Patent Publication Number: US-11019883-B2

Title: Fastening devices and methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/493,108 filed Sep. 22, 2014, which claims priority to the following patent applications: U.S. Application No. 61/880,204 filed Sep. 20, 2013; U.S. Application No. 61/884,840 filed Sep. 30, 2013; and U.S. Application No. 61/899,445 filed Nov. 4, 2013. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     The entire contents of each of the following applications is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. application Ser. No. 29/412,658 filed Feb. 6, 2012, issued as D686,909 on Jul. 30, 2013; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/468,991 filed Oct. 4, 2013; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/468,997 filed Oct. 4, 2013; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/468,999 filed Oct. 4, 2013; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/367,362 filed Feb. 6, 2012; and PCT International Application No. PCT/US2012/041713 filed Jun. 8, 2012. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to fastening devices and systems using the fastening devices. More particularly, the present invention provides fastening devices that secure opposing sides of an article selected for securing allowing secure engagement and reliability against unintended separation and breakage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Industrial applications of fastening devices include the use of thread or string, including shoe laces. Unfortunately, during use, particularly during rough sports play or hard work activities, these conventional fastening devices are often broken, shred, or become unreliable, or even dangerous to users. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved fastening device that provides an improved reliability and use. Further, there is also a need to improve a method of using a fastening device where the installation and application of a fastening device allows an adaptive use to a variety of alternative engagements with articles requiring fastening. 
     SUMMARY 
     In response, it is now recognized that there is a need for a higher performance fastening system that adapts to a user&#39;s needs and is durable and tough in use. 
     In one embodiment, a fastening device for connecting two identified openings can include an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, the main body member having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis; first and second tip end members located at the first end portion and second end portion of the body, respectively, the first and second tip end members each adapted to fit through one of the identified openings; and a first deformable interference portion located between the main body member and the first tip end member, and a second deformable interference portion located between the main body and the second tip end member. In this embodiment, the first and second deformable interference portions are each normally located in a rest state wherein the first and second deformable interference portions define an outer dimension that prevents their passage through one of the identified openings, and the first and second deformable interference portions are each deformable to a stretched state that permits their passage through one of the identified openings. 
     In another embodiment, a fastening device for connecting two identified openings can include an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, the main body member having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis; and a first tip end portion located at the first end portion of the main body member and a second tip end portion located at the second end portion of the main body member, the first and second tip end portions each having an outer dimension configured to pass through one of the identified openings. In this embodiment, in a relaxed state, the first and second tip end portions extend substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second tip end portions are each elastically pivotable with respect to the main body member about the longitudinal axis to permit passage of the respective tip end portion through one of the identified openings. 
     In another embodiment, a method for connecting two identified openings can include: providing a fastening device including an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second tip end members located at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis; inserting the first tip end member through one of the identified openings; pulling on the first tip end member, thereby pulling a first deformable interference portion through the one of the identified openings; inserting the second tip end member through the other of the identified openings; and pulling on the second tip end member, thereby pulling a second deformable interference portion through the other of the identified openings; whereby the first and second deformable interference portions retain the fastening device in the two identified openings. 
     In another embodiment, a method of connecting two identified openings can include: providing a fastening device including an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second tip end portions located at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis, the first and second tip end portions extending substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; inserting the first tip end portion through one of the identified openings; flexing the first tip end portion with respect to the main body member, thereby permitting passage of the first tip end portion through the one of the identified openings; relaxing the first tip end portion; inserting the second tip end portion through the other of the identified openings; flexing the second tip end portion with respect to the main body member, thereby permitting passage of the second tip end portion through the other of the identified openings; and relaxing the second tip end portion; whereby when the first and second tip end portions are in the relaxed state, they engage the two identified openings with the main body member between the two identified openings. 
