U.S. patent application number 10/819676 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-11 for lace retention clip.
This patent application is currently assigned to FlyClip LLC. Invention is credited to Wolfberg, Darren.
Application Number | 20040221433 10/819676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33452200 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040221433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wolfberg, Darren |
November 11, 2004 |
Lace retention clip
Abstract
A lace retention clip for use with a plurality of lace ends
includes, in one embodiment, a housing and a bore extending into
the housing. The housing further includes a lateral slot formed in
the housing and disposed generally transverse relative to the bore.
The housing also having a hollow formed in the housing and
intersecting the lateral slot and the bore of the plunger. A
plunger having a transverse bore is arranged so that the plunger is
shiftably mounted within the bore and is moveable between a first
position, wherein the bore of the plunger is aligned with the
hollow, and a second position wherein the bore is offset from the
hollow. The lace retention clip being arranged to frictionally
retain a lace within the clip when the plunger is in the second
position.
Inventors: |
Wolfberg, Darren; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 S. WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
FlyClip LLC
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
33452200 |
Appl. No.: |
10/819676 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60468328 |
May 6, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/712.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/34 20220101; A43B
3/0078 20130101; F16G 11/101 20130101; A43C 7/00 20130101; Y10T
24/3713 20150115; A43B 23/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/712.5 |
International
Class: |
A43C 007/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lace retention clip comprising: a base plate; a top plate
spaced away from the base plate; a first side wall extending
between the base plate and the top plate, the first side wall
surrounding a bore, the bore extending through the top plate; a
second side wall extending between the base plate and the top
plate, the second side wall spaced away from the front side wall by
a gap; a plunger shiftably mounted within the bore of the first
sidewall and moveable between a first position and a second
position, the plunger including a transverse bore; and a transverse
hollow extending through each of the second side wall, and the bore
of the first side wall, the bore of the plunger aligned with the
transverse hollow when the plunger is in the first position, the
bore of the plunger offset from the transverse hollow, the bore of
the plunger offset from the transverse hollow when the plunger is
in the second position.
2. The clip of claim 1, further comprising a tab extending from the
base plate, the tab having an aperture.
3. The clip of claim 2, wherein the aperture includes a plurality
of projections extending from the tab towards the interior of the
aperture.
4. The clip of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a
downwardly depending tab.
5. The clip of claim 1, wherein the bore of the plunger includes a
plurality of projections extending from the plunger towards the
interior of the bore.
6. The clip of claim 1, further comprising a spring element
engaging the plunger and arranged to bias the plunger toward the
second position.
7. The clip of claim 6, wherein the plunger includes a bottom
surface and a post extending from the bottom surface, the post
arranged to engage the spring.
8. The clip of claim 1, wherein the plunger includes at least one
retaining projection extending from the plunger, the retaining
projection sized to permit snap-fit securement of the plunger
within the bore.
9. The clip of claim 1, wherein the plunger includes a first end
and a second end, the first end of the plunger being sized to
permit insertion into the bore of the first side wall, the second
end of the plunger being sized to prevent insertion into the bore
of the first side wall.
10. The clip of claim 1, wherein the plunger includes a top
surface, the top surface arranged to receive indicia.
11. The clip of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a first
side and a second side, the base plate converging inwardly from one
of the first and second sides toward the opposite side.
12. The clip of claim 1, wherein the gap between the first side
wall and the second side wall is sized to permit passage of a lace
between the first side wall and the second side wall.
13. The clip of claim 1, wherein the transverse hollow is sized to
permit passage of a plurality of laces through the transverse
hollow.
14. The clip of claim 1, wherein the gap between the first side
wall and the second side wall and the transverse hollow cooperate
to define a lace path for passage of a plurality of laces when the
plunger is in the first position, and wherein the plunger is
arranged to frictionally retain the laces within the lace path when
the plunger is moved toward the second position.
15. The clip of claim 1, further comprising a tab extending from
the base plate, the tab having an aperture, wherein the gap between
the first side wall and the second side wall, the transverse
hollow, and the aperture in the tab cooperate to define a lace path
for passage of a plurality of laces when the plunger is in the
first position, wherein the plunger is arranged to frictionally
retain the laces within the lace path when the plunger is moved
toward the second position, and wherein the aperture in the tab is
arranged to secure the laces when the laces are knotted.
16. A clip for use with a plurality of lace ends, the clip
comprising: a housing; a bore extending into the housing; a lateral
slot formed in the housing and disposed transverse relative to the
bore; a plunger shiftably mounted within the bore and moveable
between a first position and a second position the plunger
including a transverse bore; and a hollow formed in the housing and
intersecting the bore and the lateral slot, the bore of the plunger
aligned with the hollow when the plunger is in the first position
and the bore of the plunger offset from the hollow when the plunger
is in the second position.
