Patent Publication Number: US-2011047822-A1

Title: Elastic cord

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/239,670, filed on Sep. 3, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to elastic cords and apparatuses and methods for securing two or more objects, or portions thereof, in proximity with one another. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior shoelaces have been made of absorbent materials such as cotton and other hydrophilic materials. A problem with these materials is that they attract liquid from the environment and perspiration from the user&#39;s body instead of wicking the moisture away. In the case of elastic prior art shoelaces, an elastic rubber core is surrounded by an absorbent outer cover. When the outer cover absorbs fluids and sweat, especially during athletic activity, the rubber core may become brittle and loose its elastic properties. Additionally, when prior art elastic shoelaces are washed and dried, heat can cause the rubber inner core to deteriorate. 
     Articles which each employ a lacing system to releasably secure two or more portions of the article in proximity with one another have long required that the user tie together the free end portions of a lace which has been threaded through a plurality of eyelets in respective portions of the article. In footwear, for example, the lace typically is first threaded through eyelets in respective halves of an upper portion of the footwear, and the halves are synched together by pulling upon the free end portions of the threaded lace. Once the halves have been synched together as desired the user ties together the free end portions of the lace to prevent the upper portion halves from spreading apart, thereby securing the footwear to the foot. While alternative configurations are known which do not employ a threaded lace to releasably secure two or more portions of an article together, footwear and other articles which employ such a lacing system remain popular for many reasons, including their ability to firmly and adjustably secure portions of the subject article together. 
     Unfortunately, many articles which employ one or more laces for these purposes put the user to the inconvenience of having to tie the free end portions of the threaded lace together to maintain a secure fit during use of the article. Often, the free end portions become untied inadvertently, causing the user inconvenience and creating a potentially hazardous condition should the user step upon one of the free end portions while walking or running. Where time is critical, such as for example during athletic competition, the burden of retying the loose free end portions of a shoe lace can prove to be detrimental. To prevent lace from becoming untied during use, multiple knots often are used to tie together the free end portions, which in turn further complicates the process of untying the free end portions and removing the footwear when desired. Moreover, for those who lack the ability or inclination to tie and untie the free end portions of the lace, footwear which incorporates a lace configuration may not be feasible or appealing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention recognizes and addresses disadvantages of prior art constructions and methods, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved elastic cord formed from a polymer outer cover and an elastic polymer core surrounded by the polymer outer cover. 
     In one preferred embodiment, an elastic cord comprises a first end, an opposite second end, an outer cover formed from an air permeable, hydrophobic wicking fiber material, and an elastic core. In some embodiments, the outer cover is formed from a polymer weave. In other embodiments, the core is formed from an elastic polymer. In yet other embodiments, the elastic polymer is formed from Lycra®. In still other embodiments, the elastic core is formed from a plurality of grouped strands. In some of these embodiments, the elastic cord is between 18-30 inches long. In other of these embodiments, the elastic cord is more than 30 inches in length. In still other embodiments, a locking mechanism is adapted to releasably receive the elastic cord so that a portion of the elastic cord forms a loop between the first end and the second end of the elastic cord, the locking mechanism being adapted to allow for the adjustment of the length of the loop. In yet other embodiments, the locking mechanism further comprises a body and a wheel, wherein the wheel is slidably received by the body so as to releasably secure the elastic cord within the body. 
     In yet another preferred embodiments, an elastic cord comprises an elongated string having first end and an opposite second end, an outer cover formed from recycled polymer material, and an elastic core. In some embodiments, the outer cover is formed from an air permeable, hydrophobic wicking fiber weave. In other embodiments, the elastic core is an elastic polymer. In still other embodiments, the elastic core is formed from Lycra®. In yet other embodiments, the elastic core is formed from a recycled polymer. 
     In still another preferred embodiment, an article of footwear comprises a sole, an upper portion connected to said sole and defining a plurality of eyelets, an elastic cord comprising a first end, a second end, an outer cover formed from an air permeable, hydrophobic wicking fiber material, and an elastic polymer core wherein the elastic cord has a length sufficient to be threaded through the plurality of eyelets, and a flange located at a first side of the plurality of eyelets proximate a toe portion of the upper portion, the flange defining a recessed portion, wherein when the elastic cord is secured, at least one loop is formed adjacent a second side of the plurality of eyelets distal from the toe portion, and the at least one loop is received by the flange recessed portion. 
     In other embodiments, the outer cover is formed from a recycled polymer. In still other embodiments, the outer cover is formed from a polymer weave. In yet other embodiments, the outer cover is formed from recycled plastic bottles. In other embodiments, the core is formed from Lycra®. In still other embodiments, the elastic polymer core is formed from a plurality of grouped strands. 
     Various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed elements, as well as methods of utilizing same, which are discussed in detail below, provide other objects, features and aspects of the present invention. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of shoelaces of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the shoelaces, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial plan view of a shoelace in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-section view of the shoelace shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-section view of the shoelace shown in  FIG. 1  shown in a stretched orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial plan view of the shoelace shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of a shoe which incorporates a preferred lacing apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention using the shoelace of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial plan view of a component part of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of the component part of  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 , 6  in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention according to the disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an elastic string  10  is shown having an outer cover  12  which surrounds an inner core  14 . Elastic string  10  is stretchable from a rest state  14  (shown as a solid line in  FIG. 1 ) to an elongated state  14 ′ (shown as a dashed line in  FIG. 1 ). Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , string  10  is shown having a outer cover  12  and inner core  14  formed from a plurality of strands  16 . In its normal state, string  10  has a rest diameter d 1 , and a decreased diameter d 2  when in a stretched state. Thus, as shown in dashed line in  FIG. 1 , when sufficient forces are applied to string  10 , core  14  stretches and its diameter decreases. Each end of elastic string  10  is terminated in an aglet (not shown), which is made of a hard plastic material to keep outer cover  12  from fraying. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , outer cover  12  is formed from a plurality of intertwined fiber threads  18  having a plurality of spaces  20  that form an extendible web. When string  10  is stretched, threads  18  extend so that spaces  20  are created between threads  18 . Thus, outer cover  12  extends along with inner core  14  when string  10  is stretched. When string  10  is returned to a rest state, outer cover  12  returns to a rest position and spaces  20  close. 
     Outer cover fiber threads  12  are preferably formed from an air permeable, hydrophobic, tetra-channel, wicking fiber material such as Coolmax® and Coolmax® EcoMade® sold by Dupont. Other suitable hydrophobic wicking fibers may be used such as a hollow-core, hydrophobic wicking fiber sold as Thermolite® by Dupont may be used. These types of fiber materials wick away moisture and trap warm air in its hollow-core fibers. Other suitable types of fibers, such as a Teflon® or polytetrafluoroethylene fiber material may be used depending on the application. 
     Air permeable, hydrophobic, tetra-channel fibers may be used to wick away moisture from core  14  and reduce friction against the skin as the lace moves during exercise. Hydrophobic fibers such as those used in the Coolmax® fabric transport water away from the core to an outer layer, where the large surface area of the tetra-channel fibers allow the moisture to evaporate quickly. Simultaneously, the fiber material provides great breathability or air permeability, even when wet. Finally, these types of fibers resist abrasions and deterioration due to rubbing against other items. In some embodiments, the fibers are made from recycled plastic bottles. In one preferred embodiment, the outer cover  12  is formed from 100% Coolmax®. In other embodiments, cover  12  may be formed from a blend of Coolmax® and nylons and other suitable materials. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2A-2B , core strands  16  have traditionally been formed from a rubber material. In the present invention, core strands  16  are formed from a elastic polymer material. In one preferred embodiment, the elastic polymer is Lycra® manufactured by Dupont. Lycra® has a number of advantages over rubber materials, including but not limited to being lightweight, breathable, quick drying, and resistant to bacteria, ultraviolet rays and chlorine. Lycra® is quick drying and is easily dyable. Lycra® is able to expand up to 600% and spring back without losing its integrity. Thus, Lycra® offers many improvements over prior art rubber materials, which may dry out and become brittle, loose its stretching properties and cannot be dyed. 
     In some embodiments, the elastic polymer is formed from recycled plastic materials. In one preferred embodiment, core strands  16  each having a diameter of about 0.025 inches. However, it should be understood that strands  16  may be grouped together in groups of various sizes. For example, strands  16  may be made of three groups of five strands each, and may be grouped together by an adhesive or other means or may simply be held together by outer cover  12 . In one preferred embodiment, string  10  has an outer diameter of approximately 3/25 inches when at rest and a length of about 18-30 inches. This allows for a string that is sufficient in length for most users. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a shoe  110  is shown having a sole  112  and an upper footwear portion  114  connected thereto. Upper footwear portion  114  includes two flap portions  111  and  113 , which in turn include a plurality of eyelets  116  so that portions  111  and  113  define a plurality of apertures  118  through which a string, in the form of a shoelace,  10  has been threaded. Referring to  FIG. 5 , string  10  has two free ends  122  which, although not required, are proximate to the front end, i.e., the end opposite from the heel (not shown), of shoe  10 . Free ends  122  are connected to one another by a plastic clamp  124 , thereby placing string  10  in the form of a continuous loop. 
     String  10  is threaded through a mechanical locking fastener  126 . Locking fastener  126  receives the lace and is configured to releasably lock at least two portions of string  10  in proximity with one another, to thereby secure the lace, and in turn the portions of footwear upper portion  114  through which the lace is threaded, together. A loop segment  128  extends from fastener  126 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , clamp  124  is in the shape of an open-ended hollow cylinder formed from two halves  130  and  132 , which are hinged together along respective longitudinal edges so as to pivot relative to one another about a longitudinal axis represented in  FIG. 6  as pivot point P. Halves  130  and  132  may be clamped together by a snap fit provided by beveled flanges  134  and  136  that extend longitudinally along the respective edges of halves  130  and  132  which are opposite the hinged connection. Clamp  124  further comprises lace retention means in the form of a plurality of spiked flanges  138  which extend from an inner surface  140  of the hollow cylinder formed by halves  130  and  132  into the space S within the hollow cylinder. 
     A secondary flange  142  extends out radially from an outer surface  141 . In addition, half  130  defines two apertures  123  spaced apart by a bridge portion  144  through which lace free ends  122  may be viewed. Flange  142  is curved in cross-section to facilitate the retention of lace loop segment  128 . In this way, loop segment  128  may be retained to prevent it from dangling to the side of shoe  110 , if desired. Alternatively, or in addition, each free end  122  may be threaded through a respective aperture  123  and locked in place so as to retain string  10  in clamp  124 . It will now be appreciated that the secondary flange may take on one of many forms, and such form is no limitation of this invention so long as the secondary flange is capable of retaining the lace to prevent the loop segment from dangling to the side of the shoe. 
     While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are described above, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For example, the string disclosed may be used in various other applications. It is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.