TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a closure, and, more specifically, to a locking closure for an article of clothing that may be adjusted in size according to the wearer or activity.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Typically with the exception of elastic waist clothing, the size of the waistband for a given article is static. Some pants include adjustable features to comfortably fit a variety of waist sizes. These features can include elastic elements or cords to adjust the fit of the waistband. However, improvements are needed.

SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect, a closure may include a first tab and a second tab. At least a first aperture may be disposed in the first tab. At least a second aperture (e.g., ring) may be coupled to the second tab. A cord (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture and the first aperture along a first direction, then the cord may pass from the first aperture around an edge of the first tab and back through the second aperture in a second direction, thereby creating a closure lock. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated.

[0004] In an aspect, a closure may comprise at least one material portion, at least a first aperture disposed in or adjacent the at least one material portion, at least a second aperture disposed in or adjacent the at least one material portion, and a cord disposed through at least the second aperture in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein a configuration of one or more of the at least one material portion, the first aperture, and the second aperture creates a closure lock that allows the cord to freely move under a first force, while restricting movement under a second force.

[0005] 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 to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings provide examples only, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific example pants and methods disclosed.

[0007] The figures illustrate various aspects of closures, methods of making, and methods of using the same, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example article comprising a closure in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrates aspects of the closure of FIGS. 1A-1D.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example article comprising a closure in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example article comprising a closure in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate example closures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate example closures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate example articles comprising a closure in accordance with the present disclosure. [0015] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example articles comprising a closure in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate example articles comprising a closure in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present disclosure relates to one or more closures. The one or more closures may comprise a cord or lace configured with a locking element to provide a cinching or closing force on a garment, for example.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, a closure 100 may comprise a first tab 102 and a second tab 104. At least a first aperture 106 may be disposed in or coupled to the first tab 102. At least a second aperture 108 may be disposed in or coupled to the second tab 104. A cord 110 (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 108 and the first aperture 106 along a first direction. Then the cord 110 may pass from the first aperture 106 around an edge 112 of the first tab 102 and back through the second aperture 108 in a second direction, thereby creating a closure lock. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 110 in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 106, 108 may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 106, 108. One or more of the apertures 106, 108 may comprise a rigid ring (e.g., O-ring, D-ring, etc.) that extends outwardly from the respective tab 102, 104. The first and second apertures 106, 108 may be aligned along a least one axis. In configurations with more than two apertures, the second aperture 108 as described herein may comprise a rigid ring coupled adjacent one of the apertures formed in a tab or other portion of an article. The figures illustrate various constructions of the closure that are all hereby incorporated. [0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, the closure 100 may allow the cord 110 to freely move in a first direction (FIG. 2B), while restricting movement in a second direction (FIG. 2C). The second direction may be opposite the first direction. By separating the tabs 102, 104, the cord 110 may be allowed to move in the second direction, for example to loosen a cinching force.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a closure 300 may comprise at least a first aperture 306 disposed adjacent at least a second aperture 308. The apertures 306, 308 may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 306, 308 may be disposed in or coupled to material 302 such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. A cord 310 (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 308 and the first aperture 306 along a first direction. The cord 310 may pass from the first aperture 306 around an edge 312 of the material 302 and back through the second aperture 308 in a second direction, thereby creating a closure lock. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 310 in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 306, 308 may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 106, 108. One or more of the apertures 306, 308 may comprise a rigid ring (e.g., O-ring, D-ring, etc.) that extends outwardly from the material 302. The first and second apertures 306, 308 may be aligned along a least one axis.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a closure 400 may comprise a first tab 402 and a second tab 404. As an example, the first tab 402 may comprise a portion 403 a of a waistband 403 or other area of a garment. At least a first aperture 406 may be disposed in or coupled to the first tab 402. At least a second aperture 408 may be disposed in or coupled to the second tab 404. A cord 410 (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 408 and the first aperture 406 along a first direction. The cord 410 may be coupled (e.g., tacked, bar tacked, etc.) to a portion 403b of a waistband 403. The cord 410 may pass from the first aperture 406 around an edge 412 of the first tab 402 and back through the second aperture 408 in a second direction, thereby creating a closure lock. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 410 in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 406, 408 may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 406, 408. One or more of the apertures 406, 408 may comprise a rigid ring (e.g., O-ring, D-ring, etc.) that extends outwardly from the waistband 403. The first and second apertures 406, 408 may be aligned along a least one axis.

