIG. 11A, shown
with a strap going through the holder;
[0045] FIG. 11D is a top view of the bottom of the holder shown in
FIG. 11A, shown in the locked position;
[0046] FIG. 11E shows the bottom of the holder of FIG. 11D, with
the strap going through the holder;
[0047] FIG. 11F is a top view of the bottom of the holder shown in
FIG. 11A, shown in the unlocked position;
[0048] FIG. 11G shows the bottom of the holder shown in FIG. 11F,
with the strap going through the holder;
[0049] FIG. 11H is a top view of the bottom of the holder shown in
FIG. 11A, shown in the unlocked position;
[0050] FIG. 11I shows the bottom of the holder of FIG. 11H, with
the strap going through the holder;
[0051] FIG. 12A shows an embodiment of the swivel tie in the locked
position;
[0052] FIG. 12B is an exploded perspective view of the swivel tie
of FIG. 12A, in which the holder has a rigid locking member and a
flexible switching member;
[0053] FIG. 12C is a side view of the tie in FIG. 12A in the locked
position;
[0054] FIG. 12D shows the tie of FIG. 12A in the unlocked position
and loosening;
[0055] FIG. 12E shows the tie of FIG. 12A is the unlocked position
prior to being locked;
[0056] FIG. 12F shows an alternative embodiment of the bottom of
the holder of FIG. 12B;
[0057] FIG. 13A shows an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of a swivel tie having a holder which contains only a
top member;
[0058] FIG. 13B shows a top view of the holder of FIG. 13A;
[0059] FIG. 13C shows a cross-section of the holder and strap of
FIG. 13A in the locked position;
[0060] FIG. 13D shows a cross-section of the tie of FIG. 13A in the
unlocked position;
[0061] FIG. 13E shows a cross-section of the tie of FIG. 13A in the
unlocked position;
[0062] FIG. 13F shows a cross section of the strap having flexible
teeth;
[0063] FIG. 14A shows an embodiment the slide tie closure in the
locked position without a handle;
[0064] FIG. 14B shows an exploded perspective view of the closure
of FIG. 14A, and shows the strap attached to the retainer as once
piece;
[0065] FIG. 14C shows a top view of the holder and strap FIG. 14A
in the locked position;
[0066] FIG. 14D shows a side view of the holder and strap in FIG.
14C;
[0067] FIG. 14E shows a top view of the holder and strap FIG. 14A
in the unlocked position as it is loosening;
[0068] FIG. 14F shows a side view of the holder and strap in FIG.
14E;
[0069] FIG. 14G shows a top view of the holder and strap FIG. 14A
in the unlocked position prior to sliding back to the locked
position;
[0070] FIG. 14H shows a side view of the holder and strap in FIG.
14G;
[0071] FIG. 15 shows the three piece swivel tie closure attached to
a lace loop which is threaded though the loops of a sneaker;
[0072] FIG. 15A shows the three piece swivel tie closure attached
to a lace loop which weaves through the eyelets of a sneaker;
[0073] FIG. 15B shows two swivel tie closures sewn into a child's
sneaker; and
[0074] FIG. 16 shows the two piece slide tie closure as an
orthopedic device surrounding a wrist.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENTS
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-5E, a first embodiment of the tie
or closure 100 in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. Swivel tie closure 100 is comprised of three parts, a
strap 110, a holder 130 and a retainer 170. Strap 110 has an end
116 that is attached (e.g., riveted, sewn, glued, hooked, snapped,
etc.) to the item that is to be bound by the closure or to a lace
that is to be attached to the bound item. A holder 130, having legs
134, engages with the strap 110 in one of two positions. A retainer
170 is attached at bore 172 to the other side of the item being
bound. FIG. 1A shows the tie in the locked position.
