CLOSURE SYSTEM

Description

BACKGROUND

There are multiple means for securing and closing fabric. The zipper, laces, VELCRO, snaps, buttons, hooks, and many more. All the known systems are imperfect. Zippers are not adjustable. VELCRO This adjustable closure system provides a new way of securing and closing a fabric.

FIELD STATEMENT

An adjustable closure system for fabric.

SUMMARY

An objective of the presented innovation is to provide an adjustable closure system for closure of fabric.

In one embodiment the adjustable closure system is made up of at least one static cord, at least one fastener joined at intervals along the static cord and a moving cord, and an at least one string or a plurality of strings is fixed to the moving cord at alternating intervals with the at least one fastener. The at least one string is configured perpendicular to both the static cord and the moving cord and said at least one string is fixedly attached to the fabric. A securing means is used to ensure the moving cord remains stationary when the fabric is closed.

In an embodiment wherein the static cord and the moving cord extend along a full adjustment length, or the fabric and the closure system is positioned the length of the fabric. The closure system may be positioned around the circumference of the fabric, In an embodiment the closure system is positioned in at least one of an arm or sleeve, a back, a front, a waist, a foot, or a leg of the fabric, In an embodiment the fastener is an at least one of a ring, a hook, a clasp, an eye, a loop material, or a hole in the fabric.

In an embodiment the securing means is at least one of a loop, a snap, a buckle, a magnetic system, or an adjustable tensioning system In an embodiment the method for adjusting an adjustable closure system for closure of a fabric includes: pulling a static cord in a direction and concurrently pulling a moving cord in a direction opposite the direction the static cord is pulled, and securing the moving cord so the fabric remains closed.

In an embodiment the fabric is an article of clothing, a shoe, a piece of medical equipment, a piece of construction material or a cover for an object.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cutaway of an adjustable closure system before in an open position or loosened state.

FIG. 2 shows a cutaway of an adjustable closure system moving to a closed position or in a tightened state.

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway of an adjustable closure system before in an open position or loosened state.

FIG. 4 shows a cutaway of the closure system moving to a closed position.

FIG. 5 shows a cutaway side view of an adjustable closure system.

FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of an adjustable closure system moving to a closed position on a shoe.

FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of an adjustable closure system in an open position on a shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner in describing the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention and how to make and use them. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to the examples presented.

An objective of the presented innovation is to provide an adjustable closure system for closure of fabric.

The current inventor has produced and tested numerous models and discovered an improved system for closing and securing fabric.

The adjustable closure system disclosed herein provides a single point of leverage that simultaneously acts on multiple points of contact.

Laces have a two-point leverage and a loss of effectiveness due to friction as the lace moves further from the point of leverage.

Zippers are not adjustable and have only an open or closed position.

VELCRO displays a loss of grip under a force. An example would be using VELCRO to close and secure an article of clothing over an expanding wasteline.

Snaps, buttons, and hooks have to be worked individually to complete closure and often display gaps between subsequent snaps, buttons, and hooks on the same article.

ABOUT—As used herein, “about” or “approximately” shall generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range. Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”.

ADJUSTABLE—As used herein the expression “adjustable” refers to a non-fixed configuration that allows a material to be secured or moved from an open state to a closed state.

AT LEAST—As used herein, the expression “at least” means one or more and thus includes individual components as well as combinations that still enable a working invention.

CORD—As used herein, the moving or the static cord can be made of a variety of materials alone or in combination. Some nonlimiting examples include, a rope, a chain, a fabric, a shoelace, a strap. The cord must be made of a sturdy material that can withstand pulling and releasing over the life of the fabric. The cord must be flexible enough to move from and open or loosened state to a closed or tightened state.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL—any material used in building that requires the ability to move from an open position to a closed position. Nonlimiting examples include a sliding door or panel.

FABRIC—As used herein, fabric is any material that can be moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration or a loose position to a tightened position. Non-limiting examples include; cloth, plastic, polymer, paper, wood, leather. The fabric can serve as the static cord (1), or the static cord (1) can be another piece of fabric attached to the fabric which needs to be closed. When attaching one piece of fabric to another piece of fabric the attachment can be made by sewing, gluing, stapling, or any other means that is used for securing two fabrics together.

FASTENERS—A fastener is anything that is attached to the static cord. Non-limiting examples of fasteners include loops, eyes, hooks, a hole in the fabric, or yarn. The fastener can be made of a variety of material. Examples include without limitation, metal. cloth, rope, string, yarn, plastic, polymer, wood, and stone. The fastener must be large enough to allow a moving cord to easily pass through the fastener. The attachment can be made by sewing, gluing, stapling, or any other means that is used for securing two materials securely together.

JOINED OR JOINING OR FIXED—Connecting two or more parts together. Nonlimiting examples of joining include wiring, sewing, gluing, stapling, or any other means that is used for securing two pieces of material together.

MEDICAL DEVICE—As used herein, a medical device is a piece of equipment required to stop bleeding or prevent additional damage to torn or broken skin, organs, or bones. A nonlimiting example of a medical device is a tourniquet.

MOVING—As used herein, the amount of movement is variable with the type of fabric and amount of closure required.

OBJECT—As used herein, the object is anything that requires protection from the sun, rain, snow, hail, or damage. Nonlimiting examples of objects include a boat, outdoor furniture, a generator, electrical equipment, a car, outdoor equipment, a grill.

PLURALITY—indicates at least one and as many as needed to ensure the adjustable closure system works in an open or closed position.

SECURING MEANS—indicates any mechanism that keeps the adjustable closure system in a tightened position until ready to release to an open position. Non-limiting examples of securing means include a ring, a hook, a clasp, an eye, a loop material, or a hole in the fabric, a loop, a snap, a buckle, a magnetic system, or an adjustable tensioning system.

STATIC—As used herein static indicates the cord is in a stationary position. There can be some movement in the static position consistent with flexible of the fabric it is fastened to.

STRING—as used herein could be the same as a cord. String is a term used to differentiate the position in the adjustable closure system as being perpendicular to the cord and are not limited to a single type of material.

The adjustable closure system in an open position is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3. The adjustable closure system offers an alternative way to secure any fabric that needs to closed or tightened. The background area in FIG. 1 represents the static cord (1). The static cord can be the fabric itself or can be an additional fabric piece attached to the fabric (cord). The static cord (1) has an at least one fastener (2) located along the static cord (1). The fastener is joined (3) to the static cord (1). The moving cord (4) is the piece of the adjustable closure system that is the action piece, tightening or closing a fabric. The moving cord (4) travels inside the at least one fastener (2). The moving cord (4) is free to move at either end or can be securely fixed in place at one end (7) and free to move at the other end. The moving cord (4) has an at least one string (5) joined (6) to it and the fabric which needs to be closed or tightened.

FIGS. 2 and 4 shows the adjustable closure system as it moves to a closed or tightened position. The fabric (1) acts as the static cord (1). Joined (3) to the static cord (1) are at least one fastener (2). The moving cord (4) is pulled to close or tighten the fabric. When the moving cord (4) is pulled the joined (6) string (5) moves through the fastener (2) drawing the fabric with it. Once the desired closing or tightening point is reached the moving cord is held in position by a securing means (7). Release of the securing means (7) allows the moving cord to fall back to the open position in FIG. 1.

The adjustable closure system for use in closing an open shoe or sneaker is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The moving cord (4) is located on one side of the tongue. The eyes on the shoe or sneaker serves as the fasteners (2), The laces are joined to the side of the tongue opposite the moving cord and are the strings (5) the static cord (1) is the shoe or sneaker itself. A single pull of the moving cord draws the sides of the shoe or sneaker together. Once the shoe or sneaker is tightened the moving cord (4) is held stationary with a securing means located on the shoe or sneaker. When the shoe or sneaker is removed the moving cord (4) is released from the securing means allowing the shoe or sneaker to be opened.

The adjustable closure system in FIG. 4 depicts an adjustable closure system joined to a fabric cover or piece of clothing. The static cord (1) is joined to the fabric and the at least one fastener (2) is joined to the static cord (1) at intervals determined by the size shape and type of fabric used and determined by one of skill in the art. The moving cord (4) is another fabric with strings (5) attached. The strings (5) are secured to the fabric and the moving cord (4) in a way that will allow the fabric to close or tighten as determined by the user. The number and location of the strings (5) and fasteners (2) will be determined by the user who is one of skill in the art. The moving cord is secured permanently at one end and by a securing means (7) at the other end so it can remain stationary until released for opening or loosening.

EXAMPLES

The figures show non-limiting examples of the adjustable closure system. In viewing the figures, it will be observed that certain parts of the system are found in each example.

The examples provided are in development and are described to assist the reader in understanding how the adjustable closure system my be used. The use of the adjustable closure system is not limited to the examples provided.

The adjustable closure system is envisioned for use in a medical device. A tourniquet to stop bleeding currently requires tying a piece of tubing around a limb or suturing an area on the body to stop blood flow. Either method requires the use of two hands. The adjustable closure system fixed in a fabric can be slipped over the injured area and tightened with a single pull of the moving cord (4) against the static cord (1) using one hand. The moving cord (4) is held in place with a securing means (7) until it is no longer needed.

Blood pressure measuring sleeve