[0022] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various configurations of apertures 506, 508 that may be used as the apertures 106, 108, 306, 308, 406, 408 described herein. The apertures 506, 508 may comprise eyelets, rings, grommets, and/or the like.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5A, a first aperture 506a may be or comprise an eyelet or grommet or the like disposed in a material or tab 502a. The tab 502a may be or comprise webbing or fabric, for example. A second aperture 508a may be at least partially defined by a cord disposed adjacent the first aperture 506a. The cord may be loose or may be coupled to the tab 502a.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5B, a first aperture 506b may be or comprise an eyelet or grommet or the like disposed in a material or tab 502b. The tab 502b may be or comprise webbing or fabric, for example. A second aperture 508b may be coupled to the first aperture 506b using webbing or fabric such as tab 504b, for example.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5C a first aperture 506c may be or comprise an eyelet or grommet or the like disposed in a material or tab 502c. A second aperture 508c may be or comprise a ring coupled adjacent to or directly to the first aperture 506c. As an example, the second aperture 508c may be coupled to a tab 504c. Additional apertures may be disposed in the tab 502c or 504c, or both.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5D, a first aperture 506d may be or comprise an eyelet or grommet or the like disposed in a material or tab 502d. The tab 502d may be or comprise webbing or fabric, for example. A second aperture 508d may be coupled to the first aperture 506d using a rigid hardware such as a metal coupler as tab 504d, for example.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6A, a closure may comprise at least a first aperture 606 disposed in a first tab 602 such as a portion of a waistband or other area of a garment. As shown in FIG. 6B, a second aperture 608 may be disposed in a second tab 604 such as a an inner portion of the waistband or material coupled to the waistband. The apertures 606, 608 may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 606, 608 may be disposed in or coupled to material such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. A cord 610 (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 608 in a first direction. The cord 610 may be wrapped around a sliplock 614 or other mechanisms and may extend back through the second aperture 608 in a second direction to create a closure lock. The sliplock 614 may have a generally figure-eight configuration. Other configurations may be used to couple to at least the second tab 604. The sliplock 614 may be arranged in various configurations to dispose a portion of the sliplock 614 adjacent the second aperture 608. The cord 610 may then be extended from the second aperture through the first aperture 606, for example, along the first direction. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 610 in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 606, 608 may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 606, 608. One or more of the apertures 606, 608 may comprise a rigid ring (e.g., O-ring, D-ring, etc.) that extends outwardly from the tab 602. The first and second apertures 606, 608 may be aligned along a least one axis.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7A, a closure may comprise at least a first aperture 706 disposed in a first tab 702 such as a portion of a waistband or other area of a garment. A second aperture 708 may be disposed in the first tab 702. The apertures 706, 708 may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 706, 708 may be disposed in or coupled to material such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. A cord 710 (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 708 in a first direction. The cord 710 may be wrapped around a sliplock 714 or other mechanisms and may extend back through the second aperture 708 in a second direction to create a closure lock. The slip lock 714 may have a generally figure-eight configuration. Other configurations may be used to couple to at least the second tab 704. The sliplock 714 may be arranged in various configurations to dispose a portion of the sliplock 714 adjacent the second aperture 708. The cord 710 may then be extended from the second aperture through the first aperture 706, for example, along the first direction. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 710 in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 706, 708 may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 706, 708. The first and second apertures 706, 708 may be aligned along a least one axis.

[0029] FIG. 7B illustrates an example waistband that may comprise the first tab 702. As shown one or more apertures may be disposed in the first tab 702, such as the first aperture 706, for example. Other configurations of apertures and closure may be used. Examples of various aperture and closure configurations are shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

[0030] FIG. 8 A illustrates an example garment (e.g., shorts) having a waistband area with a plurality of apertures. As shown in FIG. 8A, a closure may comprise at least a first aperture 806a disposed in a first tab 802a such as a portion of a waistband or other area of a garment. A second aperture 808a may be disposed in the first tab 802a. The apertures 806a, 808a may be

aligned along an axis and/or may define a lower row of apertures with one or more apertures disposed above or adjacent the apertures 806a, 808a. The apertures 806a, 808a may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 806a, 808a may be disposed in or coupled to material such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. A cord 8l0a (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 808a in a first direction. The cord 8l0a may be wrapped around a sliplock 814a or other mechanisms and may extend back through the second aperture 808a in a second direction to create a closure lock. The slip lock 814a may have a generally figure-eight configuration. Other configurations may be used to couple to at least the second tab 804a. The sliplock 8l4a may be arranged in various configurations to dispose a portion of the sliplock 814a adjacent the second aperture 808a. The cord 8l0a may then be extended from the second aperture 808a through the first aperture 806a, for example, along the first direction. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 8l0a in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 806a, 808a may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 806a, 808a.

[0031] FIG. 8B illustrates an example garment (e.g., shorts) having a waistband area with a plurality of apertures. As shown in FIG. 8B, a closure may comprise at least a first aperture 806b disposed in a first tab 802b such as a portion of a waistband or other area of a garment. A second aperture 808b may be disposed in the first tab 802b. The apertures 806b, 808b may be aligned along an axis and/or may define an upper row of apertures with one or more apertures disposed below or adjacent the apertures 806b, 808b. The apertures 806a, 808a may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 806b, 808b may be disposed in or coupled to material such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. A cord 810b (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be extended through the second aperture 808b in a first direction. The cord 810b may be wrapped around a sliplock 814b or other mechanisms and

may extend back through the second aperture 808b in a second direction to create a closure lock. The slip lock 814b may have a generally figure-eight configuration. Other configurations may be used to couple to at least the second tab 804b. The sliplock 814b may be arranged in various configurations to dispose a portion of the sliplock 814b adjacent the second aperture 808b. The cord 81 Ob may then be extended from the second aperture 808b through the first aperture 806b, for example, along the first direction. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 810b in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 806b, 808b may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 806b, 808b.

[0032] FIG. 8C illustrates an example garment (e.g., shorts) having a waistband area with a plurality of apertures. As shown in FIG. 8C, a closure may comprise at least a first aperture 806c disposed in a first tab 802c such as a portion of a waistband or other area of a garment. A second aperture 808c may be disposed in the first tab 802c. The apertures 806c, 808c may be aligned along an axis and/or may define a row of apertures. The apertures 806c, 808c may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 806c, 808c may be disposed in or coupled to material such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. A cord 8l0c (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be disposed in or about a portion of the first tab 802c such as tunneled through a waistband of a garment. The cord 8l0c may be extended through the second aperture 808c in a first direction. The cord 8l0a may be wrapped around a sliplock 814c or other mechanisms and may extend back through the second aperture 808c in a second direction to create a closure lock. The slip lock 814c may have a generally figure-eight configuration. Other configurations may be used to couple to at least the second tab 804c. The sliplock 814c may be arranged in various configurations to dispose a portion of the sliplock 814c adjacent the second aperture 808c. The cord 8l0c may then be extended from the second aperture 808c through the first aperture 806c, for example, along the first direction. The closure

lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 8l0c in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated. The apertures 806c, 808c may comprise a rigid ring such as a metal or plastic ring or grommet disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the aperture 806c, 808c.

[0033] FIG. 9 A illustrates an example garment (e.g., shorts) having a waistband area with a plurality of apertures. As shown a draw string or cord 910 may extend through at least a portion of the waistband area. A closure may comprise one or more first apertures 906a, 906b disposed in a respective portion 902a, 902b of the waistband area. One or more second apertures 908a, 908b may be disposed in a respective portion 902a, 902b of the waistband. Apertures 906a, 908a may be in proximity to each other and apertures 906b, 908b may be in proximity to each other. The apertures 906, 908 may comprise rings or grommets or the like. The apertures 906,

908 may be disposed in or coupled to material such as a waistband area of a garment. Other configurations may be used. The cord 910 (e.g., drawcord, drawstring, lace, etc.) may be disposed in or about a portion of the portions 902 such as tunneled through a waistband of a garment. The cord 910 may be extended through the one or more second apertures 908 in a first direction. The cord 910 may be wrapped around a respective sliplock 914a, 914b or other mechanisms and may extend back through the one or more second apertures 908 in a second direction to create a closure lock. The sliplock(s) 914 may have a generally figure-eight configuration. The sliplock(s) 914 may be arranged in various configurations to dispose a portion of the sliplock 914 adjacent the one or more second apertures 908. The cord 910 may then be extended from the one or more second apertures 908 through a respective one of the first apertures 906, for example, along the first direction. The closure lock may be configured to restrict movement of the cord 910 in one or more directions when the closure lock is activated.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, a cord may be extended externally from the waistband area. For example, the cord 910 may extend externally from a central region of a

garment such as shown in FIG 9A. Additionally or alternatively, the cord may extend from a side of the garment. Similarly, one or more closures/closure locks may be configured at various areas on a garment.

[0035] The written description uses examples of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements.