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Title:
RELEASABLY LOCKING CORD CLIP
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/067003
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A releasably locking cord clip (10) for a garment is a resilient planar work piece with a peripheral edge (16) bounded by a first side and a second side of substantially similar profile. A first anchorage (20) inward of the peripheral edge accommodates a first cord. A second anchorage (22) inward of the peripheral edge and distal from the first anchorage includes a first portion sized to accommodate a second cord, with the second anchorage including a narrowing slot in open communication with the first portion. The narrowing confines the second cord, such that the work piece is unable to slide along the second cord when disposed in the narrowing slot.

Inventors:
GRACIE RENER (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2017/062427
Publication Date:
April 04, 2019
Filing Date:
November 17, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
GRACIE RENER (US)
International Classes:
F16G11/10
Foreign References:
US3953911A1976-05-04
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
TARVER, Edwin (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A releasably locking cord clip for adjusting a first cord portion and a second cord portion extending from an object, the cord clip comprising:

a work piece having a planar first side and a planar second side, the planar first side and the planar second side separated by a peripheral edge extending around the work piece;

a first anchorage extending through the work piece, the first anchorage sized to accommodate the first cord portion;

a second anchorage extending through the work piece distal from the first anchorage; the second anchorage comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion sized to accommodate the second cord portion, and the second portion being open to the first portion;

the second portion comprising a first narrowing side and an opposing second narrowing side, the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side together forming a slot distal to the first portion; and

wherein the slot is sized to grip the second cord portion such that the work piece is prevented from sliding along the second cord portion when the second cord portion is disposed therein.

2. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the peripheral edge is rounded between the planar first side and the planar second side.

3. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the work piece comprises opposing semi-circular rounded ends.

4. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the first anchorage comprises a rectangle having a side oriented toward the first cord portion.

5. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the second anchorage and the first anchorage are of equal width.

6. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are mirror images of one another.

7. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are each convex.

8. The cord clip of claim 1 wherein the second anchorage extends across more than half the work piece.

9. A releasably locking cord clip for adjusting a first cord portion and a second cord portion extending from an object, the cord clip comprising:

a planar work piece having a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side in peripheral contour defined by a peripheral edge extending around the work piece;

a first anchorage comprising a first hole cut out of the work piece inward of the peripheral edge, the first anchorage sized to accommodate the first cord portion;

a second anchorage comprising a second hole cut out of the work piece inward of the peripheral edge, the second anchorage distal from the first anchorage;

the second anchorage further comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion sized to accommodate the second cord portion, and the second portion open to the first portion;

the second portion further comprising a first narrowing side and an opposing second narrowing side, the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side together forming a slot distal to the first portion; and

wherein the slot is sized to confine the second cord portion such that the work piece is unable to slide along the second cord portion with the second cord portion disposed therein.

10. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the peripheral edge is rounded between the first side and the second side.

11. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the work piece comprises opposing semi-circular rounded ends.

12. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the first anchorage comprises a rectangle having a side oriented toward the first cord portion.

13. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the first portion of the second anchorage and the first anchorage are of equal width.

14. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are mirror images of one another.

15. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are each convex.

16. The cord clip of claim 9 wherein the second anchorage extends across more than half the work piece.

17. A releasably locking cord clip for adjusting a first cord portion and a second cord portion extending from an object, the cord clip comprising:

a resilient planar work piece formed to have a peripheral edge bounded by a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being of substantially similar profile;

a first anchorage comprising a hole bored through the work piece inward of the peripheral edge from the first side to the second side, the first anchorage sized to accommodate the first cord portion;

a second anchorage comprising a hole bored through the work piece inward of the peripheral edge from the first side to the second side, the second anchorage distal from the first anchorage;

the second anchorage having a first portion sized to accommodate the second cord portion, the second anchorage further comprising a narrowing slot in open communication with the first portion, the narrowing slot sized to confine the second cord portion such that the work piece is unable to slide along the second cord portion when disposed in the narrowing slot.

18. The cord clip of claim 17 wherein the narrowing slot comprises a first narrowing side and a second narrowing side, each defined as an inwardly convex arc.

19. The cord clip of claim 17 wherein the narrowing slot comprises a first narrowing side and a second narrowing side, the second narrowing side being a mirror image of the first narrowing side.

20. The cord clip of claim 17 wherein the second anchorage extends across more than half the work piece.

Description:
Non-Provisional Patent Application

for

RELEASABLY LOCKING CORD CLIP

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present apparatus generally relates to cord clips. More specifically, the present invention relates to cord clips that anchor cords extending from garments

[0002] Of the numerous variety of cord clips known in the art, some are designed for securing a cord and preventing it from sliding through the cord clip. These may include compression clips, made of a resiliently deformable material sized to surround and confine a cord disposed in them, and spring-loaded cord clamps, wherein a cord extends through two eyelets with a spring urging them apart to cinch the cord. Spring-loaded cord clamps are frequently used to secure cords on garments. For example, preserving the cord of a hooded sweatshirt in an extended position.