     The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a single fastening device according to an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is another side elevation view of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of  FIG. 1  noting the position of alternative openings and pin members. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section along Section  6 - 6  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section along Section  7 - 7  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the fastening device in  FIG. 1  noting the flexibility of the neck region allowing the tip end portion to rotate relative to a long axis direction of a main body. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective use view wherein the tip end portion is pushed partially through an eyelet opening of an exemplary sneaker member in a first assembly step. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective use view wherein the tip end of a first fastening device is positioned through an eyelet and awaiting interfit connection with a second fastening device partially through an opposing eyelet. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fastening system in position during a use wherein pins and openings are adjustably positionable along the length of respective fastening devices. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross section along Section  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross section along Section  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is an alternative insertion method step from an opposite side of an eyelet opening. 
         FIG. 15  is a further method step of positioning and then folding over a fastening device in preparation of meeting with a corresponding fastening device for engaging interfit therewith forming one optional fastening system. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention providing an extending toggle system on an adapted fastening system. 
         FIG. 17  is a front elevation plan view of  FIG. 16  noting the main body and opposing toggle system and tip end. 
         FIG. 18  is a section view along section line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of  FIG. 16  noting the extension of the opposed toggle system and tip end. 
         FIG. 20  is a top slight-perspective view of two interconnected but removably positionable fastening systems as in  FIG. 16 , wherein the interconnected system is shown under tension “T” from opposing tip ends where the interconnected fastening systems flex under tension to securely engage therebetween. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view as in  FIG. 20 , noting the flex in the main body and toggle necks during interengagement tension. 
         FIG. 22  is a further view similar to  FIG. 20  noting the flex during engagement. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  is an end view of the device shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows a decorative insert for use with the embodiment of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of a third embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 30  shows the view of  FIG. 24 , with one of the deformable regions being stretched by tension “T,” resulting in a reduction in diameter from d 1  to d 2 . 
         FIG. 31  shows a device according to an embodiment, wherein the first tip is inserted into an eyelet of an athletic shoe. 
         FIG. 32  shows the device of  FIG. 31  after the first deformable region has been pulled through the eyelet. 
         FIG. 33  shows the device of  FIG. 32 , after being installed by pulling the second deformable region through an eyelet on the opposite side of the shoe. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word “couple,” “interfit,” “connect” and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, bend/fold, push/pull, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 15 , a fastening system  100  may include a first and a second fastening device, respectively, shown at  1 A and  1 B. Each fastening device  1 A,  1 B includes a tip end portion  5  and a main body portion  6 , which may adaptively be used to secure respective eyelet openings (identified openings)  3  of a shoe  2  therebetween. (See e.g.,  FIGS. 14 and 15 .) 
     Each main body  4  can include a plurality of operative openings  6  and at least one pin member  7 , preferably having a respective tail  8 . It is noted that for openings  6  and pin members  7 , tails  8  have cooperative interference fitting geometry, including respective sizes. Tails  8  may be excluded, or pin members  7  and tails  8  may be formed in different shapes, as well as openings  6  wherein the interfitting geometry may be enhanced. For a non-limiting example, tails  8  are shown as larger in outer dimension than pins  7  so that, following passage through an opening  6 , the outer surfaces of tails  8  may positively contact formed inner flat surfaces of openings  6  in a manner preventing easy disassembly under stress and tension. According to alternative embodiments, the components  1 A and  1 B can be a single monolithic member. 