17. The clip of claim 16, wherein the at least a portion of the
lateral slot and at least a portion of the hollow cooperate with
the bore of the plunger to form a lace path.
18. The clip of claim 16, wherein the lateral slot includes a first
opening at one end of the lateral slot and a second opening at the
other end of the lateral slot, the hollow includes a first opening
at one end of the hollow and a second opening at the other end of
the hollow, the first opening of the lateral slot and the first
opening of the hollow cooperating to form a first lace path, the
first lace path arranged to allow the insertion of a first one of
the lace ends, the second opening of the lateral slot and the first
opening of the hollow cooperating to form a second lace path, the
second lace path arranged to allow the insertion of a second one of
the lace ends, the first opening of the hollow, the plunger bore,
and the second opening of the hollow cooperating to form a third
lace path, the third lace path arranged to allow the insertion of
the first and second lace ends, and wherein the bore of the plunger
is arranged to frictionally retain the first and second lace ends
within the third lace path when the plunger is moved towards the
second position.
19. The clip of claim 16, wherein the housing includes a tab
extending from the housing, the tab having an aperture.
20. The clip of claim 19, wherein the lateral slot includes a first
opening at one end of the lateral slot and a second opening at the
other end of the lateral slot, the hollow includes a first opening
at one end of the hollow and a second opening at the other end of
the hollow, the first opening of the lateral slot and the first
opening of the hollow cooperating to form a first lace path, the
first lace path arranged to allow the insertion of a first one of
the lace ends, the second opening of the lateral slot and the first
opening of the hollow cooperating to form a second lace path, the
second lace path arranged to allow the insertion of a second one of
the lace ends, the first opening of the hollow, the plunger bore,
and the second opening of the hollow cooperating to form a third
lace path, the third lace path arranged to allow the insertion of
the first and second lace ends, and wherein the bore of the plunger
is arranged to frictionally retain the first and second lace ends
within the third lace path when the plunger is moved towards the
second position and the aperture of the tab is arranged to secure
the first and second lace ends when the first and second lace ends
are knotted.
21. The clip of claim 16, further comprising a spring element
engaging the plunger and arranged to bias the plunger toward the
second position.
22. The clip of claim 16, wherein the plunger includes at least one
retaining projection extending from the plunger, the retaining
projection sized to permit snap-fit securement of the plunger
within the bore.
23. The clip of claim 16, wherein the plunger includes a first end
and a second end, the first end of the plunger being sized to
permit insertion into the bore, the second end of the plunger being
sized to prevent insertion into the bore, wherein the second end is
arranged to receive indicia.
24. A clip for use with a plurality of lace ends, the clip
comprising: a housing; a bore extending into the housing; a plunger
shiftably mounted within the bore and moveable between a first
position and a second position the plunger including a transverse
bore; a hollow formed in the housing and intersecting the bore and
the lateral slot, the bore of the plunger aligned with the hollow
when the plunger is in the first position and the bore of the
plunger offset from the hollow when the plunger is in the second
position; and a tab extending from the housing, the tab having an
aperture.
25. The clip of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the hollow
and at least a portion of the bore of the plunger cooperates with
the aperture of the tab to form a lace path.
26. The clip of claim 24, wherein the hollow includes a first
opening at one end of the hollow and a second opening at the other
end of the hollow, the first opening of the hollow, the plunger
bore, the second opening of the hollow, and the aperture of the tab
cooperating to form a lace path, the lace path arranged to allow
the insertion of a first and second lace end, and wherein the bore
of the plunger is arranged to frictionally retain the first and
second lace ends within the lace path when the plunger is moved
towards the second position.
27. The clip of claim 24, wherein the plunger is pivotally mounted
within the bore and wherein a spring element engages the plunger
and biases the plunger toward the second position.
28. The clip of claim 27, wherein the spring element is a torsion
spring.
29. The clip of claim 24, further comprising a spring element
engaging the plunger and arranged to bias the plunger toward the
second position.
30. The clip of claim 29, wherein the spring element is a coil
spring seated within the bore of the housing.
31. The clip of claim 29, wherein the spring element is seated
external of the bore of the housing.
32. The clip of claim 31, wherein the spring element is a leaf
spring.
33. The clip of claim 29, wherein the housing includes a projection
which extends from the housing, and the plunger is pivotally
mounted to the rear projection at a pivot point, and wherein the
spring element is a spring seated within the pivot point.