[0076] If the user pulls the strap end 118 in the direction of
arrow C, the tie will tighten by ratcheted increments. In this
orientation, the tie is locked and cannot loosen. To unlock the tie
100, the user simply swivels the handle 132 of the holder 130
counter-clockwise, in the direction of arrow A, until it stops
(approx. 1/4 turn). The user unlocks the tie in the conventional
counter-clockwise direction (like opening ajar). During this moving
or switching of the tie, shown in FIG. 1C, from the locked to the
unlocked position, the strap 110 is automatically released from its
stowed position under handle 132, through gap 150, due to the force
or push from the inside of handle 180. Handle 132 is now parallel
to the strap 110 (indicating that the tie is unlocked) as shown in
FIG. 1B. Strap 110, is now free to ratchet open, in the direction
of arrow D, when, for example, pressure is applied to the inside of
the tie (e.g., when the user steps out of the sneaker). If desired,
a more secure lock could be achieved by closing the free end of
closed gap 150. Thus, the holder can not swivel to the unlocked
position, until the user removes the strap. Since the strap, which
is within the closed gap 150, would block the pivoting movement of
the holder.
[0077] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of holder 130 and strap 110 in
the locked position as shown in FIG. 1A. Strap 110 has locking
teeth 114 that engage with a flexible locking member 144 on holder
130, thereby preventing the tie from opening while permitting the
tie to tighten in ratcheted increments.
[0078] The switching teeth 112 simply pass unimpeded through a
groove 142 formed between one leg 134 and blocking portion 136.
Thus, switching teeth 112 have no effect on holder 130 when the
strap is in this locked position. The entire assembly of the strap
110, holder 130, and retainer 170 is shown in the unlocked position
in FIG. 3. In this position, the tie will open or loosen as the
switching teeth 112 on top of the strap cause a flexible switching
member 138 on holder 130 to flex. The flexible switching member 138
on holder 130 is attached to holder 130 at area 139 and has a space
140 underneath, which enables it to flex and is easily molded.
[0079] Locking teeth 114 simply slide over the flexible locking
member 144 and have no effect, because they are at an angle to each
other and cannot engage. A cylinder 145 depends downwardly from
under the holder 130 and snaps into a hole 178 in the retainer 170
and permits relative rotation between holder 130 and retainer 170.
A ridge or flange 146 on cylinder 145 ensures that the holder 130
can not readily be removed from the retainer once placed therein. A
spacer 174 is located under the retainer 170 to permit the holder
to easily swivel. Retainer 170 has openings 182 so that the arms of
the retainer can be easily molded from underneath (see FIG. 3). The
retainer and strap may be attached at 172 and 116 to the item to be
tied, by rivets, snaps, hooks, glue, or by being sewn.
Alternatively, the two ends 172 and 116 may be integral with each
other and thus the retainer and strap can be molded as one
piece.
[0080] FIGS. 4A-4D show the detail of the strap 110 and the holder
130 in the locked position. When the tie moves through the holder
130 in the direction indicated by arrow C, the bottom of the strap
controls its' movement and the locking teeth 114 cause the flexible
locking member 144 to flex vertically, in the direction indicated
by arrow Y.
[0081] FIG. 4C shows the bottom of the strap 110 and the bottom of
the holder 130 which engage in the locked position. If strap 10 is
moved in the direction of arrow C, one of the locking teeth 114
engages with the flexible locking member 144 for ratcheted movement
in this direction.
[0082] FIG. 4D shows that the switching teeth 112 simply move
through the groove 142 and thus have no effect on the holder in
this position.
[0083] FIGS. 5A-5D show the detail of the strap 110 and holder 130
in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the strap 110
moves in the direction of arrow D, which is opposite to that of
arrow C. In this position, the top of the strap controls the
movement. FIG. 5C shows switching teeth 112 as they move past the
flexible switching member 138, causing it to flex horizontally, in
the direction of arrow Z, as the strap moves through the holder.
The locking teeth 114 simply move past the flexible locking member
144, as shown in FIG. 5D. Because teeth 114 and flexible locking
member 144 are at an angle with respect to each other they cannot
engage in this position. Thus, they have no effect on the movement
of the holder.
[0084] The flexible switching member 138 flexes only when in the
unlocked position (i.e., when the direction of the pull of the
strap is in the direction of arrow D). When the user wants to
tighten the tie again FIG. 5E, he simply pulls on the end of the
strap 118, in the direction of arrow C (see FIG. 5E). When the pull
on the strap 118 is in the direction of arrow C, the flexible
switching member 138 does not flex, and the next one of the
switching teeth 112, engages with the surface 141 of the flexible
switching member 138. The user's continued pulling on the strap in
the direction of arrow C causes the entire holder 130 to swivel
back to the locked position, clockwise, in the direction of arrow
B. This structure simulates a gear, transferring motion from
straight to circular. The flexible switching member 138 does not
flex because blocking portion 136 of holder 130 limits or stops its
movement. Therefore, continued pulling on the end of the strap, in
the direction of arrow C, causes the entire holder 130 to swivel
within the retainer 170, and thus the holder moves the tie back to
the locked position. As the user continues to pull on the strap
118, the tie continues to tighten in ratcheted increments.
[0085] A second embodiment of the closure in the form of a slide
tie 200, in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 6A-10B. Slide tie 200 is analogous to the swivel tie, however
the movement required to move the holder from the locked position
to the unlocked position (and visa versa) is a sliding movement
rather than a swiveling movement. Slide tie 200 is comprised of
three pieces, strap 210, a holder 230, and a retainer 270. Strap
210 has an end 216 that is fixedly attached (e.g., riveted, sewn,
glued, hooked, snapped, etc.) to the item being bound or attached
to a lace or string attached to the bound item.
[0086] Holder 230, has sides 234, and engages with strap 210 in one
of two positions. Retainer 270 is preferably fixedly attached
(snapped, glued, hooked, sewn, riveted, etc.) at bore 272 to the
other side of the item being bound. FIG. 6A shows the tie in the
locked position. If the user pulls the strap end 218 in the
direction of arrow C, the tie will tighten by ratcheted increments.
In this orientation, the tie is locked and cannot loosen. For the
user to unlock the tie 200, he simply slides the holder 230 to the
other end of the retainer, in the direction of arrow A, until it
stops. In this positions, handle 232 is not aligned with the
retainer legs 280 (indicating that the tie is unlocked) as shown in
FIG. 6B. During this switch of the tie, shown in FIG. 6C, the strap
210 is automatically released from under the handle 232, through
the gap 250, by the push of the retainer legs 280. Strap 210, will
then be free to ratchet open, in the direction of arrow D, when,
for example, pressure is applied to the inside of the tie (e.g.,
when the user steps out of the sneaker). If desired, a more secure
lock could be achieved if the gap 250 were closed, because the
holder could not slide to the unlocked position, until the user
first removes the strap from gap 250.
[0087] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the holder 230 and strap 210
with the strap 210 in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 6A.
Strap 210 has locking teeth 214 located on the underneath side of
the strap. Locking teeth 214 engage with a flexible locking member
244 on holder 230 and prevent the tie from opening while permitting
the tie to tighten in ratcheted increments. Switching teeth 212
simply pass unimpeded through the groove 242 and thus have no
effect on holder 230 when the strap is in this locked position. The
entire assembly of the strap 210, holder 230, and retainer 270 is
shown in FIG. 8 with the tie in the unlocked position.
[0088] In this unlocked position, the tie will loosen as the
switching teeth 212 on the strap cause the flexible switching
member 238 to flex. The flexible switching member is attached to
holder 230 at the bottom area 239 and is easily molded from the
bottom space 240. Locking teeth 214 slide over the flexible
switching member 238 and have no effect. A rectangular member 245
disposed under the holder snaps into a groove 278 in the retainer
and permits relative sliding there between. A beveled ridge 246 on
the rectangular member 245 insures that the holder can not readily
come out. Spacers 274 under the retainer 270, permits the holder to
slide unimpeded.
[0089] FIGS. 9B-9C show the detail of the strap 210 and the holder
230 as it moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.
FIG. 9B shows the strap 210 as it is pulled through the holder 230
in the direction of arrow C. The locking teeth 214 cause the
flexible locking member 244 to flex vertically, in the direction
indicated by arrow Y. The bottom of the strap 210 and the bottom of
the holder 230 engage in the locked position. It can also be seen
in FIG. 9B that the switching teeth 212 simply move through the
groove 242 and thus have no effect in this position. FIG. 9C shows
the position of the strap 210 within the holder 230 as the user
slides the holder 230 to the unlocked position, in the direction of
arrow A.
[0090] FIGS. 10A-10B show the detail of the strap 210 and holder
230 in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the strap
210 moves in the direction of arrow D. In this position the
switching teeth 212 on the strap control the movement. FIG. 10A
shows switching teeth 212 as they move past the flexible switching
member 238, causing it to flex horizontally, in the direction
indicated by arrow Z, as the strap ratchets through the holder to
loosen the tie. The locking teeth 214 slide over the flexible
switching member 238, and have no stopping effect. When the user
wants to then tighten the strap again, he pulls on it, as shown in
FIG. 10B, in the direction of arrow C, and one of the switching
teeth 212, glides along the edge 241 of the flexible switching
member which is held rigid by the side wall 234, causing the holder
to slide within the retainer and the strap is automatically
switched into the locked position, in the direction of arrow B,
where continued pulling on the strap causes it to tighten in
discrete increments. This structure simulates a gear, transferring
motion from one direction to another. The edge 243 of the flexible
locking member 244 can be angled for smooth sliding from the
unlocked to the locked position (see FIG. 9A).
[0091] FIGS. 11A-11I show an alternate embodiment of the swivel tie
in accordance with the present invention. The flexible locking
member has two teeth 344 and is integral with the flexible
switching member 338. The teeth 344 and flexible switching member
are one piece. Holder 330 has one leg 334, and the strap is not
centered within the holder. This embodiment is an example of the
large variability inherent in the present invention and the
analogous parts. FIG. 11C shows a side view of the strap 310 and
the holder 330 in the locked position. The flexible
locking/switching member 344 flexes up and down, in the direction
indicated by arrow Y, as the strap tightens. FIGS. 11D-E are the
top views corresponding to FIGS. 11B-C. FIGS. 11F-G shows the
holder and strap in the unlocked position. As the strap moves in
the direction of arrow D, the ties is loosened as the switching
teeth 312 cause the flexible locking/switching member to flex back
and forth, in the directions indicated by double arrow Z, as they
move through the holder (i.e., the strap is released by
ratcheting). The flexible locking/switching member 338 is attached
to the holder at mounting portion 339. When the user wants to lock
the tie again, he pulls the strap in the direction of arrow C, and
the next switching tooth 312, pushes against the surface 341 of the
flexible switching member 338 (see FIG. 11I). Since flexible
switching member 338 is prevented from flexing by member 336, the
holder automatically swivels or rotates to the locked position, in
the direction of arrow B. After which, continued pulling on the
strap will tighten the tie even further as shown in FIGS. 11D-E. In
this embodiment of the swivel tie, the flexible switching member
338 extends to the edge of the holder providing increased leverage
for the cam gear to turn.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-E, another embodiment of the
swivel tie 400, in accordance with the present invention, is
illustrated. Swivel tie 400 includes a locking member 444 that is
rigid and a switching member 438 that flexes vertically (in the
direction indicated by double arrow Y).
[0093] FIGS. 12A-12C shows this tie in the locked position. The
handle 432 has a space or groove 450 underneath where strap 410 can
be stowed when the tie is in the locked position.
[0094] FIG. 12C shows the strap being tightened by moving in the
direction indicated by arrow C. The switching member the 438, may
be beveled at surface 443 to smooth the transition from the locked
position to the unlocked position (See FIG. 12B). The locking teeth
414 engage with the locking member 444 to prevent the tie from
opening. A part of holder 486 above the locking tooth 444 is
widened (see FIGS. 12B-C). This widening of holder 430 at 486
narrows the entry way of the strap 410, to ensure that the locking
tooth 414 and locking member 444 have a strong grip and the strap
cannot pull out. This narrowing could also be accomplished by
narrowing the height of the retainer opening. The switching teeth
412 pass unimpeded through a channel 442 formed in the holder. FIG.
12D is a cross-sectional view of the holder and strap in the
unlocked position showing the switching teeth 412 sliding over the
flexible switching member 438 as the tie is loosened (i.e., moving
in the direction of arrow D). When the user pulls the strap end 418
to tighten it (i.e., in the direction of arrow C) the switching
tooth 412 abuts the flexible switching member 438 at surface 441
(See FIG. 12E). Continued pulling on strap end 418 will result in
the tie swiveling back to the locked position.
