Abstract:
A cord locking device ( 100 ) applies compressive forces and restrictive configurations to at least one end of a cord ( 138 ) for inhibiting movement of a cord ( 138 ) placed around or through first and second objects ( 146, 172 ). The cord locking device ( 100 ) receives at least a first cord end ( 142 ) that passes through a cord lock device ( 106 ) and an aperture ( 126 ) in a threadably engageable cap ( 124 ). The cap ( 124 ) applies a frictional force on the cord against the cord lock device to prevent movement of the cord through the cord lock device. A second end of the cord ( 164 ) may be inserted into the body portion of the cord lock device ( 106 ) to be secured frictionally or alternatively, a second end of a cord may be attached to a connector device ( 140 ) which in turn is mechanically attached to a top region of the cord lock device ( 106 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a cord locking device and more particularly, to a cord locking device that applies compressive forces and restrictive configurations on one or two ends of a cord for inhibiting movement by a first and second object to or around which the cord is provided. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Cabinets as well as other storage devices which have doors and are at a level accessible to children must often be “child proofed” to prevent children from accessing the contents of the cabinet or storage device to prevent access to other dangerous materials or materials that the homeowner does not wish children to access. 
         [0003]    Prior art devices designed to “child proof” cabinets have typically been hard plastic devices. These devices are sometimes difficult to use (sometimes requiring two hands to set and/or unset); are large enough such that they do not fit behind or around many door knobs, and almost certainly do not allow for their use around corners such is required for a corner cupboard. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, what is needed is a childproof cupboard closure that is easy to use, for example operable with one hand, and can sit behind almost any knob and will work around a corner cupboard. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention features a cord locking device, for locking a cord around one or more objects by restricting longitudinal movement of a cord utilizing compressive forces and restrictive configurations. The cord locking device comprises a cord having a length, a first end and a second end and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. A cord lock device comprises a top region and a bottom region and a body portion. 
         [0006]    The body portion of the cord lock device includes a first cord channel extending from the top region to the bottom region at least partially through the body portion. The first cord channel is configured for receiving a first cord portion from the top region of the cord lock device and is disposed proximate a side region of the body portion. 
         [0007]    The body portion also includes a second cord channel extending from the top region to the bottom region at least partially through the body portion. The second cord channel is configured for receiving a second cord end from the top region of the cord lock device. The second cord channel is disposed proximate a side region of the body portion. 
         [0008]    A first cord end channel extending from the bottom region at least partially through the body portion of the cord lock device is also provided. The first cord end channel is configured for receiving a first cord end from the bottom region. A second cord end channel extends from the bottom region at least partially through the body portion of the cord lock device. The second cord end channel is configured for receiving a second cord end from the bottom region. 
         [0009]    Also provided is a circular cap, configured to adjustably engage and disengage with the bottom region of the body portion of the cord lock device. The circular cap includes an aperture sized and configured to receive one of the first and second cord ends from one of the first and second cord channels. The cap is configured to incrementally move towards and away from the bottom region of the body portion of the cord lock device. 
         [0010]    The cap aperture is arranged generally in a central position in the circular cap, misaligned axially with the first and second cord channels, and configured to enable passage of one of the first and second cord ends through the cap aperture. The misalignment between an exit opening of one of the first and second cord channels and the cap aperture is configured to cause a portion of the cord disposed between the bottom region of the cord lock device and the cap aperture to follow a restrictive path between the exit opening of one of the first and second cord channels and the cap aperture, with a portion of the cord disposed against the bottom region of the cord lock device. 
         [0011]    An interior surface of the cap is configured, when in an engaged position against the body portion of the cord lock device, to generate a frictional force against the portion of the cord disposed between the inside surface of the cap and a generally flat planer area of the bottom portion of the body portion of the cord lock device, for restrictively compressing the cord portion between the generally flat planer area proximate the cord channel exit opening and the inside surface of the cap. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the first cord channel is oriented in the body portion 180 degrees from the second cord channel while the first cord end channel is oriented in the body portion 180° from the second cord end channel. Moreover, the first and second cord end channels are oriented in the body portion 90 degrees from the first and second cord channels. The first and second cord end channels preferably have a diameter which is less than a diameter of the first and second cord channels. 
         [0013]    The cord locking device may further include a handle portion configured to receive one of the first and second cord ends after exiting from the cap aperture. The handle portion comprises a handle top end oriented towards the cord locking device and a handle bottom end oriented away from the device. The cord locking device handle portion includes a handle aperture configured to enable passage of one of the first and second cord ends through the handle portion in a first direction. The handle portion further includes a shoulder region proximate an exit region of the handle aperture. The shoulder region is configured to restrict passage of the one of the first and second cord ends in a second direction opposite the first direction after passage through the handle aperture. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment the cord locking device may further include a cord connector, fixedly coupled to one of the first and second cord ends, and configured to mechanically interconnect with a top region of the cord lock device. 