34. The clip of claim 24, wherein the plunger includes at least one
retaining projection extending from the plunger, the retaining
projection sized to permit snap-fit securement of the plunger
within the bore.
35. The clip of claim 24, wherein the plunger includes a first end
and a second end, the first end of the plunger being sized to
permit insertion into the bore, the second end of the plunger being
sized to prevent insertion into the bore, wherein the second end is
arranged to receive an information display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming
priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/468,328,
filed May 6, 2003, entitled "Shoelace Retention Clip" and
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is directed to lace retention and more
particularly to a lace retention clip for securing laces, strings,
cords, ropes, or other similar items without requiring the tying of
a traditional lace knot.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Lace retention clips are used in many applications to aid in
the securement of laces. In some instances, lace retention clips
may be used to secure the loose ends of a lace such as, for
example, a shoe lace. In other instances, lace retention clips may
be used to tighten a drawstring such as, for example, a jacket or
shorts drawstring.
[0004] Lace retention clips have typically contained a simple base,
a spring loaded plunger, and a lace path allowing the passage of
laces through the base and the plunger when the plunger is
depressed. Upon releasing the plunger, the lace is frictionally
retained between the base and the plunger. In some instances, the
plunger may be shiftable within the lace path to frictionally
retain the lace against the base.
[0005] Despite various lace retention clips, there is a continued
need for improved lace clip designs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is best understood from the detailed
description which follows, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a disclosed example
of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a right elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 1, showing the plunger in a second position.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lace retention clip of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a plunger for use with
the lace retention clip of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lace retention clip of FIG.
1, showing a plurality of lace paths.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the lace retention clip of FIG.
1, showing the insertion of a lace therein.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the lace retention clip of FIG.
1, showing the insertion of a lace therein.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a disclosed example
of the present invention, and showing a lace retained therein.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second disclosed
example of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the lace retention clip of
FIG. 10.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third disclosed
example of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a right elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 13.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 13.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the lace retention clip of
FIG. 13.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fourth disclosed
example of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C are left elevational views of the lace
retention clip of FIG. 17, having alternative plunger designs.
[0026] FIGS. 19A-19D are top plan views of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, showing various tab and aperture designs.
[0027] FIG. 20A is a left elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 20B is a front cross-sectional view of the lace
retention clip of FIG. 20A.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a left elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a fifth disclosed
example of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 21.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a left elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a sixth disclosed
example of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 23.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of a lace retention clip
assembled in accordance with the teachings of a seventh disclosed
example of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a left elevational view of the lace retention
clip of FIG. 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The following embodiments described herein are not intended
to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the
precise forms disclosed. Instead, the following embodiments have
been described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to
follow its teachings.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, a lace retention
clip assembled in accordance with the teachings of an embodiment of
the present invention is referred to by the reference numeral 10.
The clip 10 includes a housing 12 having a top side 14, a bottom
side 16, a front side 17, a back side 18, and a pair of
interconnecting sides 19A, 19B. The housing 12 also includes a bore
20 which, in the disclosed example is tubular shaped with a
generally oval cross section. The bore 20 extends through the top
side 14 into the housing 12, and is surrounded by a sidewall 15. As
best shown in FIG. 2, the back side 18 may be formed by a sidewall
19 extending between the bottom side 16, and the top side 14. The
sidewall 19 is spaced away from the sidewall 15 by a gap.
[0037] The housing 12 also includes a slot 22 defined in the
housing 12 and, extending between the sides 19A, 19B transverse
relative the bore 20 (the slot 22 is best viewed in FIG. 2). The
slot 22 includes a first opening 22A in the side 19A and a second
opening 22B in the side 19B. In the disclosed example, the slot 22
is formed by the gap between the sidewall 15 and the sidewall
19.
[0038] The housing 12 further includes a hollow 24 formed in the
base 12 and intersecting the bore 20 and the slot 22. In the
disclosed example, the hollow 24 is tubular shaped with a generally
oval cross section. The hollow 24 extends between the front side 17
and the back side 18 perpendicular relative the bore 20 and the
slot 22. The hollow 24 includes a first opening 24A in the back
side 18 and a second opening 24B in the front side 17.
[0039] The housing 12 may also include an optional tab 26 having an
aperture 28. In the disclosed embodiment, the tab 26 extends
downwardly from the front side 17 of the housing 12, below the
hollow 24. As will be described in greater detail below, at least a
portion of the slot 22, the hollow 24, and optionally, the aperture
28 cooperate to form a lace path for receiving a lace, a cord, a
string, a rope, a filament, a thread, an elastic, or any other
similar item. It will be understood that the tab 26 may extend from
any portion of the housing 12 and may extend in any orientation as
desired.
[0040] Turning to FIGS. 1 and 5, a plunger 30 having a first end 32
and a second end 34 is sized such that the first end 32 is
insertable into the bore 22. The plunger includes a transverse bore
36 which, in the disclosed example, extends through the plunger 30
and is sized to correspond to the shape of the hollow 24. As best
illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plunger 30 is shiftably mounted
within the bore 20 of the housing 12 and is moveable between a
first position (shown in FIG. 3B) and a second position (shown in
FIG. 3A). As shown, the bore 36 of the plunger 30 is aligned with
the hollow 24 when the plunger 30 is in the first position.
Furthermore, the bore 36 of the plunger 30 is offset from the
hollow 24 when the plunger 130 is in the second position. The
plunger 30 may be biased toward the second position by a spring
element 38 or other similar element disposed between the plunger 30
and the housing 12 within the bore 20. It will be understood that
the spring element 38 may be any type of device, such as by way of
example and not limitation, a coil spring (shown), a torsion
spring, a leaf spring, a wire form spring, an "M" spring, a
resilient/elastically deformable material, and/or any other similar
biasing device.
[0041] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 5, the plunger 30 may include at
least one optional projection 40 extending from the plunger 30 for
retaining the plunger 30 within the bore 20 of the housing 12. In
the illustrated embodiment, the projection 40 extends from the
plunger 30 directly below the bore 36 and includes a generally flat
semi-circular surface 42 and a tapered surface 44 to form a
generally shaped one half hemisphere. It will be appreciated,
however that the shape of the projection 40 may vary according to
desired projection characteristics and may, in fact, be any locking
mechanism designed to retain the plunger 30 within the bore 20,
including alternatively shaped projections, lips, extensions,
recesses, or the like.
[0042] The projection 40 is arranged so as to allow snap-fit
insertion of the plunger 30 into the bore 20 of the housing 12.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the plunger
is inserted into the bore 20, the projection extends through the
hollow 24. When the plunger is in the first position (FIG. 3B), the
projection 40 may rest in a notch 46 formed in the hollow 24 and
sized to receive the projection 40. When the plunger is in the
second position (FIG. 3A), the surface 42 of the projection 40
engages the sidewall 15 above the hollow 24, effectively preventing
the plunger from exiting the bore 20.
[0043] The plunger 30 may also include an optional post 48
extending from the first end 32 and being arranged to be inserted
into the bore 20. The post 48 is further sized to allow the post 48
to be inserted into a coil of the spring element 38, thereby
engaging the spring element 38 and preventing substantial relative
movement between the spring element 38 and the first end 32 of the
plunger 30.
[0044] The second end 34 of the plunger 30 includes a top surface
50 which, in the disclosed example is sized larger than the bore 20
to prevent insertion of the top surface 50 into the bore 20. The
plunger 30 may also contain a removable and/or permanent button 52
(FIG. 5) which may contain advertisement information, such as, for
example, logos, slogans, or similar. The button 52 may be attached
to the top surface 50 by any desirable method, including, for
example, glue, snap-fit, or other mounting method. Moreover, the
button 52 may contain a piezoelectric or battery operated lighting
device (not shown). The piezoelectric may illuminate the button 52
during movement or other event, such as for instance, in response
to outside stimuli (physical, electronic, moisture, light
intensity, and/or other), at timed intervals, or the like. The
button 52 may also include a powered or passive device such as, by
way of example only, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a
Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) device, a radio frequency identification
(RFID) device, a clock, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or similar
device.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 6, a first lace path (illustrated by a
line 60A), a second lace path (illustrated by a line 60B), and a
third lace path (illustrated by a line 60C) extend through one
embodiment of the clip 10. As will be described, each of the first,
second and third lace paths 60A, 60B, 60C cooperate to allow the
insertion and securement of a lace, or other similar item, in the
clip 10.
[0046] As illustrated, the first lace path 60A extends from the
first opening 22A of the slot 22 through the first opening 24A of
the hollow 24. The first lace path 60A being sized to allow the
passage of at least a portion of a first lace end into the first
opening 22A of the slot 22 and out through the first opening 24A of
the hollow 24.
[0047] The second lace path 60B extends from the second opening 22B
of the slot 22 through the first opening 24A of the hollow 24. The
second lace path 60B being sized to allow the passage of at least a
portion of a second lace end into the second opening 22B of the
slot 22 and out through the first opening 24A of the hollow 24.
[0048] The third lace path 60C extends from the first opening 24A
of the hollow 24 through the second opening 24B of the hollow 24.
The third lace path 60C being sized to allow the passage of at
least a portion of both the first and second lace ends into the
first opening 24A of the hollow 24 and out through the second
opening 24B of the hollow 24. The third lace path 60C may
optionally extend through the aperture 28 of the tab 26, the
aperture 28 also being sized to allow the passage of at least a
portion of both the first and second lace ends. It will be
appreciated that the third lace path 60C allows the passage of the
first and second lace ends when the plunger 30 is in the first
position as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Furthermore, when the plunger
30 is moved from the first position towards the second position,
any lace ends inserted within the lace path 60C will be
frictionally retained within the lace path 60C by the plunger 30
pressing the laces against the housing 12. It will further be
appreciated that one or both of the lace ends may be tied into a
knot, tied to the tab 26 utilizing the aperture 28 or otherwise
secured (such as by sewing, or attaching the lace ends to an
object) such that the lace ends will not pass through the lace path
60C even when the plunger 30 is in the first position.
[0049] Turning now to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, a lace 62 having a first
lace end 64 and a second lace end 66 is shown being threaded into
and retained by the clip 10. In the illustrated example, the lace
62 is a shoelace attached to an athletic sneaker (shown in
phantom), however, the lace may be attached to any type of shoe,
boot, sporting equipment, and/or apparel. As shown in FIG. 7, the
first lace end 64 is threaded through the lace path 60A (FIG. 6)
and out the back side 18 of the clip 10 (shown by the Arrow A).
Similarly, the second lace end 66 is threaded through the lace path
60B (FIG. 6) and out the back side 18 of the clip 10 (shown by the
Arrow B). The plunger 30 may then be pushed towards the first
position to align the base 36 of the plunger 30 with the hollow 24
as previously described. Then as shown in FIG. 8, both the first
and second lace ends 64, 66 may be reversibly threaded through the
third lace path 60C (FIG. 6) and out the front side 17 of the clip
10 (shown by the Arrows C). Once the lace ends 64, 66 are inserted
through the third lace path 60C, the plunger 30 may be released,
thereby securing the lace 66 in the clip 10. As shown in FIG. 9,
the lace ends 64, 66 may be secured, e.g., tied, to the tab 26
utilizing the aperture 28. Alternatively, the lace ends 64, 66 may
be tied below the tab 26 (not shown) such that the knotted lace
ends may not pass through the aperture 28.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a lace retention clip 110 assembled in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. The clip 110 includes
a housing 112 having a top side 114, a bottom side 116, a front
side 117, a back side 118, and a pair of interconnecting sides 119A
and 119B. The housing 112 also includes a bore 120 which in the
disclosed embodiment extends through the side 119A into the housing
112. A slot 122 is defined in the house 112 and extends between the
sides 119A, 119B parallel relative the bore 120. The slot 122
includes a first opening 122A in the side 119A and a second opening
122B in the side 119B.
[0051] The housing 112 further includes a hollow 124 formed in the
base 112 and intersecting the bore 120. In the disclosed example,
the hollow 124 extends between the top side 114 and the bottom side
116 perpendicular relative the bore 120. The hollow 124 includes a
first opening 124A in the bottom side 116 and a second opening 124B
in the top side 114.
[0052] The housing 112 may also include an optional tab 126 having
an aperture 128. In the disclosed embodiment, the tab 126 extends
downwardly from the front side 117 of the housing 112.
[0053] A plunger 130 having a first end 132 and a second end 134 is
sized such that the first end 132 is insertable into the bore 122.
The plunger 130 includes a bore 136 which, in the disclosed
embodiment, extends through the plunger 130. The plunger 130 is
shiftably mounted within the bore 120 of the housing 112 and
movable between a first position (shown in FIG. 11) and second
position (shown in FIG. 10). As illustrated in FIG. 11, the bore
136 of the plunger 130 is aligned with the hollow 124 when the
plunger 130 is in the first position. Furthermore, the bore 136 of
the plunger 130 is offset from the hollow 124 when the plunger 130
is in the second position. The plunger 130 may be biased towards
the second position by a spring element 138, or other similar
element disposed between the plunger 130 and the housing 112 within
the bore 120.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, a first lace
path 160A extends from the first opening 124A of the hollow 124
through the second opening 124B of the hollow 124. The first lace
path 160A being sized to allow the passage of at least a portion of
both a first and second lace ends into the first opening 124A of
the hollow 124 and out through the second opening 124B of the
hollow 124. It will be understood that the first lace path 160A
will allow the passage of the first and second lace ends when the
plunger 130 is in the first position as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0055] A second lace path 160B extends from the second opening 124B
of the hollow 124 through the first opening 122A of the slot 122.