[0003] While cords for hoods and other features typically extend away from a garment, in certain instances, garments include interior cords. One example of such interior cords can be found in so-called convertible garments, where the cords may be used to preserve the garment in a rolled-up condition. Another example convertible garment includes cords forming the strings of a strap backpack formed by the garment.

[0004] A problem persists in such instances, in that cord clips as currently known in the art, while small, are still bulky enough to be felt through the garment when not in use. This is particularly the case with spring-loaded cord clamps. When disposed in a shirt or similar top garment, users will typically feel a cord clip pressing into them when leaning against a flat surface such as a seat back or wall, causing annoyance and discomfort. Such annoyance and discomfort is increased when the cord clip includes corners or sharp edges as part of its construction.

[0005] Hence, what is needed is a cord clip that provides a slim and physically undetectable profile, even when crowded between a user and a surface bearing on the user's garment, and which has no sharp edges, but is resilient enough to effectively grip a garment cord without the limitations of existing cord clips and similar apparatus.

SUMMARY

[0006] A releasably locking cord clip is disclosed for adjusting a first cord portion and a second cord portion extending from an object such as a garment. The cord clip is made from a work piece having a planar first side and a planar second side, with the planar first side and the planar second side separated and defined by a peripheral edge extending around the work piece. A first anchorage extends through the work piece, and the first anchorage is sized to

accommodate the first cord portion. A second anchorage extends through the work piece distal from the first anchorage, and the second anchorage includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second anchorage is sized to accommodate the second cord portion, and the second portion being open to the first portion. The second portion is defined by and includes a first narrowing side and an opposing second narrowing side, with the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side together forming a slot disposed distally from the first portion. The slot is sized to grip the second cord portion such that the work piece is prevented from sliding along the second cord portion when the second cord portion is disposed in the slot.

[0007] The peripheral edge of the work piece may be rounded between the planar first side and the planar second side to provide a more comfortable gripping surface. The work piece also preferably includes opposing semi-circular rounded ends at either end also to provide a more comfortable gripping surface and avoid having any sharp projections. In one preferred embodiment, the first anchorage comprises a rectangle, and one side of the rectangle, preferably one of the long sides, is oriented toward the first cord portion.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the second anchorage and the first anchorage are preferably of equal width. Preferably, the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are mirror images of one another, and in one preferred embodiment, the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are each convex, with the second anchorage extends across more than half the work piece.

[0009] The apparatus may also be characterized as a releasably locking cord clip for adjusting a first cord portion and a second cord portion extending from an object such as a garment, with the cord clip comprising a planar work piece having a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side in peripheral contour and defined by a peripheral edge extending around the work piece. A first anchorage is formed by and comprises a first hole cut out of the work piece inward of the peripheral edge, and the first anchorage is sized to accommodate the first cord portion. A second anchorage comprises a second hole cut out of the work piece inward of the peripheral edge, with the second anchorage distal from the first anchorage. [0010] The second anchorage is defined by and comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sized to accommodate the second cord portion, and the second portion is open to the first portion. The second portion also includes a first narrowing side and an opposing second narrowing side, with the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side together forming a slot distal to the first portion. The slot is sized to confine the second cord portion such that the work piece is unable to slide along the second cord portion with the second cord portion disposed therein.

[0011] Similar to other embodiments, the peripheral edge may be rounded between the first side and the second side. Additionally, to avoid any sharp projecting edges, the work piece may include opposing semi-circular rounded ends. In one embodiment, the first anchorage may be formed as and comprise a rectangle having a side oriented toward the first cord portion.

[0012] The first portion of the second anchorage and the first anchorage are preferably of equal width in one embodiment. The the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are preferably mirror images of one another, and in one embodiment, the first narrowing side and the second narrowing side are each convex. Preferably, the second anchorage extends across more than half the work piece.