     It will be understood, that holes  6  and pins  7 , and tails  8  may be formed in a generally circular manner (as shown) but that there is no restriction thereto. For example, hole  6  may be triangular, as may pin  7  while tails  8  may remain semi-circular. In this way, it will be understood that geometric interference fitting may use adaptive and alternative geometries without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     In this way it will be understood that openings  6  can include, optionally, a central passage  10  having the same diameter as pins  7 , and a sloped or angled opening  9  with sloped side walls to ease insertion of tails  8 , and a secure wall  11  arrangement, shown here with a flat surface for parallel engagement with the underside surface of tails  8 . In this way the openings  6  and pins  7  provide an interoperability and secure interference fitting to secure respective fastening devices  1 A,  1 B together. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 8 to 15 , two alternative methods of use can be provided. A first method in  FIGS. 8-11  shows the use of the tip end entering eyelet opening  3  by initially tilting relative to the main body  4  an angle  12  allowed by the flexible neck portion between main body  4  and tip end  5 . Tip end  5  may be pushed or pulled through eyelet opening  3  and is operably sufficiently flexible to accommodate this embodiment. The same procedure is provided on the other side of the shoe. As a result, the interfitting shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  is provided by swinging and urging together  14  for pins  7 , and tails  8  are pushed through and into openings  6 . During use, and to fit a user&#39;s preference, the main bodies may be separated, realigned, and re-connected. 
     Referring now particularly to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an alternative method is provided. Here, tip ends  5  are pushed from the outward side of eyelet openings  3  toward the inner side, and then pivoted along bend  15  to reach the center region of shoe  2 . When completed from both sides, the fastening devices  1 A and  1 B will be aligned as shown in  FIGS. 12, 13  and interfitted. It will be noted that the neck region between tip end  5  and main body  4  is sufficiently flexible to accommodate this operation. 
     It will be understood that the fastening system  100  and the respective fastening devices  1  A,  1  B may be alternatively referred to as means for fastening or fastening means, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     It will be further understood, that the present fastening system  100  may be shown with two-rows of openings  6 , but may alternatively be shown with only a single-row of openings  6  e.g., a narrower main body  4 . It will be also understood that either one or both of the main body  4  and tip end  5  may be formed of silicone, a resilient material, or may additionally include a stiffening member therein. For example, the tip end  5  may be stiffened with a molded pin located therein. This may help with the insertion of the tip end  5  through the eyelet openings  3  and/or aid the rotation of tip end  5  relative to main body  4 . It will also be understood that the main body  4  may be made with any type of opening and pin geometry without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. It will also be understood that components  1 A and  1 B can be found as a unitary, monolithic component. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-23 , a fastening device is provided as two adaptively engageable alternative fastening systems  100 A,  100 A′ each with an opposing tip end  5 A from a toggle system  19  spaced by a flexible main body portion  4 A with a plurality of engaging regions  6 A, shown here but not limited to, openings. While regions  6 A are shown as ovoidal, circular, or irregular openings, nothing herein is so limiting, and main body portion  4 A may be provided with any geometric engagement portion suitable for engaging respective toggle system  19  portions during a use. For example, extending grippers (not shown) may engage opposite sides of toggle  22  extending from a toggle neck  20  from an embedded toggle anchor system  21  integrally formed with main body  4 A, respectively. 
     Toggle anchor system  19  can include a toggle neck  20  spacing, a toggle anchor system  21 , shown molded into main body  4 A, and an opposed tip end  5 A, as shown. 
     Toggle anchor system  21  may be in any convenient shape sufficient to secure flexible toggle neck  20  to main body  4 A and to allow a flexibility F during a use thereof. It is envisioned, but not required, that toggle anchor system  21  be co-molded with flexible main body  4 A, but may alternatively be secured thereto in a non-removable manner without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     As noted with the earlier embodiment, tip end  5 A may be flexible F to allow interfitting as noted in  FIGS. 14 and 15  discussed earlier. In this manner, during a use, respective fastening systems  100 A,  100 A′ allow flexible engagement of opposed eyelet openings  3 ,  3  of shoe  2 , such that all earlier discussion of such flexibility is additionally incorporated herein by reference for convenience. According to alternative embodiments, components  100 A,  100 A′ can comprise a single, unitary component. 
     As noted in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , openings  6 A penetrate flexible main body  4 A, in a preferably ovoidal manner so that under tension T ( FIG. 20 ), openings flex in to a narrower (from the width direction) dimension to engage and secure toggle neck portions  20  to prevent unintended removal thereof. 
     During a use, as for example in replacing the images in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , toggle systems  19  engage with respective openings  6 A of main bodies  4 A and may be adjusted to fit in any opening. Thus, during use under tension T, there is a best-fit flexing well shown in  FIG. 21 , where there is a slight flexing of main bodies  4 A,  4 A to accommodate the tension T thereby and to also flex respective toggle necks  20  and thereby secure respective fastening systems  100 A,  100 A′. 
     It will additionally be understood, that any suitable material to perform the functions herein may be used, without limitation thereto. For example, the toggle system  19  may be thermoplastic, high density or mid-density plastic (all flexible), rigid metal, wood, or any other suitable material for such a toggle. Additionally, the tip end  5 A may be reinforced with an internal rigid member that may be slightly flexible (e.g., HDPE, etc.) or fully rigid (e.g., metal, plastic etc.). 
     As mentioned before, embodiments can comprise an elongated unitary or one-piece body having respective first and second ends. Each end can terminate in a tip portion which has a cross-section that permits the tip to be inserted through the eyelet for which it is intended. The tip can be of a length suitable for grasping with the fingers. According to an embodiment, interposed between, and connecting the tip portion and the elongate body can be a resilient, deformable region that circumscribes and defines an opening. The deformable region may have a circular shape and define a substantially circular opening, but according to embodiments, it is arc-shaped and defines an arc-shaped opening. The convex side of the arc can be oriented toward the body, while the concave side can be oriented toward the tip portion. 
     In use, the tip may be inserted through an eyelet, and then grasped and pulled so as to apply tension substantially along the long axis of the device. This tension can cause the deformable region, and the opening it defines, to stretch along the long axis of the device. The tension and resulting deformation can cause the sides of the deformable region to move toward the axis, reducing the effective cross-section of the deformable region until it can pass through the eyelet. Upon release of the tension, the deformable region rebounds to its relaxed state, in which it no longer can fit through the eyelet. The process is repeated with the second end portion of the device, by pulling it through a second eyelet of the article to be fastened, or through an eyelet of a second article which the practitioner wishes to attach to the first article. 
     The fastening tension provided by an installed device of the invention is borne by the central body of the device. At the eyelets, this tension is created by an outward-directed force applied axially to the deformable regions, at the point where contact is made with the surface of the article immediately surrounding the eyelets. According to embodiments, this outward force does not cause a reduction in cross-section of the deformable region, however, and the device resists being pulled through the eyelet. In embodiments, where the deformable region and the opening it defines are arc-shaped, the deformable region can be particularly resistant to compression because the inner portion of the arc, adjacent to the tip, is situated within the radius of the outer portion of the arc, where it physically blocks the deformation required for a reduction in cross-section. Although resistant to being pulled through the eyelet in the inward direction, the device can readily be removed by pulling on the tip in the outward direction, thereby reversing the installation process. 
     For ease and economics of manufacture, embodiments of the invention can be molded from a single elastomeric material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, synthetic rubbers, silicone rubbers and polyurethanes. In devices having such monolithic construction, the desired amount of stretch or rigidity in any particular portion of the device will be obtained by varying the thickness of that portion. In alternative embodiments, strengthening or stiffening elements may be inserted, laminated, or molded into the elastomer. Such elements include, but are not limited to, monofilament, spun, or woven fiber reinforcement materials, rigid or semi-rigid inserts, and elastomeric inserts or layers having a different modulus and/or elasticity. The devices may also be formed directly from two or more different materials, for example by bi-injection or two-shot injection molding, so as to have the desired distribution of physical properties along the length of the device. Embodiments may be made by 3D printing or additive manufacturing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention is provided without numbering, to clearly convey the overall appearance of the device. 
       FIG. 24  is a top view of the same device. The device includes an elongated central body  31 , which terminates at necks  32  and  32   a . Deformable regions  33  and  33   a  are attached at the necks. In the embodiment shown, the deformable regions are arc-shaped, and circumscribe and define bounded arc-shaped openings  34  and  34   a . The deformable regions have outer portions  35  and  35   a , and inner portions  36  and  36   a  having a smaller radius. On the sides opposite to the necks, the deformable regions are attached to tips  37  and  37   a . The devices are not limited to any particular dimensions. The length of the central body  31  is chosen according to the desired spacing between eyelets in the fastened articles. The length of the tips  37  and  37   a  can be chosen to be sufficient to provide an adequate grip for the fingers, after the tip has been inserted through an eyelet. The diameter of the tips, and the dimensions of the deformable regions can be determined by the dimensions of the eyelets through which they must pass upon installation, and through which they must not pass when the device is in use and under tension. 
     It will be appreciated that the arc shape of the deformable region shown in the drawings represents only one of numerous equivalent embodiments. The openings  34  and  34   a  defined by the deformable regions may likewise be of any geometric shape. In embodiments, the inner portions  36  and  36   a  of the deformable regions are so situated as to interfere with the inward deformation of the outer portions  35  and  35   a , thereby preventing a reduction in cross-section. This function requires only that the inner portions occupy the space into which the outer portions collapse upon application of tension, as described below. It will be appreciated that this is a matter of relative location, and that the invention is not limited to any particular geometric shapes for the inner and outer portions of the deformable region. Thus the inner portion  36  can have a generally convex shape, and the outer portion  35  can have a complimentary, generally concave shape. For example a convex inner portion  36  may have the shape of a wedge, with the concave outer portion  35  having a complimentary V-shape. Portion  36  may take the form of a rectangular block, and portion  35  may feature a complimentary rectangular cavity. Other combinations of shapes will readily occur to those of skill in the art. According to embodiments, the openings  34 ,  34 A can be omitted. 
       FIG. 25  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 26  is an end view. It will be seen from these views that the cross-section of the tips and central body are substantially rectangular throughout this particular example. It will be appreciated that a round cross-section for the tips may be preferred when dealing with circular eyelets or grommets. The cross section of the central body may be varied for manufacturing convenience, or for cosmetic purposes, within the limits imposed by the desired strength and elasticity of the fastener. 
       FIG. 27  is an alternative embodiment in which the central body bears a hole  38 , into which a decorative button  39  ( FIG. 28 ) can be press-fit. Button  39  can be decorated in any manner desired, for example, it can be of a contrasting color or attractive pattern; it can be jeweled; or it can bear a team or school logo. A small battery and LED light(s) can be built into the button if desired. 
       FIG. 29  shows an alternative embodiment wherein the tips  37  and  37   a  are disposed at an angle to the central body of the device. This embodiment may be easier to insert into eyelets in crowded environments, which may lack a clear path for perpendicular entry or exit. 
       FIG. 30  shows the same top view as  FIG. 24 , but illustrates the deformation of the opening  34   a  upon application of tension T. The tension causes inner portion  36   a  to be pulled away from outer portion  35   a , and the sides of the opening are free to collapse into the enlarged opening  34   a . As the deformable region is stretched, it grows narrower, and the width of the deformable region, originally d 1 , is reduced to d 2 . With sufficient tension and sufficient stretching, the deformed region can be pulled through an eyelet. Release of the tension allows the deformed region to rebound to its original shape, with the eyelet now trapped around the neck of the device. 
       FIGS. 31-33  show a method of use of a fastener of the invention, to fasten closed an athletic shoe  41 . Tip  37  of the device is inserted into eyelet  40  ( FIG. 31 ), and the tip is then pulled until the deformable region  33  has been pulled through the eyelet, leaving the neck of the device within the eyelet  40  as shown in  FIG. 32 . The tip on the other end of the device can then be inserted into an eyelet  40   a  on the opposite side of the shoe. Next, the deformable region can be again pulled through, and upon release of tension, the device is installed. It will be appreciated that the device can be installed diagonally if the user so desires; this will result in a more tightly fastened shoe. 
     Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.