         [0015]    The invention is not intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary cord locking device including lock and, in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top side view of the cord locking device of  FIG. 1  with the cap removed; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a bottom side view of the cord locking device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary cap used with the cord locking device of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of an exemplary cord end in accordance with the present invention, where  FIG. 5A  is a side view and  FIG. 5B  is a top view; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an unassembled cord locking device in accordance with the present invention illustrating a first cord portion passing through and secured by the cord locking device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the present invention ready to be utilized in accordance with one embodiment of the use of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 7  passed through 2 door handles in preparation for securing the door handles in position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 7  showing the interconnection between the connector and the lock mechanisms; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 7  illustrating the connector engaged with the lock mechanism; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 7  illustrating the adjustment procedure to be performed when utilizing the cord locking device of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 7  illustrating the securing of the cap to the lock and thus securing the cord by the cord locking device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the present invention ready to be utilized in accordance with a second embodiment of the use of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 13  in preparation to be utilized in accordance with the second embodiment of the use of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 13  passed around 2 door knobs in preparation for securing the door knobs in position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 13  illustrating the adjustment procedure to be performed when utilizing the cord locking device of the invention; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the cord locking device in accordance with the teachings of  FIG. 13  illustrating the securing of the cap to the lock and thus securing the cord by the cord locking device in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the present invention has described in the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents. 
         [0035]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes/uses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0036]    A cord locking device  100 ,  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, includes a lock portion  106  and a cap portion  124 . The cord locking device  100  is configured to lock or secure a cord  138  in a restrictive configuration over and/or around first and second objects such as cupboard handles, knobs or the like. The restrictive configuration of the cord  138  as it travels through the lock  106  portion and held in place by the cap  124  portion inhibits movement of the cord  138  which in turn inhibits movement by or of the objects (i.e. prevents two adjacent cupboard doors from being opened by a child for example), and also works to restricts accidental manipulation of the objects or the cord. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the first object includes a first door, and the second object includes a second door. The doors pivotally move between an open and a closed position. The cord locking device  100  retains the cord  138  in a tight closure over/through the objects to prevent movement by the objects, such as between a closed position and an open position. 
         [0038]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that the cord locking device  100  can be installed on any type of device or container with doors to restrict movement of the doors, or prevent accidental opening of the doors. The doors may be configured to move between the open and closed position through a hinge, a sliding rail, or through complete detachment from the container. The container may include, without limitation, a cupboard, a cabinet, a closet, a pantry, a freezer, a cargo container, and in some instances a trigger on a firearm. The locking device  100  is efficacious for restricting access to the container where security of the contents from children, the elderly, pets or similarly unauthorized or undesired users is desired. Other undesirable manipulations of the doors from earthquakes, accidents, or the like may also be restricted by the cord locking device  100 . 
         [0039]    In the preferred embodiment, the cord locking device  100  is configured to receive and secure a cord or string (indicated generally by reference  138 ), such as a shoestring type string, having an intermediary portion and 2 end portions which are typically of a smaller diameter and coated with a hard or rigid coating which prevents the cord end from fraying, much like an aglet on a shoelace. 
         [0040]    The lock portion  106 , shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , includes first and second cord channels  108  and  110  (both of which are essentially identical) and each of which include an open region  112  and a closed region  114 . Each of the first and second cord channels  108 ,  110  include an opening in the bottom region  116  of the lock portion  106 . The lock portion  106  also includes first and second cord end channels  118 ,  120  which extend from the bottom region  116  upward to approximately ⅔ to ¾ of the length of the lock portion  106 . The first and second cord end channels  118 ,  120  preferably have a slightly smaller diameter than the first and second cord channels  108 ,  110  and are designed and configured to receive the coated cord end which has a slightly smaller than diameter than that of the middle section  138  of the cord. 
         [0041]    As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 , the cap  124  includes a concentric cap aperture  126 . The concentric cap aperture  126  is sized and dimensioned to enable easy passage of the second cord end  142 . When engaged with the bottom end  116  which is generally flat, the concentric cap aperture  126  is substantially misaligned with either the first or second cord channels  108 ,  110  meaning that the opening of the first or second cord channels  108 ,  110  does not align with the cap aperture  126 . 
         [0042]    In the preferred embodiment, first and second cord channels  108 ,  110  are located generally proximate a side region of the bottom  116  of the lock  106  while the aperture  126  is generally centrally located in the cap  124 . It is this intentional so called “misalignment” that causes the cord end or region identified as  138  to follow a non-direct or L-shaped path upon exiting the cord channel opening in the bottom  116  of the lock  106 , creating frictional contact between the generally flat bottom surface of the bottom end  116  of the lock portion  106  and an inner surface  119  of the annular cap  124  as shown generally in  FIG. 6  when the cap  124  is tightened snug against the bottom end  116  of the lock  106 ; thereby essentially “locking” the cord region  138  in the cord channel  108  and preventing linear, up-and-down movement of the cord through the cord lock  106 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , the second cord end  142  extends down from the annular cap  124 . The second cord end  142  may then be manipulated as desired. In one embodiment, a handle portion  128  may be provided which forms a secure attachment with the second cord end  142  for facilitating the manipulation and forming a cover for the second cord end  142 . The handle portion  128  in this embodiment comprises a plastic element having a handle top end  130  oriented towards the cord locking device  100 , and a handle bottom end  132  oriented away from the cord locking device  100 . The handle portion  128  further comprises a handle aperture  134  and a shoulder area  136  that surrounds the handle aperture  134 . 
         [0044]    The second cord end  142  is first passed through the handle aperture  134  in the handle top end  130 , passing through and exiting through the handle bottom end  132 . Once passed through, a knot or other restrictive barrier (see for example knot  139   FIG. 1 ) is applied to the second cord end  142 . The knot is sized to be smaller than the diameter of the handle aperture  134 , yet larger than the diameter of the shoulder area  136 . In this manner, applying a downward force on the handle portion  128  secures the second cord end  142  inside the handle portion  128 , as the knot abuts against the shoulder area  136 . The size of the handle portion  128 , if provided, is large enough to prevent the handle portion  128  from being ingested by a child. A representative size for an exemplary handle portion  128  is approximately  2 ″ in diameter. 
         [0045]    In a first embodiment, a cord locking device  100 ,  FIG. 7 , includes a cord lock  106  and  124  as well as handle  128  coupled to a cord  138  as previously described. In this embodiment, a connector  140 , to which is fixedly coupled cord end  145 , is designed and configured to interconnect with a Lop region  144  of the cord lock  106 , as will be explained in greater detail below. This embodiment of the cord locking device  100  is well-suited to secure two adjacent cabinet doors each of which include a handle  146 . 
         [0046]    In use, the cap  124  is loosened by turning at counterclockwise such that the cord  138  moves freely through the cord lock  106  such that the handle  128  can be placed proximate the  124 , see  FIG. 7 . Next, the connector portion  140  is fed through the handles  146 ,  FIG. 8 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the connector portion  140  includes an interior channel  148  which has generally the same shape as the top portion  150  of the cord lock  106  including a domed portion  152  and a straight walled side portion  154 . The connector to which is coupled a cord end  145  is then slid onto and engaged with the cord lock  106 ,  FIG. 10 . Next, the user pulls downward on the handle portion  128  as shown by arrow  154  while simultaneously pushing up on the cord lock  106  as shown by arrow  156 , which causes the cord to be pulled through the cord lock  106  tightening the cord around the 2 handles  146 ,  FIG. 11 . Once the cord is tight, the  124  is tightened by turning at clockwise as shown by arrow  158 ,  FIG. 12  thereby securing the cord locking device  100  around the 2 handles  146  thereby preventing the 2 cupboards or other similar devices to which the handles  146  are attached from being opened. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, the cord locking device  100 ,  FIG. 13 , is utilized without a connector device as explained in connection with  FIGS. 7 through 12 . This embodiment is well-suited for securing a cord around 2 knobs over which the cord may be placed instead of having to slide a cord and through handles as explained in connection with the first embodiment. 
         [0049]    In this embodiment, the same components and methodology are utilized as was explained in connection with  FIG. 6  above. As shown in  FIG. 13 , in addition to the first cord portion  138  which exits cord opening  108  and is then provided through opening  126  in cap  124 , a second cord and  162  is fed or threaded down through the cord lock  106  exiting the second cord opening  110 . The end of the cord is then fed upwardly into one or the other of the first or second cord end channels  118 ,  120  (shown as inserted into the second cord end channel  120  for illustrative purposes only) which forms a curvature or band  164  in the cord. When the cap  124  is tightened, the first cord region  138  as well as the second cord region bend  164  will be pushed up against the bottom region  116  of the Lock  106  by the Interior surface  119  of the cap  124 , thus forming a cord loop  160  which is fixed in dimension. Loosening cap  124  allows the cord loop  160  to be made shorter or longer as needed, as will be explained in greater detail below in connection with  FIGS. 14 through 17 . 
         [0050]    In order to utilize the cord locking device configured in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, the  124 ,  FIG. 14 , is turned counterclockwise as illustrated by arrow  170 . Next, the cord loop  160  is placed around first and second knobs  172   a,    172 ,  FIG. 15 . Next, the cord handle  128  is pulled downward as indicated by arrow  154 ,  FIG. 16  while simultaneously the cord lock device  106  is pushed upwardly as indicated generally by arrow  156 . Once the cord loop  160  is tight around the knobs  172 , the cap  124  is tightened by turning it clockwise as indicated generally by arrow  158 ,  FIG. 17  while maintaining a downward pull on the handle  128  as indicated generally by arrow  174 . In this manner, the cord loop  160  is tight around the first and second knobs  172  thereby preventing the adjacent doors, cabinets, drawers or the like to which they knobs  172  are attached from being opened. 
         [0051]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel cord locking device  100  that is easily adjustable to almost infinitely adjust the length of a cord  138  being locked by the device  100  around several objects such as handles or knobs attached to drawers, doors or the like and which are desired to be maintained closed or locked. 
         [0052]    As stated above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiments) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.