[0013] The apparatus may also be characterized as a releasably locking cord clip for adjusting a garment having a first cord portion and a second cord portion extending from the garment, with the cord clip comprising a resilient planar work piece formed to have a peripheral edge bounded by a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side preferably being of substantially similar profile. A first anchorage in the work piece is defined as a hole bored through the work piece inward of the peripheral edge from the first side to the second side, with the first anchorage sized to accommodate the first cord portion. [0014] A second anchorage is defined as a hole bored through the work piece inward of the peripheral edge from the first side to the second side. The second anchorage is preferably distal from the first anchorage. The second anchorage includes a first portion sized to accommodate the second cord portion, with the second anchorage further including a narrowing slot in open communication with the first portion. The narrowing slot is preferably sized to confine the second cord portion, such that the work piece is unable to slide along the second cord portion when disposed in the narrowing slot. In one alternative embodiment, the narrowing slot includes a first narrowing side and a second narrowing side, each defined as an inwardly convex arc, and the narrowing slot may also include a first narrowing side and a second narrowing side, with the second narrowing side being a mirror image of the first narrowing side. Preferably, the second anchorage extends across more than half the work piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a releasably locking cord clip according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the clip;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the clip held by a user in a cord released position;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the clip held by a user in a cord locked position; and

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the clip holding a two pieces of cord under tension. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a releasable cord locking clip ("clip") 10 comprises a substantially flat first side 12 and a substantially flat second side 14 bounded by a peripheral edge 16 extending around the first side 12 and the second side 14. Preferably the clip is formed from a single, unitary work piece, and is made of a material sufficiently resilient so as to prevent bending in any direction under normal cord-retaining loads, such as metal, resilient plastic, or the like. In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the first side 12 and the second side 14 are substantially similar in shape and size and are disposed in 180° opposition to one another, separated by the peripheral edge 16. In another exemplary preferred embodiment, the peripheral edge 16 represents the thickness of the material comprising the clip 10.

[0022] In yet another exemplary preferred embodiment, the clip 10 is intended for use with drawstring-type cords, similar to cords found on conventional clothing, such as hood- restricting cords in hooded sweatshirts, for example. Thus the clip 10 preferably comprises an oblong shape, and in one embodiment may be approximately 1.77 inches long by approximately .42 inches wide, and a thickness, corresponding to the clip 10 material thickness of

approximately .08 inches. For comfort and to avoid injury, the clip 10 may optionally have rounded ends 18 and the peripheral edge 16 may also be rounded in profile, or rounded where it joins the first side 12 and the second side 14.

[0023] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first anchorage 20 and a second anchorage 22 extend through the clip 10 from the first side 12 to the second side 14. The first anchorage 18 is designed for permanent fixation to a first cord 24 (FIGS. 3-5), preferably by passing the first cord 24 through the first anchorage 20 and tying the first cord 24 upon itself. The second anchorage 22 is formed such that a second cord 26 may be passed therethrough, similar to the first anchorage 18 and first cord 24. The second anchorage 22 differs, however, in that the second cord 26 is not permanently affixed to the second anchorage 22. Thus the clip 10, in an unlocked position, may move freely across the second cord 26 as desired.

[0024] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one preferred embodiment the first anchorage 20 is substantially rectangular in shape to provide a flat even surface that distributes first cord 24 tension evenly across the first anchorage 20. In one exemplary embodiment corresponding to the above mentioned clip 10 overall measurements, the first anchorage 20 may comprise an open rectangle approximately .25 inches by .08 inches, with the longer side disposed perpendicular to the first cord 24 and the second cord 26 when under tension.

[0025] Unlike the first anchorage 20, the second anchorage 22 has a somewhat triangular shape. For symmetry, the second anchorage 22 may have a first portion 28 mimicking the dimensions of the first anchorage 20, (i.e., in one embodiment, being approximately .25 by .12 inches). The second portion 30 of the second anchorage 22 extends from the first portion 28 distally from the first anchorage 20. The second portion 30, while open to the first portion 28, comprises a first narrowing side 32 and a second narrowing side 34, the two narrowing sides 32, 24 gradually coming together across the elongated clip 10. [0026] The second anchorage 22 terminates distally from the first portion 28 at a narrow slot 36. The narrow slot 36 is too narrow to accommodate the second cord 26. Thus, as the second cord 26 is moved distally from the first anchorage 20 along the second anchorage 22, and as the second cord 26 approaches the narrow slot 36, the second anchorage 22 confines the second cord 26 under tension such that it cannot be pulled through the second anchorage 22. In one preferred exemplary embodiment the first narrowing side 32 and the second narrowing side 34 are symmetrical (i.e., are substantially mirror images of each other). In another embodiment, the first narrowing side 32 and the second narrowing side 34 are slightly arced to elongate a V shape between them, thereby increasing the ability of the second portion 30 to 'grasp' and securely hold the second cord 26. To increase the gripping ability of the second anchorage 22, a sharp substantially 90° corner is maintained between the second anchorage 22 and the first side 12, unlike the peripheral edge 16, which is preferably rounded for aesthetics and ease of handling.

[0027] Although a variety of shapes and configurations are possible, depending on the desired embodiment, in one preferred embodiment corresponding to the above discussed measurements, the second anchorage 22 may preferably be approximately 1.02 inches long. The second portion 30 preferably accounting for the majority of the second anchorage's 22 length due to the first narrowing side 32 and the second narrowing side 34 each being approximately .94 inches in length.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first anchorage 20 and the second anchorage 22 are preferably separated to form a blank space 38 on the first side 12 and a corresponding blank space (not shown) on the second side 14. In one preferred embodiment, the first anchorage 22 and the second anchorage 24 are separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of the clip 10, thereby creating an equilateral blank space 38 that can be occupied by an icon or logo (not shown) for advertising purposes. In one preferred embodiment, corresponding to the above measurements, the distance between the first anchorage 20 and the second anchorage 22 may be approximately .39 inches.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the clip 10 is shown with the second cord 26 in a released state (FIG. 3) and in a locked-in-place state (FIG. 4). In FIG. 3, the user has passed the first cord 24 through the first anchorage 20 and anchored it in place by knotting the first cord 24. With the first cord 24 and the clip 10 in the user's right hand 40 and the clip 10 extending from it, the second cord 26 is passed through the second anchorage 22 and held by the user's left hand 42. According to custom and preference, the user's hands may be reversed. In FIG. 4, the user has urged the second cord 26 across the second anchorage 22, along the first narrowing side 32 and the second narrowing side 34 as they come together, and into the narrow slot 36. In the process the second portion 30 of the second anchorage 22 increasingly confines the second cord 26 until it is pinched such that the clip 10 cannot travel along the second cord 26.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the first cord 24, the second cord 26 and the clip 10 are shown as they would appear when in a locked configuration and under tension. Preferably, in one exemplary embodiment, the narrow slot 36 comes to a terminal point 44 terminating and having a miniscule width far narrower than the diameter of the second cord 26, such that the second cord 26 is bound between the first narrowing side 32 and the second narrowing side 34 before reaching the terminal point 44. This feature confers two advantages. First, it allows a variety of cord sizes to be used with the clip 10, and second, it allows the second cord 26 to be very securely anchored, and thus resistant to slippage in the even substantial tensile force is applied between the first cord 24 and the second cord 26. [0031] The structure and functions of the clip 10 having been shown and described, its method of operation will now be discussed.

[0032] In order to use the clip 10, a user first obtains an item (not shown) having a drawstring or other similar adjustable cordage having at least portions comprising a first cord 24 and a second cord 26. In certain embodiments it is contemplated the first cord 24 and the second cord 26 may comprise opposing ends of a longer single cord. In some alternative embodiments, the clip 10 may be preinstalled, for example on a garment such that the first cord 24 is already affixed to the first anchorage 20. A user may then configure the item in a manner making the clip 10 accessible to the user's hands 40, 42. This may include donning a garment equipped with the clip 10, or on a non-garment item such as a strap backpack, adjusting the first cord 24 and the second cord 26 according to the size and width of the user's shoulders prior to item use.

[0033] If the first cord 24 is not already attached to the clip 10, the user passes the first cord 24 through the first anchorage 20, preferably looping the first cord 24 through the first anchorage 20, and affixing the first cord 24 to itself. In one alternative embodiment, the first cord 24 may comprise a 'T' end, to be inserted through the first anchorage 20 to lock the first cord 24 thereto. With the first cord 24 affixed to the first anchorage 20, the user preferably grasps the first cord 24 and clip 10 in one hand (e.g., the user's right hand 40 as illustrated), and with the other passes the second cord 26 through the second anchorage 22. This is typically accomplished by passing the second cord 26 through the first portion 28 since it is the widest part of the second anchorage 22.

[0034] Once the second cord 26 is passed through the second anchorage 22 a sufficient distance, according to preference, the user locks the second cord 26 in place. This is typically accomplished by the user holding the second cord 26 tightly and the clip 10 adjacent the user's fingers. With the other hand, the user slides the clip 10 and the first cord 24 relative to the second cord 26, thus urging it along the first narrowing side 32 and the second narrowing side 34 until it is lodged in the narrow slot 36 sufficiently to prevent the second cord 26 from sliding through the second anchorage 22 when under tension.

[0035] With the second cord 26 anchored, the user can use the, now customized, item according to preference. When the user wants to dislodge the clip 10, for example to release and resize the straps on a strap backpack, the user simply places the user's thumb or a finger under an end of the clip 10 proximal the narrow slot 36, and lifts in the direction of tension. As the clip 10 rotates relative to the line of tension between the first cord 24 and the second cord 26, the second anchorage 22 eventually reaches a position perpendicular to the direction of tension. As it continues to travel past that point, tension on the second cord 26 begins pulling it toward the open first portion 28 of the second anchorage 22. Either on its own, or with added urging by the user' s fingers, the second cord 26 will eventually slip out of the narrow slot 26 and move toward the wider second portion 30, thus allowing the clip 10 to move freely along the second cord 26.

[0036] The foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.