[0095] FIG. 12F shows an alternate embodiment of the bottom of the
holder of FIG. 12B. In FIG. 12F, the switching member 438 is shown
as being a part of the bottom of the holder and does not flex. A
bottom portion of the holder is cut away to form a channel 442
through which the switching teeth 412 move when the tie is being
tightened.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13F yet another embodiment of the
swivel tie 500 in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. The holder 530, in this embodiment has only a top and
it is held in the retainer 570, by a ridge or protrusion 546 which
fits into a vertical groove 547 during assembly. Thereafter,
protrusion 546 swivels within an internal horizontal groove 548 in
retainer 570. The switching teeth 512 on the strap, may be beveled
on the inside 513, to smooth the transition from the locked
position to the unlocked position (see FIG. 13A). The height of the
retainer is preferably narrowed, by widening the base of retainer
570 at location 586 to provide a strong hold when the tie is locked
and good contact when the tie automatically swivels from the
unlocked to the locked position.
[0097] FIG. 13B shows a top view of holder 530. The relative
position of the handle 532, the leg 534, the protrusion 546, the
locking member 544, and switching member 538 are seen (by dotted
lines) through the top. FIG. 13C shows the strap being tightened
(i.e., by moving in the direction of arrow C) as it moves through
the holder. Holder 530 has a handle 532, but does not have a space
under the handle to stow the strap. Of the various embodiments of
the swivel tie disclosed, this is the simplest holder. The holder
and strap are shown in the locked position in FIG. 13C.
[0098] FIGS. 13D-E show the holder 530 and strap 510 in the
unlocked position. Leg 534 is opposite protrusion 546, and helps
maintains the holder in alignment as it swivels from the locked
position to the unlocked position within the retainer 570. Retainer
570 may be attached to an item (e.g., a sneaker, a ski boot, etc.)
by a rivet, at, for example, location 581.
[0099] FIG. 13F shows an embodiment of the strap whose locking and
switching teeth flex, since they have grooves 599.
[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 14A-H still yet another alternate
embodiment of the slide tie 600 in accordance with the present
invention is illustrated. Holder 630 has only a top and sides and
no handle. The user can slide holder 630 from the locked position
to the unlocked position by simply pushing on a side wall 634 of
holder 630. Two ridges 646 on retainer 670 and the legs of the
holder 634, as well as the strap 610, maintain the holders assembly
as it slides from the locked position to the unlocked position
within retainer 670. In this embodiment, strap 610 and retainer 670
are integral with each other. An example of this tie is shown as a
wrist bandage shown in FIG. 16.
[0101] FIGS. 14C shows a top view of the strap and holder in the
locked position and FIG. 14D shows the corresponding side view.
[0102] FIG. 14E shows a top view of the strap and holder in the
unlocked position and FIG. 14F shows the corresponding side view.
FIG. 14G shows a top view of the strap and holder in the unlocked
position about to automatically slide back to the locked position
(in the direction indicated by arrow A), when the user pulls strap
end 618 in the direction of arrow C.
[0103] FIG. 14H shows the corresponding side view.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 15-15A, the closure includes a lace
795 which is attached to the strap 710. The lace could be threaded
though a hole or holes 716 in the strap, hooked into the strap at
716, or molded and integral with the strap. This configuration is
used for items whose opening is relatively long (such as a sneaker,
corset, orthopedic device, etc.).
[0105] Ordinarily, when a user ties his laces, he must pull at each
pair of eyelets (holes, loops, hooks, etc.) in succession, for a
snug fit. If the sneaker has 4 pairs of eyelets, the user must pull
successively at each of the 4 pairs of eyelets to tighten. If he
doesn't do this, the top may be tight, while the laces towards the
bottom may be loose (i.e., the tension is not evenly distributed).
Also, when stepping out of the sneaker, the user must often
individually loosen the laces toward the middle and bottom of the
sneaker to create room for his foot to be removed.
[0106] Using the current invention however, a single pull on the
strap by the user causes a portion (FIG. 15) or the entire length
(FIG. 15A) of the sneaker opening to tighten simultaneously and
with equal tension. This provides many benefits for the user, such
as, 1) It provides for a better performance sneaker because the
tension is equally distributed along the inside of the arch and
outside of the foot. 2) It is easier to tie i.e., requires just one
pull on the strap, and the sneaker closure is tightened and locked.
3) It is easier to open. . i.e., when the user turns the holder to
unlock the closure, the entire length (or a portion) of the sneaker
opening loosens simultaneously creating a large opening for the
user to step out. 4) The lace will not wear due to the abrasion
from tying one's sneakers by knots and bows. 5) It is faster.
[0107] Specifically, FIG. 15 shows a three piece swivel tie closure
attached to the outside of a sneaker. This closure is excellent for
runners or triathletes, because it holds as strong as nylon cable
ties (which are often used as hand-cuffs because they are so
strong), the user can get in and out quickly and easily (important
for triathletes), there are no bows or lace ends to loosen or trip
over (important for runners), and the tension is distributed evenly
along lace segments 791, so the sneaker hugs the foot securely
under the length of the arch. Thus, the swivel tie closure when
used on a sneaker provides better support, comfort and ease of user
for athletes. A lace 795 preferably goes through a hole 716 in the
strap. For example, the lace may form a loop and can be attached to
the strap and sneaker in a variety of ways to be both adjustable
and replaceable. For example, the two lace ends can form a loop by
hooking together, by a hook and eye, or be sewn to each other at
location 793. The lace ends can alternatively be hooked to the
sneaker at 792, or they can hook into the strap hole 716. The lace
in FIG. 15 consists of a single lace loop and is threaded through a
single hole in the strap. Two lace segments 791 tighten the top
portion of the sneaker opening simultaneously, when the strap is
pulled.
[0108] The lace in FIG. 15A consists of a single lace loop, and is
threaded through two holes in the strap 716. Four lace segments 791
tighten substantially the entire length of the sneaker opening
simultaneously, with equal tension, and with one pull. The sneaker
opens very wide when the user unlocks the closure so that the user
can easily step out. This closure could alternatively have been
configured with two (or more) lace loops. After reading the present
disclosure as a whole, one skilled in the art can readily contrive
of other methods of attaching the lace. The strap and lace of the
closure can thus be, adjustable and replaceable. The end of the
strap 718 may have a stopper 798 (e.g., an enlarged head), to
prevent the strap from being pulled out of the holder. The strap
may be tucked into a sleeve 794 (attached to the sneaker) to keep
it close to the sneaker. Alternatively, the strap end 718, could be
held to the shoe by Velcro.TM..
[0109] FIG. 15B shows the three piece swivel tie sewn into a
child's sneaker. The ends of the strap and retainer are widened so
that there is uniform pull along the entire length of the opening.
The handle consists of a tennis ratchet, which the child swivels to
unlock the tie, at which time, the strap automatically releases
from under the tennis racket. The holders can contain cartoon
characters, logos, sports themes, etc. depending upon the desires
of the child. The holders can be made to be replaceable with
different characters when the child desires (e.g., the holder can
snap in and out of the retainer).
[0110] FIG. 16 shows the two piece slide tie, with no handle, used
as an orthopedic device surrounding a wrist. If this closure were
to surround a leg, rather than a wrist, it would include a lace, to
provide constant tension along the length of the leg.
[0111] Although this invention has been described generally and in
terms of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. For
example, the inside of the holders may be reversed, the locking and
unlocking movements may be reversed. The teeth on the straps and
within the holder may have different shapes. The locking and
switching members in the holder may flex in the same direction, in
different directions, or may not flex at all. The locking and
switching members disposed in the holder may have multiple teeth.
The spacing, shape, height, and angle of the teeth on the strap may
be different. There may be only one switching tooth on the strap,
in which case, the loosening would be accomplished by friction, or
the strap could just loosen freely, without friction. The holders,
retainers, handles and teeth etc. may have a different shapes etc.
The swivel may be more or less than 90, etc. The laces could form
two (or more) lace loops, rather than one, as shown.
[0112] The switch from a locked position to an unlocked position
may be accomplished by other movements, such as push, pull, pinch,
lift, etc. The method used to operate the tie is very simple and
similar. A) To unlock and loosen the tie. . . the user switches the
holder to the unlocked position. B) The lock and tighten the tie .
. . . the user pulls on the strap. Thus, the scope of this
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents, rather than the examples given.
[0113] Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed
out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a
preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various
omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of
the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that
all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform
substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to
achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.
Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another
are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be
understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,
but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *