BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cords have traditionally been used, in conjunction with an adjustment mechanism, as a way to adjust a hem, such as to loosen or tighten, for example, an opening in a garment (e.g., ankle opening in a pair of pants, a waist opening in a jacket or coat). However, when the cord is cinched around the opening to tighten the fit around the wearer, the excess cord pulled through the mechanism may flop around and can get in the way of the wearer of the apparel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects generally relate to an adjuster for adjusting the length of a cord extending through an opening, such as a hem. A cord, as used herein, may refer to a length of any material, where the length of the cord extending through the opening can be adjusted. For instance, a cord may include a string, thread, yarn, rope, drawstring, filament, wire, cable, a combination thereof, or the like. The adjuster may comprise, generally, a t-component and a channel body. The t-component, in response to an application of force, may be moved from a first position to a second position. While the t-component is in the first position, a cord that extends through the adjuster may be locked in place relative to the adjuster so that the cord is resistant to movement through the adjuster. When, however, the t-component is in the second position, a substantially continuous channel is formed such that the cord may be moved in either lateral direction relative to the adjuster, thus allowing for an opening (e.g., a pant leg hem, a waist hem, a backpack strap) or any other adjustable structure to be adjusted.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Illustrative aspects hereof are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein: FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of the adjuster of FIG. 1 along cutline 2- 2, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster having a t-component in a first position, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster having a t-component in a transitional position, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster having a t-component in a second position, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of an adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 7 depicts a side elevational view of an adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof; and

FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord and a diameter of an illustrative circle formed using a cross member of a t-component, in accordance with an aspect hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of aspects hereof is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, or to include a different combination of components, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

Aspects hereof relate to an adjuster for adjusting the length of a cord that extends around an opening. A cord, as used herein, may refer to a length of any material, where the length can be adjusted. For instance, a cord may include a string, thread, yarn, rope, drawstring, filament, lacing, wire, cable, a combination thereof, or the like. The cord could be made from any material suitable for use with the adjuster, such as, for example, rubber, plastic, metal, cotton, nylon, wool, polyester, leather, etc. A cord to be adjusted may be used in various industries, such as apparel, article of footwear, backpacks, to-be-worn equipment, electronics, etc. In aspects, the cord is flexible such that the shape of the cord can be manipulated by way of the adjuster, as further described herein. For exemplary purposes only, the cord may be an elastic cord that extends through the hem of a pant leg so that the ankle opening around the ankle of the wearer of the pants may be adjusted to be loosened or tightened relative to a portion of the wearer extending therethrough. Another example is a cord that extends through a hem at the waist opening of a jacket, coat, or pant so that the waist opening can be loosened or tightened relative to the torso of the wearer extending therethrough. Similarly, for example, the cord may be a strap on a backpack or other wearable item so that the length of the strap may be adjusted according to the wearer's specifications.

In aspects, the adjuster generally comprises a t-component and a channel body. The t-component and the channel body, in one aspect, are made from the same material, but in an alternative aspect, they may be made from different materials. For instance, one or both of the t-component and the channel body could be made from a polymer-based material (e.g., plastic material), rubber, etc. As will be described herein, the t- component may be at least somewhat flexible to allow the t-component to move from a first position to a second position. In particular, a cross member of the t-component, when force is applied, may change shape from a convex position toward a concave position, and then from the concave position to the convex position. As such, the choice of material for at least the t-component, and the cross member in particular, may be dependent upon the flexibility and resilience desired.

As mentioned, the t-component is capable of being moved from a first position to a second position, where, in aspects, the t-component in the first position does not allow a cord to move relative to the adjuster (e.g., limits lateral sliding motion of the cord relative to the adjuster), but in the second position, the cord is able to move in one or more lateral directions with less force required to accomplish the movement relative to the force required with t-component in the first position. The t-component generally includes a sliding member and a cross member. To move the t-component from the first position to the second position, an application of force may be applied to a top surface of the cross member in a direction substantially parallel with movement of the sliding member. The sliding member includes a pass-through channel that allows the cord to pass from a first guide channel of the channel body to a second guide channel of the channel body. When the t-component is in the first position, the cord may become crimped in locations on the cord where the cord moves between the first guide channel and the pass-through channel, and between the pass-through channel and the second guide channel, hereinafter referred to as a first crimp cavity and a second crimp cavity, respectively.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord. The adjuster comprises a t-component that has a sliding member. The sliding member has a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end. The sliding member also comprises a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. In addition to the sliding member, the t-component also has a cross member, where the cross member has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface. The top end of the sliding member is integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member forming a first angle between the sliding member and the cross member. The t-component is adapted to increase the first angle in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member from a first position to a second position. The adjuster also includes a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member. The recessed cavity extends from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body. The channel body comprises a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface. A distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel is greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel. The bottom surface of the sliding member is positionable to be closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position. The channel body also includes a first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The first guide channel extends from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord. The adjuster comprises a t-component, which has a sliding member that has a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end. The sliding member comprises a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. The t-component also has a cross member, which has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface. The top end of the sliding member is integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member. The t-component is adaptable to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member. The first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are adaptable to move from a first position corresponding to the first position of the t-component to a second position corresponding to the second position of the t-component. Further, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are closer to the sliding member when the t-component is in the first position than when the t-component is in the second position. The adjuster also comprises a channel body, which has a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The channel body includes a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface. The distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel is greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member, thus allowing the sliding member to be slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel. The bottom surface of the sliding member is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position. The channel body also has a first guide channel, where the first guide channel has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The first guide channel extends from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

A third aspect hereof provides an adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord. The adjuster includes a t-component, where the t-component comprises a sliding member. The sliding member has a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end. Additionally, the sliding member comprises a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. The t- component also includes a cross member, where the cross member has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface. The top end of the sliding member is integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member. The t-component is adaptable to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member. The cross member is convexly shaped when the t-component is in the first position and is adapted to be concavely shaped when the t-component is in the second position. The adjuster further includes a channel body that has a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, in addition to a recessed cavity that is adapted to receive the cross member. The recessed cavity extends from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body. The channel body comprises a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, where a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel is greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member, allowing for the sliding member to be slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel. The bottom surface of the sliding member is positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position. The channel body also comprises a first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The first guide channel extends from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

Turning to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an adjuster 100 for adjusting a length of a cord is depicted, in accordance with an aspect hereof. The adjuster generally comprises a t-component 200 and a channel body 300. The t-component comprises a sliding member 202 and a cross member 220. As shown in FIG. 1, the sliding member 202 has a top end 210. The top end 210 of the sliding member 202 may be integrally formed with the cross member 220, as will be described in further detail herein. The sliding member 202 and the cross member 220 also have other features, which will be discussed in more detail herein with respect to, at least, FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1 , the cross member 220 is curved in a direction extending from one side of the cross member 220 to the other.

The t-component 200 is capable of being moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202. For example, at least a substantial portion of the cross member 220 of the t-component 200 may be positioned outside the boundaries of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 is in the first position, but at least a substantial portion of the cross member 220 may be positioned within a recessed cavity 310 of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 is in a second position, as shown by item 256 in FIG. 5. This extension of the cross member 220 outside the boundaries of the channel body 300 may allow for easier engagement by a wearer to cause the deflection of the cross member 220 upon an application of force, in an exemplary aspect. In one aspect, the cross member 220 of the t-component 200 is curved. For example, when the t-component 200 is in the first position, the cross member 220 may be convexly shaped. In this aspect, the cross member 220 is positionable to be concavely shaped when in the second position. While the cross member 220 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as having a curved shape, other configurations are also contemplated to be within the scope of aspects hereof. The curved shape of the cross member 220, as illustrated in the figures herein, may be selected based upon the desired rate of rebound of the t-component 200 when returning from the second position to the first position, on the desired tensile strength of the t-component 200, etc. The curvature of the cross member 220 provides a spring-like reaction to a wearer- applied force, which is effective for crimping the cord for purposes of limiting the ability of the cord to slide therethrough, in an exemplary aspect.

The channel body 300 comprises a second side surface 304 and a top surface 306. The channel body 300 also comprises other features, which will be shown in, at least, FIG. 2. As shown, a second guide channel 340 extends from the second side surface 304 into a portion of the channel body 300. In aspects, a cord is inserted through a first guide channel 330, through a pass-through channel 212 of the sliding member 202 of the t-component 200, and through the second guide channel 340. The ability of the t-component 200 to move from the first position to the second position allows a cord to be moved in a direction through the adjuster 100 so that a corresponding opening, such as an ankle opening, waist opening, backpack strap, or the like, can be adjusted to have a tightening or loosening effect. For instance, the adjuster and cord may be positioned on an ankle opening on a pair of pants. The wearer of the pants may desire for the ankle opening to be looser or tighter. The adjuster allows the user to make the adjustment by applying force on the t-component 200 to move the t-component 200 from a first position to a second position.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of the adjuster 100 of FIG. 1 along cut line 2-2, the adjuster 100 for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. FIG. 2 illustrates two components of the adjuster 100, those being the t-component 200 and the channel body 300. The t-component 200 comprises a sliding member 202 and a cross member 220. The sliding member 202 generally comprises a first side surface 204 and a second side surface 206, in addition to a bottom surface 208 and a top end 210. The sliding member 202 also comprises a pass-through channel 212 that allows a cord to pass through from the first side surface 204 to the second side surface 206 of the sliding member 202. The pass-through channel 212 comprises a bottom surface 214 and a top surface 216. The sides 204 and 206 of the sliding member 202 are at least partially open, thus allowing for the cord to pass through.

The cross member 220 of the t-component 200 comprises a top surface 222, a bottom surface 224, and a first engaging surface 226 and a second engaging surface 234. The first engaging surface 226 comprises a bottom edge 228 and is configured to be moved from a first position (e.g., position and orientation of item 230 in FIG. 3) to a second position (e.g., position and orientation of item 232 in FIG. 5). Generally, the first position of the first engaging surface 226 corresponds to the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) of the t-component 200, while the second position of the first engaging surface 226 corresponds to the second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 of FIG. 5) of the t- component 200. Likewise, the second engaging surface 234 has a bottom edge 236 and is capable of being moved from a first position (e.g., position and orientation of item 238 in FIG. 3) to a second position (e.g., position and orientation of item 240 in FIG. 5). Generally, the first position of the second engaging surface 234 corresponds to the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) of the t-component 200, while the second position of the second engaging surface 234 corresponds to the second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 of FIG. 5) of the t-component 200. In one aspect, the first engaging surface 226 and the second engaging surface 234 are closer to the sliding member 202 when the t-component 200 is in the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 of FIG. 3) than when the t-component is in the second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 of FIG. 5).

In aspects, the top surface 222 of the cross member 220 and the first engaging surface 226 define a first acute angle 242, while the top surface 222 of the cross member 220 and the second engaging surface 234 define a second acute angle 244. Similarly, the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220 and the first engaging surface 226 define a first obtuse angle 246, while the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220 and the second engaging surface 234 define a second obtuse angle 248. The first acute angle 242, the second acute angle 244, the first obtuse angle 246, and the second obtuse angle 248 are defined when the t- component 200 is, at least, in the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3), but may persist when the t-component 200 is moved from the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) to the second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 2, the top end 210 of the sliding member 202 may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220, which causes the formation of a first angle 250 and a second angle 252 between the sliding member 202 and the cross member 220. In an aspect, the t-component 200 is adapted to increase the first angle 250 and the second angle 252 in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202 from a first position to a second position. In one aspect, the application of force to the t- component 200 is a manual force made by, for example, the wearer of a garment that utilizes the adjuster 100.

As mentioned, the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220 is integrally formed with the top end 210 of the sliding member 202. In one aspect, a position on the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220 that is integrally formed with the top end 210 of the sliding member 202 is equidistant from a bottom edge 228 of the first engaging surface 226 and a bottom edge 236 of the second engaging surface 234 such that the position of integration is in the middle of the cross member 220.

The channel body 300 comprises a first side surface 302, a second side surface 304, a top surface 306, and an opposite bottom surface 308. The top surface 306 of the channel body 300 comprises a recessed cavity 310 that is adapted to receive the cross member 220. The recessed cavity 310 provides for an opening into which at least a portion of the t-component 200 can be inserted. For instance, when the t-component 200 is in a first position, at least a substantial portion of the cross member 220 may be outside of the recessed cavity 310, but when the t-component 200 is in a second position, at least a substantial portion of the cross member 220 may be positioned within the recessed cavity 310, which may be effective for aligning two or more portions of components provided herein for effective slidability of a cord. The recessed cavity 310, in one aspect, extends from the top surface 306 of the channel body 300 toward the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300.

The channel body 300 further comprises a sliding channel 320 having a first side surface 322 and a second side surface 324. The distance between the first side surface 322 and the second side surface 324 of the sliding channel 320 is greater than the distance between the first side surface 204 and the second side surface 206 of the sliding member 202, which allows the sliding member 202 to be slidably engaged with the channel body 300 within the sliding channel 320. Further, the bottom surface 208 of the sliding member 202 is positionable closer to the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 is in the second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 in FIG. 5) than when the t- component is in the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3). As previously mentioned, the t-component 200 is adapted to be moved from a first position to at least a second position. For instance, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the t-component 200 in a first position, while FIG. 5 illustrates the t-component 200 in an exemplary second position.

The channel body 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a first guide channel 330 and a second guide channel 340. The first guide channel 330 comprises a top surface 332 and an opposite bottom surface 338, and extends from the first side surface 302 of the channel body 300 toward the sliding channel 320. The top surface 332 of the first guide channel 330 has a first top edge 334 and a second top edge 336, the second top edge 336 being closer to the first side surface 322 of the sliding channel 320 than the first top edge 334. The first top edge 334 may be located on or near to the first side surface 302 of the channel body 300. A first distance between the first top edge 334 of the first guide channel 330 and perpendicular to the first bottom surface 335 is greater than a second distance between the second top edge 336 and perpendicular to the a second bottom surface 337 of the first guide channel 330. Distances between other top edges and bottom surfaces gradual decrease from the first distance to the second distance.

As mentioned, the channel body 300 also comprises a second guide channel 340. The second guide channel 340 comprises a top surface 342 and an opposite bottom surface 348, and extends from the second side surface 304 of the channel body 300 toward the sliding channel 320. The top surface 342 of the second guide channel 340 has a first top edge 344 and a second top edge 346, the second top edge 346 being closer to the second side surface 324 of the sliding channel 320 than the first top edge 344. The first top edge 344 may be located on or near to the second side surface 304 of the channel body 300. A first distance between the first top edge 344 of the second guide channel 340 and perpendicular to the a first bottom surface 345 is greater than a second distance between the second top edge 346 and perpendicular to the a second bottom surface 347 of the second guide channel 340. The transition from the first distance to the second distance in both the first guide channel 330 and the second guide channel 340 may be gradual, the transition from the first distance to the second distance in both the first guide channel 330 and the second guide channel 340 may be stepwise, or the transition from the first distance to the second distance in both the first guide channel 330 and the second guide channel 340 may be a combination of gradual and stepwise (as shown.) The first guide channel 330, the pass-through channel 212, and the second guide channel 340 form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position, as shown in FIG. 5 herein. As such, when the adjuster 100 is utilized for adjustment of an article using a cord, the cord is able to be moved in one or more directions when the t- component is in the second position.

The channel body 300 further comprises a first crimp cavity 350 and a second crimp cavity 360. The first crimp cavity 350 comprises a first side surface 352 and an opposite second side surface 356 that is adjacent to the first side surface 204 of the sliding member 202. The first side surface 352 of the first crimp cavity 350 has a bottom edge 354 that is located nearer to the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 than the bottom surface 214 of the pass-through channel 212 when the t-component 200 is in the first position. Further, the bottom edge 354 of the first crimp cavity 350 is located farther from the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 than the bottom surface 214 of the pass- through channel 212 when the t-component 200 is in the second position.

The second crimp cavity 360 comprises a first side surface 362 and an opposite second side surface 366 that is adjacent to the second side surface 206 of the sliding member 202. The first side surface 362 of the second crimp cavity 360 has a bottom edge 364 that is located nearer to the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 than the bottom surface 214 of the pass-through channel 212 when the t-component 200 is in the first position. Further, the bottom edge 364 of the second crimp cavity 360 is located farther from the bottom surface 308 of the channel body 300 than the bottom surface 214 of the pass- through channel 212 when the t-component 200 is in the second position.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster, such as the adjuster 100 of FIG. 1, where the t-component 200 of the adjuster 100 is in a first position, in accordance with an aspect hereof. FIG. 3 is generally similar to FIG. 2, but illustrates the adjuster 100 with an exemplary cord 150. FIG. 3 illustrates the t-component 200 and the channel body 300, in addition to other components that have been previously discussed in relation to FIG.

2. As shown here, the t-component 200 is in a first position 254. Likewise, the first engaging surface 226 and the second engaging surface 234 are both in a first position (e.g., position and orientation of items 230 and 238, respectively). In one aspect, and as shown here in FIG.

3, while the t-component 200 is in the first position 254, the cross member 220 is convexly shaped. As also described in relation to FIG. 2, the top end 210 of the sliding member 202 is integrally formed with the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220, forming a first angle 250 and a second angle 252 between the sliding member 202 and the cross member 220. The t-component 200 is adapted to increase the first angle 250 and the second angle 252 in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202 when the t-component 200 is moved from a first position 254 to a second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 in FIG. 5).

Additionally, the cord 150 is shown in FIG. 3 as being crimped, such that it may not be capable of being substantially moved in either lateral direction. This occurs because of the first crimp cavity 350 and the second crimp cavity 360, and the first guide channel 330 and the second guide channel 340 being sized and thus adapted to hold the cord 150 in place relative to the adjuster 100 so that an adjustment is not made to the cord while the t-component 200 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster, in accordance with an aspect hereof. The adjuster of FIG. 4 is similar to adjuster 100 of FIG. 1 but illustrates the t- component 200 in a different position, as will be described below. As shown in FIG. 4, the t- component 200 is between what is referred to herein as a first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 of FIG. 3) and a second position (e.g., shape and position of item 256 of FIG. 5). As mentioned, the t-component 200 is adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to, for example, an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202. FIG. 4 illustrates that an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202 has been applied to the cross member 220 of the t- component 200, thus resulting in the t-component 200 moving from the first position toward the second position. As shown, the t-component 200 in this intermediary position, and in particular the cross member 220, is now at least partially within the recessed cavity 310 of the channel body 300. As such, the cord 150 in FIG. 4 is less crimped than it is in FIG. 3, as the t-component 200 is moving from a first position to an intermediary position.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster, in accordance with an aspect hereof. The adjuster in FIG. 5 is similar to adjuster 100 of FIG. 1, but the t-component 200 is in a different position, as will be described below. As mentioned, the t-component 200 as shown in FIG. 5 is in a second position 256. The second position 256 of the t-component 200 also corresponds to the first engaging surface 226 being in a second position 232, in addition to the second engaging surface 234 being in a second position 240. The movement of the t-component 200 from the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) to the second position 256 may result in the first engaging surface 226 and the second engaging surface 234 being at least partially removed from the channel body 300, as shown in FIG. 5. This may depend upon the type of material (e.g., flexibility of the material) used for the t-component 200. Further, when the t-component 200 is in the second position 256, the first guide channel 330, the pass-through channel 212, and the second guide channel 340 form a continuous channel 370, which allows a cord, such as cord 150, to be moved in either lateral direction. In one aspect, the cord 150 is substantially straight (e.g., linear in shape) while the t-component 200 is in the second position 256. In a further aspect, and as shown here in FIG. 5, the cross member 220 is positionable to be concavely shaped while the t- component 200 is in the second position 256.

As mentioned above in reference to FIG. 2, the size of the channel opening for both the first guide channel 330 and the second guide channel 340 is decreased from a first perimeter to a second perimeter toward the sliding channel 320. This particular configuration is advantageous because the top edges 336 and 346 in cooperation with the second bottom surfaces 337 and 347 are able to interface with the cord 150 to provide a frictional force to the cord so that the cord is partially held in place while the t-component 200 is in the second position 256, while gradually freeing the cord 150 from the frictional force from the second top edges 336 and 346 to the first top edges 334 and 344. In other words, the frictional force provided at a center portion of the adjuster is enough to provide an improved controllability of the adjuster by preventing the cord 150 from sliding too fast, but is not so great as to hold the cord 150 with such force that the ability of the cord 150 to slide through the channels 330, 212, and 340, is compromised. The improved adjustability of the adjuster may additionally allow for an improved fine-tuning of the position of the adjuster on the cord 150. While the improved controllability caused by the configuration of the sliding channel 320 described above is described in relation to the t-component 200 being in the second position 256, other components other than a t-component could be used to provide the same improved controllability of the movement of the cord. Other configurations of the t-component could be used to provide the same functionality as described herein.

As mentioned in relation to FIG. 3, the top end 210 of the sliding member 202 is integrally formed with the bottom surface 224 of the cross member 220, forming a first angle 250 and a second angle 252 between the sliding member 202 and the cross member 220. The t-component 200 is adapted to increase the first angle 250 and the second angle 252 in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member 202 when the t-component 200 is moved from a first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) to a second position 256. FIG. 5 illustrates the increase of the first angle 250 and the second angle 252 when the t-component 200 is moved from the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3) to the second position 256. Additionally, the t-component 200 in the second position 256, and in particular the cross member 220, is now substantially within the recessed cavity 310 of the channel body 300. In one aspect, a larger part of the cross member 220 is located within the recessed cavity 310 of the channel body 300 when the t-component 200 is in the second position 256 than when the t-component 200 is in the first position (e.g., shape and position of item 254 in FIG. 3).

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the adjuster 100 for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. The t-component 200 is illustrated, and particularly the cross member 220 having a top surface 222. Furthermore, FIG. 6 illustrates the first side surface 302, the second side surface 304, and the top surface 306 of the channel body 300.

FIG. 7 depicts a side elevational view of the adjuster 100 for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. This exemplary side view of the adjuster 100 illustrates the first side surface 302 of the channel body 300 and the first guide channel 330. As mentioned, a cord, such as the cord 150 referenced in FIGS. 3-5, may be placed through, at least, the first guide channel 330 and various components not shown in FIG. 7 but shown in, for example, FIG. 2, including the first crimp cavity 350, the pass-through channel 212, the second crimp cavity 360, and the second guide channel 340. The cord may be used to adjust an opening (e.g., an ankle opening, a waist opening) by moving the t-component 200 from the first position to the second position.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional view of an adjuster for adjusting a length of a cord, in accordance with an aspect hereof. In addition to the adjuster 100, FIG. 8 illustrates a diameter 402 of a circle 400 formed when the shape of the cross member 220 is continued to form the circle 400. In aspects, the diameter 402 of the circle 400 increases as the t- component 200 is moved from a first position toward a second position. During the t- component's 200 transition from the first position to the second position, the cross member 220 may become substantially flat or linear, at which time the cross member 220 will transition from a convex position to a concave position. When the cross member 220 is in a concave position, the circle 400 would then be formed on the opposing side of the channel body 300. The diameter 402 of the circle 400 would then begin to decrease as the transition of the t-component 200 to the second position continues.

The following listing of exemplary aspects supports and is supported by the discussion provided herein. These specifically-listed aspects are exemplary in nature and not limiting as to the scope of features provided herein.

Aspect 1

An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, the adjuster comprising a t-component, the t-component comprising a sliding member, the sliding member having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, the sliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface, and a cross member, the cross member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the sliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member forming a first angle between the sliding member and the cross member, the t-component is adapted to increase the first angle in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member from a first position to a second position; and a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body, the channel body comprising a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of the sliding member positionable closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position, and a first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel. Aspect 2

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein the top surface of the first guide channel has a first top edge and a second top edge, the second top edge being closer to the first side surface of the sliding channel than the first top edge.

Aspect 3

The adjuster of aspect 2, wherein a distance between the first top edge and perpendicular to the bottom surface is greater than a distance between the second top edge and perpendicular to the bottom surface.

Aspect 4

The adjuster of aspect 1, further comprising a first crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the first side surface of the sliding member; and a second crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the second side surface of the sliding member.

Aspect 5

The adjuster of aspect 4, wherein the first side surface of the first crimp cavity having a bottom edge that is located nearer to the bottom surface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component is in the first position.

Aspect 6

The adjuster of aspect 5, wherein the bottom edge of the first crimp cavity located farther from the bottom surface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component is in the second position.

Aspect 7

The adjuster of aspect 1, further comprising a second guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guide channel extending from the second side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

Aspect 8

The adjuster of aspect 7, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position.

Aspect 9

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein the top surface of the cross member is curved in a direction extending from the first engaging surface to the second engaging surface. Aspect 10

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein when the t-component is in the first position, the cross member is convexly shaped, the cross member being positionable to be concavely shaped when in the second position.

Aspect 11

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein the top end of the sliding member is integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member forming a second angle between the sliding member and the cross member, the t-component being adapted to increase the second angle in response to the application of force in a direction substantially parallel with the direction of sliding motion of the sliding member from the first position to the second position.

Aspect 12

The adjuster of aspect 1, wherein a position on the bottom surface of the cross member that is integrally formed with the top end of the sliding member is equidistant from a bottom edge of the first engaging surface and a bottom edge of the second engaging surface.

Aspect 13

An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, the adjuster comprising a t-component, the t-component comprising a sliding member, the sliding member having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, the sliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface, a cross member, the cross member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the sliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member, and the t-component being adaptable to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface being adaptable to move from a first position corresponding to the first position of the t-component to a second position corresponding to the second position of the t-component, the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface being closer to the sliding member when the t-component is in the first position than when the t- component is in the second position; and a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, the channel body comprising a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of the sliding member positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t- component is in the first position, and a first guide channel, the first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

Aspect 14

The adjuster of aspect 13, further comprising a second guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guide channel extending from the second side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position.

Aspect 15

The adjuster of aspect 13, further comprising a first crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the first side surface of the sliding member; and a second crimp cavity having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface that is adjacent to the second side surface of the sliding member.

Aspect 16

The adjuster of aspect 15, wherein the first side surface of the first crimp cavity has a bottom edge that is located nearer to the bottom surface of the channel body than the bottom surface of the pass-through channel when the t-component is in the first position.

Aspect 17

The adapter of aspect 13, the channel body further comprising a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body.

Aspect 18

An adjuster that allows for an adjustment to a length of a cord, the adjuster comprising a t-component, the t-component comprising a sliding member, the sliding member having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, and a bottom surface and an opposite top end, the sliding member comprising a pass-through channel having a bottom surface and an opposite top surface, a cross member, the cross member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and a first engaging surface and an opposite second engaging surface, the top end of the sliding member integrally formed with the bottom surface of the cross member, and the t-component being adaptable to be moved from a first position to a second position in response to an application of force in a direction substantially parallel with a direction of sliding motion of the sliding member, the cross member being convexly shaped when the t-component is in the first position, and the cross member being adapted to be concavely shaped when the t-component is in the second position; and a channel body having a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, and a recessed cavity adapted to receive the cross member, the recessed cavity extending from the top surface of the channel body toward the bottom surface of the channel body, the channel body comprising a sliding channel having a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding channel being greater than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface of the sliding member such that the sliding member is slidably engaged with the channel body within the sliding channel, the bottom surface of the sliding member positioned closer to the bottom surface of the channel body when the t-component is in the second position than when the t-component is in the first position, and a first guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first guide channel extending from the first side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel.

Aspect 19

The adjuster of aspect 18, further comprising a second guide channel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the second guide channel extending from the second side surface of the channel body to the sliding channel, wherein the first guide channel, the pass-through channel, and the second guide channel form a continuous channel when the t-component is in the second position.

Aspect 20

The adjuster of aspect 18, the top surface of the cross member and the first engaging surface defining a first acute angle, the top surface of the cross member and the second engaging surface defining a second acute angle, the bottom surface of the cross member and the first engaging surface defining a first obtuse angle, and the bottom surface of the cross member and the second engaging surface defining a second obtuse angle.

While exemplary aspects are provided herein with a focus on implementation in connection with an article of clothing or other wearable articles, it is understood that features specifically and the concept generally may be applied to a variety of implementations. As such, it is contemplated that the illustrated examples directed to an article of clothing or other wearable articles may not be limiting but merely exemplary in nature in some aspects.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. Aspects hereof have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope hereof.

While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to one another, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided herein is contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or steps regardless of explicit provision of the same while still being within the scope provided herein. Since many possible aspects may be made of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.