The second lace path 160B being sized to allow the passage of at
least a portion of the first lace end into the second opening 124B
of the hollow 124 and out through the first opening 122A of the
slot 122. The second lace path 160B may optionally extend through
the aperture 128 of the tab 126 as shown.
[0056] A third lace path 160C extends from the second opening 124B
of the hollow 124 through the second opening 122B of the slot 122.
The third lace path 160C being sized to allow the passage of at
least a portion of the second lace end into the second opening 124A
of the hollow 124 and out through the second opening 122B of the
slot 122. The third lace path 160C may optionally extend through
the aperture 128 of the tab 126 as shown.
[0057] Similar to FIG. 9, the first and second lace ends may be
secured, e.g., tied, to the tab 126 utilizing the aperture 128.
Alternatively, the lace ends may be tied below the tab 126 (not
shown) such that the knotted lace ends may not pass through the
aperture 128.
[0058] It will further be appreciated that the foregoing lace path
description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to
the precise form disclosed. It is contemplated that various changes
and modifications to the lace paths and the order of each path may
be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a lace retention clip 210 assembled in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. The clip 210 includes
a housing 212 having a top side 214, a bottom side 216, a front
side 217, a back side 218, and a pair of interconnecting sides
219A, 219B.
[0060] The housing 212 further includes a bore 220 which, in the
disclosed embodiment, extends through the front side 217 into the
housing 212. A slot 222 is defined in the housing and extends
between the sides 219A, 219B transverse relative the bore 220. The
slot 222 includes a first opening 222A in the side 219A and a
second opening 222B in the side 219B.
[0061] The housing 212 further includes a hollow 224 formed in the
base 212 and intersecting the bore 220 and the slot 222. In the
disclosed example, the hollow 224 extends between the bottom side
216 and the top side 218 perpendicular relative the bore 220 and
the slot 222. The hollow 224 includes a first opening 224A in the
top side 214 and a second opening 224B in the bottom side 216.
[0062] The housing 212 also includes a plunger 230 capable of
insertion into the bore 222. The plunger 230 includes a transverse
bore (not shown) which, in the disclosed embodiment, extends
through a plunger 230 and is sized to correspond to the shape of
the hollow 224. The plunger 230 is shiftably mounted within the
bore 220 of the housing 212 and is movable between a first position
(shown in FIG. 16) and a second position (not shown). As
illustrated in FIG. 16, the bore 236 of the plunger 230 is aligned
with the hollow 224 when the plunger 230 is in the first position.
Similar to the previous embodiments, the bore 236 of the plunger
230 is offset from the hollow 224 when the plunger 230 is in the
second position. The plunger 230 may be biased towards the second
position by a spring element 238, or other similar element disposed
between the plunger 230 and the housing 212 of the bore 223.
[0063] The housing 212 may also include an optional tab 226 having
an aperture 228. In the disclosed embodiment, the tab 226 extends
downwardly from and is integrally formed with the plunger 230. It
will be understood that the tab 226 may extend from any portion of
the plunger 230, and/or the housing 212, and may extend in any
orientation as desired.
[0064] Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first lace path 260A
extends from the second opening 224B of the hollow 224 through the
first opening 224A of the hollow 124. The first lace path 260A
being sized to allow the passage of at least a portion of both a
first and second lace ends into the second opening 224B of the
hollow 224 and out through the first opening 224A of the hollow
124. It will be understood that the first lace path 260A will allow
the passage of the first and second lace ends when the plunger 230
is in the first position as illustrated in FIG. 16.
[0065] A second lace path 260B extends from the first opening 224A
of the hollow 224 through the first opening 222A of the slot 222.
The second lace path 260B being sized to allow the passage of at
least a portion of the first lace end into the first opening 224B
of the hollow 224 and out through the first opening 222A of the
slot 222. The second lace path 260B may optionally extend through
the aperture 228 of the tab 226 as shown.
[0066] A third lace path 260C extends from the first opening 224A
of the hollow 224 through the second opening 222B of the slot 222.
The third lace path 260C being sized to allow the passage of at
least a portion of the second lace end into the first opening 224A
of the hollow 224 and out through the second opening 222B of the
slot 222. The third lace path 260C may optionally extend through
the aperture 228 of the tab 226 as shown.
[0067] Similar to FIG. 9, the first and second lace ends may be
secured, e.g., tied, to the tab 226 utilizing the aperture 228.
Alternatively, the lace ends may be tied below the tab 226 (not
shown) such that the knotted lace ends may not pass through the
aperture 228.
[0068] It will further be appreciated that the foregoing lace path
description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to
the precise form disclosed. It is contemplated that various changes
and modifications to the lace paths and the order of each path may
be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18A-18C, there is illustrated
an example of another embodiment of a lace retention clip 310
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The clip 310 includes a housing 312 having a top side
314, a bottom side 316, a front side 317, a back side 318, and a
pair of interconnecting sides 319A and 319B. The housing 312 also
includes a bore 320 which in the disclosed embodiment extends
through the top side 314 into the housing 312.
[0070] The housing 312 further includes a hollow 324 formed in the
base 312 intersecting the bore 320. In the disclosed example, the
hollow 324 extends between the front side 317 and the back side 318
perpendicular relative the bore 320. The hollow 324 includes a
first opening 324A in the back side 318 and a second opening 324B
in the front side 317. The housing 312 further includes a tab 326
having an aperture 328. The tab 328 extends downwardly from the
front side 317 of the housing 312, below the hollow 324.
[0071] A plunger 330 is sized such that the plunger 330 is capable
of insertion into the bore 320. The plunger 330 includes a
transverse bore 336 which, in the disclosed embodiment, extends
through the plunger 330. The plunger 330 is shiftably mounted
within the bore 320 of the housing 312 and movable between a first
position (not shown) and a second position (shown in FIG. 18). The
bore 336 of the plunger 330 is aligned with the hollow 324 when the
plunger 330 is in the first position. Furthermore, the bore 336 of
the plunger 330 is offset from the hollow 324 when the plunger 330
is in the second position. The plunger 330 may be biased towards
the second position by a spring element 338 disposed within the
bore 320 (not shown).
[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C, the plunger 330 includes a
top surface 350 which, in the disclosed example is sized larger
than the bore 320 to prevent insertion of the top surface 350 into
the bore 320. As is illustrated, the top surface 350 may contain a
variety of shapes and sizes, and may include an information
display.
[0073] A lace path 360 extends from the first opening 324A of the
hollow 324 through the second opening 324B of the hollow 324. The
lace path 360 being sized to allow the passage of at least a
portion of both a first and second lace end into the first opening
324A of the hollow 324 and out through the second opening 324B of
the hollow 324. The lace path 360 extends through the aperture 328
of the tab 326. The lace path 360 allows the passage of the first
and second lace ends when the plunger 330 is in the first position
and frictionally retains any lace ends inserted within the lace
path 360 when the plunger 330 is moved towards the second
position.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19D, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a lace retention clip 410 assembled in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. The clip 410 includes
a tab 426 having an aperture 428, the tab 426 extending from the
housing 410. The tab 426 including a plurality of projections 429
extending inwardly from the tab 426 towards the center of the
aperture 428. The projections 429, in the disclosed example, being
generally triangular shaped and being arranged to aid in the
securement of a lace within the aperture 428.
[0075] Similarly, referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, there is
illustrated the lace retention clip 410 wherein a plunger 430 is
insertable within the clip 410. The plunger 430 having a bore 436
which in the disclosed example extends through the plunger 430. The
plunger 430 having a plurality of projections 431 extending
inwardly from the plunger 430 into the bore 436. The projections
429, in the disclosed example, being generally triangular shaped
and being arranged to aid in the securement of a lace within the
aperture 428.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, there is illustrated an
example of yet another embodiment of the a lace retention clip 510
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The clip 510 includes a housing 512 having a top side
514, a bottom side 516, a front side 517, a back side 518, and a
pair of interconnecting sides 519A and 519B. The housing 512 also
includes a bore 520 which in the disclosed embodiment extends
through the top side 514 and into the housing 512.
[0077] The housing 512 further includes a hollow 524 formed in the
base 512 intersecting the bore 520. In the disclosed example, the
hollow 524 extends between the front side 517 and the back side 518
perpendicular relative the bore 520. The hollow 524 includes a
first opening 524A in the back side 518 and second opening 524B in
the front side 517. The housing 512 further includes a tab 526
having an aperture 528. The tab 528 extends downwardly from the
front side 517 of the housing 512, below the hollow 524.
[0078] A plunger 530 is sized such that the plunger 530 is capable
of insertion into the bore 520. The plunger 530 includes a
transverse bore 536 which, in the disclosed embodiment, extends
through the plunger 530. The plunger 530 is shiftably mounted
within the bore 520 of the housing 512 and movable between a first
position (not shown) and a second position (shown in FIG. 22). The
bore 536 of the plunger 530 is aligned with the hollow 524 when the
plunger 530 is in the first position. Furthermore, the bore 536 of
the plunger 530 is offset from the hollow 524 when the plunger 530
is in the second position. The plunger 530 may be biased towards
the second position by a pair side extension 539A and 539B which
may act similar to a leaf spring.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, there is illustrated an
example of still another embodiment of a lace retention clip 610
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The clip 610 includes a housing 612 having a top side
614, a bottom side 616, a front side 617, and a back side 618, and
a pair of interconnecting sides 619A and 619B. The housing 612 also
includes a bore 620 which in the disclosed embodiment extends
through the top side 614 into the housing 612.
[0080] The housing 612 further includes a hollow 624 formed in the
base 612 intersecting the bore 620. In the disclosed example, the
hollow 624 extends between the front side 617 and the back side 618
perpendicular relative the bore 620. The housing 612 further
includes a tab 626 having an aperture 628.
[0081] A plunger 630 is sized such that the plunger 630 is capable
of insertion into the bore 620. The plunger 630 includes a
transverse bore 636 which, in the disclosed embodiment, extends
through the plunger 630. The plunger 630 is shiftably mounted
within the bore 620 of the housing 612 and is movable between a
first position (not shown) and a second position (shown in FIG.
23). The bore 636 of the plunger 630 is aligned with the hollow 624
when the plunger 630 is in the first position. The bore 636 of the
plunger 630 is offset from the hollow 624 when the plunger 630 is
in the second position.
[0082] The housing 612 further includes a rear projection 655 which
extends from the back side 618 of the housing 612. The plunger 630
may be pivotably mounted to the extension 655 by a pin 657 to form
a pivot point. The plunger 630 may be biased towards the second
position by a biasing spring 638, which in the disclosed embodiment
may be a torsion spring about the pin 657, however, any type of
biasing element may be utilized. It also will be appreciated that
the pivot point may be any type of pin, four-bar mechanism, and/or
similar device which may allow the plunger to travel between the
first position and the second position by rotation and/or
translation.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, there is illustrated an
example of another embodiment of a lace retention clip 710
assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The clip 710 includes a housing 712 having a top side
714, a bottom side 716, a front side 717, a back side 718, and a
pair of interconnecting side 719A and 719B. The housing 712 also
includes a bore 720 which in the disclosed embodiment extends
through the side 719A and into the housing 712.
[0084] The housing 712 further includes a hollow 724 formed in the
base 712 intersecting the bore 720. In the disclosed example the
hollow 724 extends between the front side 717 and the backside 718
perpendicular relative the bore 720. The hollow 724 includes a
first opening 724A in the back side 718 and a second opening 724B
in the front side 717. The housing 712 further includes a tab 726
having an aperture 728. The tab 728 extends downwardly from the
front side 717 of the housing 712, below the hollow 724.
[0085] A plunger 730 is sized such that the plunger 730 is capable
of insertion into the bore 720. The plunger 730 includes a
transverse bore 736 which, in the disclosed embodiment, extends
through the plunger 730. The plunger 730 is pivotably and shiftably
mounted within the bore 720 of the housing 712 and movable between
a first position (not shown) and a second position (shown in FIG.
25). The bore 736 of the plunger 730 is aligned with the hollow 724
when the plunger 730 is in the first position. Furthermore the bore
736 of the plunger 730 is offset from the hollow 724 when the
plunger 730 is in the second position, as shown. The plunger 730
may be pivotably mounted to the housing 712 by a pin 757 to form a
pivot point. The plunger 730 may be biased towards the second
position by a biasing spring 738, which in the disclosed embodiment
may be torsion spring about the pin 757, however, any type of
biasing element may be utilized. It will also be appreciated that
the pivot point may be any type of pin, four bar mechanism, and/or
similar device which may allow the plunger to travel between the
first position and the second position by rotation, and/or
translation.
[0086] A lace path 760 extends from the first opening 724A of the
hollow 724 through the second opening 724B of the hollow 724. The
lace path 760 being sized to allow the passage of at least a
portion of both a first and second lace end into the first opening
724A of the hollow 724 and out through the second opening 724B of
the hollow 724. The lace path 760 extends through the aperture 728
of the tab 726. The lace path 760 allows the passage of the first
and second lace ends when the plunger 730 is in the first position
and frictionally retains any lace ends inserted within the lace
path 760 when the plunger 730 is moved towards the second
position.
[0087] The foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope
of the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is contemplated
that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *