Lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable item

Abstract

A lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article includes a body that defines a first passage extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, and the body defines a second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second outlet of the body. The body is configured to have a section of the first passage that extends from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicates with the second passage. At least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage such that a portion of a cord disposed in the section of the first passage is movable relative to the first passage when tensioned and is repositionable into the second passage where the cord is locked to the body and maintains the tension. A wearable article including the lock is disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 923,004, filed October 18, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article and a wearable article having the lock. Background art

[0004] Wearable articles, such as clothing and footwear, may have adjustable coverings to ensure a proper fit with the wearer. Tension members may be used to adjust the fit. For example, footwear may include shoelaces for adjusting the upper to fit the wearer's foot. The ease of adjusting the fit and the ability to maintain the adjusted fit during wear improve the utility of the wearable article. Brief description of the drawings

[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary and not limiting of the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a wearable article, where the cord lock is fixed to the adjustable covering and the adjustment cord is in an untensioned state.

[0007] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial perspective view of the wearable article shown, where the adjustment cord is in a tensioned state and locked to the cord lock.

[0008] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a body of a cord lock fixed to a wearable article.

[0009] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a partial cross - sectional perspective view of the body of the cord lock in, which is fixed to a wearable article, taken along the line 4 - 4 in Figure 3 in.

[0010] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a partial top view of the body of the cord lock and the wearable article in.

[0011] Figure 6 is Figure 3 a partial front view of the body of the cord lock and the wearable article in.

[0012] Figure 7 is including Figure 1Outside side view of a footwear item with a cord lock and an adjustment cord, where the adjustment cord is in an untensioned state.

[0013] Figure 8 For Figure 7 Inside side view of the shown footwear item.

[0014] Fig. 9 For Figure 7 Outside side view of the shown footwear item, with the adjustment cord in a tensioned state.

[0015] Fig.10 For Fig. 9 Inside side view of the shown footwear item.

[0016] Fig.11 Front perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0017] Fig.12 For Fig.11 Front view of the shown cord lock.

[0018] Fig.13 Side view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0019] Fig.14 For Fig.13 Top view of the shown cord lock.

[0020] Fig.15 For Fig.13 Front view of the shown cord lock.

[0021] Fig.16 Front perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0022] Fig.17 For Fig.16 Rear perspective view of the shown cord lock.

[0023] Fig.18 For Fig.16 Another rear perspective view of the shown cord lock.

[0024] Fig.19 Side perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0025] Fig. 20 For Fig.19 Side view of the shown cord lock.

[0026] Fig.21 Front perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0027] Fig. 22 For Fig.21 Another front perspective view of the shown cord lock.

[0028] Fig.23Side perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0029] Fig.24 Is Fig.23 Front view of the cord lock shown.

[0030] Fig.25 Is Fig.23 Side view of the cord lock shown.

[0031] Fig.26 Top view of another embodiment of the cord lock in the unlocked position, with the adjustment cord extending through the cord lock.

[0032] Fig. 27 Is Fig.26 Side view of the cord lock shown, with the adjustment cord extending through the cord lock.

[0033] Fig.28 Is Fig. 27 Side view of the cord lock in the locked position shown, with the adjustment cord locked to the cord lock.

[0034] Fig.29 Front perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0035] Fig.30 Is Fig.29 Top perspective view of the cord lock shown.

[0036] Fig.31 Outer side perspective view of a footwear item, including Fig.29 the cord lock and the adjustment cord in the non-tensioned state in

[0037] Fig.32 Is Fig.31 Outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown, showing the tensioned adjustment cord.

[0038] Fig.33 Is Fig.32 Outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown, where the adjustment cord is pivoted to the locked position.

[0039] Fig.34 Fig.33 Outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown, where the adjustment cord is in the locked position.

[0040] Fig.35 Rear perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0041] Fig.36 Is Fig.35 Top view of the cord lock shown.

[0042] Fig.37 Is Fig.35 Side view of the cord lock shown.

[0043] Fig.38 The front view of the rope lock shown Fig.35 in

[0044] Fig.39 The bottom view of the rope lock shown Fig.35 in

[0045] Fig.40 The side perspective view of a footwear item, including Fig.35 the rope lock shown and an adjustment cord in an untensioned state

[0046] Fig.41 The outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown Fig.40 showing the tensioned adjustment cord

[0047] Fig.42 The outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown Fig.41 wherein the adjustment cord is pivoted to a locked position

[0048] Fig.43 Fig.42 The outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown

[0049] Fig.44 The side perspective view of another embodiment of the rope lock

[0050] Fig.45 The top view of the rope lock shown Fig.44 in

[0051] Fig.46 The side view of the rope lock in Fig.44

[0052] Fig.47 The bottom perspective view of the rope lock shown Fig.44 in

[0053] Fig.48 The outer side perspective view of a footwear item, including Fig.44 the rope lock of

[0054] Fig.49 The outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown Fig.48 showing the tensioned adjustment cord

[0055] Fig.50 The outer side perspective view of the footwear item shown Fig.48 wherein the adjustment cord is pivoted to a locked position

[0056] Fig.51 The side view of an alternative embodiment of the rope lock

[0057] Fig.52 The top view of the rope lock shown Fig.51 ​Rear view of the shown cord lock.

[0058] Fig.53 is Fig.51 Front view of the shown cord lock.

[0059] Fig.54 is Fig.51 Top view of the shown cord lock.

[0060] Fig.55 Top view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock.

[0061] Fig.56 Top view of another alternative embodiment of a cord lock having a pivotable lock body.

[0062] Fig.57 Side perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock.

[0063] Fig.58 is Fig.57 Side view of the shown cord lock.

[0064] Fig.59 is Fig.57 Side view of the shown cord lock with the lock body pivoted to the retracted position.

[0065] Fig.60 Outer side perspective view of a footwear item with the adjustment cord pivoted to the locked position and the lock body pivoted to the retracted position.

[0066] Fig.61 Side view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock.

[0067] Fig.62 is Fig.61 Rear view of the shown cord lock.

[0068] Fig.63 is Fig.61 Front view of the shown cord lock.

[0069] Fig.64 is Fig.61 Top view of the shown cord lock.

[0070] Fig.65 Side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock showing one lock body.

[0071] Fig.66 is Fig.65 Front perspective view of the shown lock body.

[0072] Fig.67 is Fig.65 Rear perspective view of the shown lock body.

[0073] Fig.68 Partial view of a footwear item, including Fig.65 a cord lock and an adjustment cord whose back is pulled around the cord lock.

[0074] Fig.69 For Fig.68 A partial view of the footwear article shown, with the adjustment cord positioned to extend through a first passage of the cord lock from an inlet and out of a slot of the cord lock at a first outlet.

[0075] Fig.70 For Fig.68 A partial view of the footwear article shown, with the adjustment cord positioned to extend through a slot of the cord lock through a first passage and a second passage of the cord lock to exit at a second outlet. Detailed Description

[0076] The present invention generally relates to a cord lock for a wearable article that allows a tensioned adjustment cord to be quickly and conveniently locked in place to maintain the closure or fit adjustment of the article.

[0077] In one example, a lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article is disclosed. The lock includes a body defining a first passage and a second passage. The first passage can extend through the body, from an inlet of the body to a first outlet of the body. The second passage can extend from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second outlet of the body. The body can be configured to have a section of the first passage that extends from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and is in communication with the second passage. At least a portion of the second passage can be narrower than the first passage such that a portion of the adjustment cord disposed in the section of the first passage can move relative to the first passage when tensioned and can be selectively repositioned into the second passage, in which the adjustment cord is locked to the body and remains tensioned.

[0078] In one or more configurations, the body is a first body, and the lock further includes a second body that is symmetric with the first body such that when the adjustment cord is disposed in the section of the first passage of each body, the adjustment cord extends from the first outlet of the first body to a corresponding first outlet of the second body. When the adjustment cord is disposed in the second passage of each body, the adjustment cord extends from the second outlet of the first body to a corresponding second outlet of the second body. In some embodiments, the first body and the second body are integral with the same single mounting flange such that the cord lock including the first body, the second body, and the single mounting flange is a single one-piece component.

[0079] For example, the loop portion of the adjustment cord can extend between two bodies. This configuration enables the user to pull the loop portion of the adjustment cord extending from the first body to the second body to tighten the cord and the article attached thereto, and then pivot the loop portion of the cord to align with and enter the second channel, locking the cord in the second channel to the first and second bodies. For example, a loop configuration can allow adjustment (tightening) and locking to be accomplished with one hand. The loop portion can be continuous or can be the first and second end portions of a tension cord tied together. Alternatively, the cord can have first and second end portions that are not connected as a loop portion. The first and second end portions can be pulled and pivoted simultaneously to tighten the cord and article, and then pivoted to align with and enter the second channels of the first and second bodies, respectively.

[0080] In another example, a wearable article includes an adjustable covering, an adjustment cord, and a lock for the adjustment cord. The adjustment cord can be operably fixed to the adjustable covering at an anchoring location. The lock can include a first body and a second body, both fixed to the adjustable covering and spaced apart from the anchoring location. In one or more embodiments, the wearable article can be a footwear article and the adjustable covering can be a shoe upper. For example, the first body can be disposed on the inner side of the shoe upper and the second body can be disposed on the outer side of the shoe upper. In some embodiments, the first body can be disposed on the inner side of the tongue region of the shoe upper and the second body can be disposed on the outer side of the tongue region of the shoe upper.

[0081] When taken in conjunction with the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the teachings, the above and other features and advantages of the teachings will be apparent.

[0082] Referring to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like components in all views, Figure 1 An example of a wearable article 10 is shown that includes an adjustable covering 12 and a tensioning system 14 that are configured to quickly and easily adjust the closure or fit of the wearable article 10. As used herein, a wearable article is an article configured to be worn on a human body and does not include durable goods not intended to be worn on a human body. Non-limiting examples of wearable articles include footwear, clothing, handbags such as backpacks, wallets, duffel bags, fanny packs, and other types of portable containment structures intended to be worn on a human body. The adjustable covering 12 can be of various materials such as leather, textiles, polymers, cotton, foam, composite materials, etc.

[0083] The tensioning system 14 includes an adjustment cord 16 and a lock 18 for the adjustment cord (also referred to as a cord lock). The cord 16 is tensioned by simply pulling the adjustment cord (e.g., the loop portion 16A of the adjustment cord 16), and the loop portion 16A of the cord is moved from Figure 1 a first position (unstretched state) in Figure 2 pivots to a second position (locked position) shown in

[0084] for adjustment. Pulling on the loop portion 16A simultaneously pulls or tightens the covering 12 to adjust its fit on a portion of the wearer. Moving the loop portion 16A to the second position while maintaining the pulling force locks the cord 16 to the lock 18, and the lock 18 maintains the tension in the cord 16 when the pulling force is subsequently removed. As used herein, an adjustment cord (such as adjustment cord 16) is a flexible, elastic or inelastic, elongate tensile element and is a structure capable of withstanding a tensile load, and may include, but is not limited to, laces, strands, threads, cords, wires or chains, etc. A loop portion (such as loop portion 16A) is a continuous portion and may form a curve, but need not be circular or semi-circular. For example, the loop portion may be configured as two end portions of the cord 16 fixed to each other. In other embodiments, the portion 16A need not be a loop portion, but may include an inner end portion of the cord 16 extending through the first body 18A and an outer end portion of the cord 16 extending through the second body 18B.

[0085] In some embodiments, a hole may be provided in the region of the covering 12 shown as being surrounded by the cord 16 (e.g., the hole may be located inside the rectangular shape formed by the cord guides 22A - 22D). For example, the hole may be an opening in the cavity 12 for a wearer's limb, such as a foot receiving cavity of a footwear item, a neck opening of a hood, or an entrance to a handbag. Tightening and locking the cord 16 will pull the covering 12 inwardly towards the opening, thereby reducing the size of the opening. When tightened, due to the tightening effect of the tensioned cord 16, the cord guides 22A, 22B may shift closer to each other and / or closer to the lock 18, as Figure 2 shown with respect to Figure 1 the shifted positions.

[0086] The lock 18 in the illustrated embodiment includes two symmetric lock portions, referred to as the first and second lock bodies 18A, 18B (also referred to as lock bodies), which are mirror images of each other, spaced apart from the anchoring location 20 and spaced apart from each other on the covering 12. The bodies 18A, 18B are separate and not connected to each other. In other embodiments shown and described herein, the cord lock may have symmetric first and second bodies that are integrally formed as a single unitary piece. Each body 18A, 18B includes a flange 19A, 19B respectively. The flange 19A is integral with the first body 18A, and the flange 19B is integral with the second body 18B, each being a single unitary piece. In other embodiments, the bodies 18A, 18B may be fixed to the respective flanges 19A, 19B to be integral therewith. For example, the bodies 18A, 18B and the flanges 19A, 19B may comprise a thermoplastic material, such as nylon 12 (PA), also known as nylon polyamide 12 or nylon (PA12), available from Arkema Inc. of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA. Additionally, the thermoplastic material may be reinforced, for example with glass, or may not be reinforced. As another alternative, the bodies 18A, 18B and the flanges 19A, 19B may comprise a molded rubber material. The flanges 19A, 19B are stitched, adhered, heat - bonded, or otherwise fixed to the covering 12. In some embodiments, the first and second bodies of the cord lock are integral with the same flange such that the cord lock (including the first and second bodies and the single flange) is a single unitary piece.

[0087] In some embodiments, cord 16 can be an elastic cord that elastically stretches to a greater total length when tensioned, while decreasing in thickness, and then returns to its untensioned thickness and length when the tension is released. For example, cord 16 can include an elastic core of rubber or other elastically stretchable material that is surrounded by a braided sheath but is slidable relative to the sheath. The sheath can be loosely braided or otherwise constructed such that as cord 16 is tensioned, it can also stretch to a greater length. In other embodiments, cord 16 can be a non-elastic material. For example, a non-elastic cord 16 can be tensioned and can be locked to lock 18 by a friction fit, such as by compression when manually pushed into lock 18. In Figure 1 FIG. 2, cord 16 is elastic and is shown in an untensioned state, which is evident from the generally equal and uniform thickness of the portion 16B of cord 16 extending through cord guides 22A - 22D and the portion 16A of cord 16 extending from the first outlet 24A of the first body 18A to the first outlet 24B of the second body 18B. Portion 16A and portion 16B are integral and are referred to herein as the loop portion. In the untensioned state, cord 16 can have a uniform thickness or diameter D1 in the loop portion 16A and the remainder 16B. Cord 16 can be a hollow, solid, or stranded core. Cord 16 can have a circular cross-section with a diameter of D1, or can have a non-circular cross-section with a cross-sectional area equal to the circular cross-sectional area of D1. For example, cord 16 can be circular with a circular cross-section, or can be "flat" with a rectangular cross-section, or can have another cross-sectional shape. In embodiments where cord 16 is flat, for example, when pivoted to the locked position in cord lock 18, or in any other cord lock embodiment described herein, cord 16 can be manually folded along its length at the loop portion 16A. Such a flat cord 16 can be elastic or non-elastic.

[0088] In Figure 2 the tensioned and locked state, cord 16 is locked to bodies 18A, 18B, and the portion 16B of cord 16 extending between the inlets 34A, 34B of bodies 18A, 18B (e.g., the portion extending from the inlet 34A of body 18A to the anchoring position and then to the inlet 34B of the second body 18B) remains tensioned. This is evident in Figure 2 FIG. 3, where portion 16B has a thickness or diameter D2 that is smaller than the diameter D1 of the loop portion 16A, indicating that it is tensioned while the loop portion 16A is not. In Figure 2 FIG. 4, for purposes of illustration, the difference between diameters D1 and D2 is exaggerated.

[0089] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, a more detailed illustration and description of the first body 18A is provided. The description of the first body 18A equally applies to the second body 18B, as the second body 18B is symmetrically constructed relative to the first body 18A (e.g., the second body 18B is symmetrical to the first body 18A). Each of the bodies 18A, 18B includes a first channel 28 and a second channel 30 branching from an intermediate portion 32 of the first channel 28. In other words, the channels 28, 30 communicate with each other at the intermediate portion 32. The body 18A defines an inlet 34A and a first outlet 24A. The first channel 28 extends from the inlet 34A to the first outlet 24A. The second channel 30 extends from the first channel 28 to a second outlet 40A defined by the body 18A. The first channel 28 includes a first section 28A and a second section 28B. The first section 28A extends from the inlet 34A to the portion of the wall 33 of the second channel 30 that is farthest from the inlet 34A. The second section 28B extends from the portion of the wall 33 of the second channel 30 that is farthest from the inlet 34 to the first outlet 24A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel 28 is cylindrical and the entire first channel 28 has a first diameter D3. The longitudinal axis A2 of the second channel 30 is disposed at an obtuse angle B relative to the longitudinal axis A1 of the first channel 28, where the obtuse angle B is the angle between the longitudinal axis A1 at the inlet 34A and the longitudinal axis A2 at the second outlet 40A. The second body 18B has corresponding first and second channels 28, 30 that are arranged relative to each other in the same manner as in the first body 18A, having an inlet 34B, a first outlet 24B, and a second outlet 40B.

[0090] The second channel 30 communicates with the first channel 28 because the inlet 38 of the second channel starts at and leads to the intermediate portion 32. The second body 18B has a corresponding second outlet 40B. In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel 30 is cylindrical and the entire second channel 30 has a second diameter D4 that is smaller than the first diameter D3 of the first channel 28. Thus, the first cross-sectional area of the first channel 28 is larger than the second cross-sectional area of the second channel 30, as both are proportional to the squares of their respective diameters D3, D4. The cross-section of each channel 28 or 30 is taken perpendicular to its central axis A1 or A2. In other embodiments, only a portion of the second channel 30 has a diameter smaller than that of the first channel. For example, only a constricted portion somewhere along the second channel 30 needs to be narrower than the untensioned diameter D1 of the rope 16 in order to lock the loop portion 16A of the rope 16 to the body 18A within the second channel 30.

[0091] The structure of the adjustment cord 16 is such that its diameter D2 when tensioned is less than the diameter D3 of the first channel 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord 16 is elastic and has a cylindrical cross-section (e.g., at a cross-section taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis through the cord 16). Thus, the cross-sectional area of the cord 16 when tensioned is less than the cross-sectional area of the first channel 28. When the loop portion 16A is pulled away from the bodies 18A, 18B, e.g., in the direction along the longitudinal axis A1 of the first channel 28, this allows the cord 16 to move longitudinally relative to the first channel 28 (e.g., slide within the first channel 28). The cross-sectional area of the cord 16 when tensioned can also be at least slightly less than the cross-sectional area of the second channel 30 and slightly less than the narrowed portion at the width D5 (discussed in Figure 5 ), to allow the tensioned cord 16 to enter the second channel 30 when the loop portion 16A is repositioned from the first channel 28 to the second channel 30. The cross-sectional area of the cord 16 when not tensioned (e.g., its cross-sectional area when it has diameter D1) is greater than the cross-sectional area of the second channel 30. This structure allows the cord 16 to be assembled into the second channel 30 when pivoted to the second position and then locked into the second channel 30 when the force F is removed, as the cord 16 fills the second channel 30 when it attempts to return to its untensioned diameter D1 but is prevented from doing so by the narrower second channel 30. In an embodiment where the cord 16 is non-elastic, its cross-sectional area can remain relatively constant when tensioned, but when manually placed in the second channel 30 (e.g., when pivoted by pushing the cord 16 into the second channel 30), it can be locked into the second channel 30 by a friction fit and / or can be slightly compressed. In an embodiment where the cord 16 is "flat" (e.g., has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its length), the cord 16 can be folded along its length at the second channel 30 before or simultaneously with being inserted into the second channel 30 by a pivoting movement. When the flat cord is elastic and tensioned, the total cross-section of the flat cord is less than its cross-section when not tensioned. Additionally, folding the flat cord along its length will further enable it to be locked in the lock body, as its thickness will double and it is biased to attempt to unfold and return to the unfolded state, which will cause it to press against the lock body in the second channel 30. The second channel 30 of the bodies 18A, 18B thus acts as a pinch point on the cord 16, and the portion 16B between the anchoring location 20 and the lock 18 remains tensioned. The portion of the cord 16 (e.g., the loop portion 16A) between the second outlet 40A of the first body 18A and the second outlet 40B of the second body 18B is untensioned (e.g., slack) and can have diameter D1.

[0092] The outer surface 42 of the body 18A defines a slot 44 that extends from a first outlet 24A to a second outlet 40A. The slot 44 also extends inwardly into the body 18A from the outer surface 42 along a segment 28B of the first channel 28 and along the second channel 30. The slot 44 does not extend along a segment 28A of the first channel 28 that is located between the inlet 34A and the start of the second channel 30 (e.g., the first segment 28A). The slot 44 enables the loop portion 16A of the adjustment cord 16 to be repositioned by pivoting the cord 16 in the body 18A through the slot 44 from a first position where the cord 16 in the body 18A extends through the first outlet 24A ( Figure 1 ) to a second position where the adjustment cord 16 extends through the second outlet 40A ( Figure 2 ). The adjustment cord 16 extends through the inlet 34A in both the first and second positions.

[0093] Adjustment of the cord 16 begins with a force manually applied to the loop portion 16A that pulls the loop portion 16A away from Figure 1 the covering 12 in. An example of the direction of the force F is shown in Figure 7 where the wearable item is a footwear item 110. When the loop portion 16A pivots from the first position to the second position, the loop portion 16A leaves the segment 28B and moves through the slot 44 in a pivoting motion to the second channel 30, which pivots about a pivot axis generally at the intersection of the central axes A1, A2. The pivoting motion can begin while the cord 16 is still under tension from the force F applied to the loop portion 16A, or the pivoting motion can occur while the stretching of the loop portion 16A along the axis A1 is complete and the force F is maintained. When the loop portion 16A moves into the second channel 30 and the force F on the loop portion 16A is removed, the loop portion 16A maintains (e.g., sustains) the tension in the locking portion 16B of the body 18A and the body 18B at the respective second channel 30.

[0094] See Figure 5 , as can be seen from the plan view, the body 18A includes a first sidewall 48 and a second sidewall 50, and the second sidewall 50 is separated from the first sidewall 48 by the slot 44. The first sidewall 48 and the second sidewall 50 extend along the segment 28B of the first channel 28. In other words, the first sidewall 48 and the second sidewall 50 extend beyond the intermediate portion 32 (where the second channel 30 branches from the first channel 28) all the way to the first outlet 24A. The first sidewall 48 and the second sidewall 50 also extend along the second channel 30 to the second outlet 40A. As Figure 3As shown, the top 52 of each sidewall 48, 50 extends forward from the second outlet 40A by the length of the section 28B. The front portion 54 of each sidewall 48, 50 extends upward to converge with the top 52. The second channel 30 and the section 28B are thus entirely located within the body 18A. The front portion of the first channel 28 (e.g., the second section 28B closest to the front portion 54) and the upper portion of the second channel 30 (e.g., the portion closest to the top 52) lead to the slot 44 along their lengths and can be accessed through the slot 44 to allow the cord 16 to leave the first section 28A and pivot into the second channel 30 when the cord 16 is tightened. Similarly, when the cord 16 is released to loosen the covering 12, the slot 44 enables the cord 16 to leave the second channel 30 when the cord 16 pivots back into the section 28B.

[0095] As Figure 5 Best shown, the first sidewall 48 and the second sidewall 50 are constructed such that the slot is narrower at the axial opening 64 adjacent to the slot 44 in the second channel 30 than at the front portion 54 of the body 18A. For example, the inner surface 60 of the first sidewall 48 is angled inward (e.g., toward the slot 44) from the outer surface 42 at the front portion 54 to the second channel 30 toward the second sidewall 50 to narrow the slot 44. The inner surface 62 of the second sidewall 50 is angled inward toward the first sidewall 48 in a similar manner. In other embodiments, only the first sidewall 48 or only the second sidewall 50 is angled inward. In any embodiment, the width D5 of the axial opening 64 in the second channel 30 leading to the slot 44 is less than the diameter D4 of the second channel 30. When the cord 16 is in the second channel 30 and the manually applied tension is removed, the elastic cord 16 begins to expand to its untensioned diameter D1, which is greater than the diameter D4, and the elastic cord 16 will be locked to the body 18A within the second channel 30, being restricted by the second channel 30 from fully expanding to the untensioned diameter D1. The narrowing of the slot 44 to the width D5 will further assist in holding the cord 16 within the second channel 30 until the cord 16 is again tensioned by an applied pulling force to thin the cord 16 to its tensioned diameter D2, which is less than the width D5, allowing the cord 16 to pivot back into the first channel 28 through the axial opening 64, thereby loosening the covering 12. If the cord 16 is non-elastic, when the cord 16 is manually forced into the second channel 30, the cord 16 can be locked in the second channel 30 by a friction fit and can be removed under the action of sufficient pulling force and / or pivoting force.

[0096] As Figure 6As shown, the inner surfaces 60, 62 of the sidewalls 48 and 50 project inwardly directly above the first channel 28, as shown by the projections 66. The projections 66 can be the edges of the body 18A formed at the intersection of the channel 28 and the slot 44. The projections 66 ensure that the slot 44 also has a width D5 only at the axial opening 68 from the first channel 28 to the slot 44. In some embodiments, a series of projections 70 configured as ribs can extend along the inner surfaces 60, 62 of the sidewalls 48 and 50 in a direction from the front portion 54 toward the axial opening 64. These projections 70 can help prevent the cord 16 from moving from the second channel 30 to the first channel 28 without manually applying a tension force to narrow the cord 16 or in other ways enabling the cord 16 to be intentionally removed from the second channel 30. In other embodiments, the inner surfaces 60, 62 can be smooth without the projections 70. Depending on the material used for the body 18A, the first sidewall 48 can be configured to flex away from the second sidewall 50 when the adjustment cord 16 encounters the projections 66 and / or 70 during repositioning of the adjustment cord 16.

[0097] As can be seen from Figure 5 and Figure 6 it, the distance D that the lock body 18A extends outwardly from the flange 19A is greater than the diameter D3 of the first channel 28. The distance D that the lock body 18A or any other lock body described herein extends from the covering 12 or the upper 112 etc. to which it is fixed can be referred to as the neck height. The distance D or the neck height depends at least in part on the thickness of the cord 16 to be locked to the lock body. The lock body and the cord used with the lock body can be selected such that the neck height does not interfere with the usability of the clothing, footwear, or other object to which the lock body is fixed.

[0098] Figure 7 The outer side 111 of an embodiment of the wearable article 110 for a footwear item is shown, Figure 8 and the inner side 113 of the footwear item 110 is shown. The footwear item 110 includes a sole structure 115, and the upper 112 is fixed to the sole structure 115. The upper 112 is an adjustable covering that forms a foot opening 117 (e.g., an ankle opening) communicating with the foot receiving cavity 119 to receive a foot in the foot receiving cavity 119.

[0099] The footwear 110 of the present disclosure is depicted as work shoes, casual shoes, or athletic shoes, but the teachings also include footwear items such as dress shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other type of footwear. The footwear item 110 has a heel region 121, as well as a midfoot region 123 and a forefoot region 125. When a human foot having dimensions corresponding to those of the footwear item 110 is disposed within the foot receiving cavity 119 and supported on the sole structure 115, the heel region 121 generally includes the portion of the footwear item 110 corresponding to the posterior portion of the human foot, including the calcaneus. The forefoot region 125 of the footwear item 110 generally includes the portion of the footwear item 110 corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the human foot (which may be interchangeably referred to herein as "metatarsal-phalangeal joints" or "MPJ" joints). The midfoot region 123 of the footwear item 110 is disposed between the heel region 121 and the forefoot region 125, and generally includes the portion of the footwear item 110 corresponding to the arch region of the human foot, including the navicular joint. The lateral side 111 and the medial side 113 both extend from the heel region 121 to the forefoot region 125, and are generally opposite sides of the footwear 110 divided by the longitudinal midline of the footwear.

[0100] The sole structure 115 includes one or more sole components, which may be a shoe bottom layer, such as an outsole, a midsole, or an integral combination of an outsole and a midsole (which may be referred to as a unitary sole). The sole structure 115 is located beneath the shoe upper 112. The lower portion 127 of the shoe upper 112 may be secured to the sole structure 115 around the entire perimeter of the lower portion 127 (e.g., on the lateral and medial sides 111, 113, as well as around the front and back), such as by stitching, adhesion, or other means.

[0101] The sole structure 115 may, for example, include a midsole of resilient foam, such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate foam, to attenuate ground reaction forces (e.g., provide cushioning) during walking, running, or other locomotive activities when there is compression between the foot and the ground. In a further configuration, the sole structure 115 may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, regulators, or other elements in the midsole, which further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the movement of the foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole may be at least partially polyurethane foam and / or polyurethane ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may include thermally expandable and molded EVA foam particles. The midsole may generally include phylon (ethylene vinyl acetate or "EVA") and / or polyurethane ("PU") based resins. If EVA is used, its vinyl acetate (VA) content may be between about 9% and about 40%. For example, suitable EVA resins include those provided by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and Engage provided by Dow Chemical Company TM. In certain embodiments, the EVA can be formed from a combination of high and low melt index materials. For example, the melt index of the EVA can be from about 1 to about 50. The EVA resin can be blended to include various components, including a blowing agent and a curing / crosslinking agent. The weight percentage of the blowing agent can range from about 10% to about 20%. The blowing agent can be thermally decomposable and is selected from common organic and inorganic chemical blowing agents. The nature of the blowing agent is not particularly limited as long as it decomposes under the temperature conditions used to incorporate the foam into the original resin. Suitable blowing agents include, for example, azodicarbonamide. In certain embodiments, a peroxide-based curing agent, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. The amount of the curing agent can range from about 0.6% to about 1.5%. The EVA can also include a homogenizing agent, a processing aid, and wax. For example, a mixture of light aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as 60NS available from Schill + Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, can be included to allow other materials or shredded EVA to more easily bind to the resin. The EVA can also include other ingredients, such as a release agent (e.g., stearic acid), an activator (e.g., zinc oxide), a filler (e.g., magnesium carbonate), a pigment, and clay. In embodiments where multiple materials are combined, each material can be formed from a material that is compatible with and easily binds to another material. For example, each material can be formed from an EVA resin having a suitable blowing agent, crosslinking agent, and other auxiliary components, pigments, fillers, etc. Given the benefits of the present disclosure, other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art. 60NS to allow other materials or shredded EVA to more easily bind to the resin. The EVA can also include other ingredients, such as a release agent (e.g., stearic acid), an activator (e.g., zinc oxide), a filler (e.g., magnesium carbonate), a pigment, and clay. In embodiments where multiple materials are combined, each material can be formed from a material that is compatible with and easily binds to another material. For example, each material can be formed from an EVA resin having a suitable blowing agent, crosslinking agent, and other auxiliary components, pigments, fillers, etc. Given the benefits of the present disclosure, other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0102] The midsole of the sole structure 115 may include one or more bladder elements, which may be blow molded or formed from polymer sheets. The polymer sheets may include a variety of materials, including various polymers that can elastically retain fluids such as air or another gas. Examples of polymer materials for polymer sheets include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Additionally, each polymer sheet may be formed from layers of different materials. In one embodiment, each polymer sheet is formed from a film having one or more thermoplastic polyurethane layers having one or more barrier layers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) that are impermeable to the pressurized fluid contained therein, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US6,082,025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each polymer sheet may also be formed from a material including alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. US5,713,141 and US5,952,065 to Mitchel et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the layers may include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and regrind materials of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and thermoplastic polyurethane. As disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. US6,082,025 and US6,127,026 to Bonk et al., the polymer sheets may also each be flexible micro-layer films that include alternating layers of gas barrier materials and elastic materials, the entire contents of these patents being incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable materials for polymer sheets are disclosed in U.S. Patents US4,183,156 and US4,219,945 to Rudy, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other suitable materials for polymer sheets include thermoplastic films containing crystalline materials, as disclosed in U.S. Patents US4,936,029 and US5,042,176 to Rudy; and polyurethanes including polyester polyols, as disclosed in U.S. Patents US6,013,340, US6,203,868, and US6,321,465 to Bonk et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When selecting materials for polymer sheets, engineering properties such as tensile strength, tensile properties, fatigue properties, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent may be considered. The thickness of the polymer sheet may be selected to provide these properties.

[0103] The sole structure 115 may include an outsole or an outsole portion, which may be formed from materials that typically include natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable materials. One or more materials for the outsole may be selected to provide an ideal combination of durability and flexibility. Synthetic rubbers that may be used include ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber.

[0104] The tensioning system 114 fixed to the upper 112 tightens the upper 112 to adjust the size of the foot receiving cavity 119 and fix the upper 112 around the foot therein. The tensioning system 114 includes a lock 18, an adjustment cord 16, and a plurality of cord guides 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, all of which are as described in reference Figure 1 and additional cord guides 22E, 22F, 22G, and 22H. The cord guides 22A - 22H are depicted as flexible but relatively inelastic loops stitched to the upper 112. For example, the cord guides 22A - 22H can be woven or meshed nylon material, or can be other materials or configurations, such as webbing, rigid hooks, or eyelets. The lock 18 includes first and second bodies 18A, 18B which are fixed to the upper 112 via respective integral mounting flanges 19A, 19B, all of which flanges are constructed as described in reference Figure 1-6 described.

[0105] The first body 18A is disposed on the outer side 111 of the tongue region 112A of the upper 112, and the second body 18B is disposed on the inner side 113 of the tongue region 112A. The anchoring location 20 is in front of the first and second bodies 18A, 18B on the upper 112. More specifically, the anchoring location 20 is in the forefoot region 125, the cord guide 22A is on the outer side 111, the cord guide 22B is on the inner side 113, and the adjustment cord 16 passes through and engages each cord guide. The adjustment cord 16 engages the cord guide 22C between the anchoring location 20 and the first body 18A, and engages the cord guide 22D between the anchoring location 20 and the second body 18B. As Figure 7 shown, the cord guide 22C can be referred to as the first cord guide and is disposed slightly rearward and downward of the first body 18A. As Figure 8 shown, the cord guide 22D can be referred to as the second cord guide and is disposed slightly rearward and downward of the second body 18B.

[0106] In Figure 7 and Figure 8 embodiments, the bodies 18A, 18B are disposed on the upper 112 such that a first passage 28 in each of the first and second bodies 18A, 18B extends forward and upward from an inlet 34A, 34B to a first outlet 24A, 24B, respectively. In Figure 7 and 8In this case, the cord 16 is in a non-tensioned state, and the loop portion 16A is disposed in the first channel 28 and extends out of the first outlets 24A, 24B. Accordingly, the adjustment cord 16 turns forward and upward from the cord guides 22C and 22D so as to pass through the respective first channels 28 and extend out of the first outlets 24A, 24B. In this arrangement, the first body 18A, the first cord guide 22C, and the cord guide 22A at the anchoring location 20 are arranged at triangular intervals. Pulling the loop portion 16A along the axis A1 of the first channel 28 in the direction of the force F (upward and forward), while maintaining the force F, and then or simultaneously pivoting the loop portion 16A backward (as shown by the pivot arrow P) through the slots 44 of each of the bodies 18A, 18B to reach the second channel 30 will move the loop portion 16A to Figure 8 and 9 the locked position, in which the tension in the portion 16B of the cord 16 is maintained, as described with respect to the tensioning system 14. Compared with Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 the width (e.g., diameter) of the portion 16B in Figure 7 and Figure 8 is narrower, while the thickness of the portion 16B is the same as the thickness of the portion 16A in the non-tensioned state in

[0107] As Fig. 9 and 10 shown, the second channels 30 of the first body 18A and the second body 18B extend backward and upward from the middle portion 32 of the first channel 28 to the second outlets 40A, 40B, respectively. In the tensioned state, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 show that the upper 112 is slightly closer to the sole structure 115 in the midfoot region 123 and the forefoot region 125 (e.g., at the anchoring location 20), and the locks 18 (e.g., the bodies 18A, 18B) are slightly displaced backward relative to their positions in Figure 7 and Figure 8 . To loosen the upper 112, the loop portion 16A is pulled upward and backward along the axis of the second channel 30, and at the same time or subsequently pivoted through the slots 44 in the opposite direction P while maintaining the applied force F to return to Figure 7 and 8 the non-tensioned first position, at which time the force F is released, such that the adjustment cord 16 (including the loop portion 16A and the portion 16B) returns to its non-tensioned state. At least due to the loop portion 16A and the locks 18, the tightening and loosening of the cord 16 and the resulting adjustment of the upper 112 can be achieved by pulling and pivoting the cord 16 with only one hand, as described above. No other hand is required to complete the adjustment, and even no contact with the shoe 110 is required during the adjustment.

[0108] Fig.11and 12 shows another embodiment of the cord lock 218, which has a first lock body 218A and a second lock body 218B. The second lock body 218B is integral with the first lock body 218A and is symmetrically configured with respect to the first lock body 218A. The cord lock 218 includes a single mounting flange 219 to which both the first lock body 218A and the second lock body 218B are connected, and the mounting flange 219 is configured to be mounted to a wearable article. Thus, the cord lock 218, including the first lock body 218A, the second lock body 218B, and the mounting flange 219, is a single integral component because the first lock body 218A and the second lock body 218B are integral with the mounting flange 219. The mounting flange 219 includes a relatively narrow central portion 221 and connecting end portions 219A and 219B that are connected to each other through the central portion 221, and the bodies 218A, 218B extend from the connecting end portions 219A and 219B. The narrowed central portion 221 can be located on top of the upper in front of the ankle opening in the upper, and the end portions 219A, 219B are located on the inner and outer sides of the upper 112, respectively.

[0109] The configurations of the bodies 218A, 218B are respectively similar to those of the bodies 18A and 18B, and like reference numerals denote like features. The description of the like features of the bodies 18A, 18B and their functions is applicable to the bodies 218A, 218B, and for the sake of efficiency, it will not be repeated here. The relative positions of the first inlets 34A and 34B and the relative positions of the first outlets 24A and 24B are swapped with respect to Figure 1 the shown bodies 18A and 18B. More specifically, in Fig.11 , the first inlets 34A and 34B are set closer to each other (e.g., between the first outlets 24A and 24B), and the first outlets 24A, 24B are set farther from each other compared to the first inlets 34A and 34B. The adjustment cord 16 is shown in Fig.12 as being in the locked position in dashed lines, maintaining tension, and after being repositioned from the second section 28B of the first channel 28 through the slot 44 to the narrower second channel 30.

[0110] Figure 13-15Shows another embodiment of the lock body 318A of the rope lock 318, which is constructed similarly to the lock body 18A, and like reference numerals represent like features. The description of the like features and their functions of the body 18A is applicable to the body 318A, and for the sake of efficiency, it will not be repeated. The back surface of the lock body 318A forms a gap 323 opposite the groove 44 along the second channel 30. This results in an inclined ledge 325 that is lower (e.g., closer to the first channel 28) than the top 52 of the side walls 48, 50. The gap 323 is wide enough to allow the loop 16A to pivot an additional 90 degrees relative to the locking position of the second channel 30. In other words, the loop 16A can pivot into the second channel 30 to lock to the body 318A in the first locking position as described relative to the body 18A, and optionally, by further pivoting the loop 16A, the loop 16A can extend only through a portion of the second channel 30 and extend along the ledge 325 and out of the gap 323 from the second channel 30, rather than exiting at the top 52 of the body 318A. In the unlocked position and the two locking positions, the adjustment cord 16 extends through the first inlets 34A. A second lock body (not shown) symmetrically constructed relative to the first lock body 318A can be provided, and the second lock body can be disconnected from the first lock body 318A or integrally formed with the first lock body 318A in any of the ways described herein with respect to the one-piece rope lock embodiments.

[0111] Figure 16-18 Shows another embodiment of the rope lock 418, which is a single-piece unitary component having symmetric first and second lock bodies 418A, 418B that are integral with each other. The relative positions of the first inlets 434A, 434B, the first outlets 24A, 24B, and the second outlets 40A, 40B are as described for the corresponding ports relative to the rope lock 218. Instead of a single mounting flange, the lock bodies 418A, 418B extend together to connect at the midsection 437 of the rope lock 418, and the longitudinal axis A1 of the first channel 28 is not perpendicular to the outer surface 419 of the rope lock 418, such that the first entry openings 434A, 434B are oval rather than circular. Thus, the adjustment cord 16 enters near the midsection of the rope lock 418 (i.e., at the inlets 434A, 434B) and exits near the ends of the rope lock 418 (i.e., at the first outlets 24A, 24B or at the second outlets 40A, 40B).

[0112] Figure 19-20Shows another embodiment of the cord lock 518 and the lock body 518A, which is the same as the cord lock 18 and the lock body 18A, except that the angle B between the longitudinal axis A2 of the second channel 30 and the longitudinal axis A1 of the first channel 28 is an acute angle instead of an obtuse angle. Thus, when the adjustment cord 16 is set in the locked position within the lock body 518A, the adjustment cord 16 will be more severely inclined. This is desirable in some applications where a more rearwardly extended locked position of the cord loop 16A is desired.

[0113] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Shows another embodiment of the cord lock 618, which has a first lock body 618A and a second lock body 618B. The second lock body 618B is integral with the first lock body 618A and is symmetrically configured therewith. The bodies 618A and 618B are similarly configured to the bodies 18A and 18B and the bodies 218A, 218B respectively, and the same reference numerals denote the same features. The description of the similar features and their functions of the bodies 18A, 18B and 218A, 218B is applicable to the bodies 618A, 618B, and for the sake of efficiency, will not be repeated.

[0114] The cord lock 618 includes a single mounting flange 619 to which both the first lock body 618A and the second lock body 618B are connected, and the single mounting flange is configured to be mounted to a wearable article. Thus, the cord lock 618 including the first lock body 618A, the second lock body 618B, and the mounting flange 619 is a single integral one-piece component. The mounting flange 619 includes reinforcing ribs 627 arranged in an X-shape at a central portion 621 of the mounting flange 619. Similar to Fig.11 , the inlets 34A, 34B are closer to each other than the first outlets 24A, 24B, so the adjustment cord 16 enters closer to the center of the cord lock 618 than to the two ends of the cord lock 618.

[0115] Figure 23-25 Shows another embodiment of the cord lock 718, which has a first lock body 718A and a second lock body 718B. The second lock body 718B is integral with the first lock body 718A and is symmetrically configured therewith. The bodies 718A and 718B are similarly configured to the bodies 18A and 18B and 218A and 218B respectively, and the same reference numerals denote the same features. The description of the similar features and their functions of the bodies 18A, 18B and 218A, 218B is applicable to the bodies 718A, 718B, and for the sake of efficiency, will not be repeated.

[0116] The cord lock 718 includes a single mounting flange 719 to which both the first lock body 718A and the second lock body 718B are connected, and the single mounting flange 719 is configured to be mounted to a wearable article. Thus, the cord lock 718 including the first lock body 718A, the second lock body 718B, and the mounting flange 719 is a single integral one-piece component. The bodies 718A, 718B are configured with entrances 34A, 34B that are further from the central portion 721 of the mounting flange 719 than the first exits 24A, 24B. As Fig.24 shown, the adjustment cord 16 will enter closer to the outer end of the cord lock 718, and in the locked position, the loop portion 16A is closer to the central portion 721.

[0117] Figure 26-28 An embodiment of a hinged cord lock 818 is shown, with the adjustment cord 16 extending through the cord lock 818. More specifically, the cord lock 818 includes a first body portion 820 and a second body portion 822. The body portions 820, 822 are elongated tubes having a square cross-section. The first body portion 820 includes a first channel 828 that extends completely through the first body portion 820 from an entrance 834 to an exit 835. The second body portion 822 includes a second channel 830 that extends completely through the second body portion 822 from an entrance 836 to an exit 838. The diameter of the second channel 830 is greater than the diameter of the first channel 828. Both the first channel 828 and the second channel 830 are cylindrical and have a diameter greater than the non-tensioned adjustment cord 16. As Fig.26 shown in the top view, the end of the first body portion 820 is received within the notched end 840 of the second body portion 822 between the side arms 842 of the second body portion 822. The side arms 842 are pivotally connected to the first body portion 820 by a pivot pin 844 that extends through the side arms 842 or into the wall of the first body portion 820 from the side arms 842, establishing a pivot axis 846 of the cord lock 818 such that the second body portion 822 is pivotally hinged to the first body portion 820 at the pivot axis 846.

[0118] When the body portions 820, 822 are in the Fig.26 and 27 shown unlocked position, the exit 835 is adjacent to the entrance 836 and the first channel 828 is aligned with the second channel 830 (e.g., the longitudinal axis A1 of the first channel 828 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis A2 of the second channel 830), so that the adjustment cord 16 extends through the cord lock 818 and can slide relative to the cord lock 818 within the channels 828, 830.

[0119] To lock the adjustment cord 16 to the cord lock 818, the adjustment cord 16 can be tensioned by pulling it away from the cord lock 818 along its longitudinal axis, as Fig.28As shown by arrow F. At least one end of cord 16 (as shown) should be anchored. Pivoting cord 16 (as shown by pivoting arrow P) while tensioning cord 16 causes second body portion 822 to pivot relative to first body portion 820 about pivot axis 846 such that second channel 830 is no longer coaxial with first channel 828. Cord 16 is clamped against the inner surface of second body portion 822 at exit 835 of first body portion 820. For example, the inner surface of second body portion 822 may narrow at exit 835, such as having side walls extending towards each other, or having protrusions extending from the inner surface into second channel 830, similar to side walls 48, 50 and protrusions 70 described with respect to cord lock 18. A releasable one-way ratchet or other locking mechanism may be used to releasably lock first body portion 820 and second body portion 822 in Fig.28 the locked position shown to maintain the tension of the portion of adjustment cord 16 between exit 835 and the anchored end of adjustment cord 16.

[0120] Fig.29 and 30 Another embodiment of cord lock 918 is shown, which includes a first lock body 918A and a second lock body 918B symmetrically configured with respect to first lock body 918A. Bodies 918A and 918B are similarly configured to bodies 18A and 18B and 218A and 218B respectively, and like reference numerals denote like features. For the sake of efficiency, the description of the similar features and their functions of bodies 18A, 18B and 218A, 218B here applies to bodies 918A, 918B and will not be repeated.

[0121] Fig.29 is a front perspective view, Fig.30 is another perspective view showing cord lock 918 from above. Lock bodies 918A, 918B are shown as separate (non-integral) lock bodies, each having its own respective mounting flange 919A, 919B. Optionally, lock bodies 918A, 918B may be integrally formed together on a single mounting flange. In Fig.29 this, lock bodies 918A, 918B are not in the same relative position as in Fig.30 the view, nor in the same relative position as when fixed to Fig.31 the upper vamp 112.

[0122] Unlike the straight first channel 28 in the lock body 18A, each of the lock bodies 918A, 918B is constructed with an arcuate first channel 28 (e.g., arcuate along its longitudinal axis A1), which has a first section 28A and a second section 28B and turns through approximately 90 degrees between the respective first inlets 34A, 34B and first outlets 24A 24B. The narrower second channel 30 extends from an intermediate portion 32 of the first channel 28 along the same face of the respective lock bodies 918A, 918B as the inlets 34A, 34B. The second channel 30 exits at outlets 40A, 40B and is generally parallel to the first section 28A of the first channel at the second outlets 40A, 40B.

[0123] Fig.30 It is shown that each of the lock bodies 918A, 918B defines a slot 44 extending respectively from the first outlets 24A, 24B to the second outlets 40A, 40B. Projections 70 extend inwardly from the angled sidewalls 48, 50 into the slots 44. Windows 31 extend through the lock bodies 918A, 918B along portions of the first channel 28 and the second channel 30, but do not extend completely to the inlets 34A, 34B or the first outlets 24A, 24B.

[0124] Fig.31 A side perspective view of a footwear article 110A, including a Fig.29 shown lacing system 914 with a Fig.29 lock 918. The lacing system 914 is secured to the upper 112 and tightens the upper 112 to adjust the size of the foot receiving cavity 119, thereby securing the upper 112 around the foot 923 therein. The lacing system 914 includes Fig.31 the lock 918, an adjustment cord 16, and a plurality of cord guides configured to extend through eyelets 922 in the upper 112. Only one row of eyelets is shown, but another row of eyelets generally parallel to the shown row is located on the inner side 113 of the upper 112. In Fig.31 the figure, only one lock body 918B can be seen on the outer side 111 of the upper 112. The lock body 918A is disposed on the inner side 113 of the upper 112 and is arranged in a mirror image with respect to the lock body 918B. The lock bodies 918A, 918B are fixed to the sidewall 112B on the outer and inner sides of the upper 112, rather than being fixed to the tongue region 112A as Figure 7-8 shown.

[0125] As shown with respect to the lock body 918B, in Fig.29 and Fig.30In contrast, the lock bodies 918A, 918B are fixed to the vamp 112 in alternative relative positions. More specifically, the slots 44 are disposed generally upwardly and inwardly (toward the centerline of the footwear 110A), the first inlets 34A, 34B face each other generally adjacent the eyelets 922, the first outlets 24A, 24B are disposed generally upwardly, and are closer to the foot opening 117 than the inlets 34A, 34B. In Fig.31 the adjustment cord 16 is in a non-tensioned and unlocked state. The loop portion 16A of the cord 16 is shown with two end portions 16C, 16D knotted together, but may also be formed as a continuous loop. Alternatively, the end portions 16C, 16D may be unknotted from each other to be fixed to the respective lock bodies 918A, 918B, respectively.

[0126] Fig.32 For Fig.31 a side perspective view of the footwear article 110A as shown, showing the adjustment cord 16 being tensioned by a wearer manually pulling the loop portion 16A with the hand 925. During Fig.32 the tensioning step, the loop portion 16A still exits from the first outlets 24A, 24B. Tensioning the adjustment cord 16 in this manner tightens the vamp 112 on the foot 923. The loop portion 16A extends out from the respective second outlets 40A, 40B. Only 40B is visible in Fig.34 the figure.

[0127] Fig.33 is an outside perspective view of the footwear article 110A, with the hand 925 pivoting the adjustment cord 16 away from the first outlets 24A, 24B (as shown), and finally exiting the lock bodies 918A, 918B at the second outlets 40A, 40B, thereby locking the loop portion 16A to the lock bodies 918A, 918B. Fig.34 is an outside perspective view of the footwear article 110A, in which the adjustment cord 16 is in the locked position and extends from the second outlets 40A, 40B (as shown), to maintain the tension in the portion 16B and to keep the vamp 112 tightened around the foot 923.

[0128] Figure 35-39 shows another embodiment of the cord lock 1018, which has a first lock body 1018A and a second lock body 1018B, with the second lock body 1018B being integral with and symmetrically constructed with respect to the first lock body 1018A. The lock bodies 1018A and 1018B are constructed similarly to the lock bodies 18A and 18B and 218A, 218B in some respects, and like reference numerals denote like features. The description of the similar features of the bodies 18A, 18B and 218A, 218B and their functions is applicable to the lock bodies 1018A, 1018B, and for the sake of efficiency, will not be repeated herein.

[0129] The cord lock 1018 includes a single mounting flange 1019 to which both the first lock body 1018A and the second lock body 1018B are connected, and the mounting flange is configured to be mounted to a wearable article. Thus, the cord lock 1018 including the first lock body 1018A, the second lock body 1018B, and the mounting flange 1019 is a single integral one-piece component. The lock bodies 1018A, 1018B are configured to have inlets 34A, 34B that are offset 90 degrees from the first outlets 24A, 24B. The inlets 34A, 34B are located on the first and second sides 1019A, 1019B of the mounting flange 1019 respectively, while the first outlets 24A, 24B are disposed outwardly from the center of the mounting flange 1019. Further, the inlets 34A, 34B are aligned with and communicate with each other (as Fig.39 shown). More specifically, the first channels 28 of each of the lock bodies 1018A, 1018B are respectively arcuate, having a first longitudinal axis A1 that turns through approximately 90 degrees between the inlets 34A, 34B and the first outlets 24A, 24B.

[0130] Each first channel 28 has a first section 28A, also referred to as the inlet portion, disposed along a common longitudinal axis A3 (here referred to as the third longitudinal axis) that coincides with a first portion of the first longitudinal axis A1, as Fig.37 shown. Each first channel 28 also has a second section 28B, referred to as the outlet portion, disposed at approximately 90 degrees to the first section 28A. Each first channel 28 also has an intermediate portion 32 from which respective second channels 30A, 30B extend along a longitudinal axis A2. As Fig.38 best shown, the lock bodies 1018A, 1018B define second outlets 40A, 40B. Each lock body 1018A, 1018B defines a slot 44 that extends from the first outlet 24A, 24B to the second outlet 40A, 40B respectively. Thus, the adjustment cord 16 (as Fig.40 shown) enters from the opposite sides (the first side 1019A and the second side 1019B, marked in Fig.35 and 36 ) of the mounting flange 1019 at the inlets 34A, 34B, extends through the first channel 28, turns 90 degrees to extend out from the first outlets 24A, 24B along the axis A1, and then turns another 90 degrees when pivoting through the slot 44 to extend from the intermediate portion 32 of the first channel 28 through the second channel 30 and out at the second outlets 40A, 40B. As Fig.37 and 39 shown, the first section 28A of the first channel 28 opens at the bottom of the cord lock 1018 and is closed by an article misconstrued by the cord lock 1018, such as being closed by the upper 112 in Fig.40 .

[0131] Fig.40 An exterior perspective view of a footwear item 110B, including a tensioning system 1014 with a Fig.35 shown cord lock 1018. It should be understood that Fig.40 the footwear item 110B is configured for a left foot 923, while Fig.31 the footwear item 110A is configured for a right foot. The tensioning system 1014 is secured to the upper 112 and tightens the upper 112 to adjust the size of the foot receiving cavity 119, thereby securing the upper 112 around the foot 923 therein. The tensioning system 1014 includes Fig.35 a cord lock 1018, an adjustment cord 16, and a plurality of cord guides 1022 that are configured to extend through an annular tensioning cable of the upper 112. The annular tensioning cable may be secured to the upper 112 or may extend through the upper 112 to the sole structure 115 where they are secured. Only one row of cord guides 1022 is shown, but another row that is generally parallel to the shown row is provided on the inner side of the upper 112. Eyelets 922 (some are shown) may also be provided. The cord 16 may also extend through the shown eyelets or may only extend through the eyelets without passing through the annular cord guides 1022, depending on how the wearer chooses to thread the cord 16.

[0132] The cord lock 1018 is secured to the tongue region 112A of the upper rather than on the sidewalls 112B at the outer and inner sides. The slot 44 is generally oriented downward (away from the foot receiving cavity 119), and the first outlets 24A, 24B are generally oriented upward. In Fig.40 this, the adjustment cord 16 is in an untensioned and unlocked state. The loop portion 16A of the cord 16 is shown as having two end portions 16C, 16D that are knotted together, but may also be formed as a continuous loop. Alternatively, the end portions 16C, 16D may be unknotted from each other to be secured to the respective lock bodies 1018A, 1018B.

[0133] Fig.41 is Fig.40 an exterior perspective view of the shown footwear item 110B, showing the adjustment cord 16 being tensioned by the wearer manually pulling on the loop portion 16A with the hand 925, and the loop portion 16A still exiting from the first outlets 24A 24B. Tensioning the adjustment cord 16 in this manner also tensions the annular tensioning cable that serves as the cord guide 1022 and tightens the upper 112 around the foot 923 in the foot receiving cavity 119.

[0134] Fig.42 An exterior perspective view of the footwear item 110B, where the adjustment cord 16 pivots to exit the lock bodies 1018A, 1018B from the second outlets 40A, 40B, such that the loop portion 16A is locked to the lock bodies 1018A, 1018B. Fig.43Is a perspective view of the outer side of the footwear item 110B, where the adjustment cord 16 is in the locked position to maintain the tension in the portion 16B of the cord 16 and to keep the upper 112 tightened around the foot 923.

[0135] Figures 44-47 Shows another embodiment of the cord lock 1118. Except that the first lock body 1118A and the second lock body 1118B are configured such that the second channel 30 is arranged to extend above the first section 28A of the first channel 28, and the second outlets 40A, 40B are adjacent to the inlets 34A, 34B respectively, rather than being offset 90 degrees from the inlets 34A, 34B, all aspects of the cord lock 1118 are similar to those of the cord lock 1018. The first lock body 1118A is integral with the second lock body 1118B and is symmetrically configured with respect to the second lock body 1118B. The lock bodies 1118A and 1118B have some features that are respectively similar to the corresponding features of the lock bodies 18A, 18B, 218A, 218B, 1018A and 1018B, and the same reference numerals denote the same features. The description of the similar features of the bodies 18A, 18B, 218A, 218B, 1018A and 1018B and their functions is applicable to the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B, and for the sake of efficiency, will not be repeated here.

[0136] Accordingly, the adjustment cord 16 will enter the inlets 34A, 34B from the opposite sides of the mounting flange 1019 (e.g., the first side 1019A and the second side 1019B), extend through the first channel 28, turn through approximately 90 degrees, extend out of the first outlet holes 24A, 24B along the axis A1, and then turn through another 90 degrees when pivoting through the slot 44 to extend from the middle portion 32 of the first channel 28 through the second channel 30 and extend out of the second outlet holes 40A, 40B. As Fig.46 and 47 shown, the first section 28A of the first channel 28 is open at the bottom of the cord lock 1118 and will be closed by the item to which the cord lock 1118 is attached, such as by the upper 112 in Fig.48 .

[0137] Fig.45 For Fig.44 is a top view of the cord lock 1118 in Fig.46 showing the protrusions 70 extending from the inclined side walls 48, 50 into the slot 44. Fig.44 is a side view of the cord lock in Fig.47 is Fig.44 a bottom perspective view of the cord lock 1118 in Fig.45 and 47 both show the communication between the second section 28B of the first channel 28 and the second channel 30.

[0138] Fig.48An exterior perspective view of a footwear item 110C, including a tensioning system 1114 with a Fig.44 shown cord lock 1118. The tensioning system 1114 is secured to the upper 112 and tightens the upper 112 to adjust the size of the foot receiving cavity 119, thereby securing the upper 112 around the foot 923 therein. The tensioning system 1114 includes Fig.44 the cord lock 1118, an adjustment cord 16, and a plurality of cord guides 1022, the cord guides 1022 being configured to extend through the upper 112 and secure to an annular tensioning cable of the upper 112 and / or the sole structure 115, as referenced Fig.40 described. The cord 16 is shown extending through the cord guides 1022 and through one or more eyelets 922.

[0139] The cord lock 1118 is secured to the tongue region 112A rather than to the medial and lateral sidewalls 112B. The slots 44 and the first exits 24A, 24B are disposed generally upwardly (as Fig.49 shown). In Fig.48 , the adjustment cord 16 is in an untensioned and unlocked state. The two ends of the cord 16 are held together by a connector 1117, or the connector 1117 is disposed on a continuous loop formed by the cord 16. Alternatively, the end portions 16C, 16D may be unfastened from each other to be secured to respective lock bodies 1118A, 1118B.

[0140] Fig.49 is Fig.48 an exterior perspective view of the footwear item 110C shown, showing the adjustment cord 16 being manually pulled by the wearer's hands 925 on the loop portion 16A to be tightened, with the loop portion 16A still exiting from the first exits 24A, 24B. Alternatively, the wearer may pull on the connector 1117 with only one hand 925. Tightening the adjustment cord 16 in this manner also tensions the annular tensioning cable serving as the cord guide 1022 and tightens the upper 112 around the foot 923 in the foot receiving cavity 119.

[0141] Fig.50 is an exterior perspective view of the footwear item 110C, where the adjustment cord 16 pivots to exit the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B from the second exits 40A, 40B, such that the loop portion 16A locks to the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B. Segments of the loop portion 16A on either side of the connector 1117 move away from each other (e.g., laterally outward) such that these segments are disposed within the second channel 30 and exit from the second exits 40A, 40B. The adjustment cord 16 is in a locked position to maintain the tension in the portion 16B of the cord 16 and to keep the upper 112 tightened around the foot 923.

[0142] Fig.51Side view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock 1218. The cord lock 1218 shown has a lock body 1218A integrally formed with a mounting flange 1219 and can be used with another lock body arranged as a mirror image of the lock body 1218A, as in other embodiments described herein, to enable the cord 16 to tighten a wearable article. The lock body 1218A includes a first channel 1228 and a second channel 1230, which are constructed in the same manner as the first channel 28 and the second channel 30 of Figure 3 except that the channels 1228 and 1230 are rectangular in the respective cross-sections taken perpendicular to their longitudinal axes A1, A2. Similar to the intermediate portion 32 of the cord lock 18, the second channel 1230 extends from an intermediate portion 1232 of the first channel 1228 and has a smaller cross-sectional area taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis A2 than the cross-sectional area of the first channel 1228 taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis A1. The smaller cross-sectional area enables the cord 16 to be locked in the second channel 1230 when the wearer places the cord 16 in the second channel 1230, as described herein.

[0143] The rectangular cross-sections of the channels 1228, 1230 allow a flat cord (e.g., a cord that is rectangular in the cross-section taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) to be repositioned by folding a portion of the cord along its longitudinal axis, before or simultaneously with which the cord is pivoted from a first position to a second position through a slot 44 in the body 1218A, in the first position, the adjustment cord enters through an inlet 1234 and extends through a first outlet 1224, and in the second position, the adjustment cord extends from an inlet 1214 to a second outlet 1240. By folding the flat cord as described above, its thickness is doubled and, because it is biased back to the flat (unfolded) state, it is locked in the narrower second channel 1230 when the wearer releases the tension force.

[0144] Fig.52 is Fig.51 a rear view of the cord lock 1218 in Fig.53 showing the cross-section of the first channel 1228 as rectangular. Fig.53 is a front view of the cord lock 1218. As Fig.51) and the second channel 1230 extend from the outer surface 1242 inwardly into the body 1218A. The slot 44 does not extend along the segment 1228A of the first channel 1228 that is located between the inlet 1234 and the starting point of the second channel 1230 (e.g., the first segment 1228A). The slot 44 enables a flat cord (e.g., a cord having a rectangular cross-section taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) to be repositioned by folding the cord along its longitudinal axis and pivoting the cord 16 in the body 1218A through the slot 44 to extend out of the second outlet 1240.

[0145] Fig.53 It shows that the inner surface 60 of the first side wall 48 of the lock body 1218A is inclined inwardly from the outer surface 1242 at the front portion 54 (e.g., into the slot 44) towards the second side wall 50, so as to narrow the slot 44. The inner surface 62 of the second side wall 50 is also inclined inwardly towards the first side wall 48 in a similar manner.

[0146] Fig.54 is Fig.51 a top view of the shown cord lock, showing that the inner surfaces 60, 62 of the side walls 48, 50 are substantially smooth and have no protrusions similar to the protrusions 70 of the cord lock 18. The second channel 1230 is also substantially smooth and has no protrusions.

[0147] Fig.55 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock 1318, which is similar to the cord lock 1218 in all aspects, except that spaced protrusions 1270 (also referred to as indentations) project into the second channel 1230 from the inner surface of the lock body 1218A. The protrusions 1270 will extend into the surface of the folded flat cord and, when the folded flat cord is placed in the second channel 1230, help to grip the folded flat cord to further hold it in the locked position.

[0148] Fig.56 is a top view of another alternative embodiment of the cord lock 1418, which is similar to the cord lock 1218 in all aspects, except that a groove 1271 is formed at the second channel 1230 in the inner surface of the lock body 1218A, indenting into the lock body 1218A. When placed in the second channel 1230, the folded flat cord will tend to expand into the groove 1271, such that the surface of the lock body 1218A in the groove 1271 effectively grips the folded flat cord to further hold it in the locked position.

[0149] Fig.57 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the cord lock 1518. The cord lock 1518 includes the first and second lock bodies 1118A, 1118B described with reference to Fig.44 except that the tubular portions 1518C of the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B that define the first segment 28A of the first channel 28 can rotate about an axis A1 from Fig.57 and58 pivot from the position shown to Fig.59 and 60 the stowed position shown. Since the cord lock 1518 is configured such that the first outlets 24A, 24B are disposed at a 90-degree angle to the first section 28A, when in the Fig.57 position, the cord lock 1518 extends relatively far above the upper 112, similar to the Fig.44 cord lock 1118 in. However, in the stowed position, the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B do not extend up to above the mounting flanges 1519 on which the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B are mounted. The mounting flanges 1519 and the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B together define an opening 1519C that permits the tubular portion 1518C to pivot relative to the mounting flange 1519. Opposite ends of the tubular portion 1518C cooperate with non-pivoting end portions 1518D of the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B. For example, the end portions 1518D may have thin inner circular edges 1518E on which the tubular portion 1518C is rotatably mounted.

[0150] Fig.58 FIG. is a side view of the cord lock 1518, showing the tubular portion 1518C surrounding the first section 28A of the first channel 28. Fig.59 is Fig.57 and 58 side views of the cord lock, in which the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B are pivoted to the stowed position. The tubular portion 1518C may be configured to be releasably fixed in the stowed position. For example, there may be protrusions on each of the circular edges 1518E that cooperate with notches at each end of the tubular portion 1518C to releasably lock the tubular portion in the stowed position. Alternatively, the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B may clip to mating structures of the mounting flange 1519 or may be releasably held in the stowed position. Fig.60 is an exterior perspective view of the footwear item 110D, in which a portion 16A of the adjustment cord 16 is pivoted to the locked position and the lock bodies 1118A, 1118B are pivoted to the stowed position.

[0151] Fig.61 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock 1618. The cord lock 1618 is similar to the Fig.51 cord lock 1218 in many respects, and like reference numerals are used for like features and the description of these features is not repeated. The cord lock 1618 differs from the cord lock 1218 in that the lock body 1218A opens along the first channel 1228 from the inlet 1234 to the first outlet 1224, as Fig.63As best shown in. In other words, the slot 44 extends inwardly from the outer surface 1242 of the body 1218A, wraps around from the inlet 1234 to the first outlet 1224, and extends to the second outlet 1240. Different from the cord lock 1218, the slot 44 extends inwardly from the outer surface 1242 into the body 1218A, and even extends along a section 1228A (e.g., the first section 1228A) of the first channel 1228 that is located between the inlet 1234 and the starting point of the second channel 1230. Figure 62-64 The slot 44 extending from the inlet 1234 to the second outlet 1240 in this way is shown together.

[0152] When the slot 44 is constructed in this way, the tension cord 16 can be fixed to the lock body 1618 in the same way as described with respect to the lock 1218, but with the additional advantage that when the user does not want to lock the cord 16 to the lock body 1618, the cord 16 can be completely released and separated from the lock body 1618. Since the slot 44 extends from the inlet 1234 to the second outlet 1240, the cord 16 can be completely withdrawn from the lock body 1618 by passing through the slot 44 to release the cord 16. Although the slot 44 is shown as extending along the bottom of the lock body 1618 at the first channel 1228, the slot 44 can alternatively extend along the side of the lock body 1618 along the first channel 1228 (e.g., parallel to the first axis A1 and opposite to the flange 1219). The slot 44 enables a flat cord (e.g., a cord having a rectangular cross-section when intercepted perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) to be repositioned by folding the cord along its longitudinal axis and pivoting the cord 16 in the body 1218A through the slot 44 to extend from the inlet 1234 to the second outlet 1240.

[0153] The cord lock 1618 is also different from the cord lock 1218 in that there is a through hole 1229 on the flange 1219 near the first channel 1228. The through hole 1229 helps to mold the lock body 1618 into an integral part and also reduces the total weight of the lock body 1618.

[0154] Fig.65 A side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cord lock 1718, showing a lock body 1718A. A second lock body (not shown) is constructed as a mirror image of the lock body 1718A and can be fixedly attached to an item, such as Fig.68 a footwear item 110E, spaced apart from the lock body 1718A. The mounting flange 1719 is connected to the lock body 1718A and is configured to be mounted to the wearable item 110E. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock body 1718A and the mounting flange 1719 are an integral, single, one-piece component, but they can also be separate components connected to each other.

[0155] The cord lock 1718 is in many respects similar to Fig.51 the cord lock 1218 in Fig.61 is similar to the cord lock 1618 in, and like reference numerals are used to denote like features and these features will not be described again. The lock body 1718A defines a first passage 28 that extends through the lock body 1718A from an inlet 1734 to a first outlet 1724. As in Fig.29 the embodiment of, the first passage 28 is arcuate along its longitudinal axis A1, having a first section 28A and a second section 28B, and turning through approximately 90 degrees between the inlet 1734 and the first outlet 1724. The lock body 1718A also defines a second passage 30 that extends from an intermediate portion 32 of the first passage 28 to a second outlet 1740 of the lock body 1718A along a longitudinal axis A2. The intermediate portion 32 communicates with the second passage 30. The narrower second passage 30 extends from the intermediate portion 32 of the first passage 28 along the same face of the lock body 1718A as the inlet 1734. The second passage 30 exits at the outlet 1740 and is generally parallel to the first section 28A of the first passage 28 at the second outlet 1740.

[0156] The second passage 30 is narrower than the first passage 28. For example, as Fig.29 shown. For example, the first passage 28 may have a first cross-sectional area taken perpendicular to the axis A1, and the second passage 30 may have a second cross-sectional area taken perpendicular to the axis A2, and the second cross-sectional area is smaller than the first cross-sectional area. A portion of the adjustment cord 16 disposed in the section of the first passage 28 may move relative to the first passage 28 when tensioned and may be selectively repositioned into the second passage 30, where the adjustment cord 16 is locked to the lock body 1718A and held in tension.

[0157] Similar to the cord lock 1618, as the slot 44 extends from the outer surface 1742 of the body 1718A from the inlet 1724 inwardly around to the first outlet 1724, the lock body 1718A opens along the first passage 28 from the inlet 1734 to the first outlet 1724 (as Fig.67 shown), and also opens along the second passage 30 from the first outlet 1724 to the second outlet 1740. Similar to Fig.29 the cord lock 918, the second outlet 1740 is generally disposed on the same side of the lock body 1718A as the inlet 1734 such that when the cord 16 is locked to the lock body 1718A, the cord 16 will wrap and extend out generally parallel to the portion of the cord extending into the inlet 1734, as Fig.70 shown. When the cord 16 is not locked at the second passage 30, the cord 16 may be completely released from the cord lock 1718. Alternatively, the cord 16 may rest in the first passage 28 but not be manually pushed into the second passage 30. Figures 65-67 Together shows the slot 44 extending from the inlet 1734 to the second outlet 1240 in this manner.

[0158] As Fig.66 shown, the lock body 1718A has a first sidewall 48 and a second sidewall 50, and the second sidewall 50 is separated from the first sidewall by a slot 44. The first sidewall 48 and the second sidewall 50 extend along a section 28B of the first channel 28 and along the second channel 30. Protrusions 70 extend inwardly from the first sidewall 48 and the second sidewall 50 into the slot 44 such that the slot 44 narrows at the protrusions 70. As Fig.66 and 67 shown, the width of the slot 44 at the protrusions is less than the width of the second channel 30. The walls 48, 50 slope outwardly from the second channel 30 such that the slot 44 is narrower at the second channel 30 than at the outer surface of the body. In other words, the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 48, 50 slope towards each other from the outer surface of the body 1718A.

[0159] Fig.68 The footwear item 110E is shown having an upper 112 and respective cord guides 22A and 22B that secure a cord 16 to the upper 112 and the sole structure 115, respectively. The cord lock body 1718A is shown secured to the outer side 111 via a stitch extending through a flange 1719. A symmetric second lock body (not shown) is secured to the inner side (not shown) generally opposite the first lock body 1718A. The cord lock including Fig.65 and an adjustment cord that is pulled on the back of the cord lock. In Fig.68 , a hand 925 manually pulls the cord 16 behind the lock body 1718A to begin the process of securing the cord 16 to the lock body 1718A, thereby tightening the upper 112 onto the foot 723. In Fig.68 , it is apparent that the cord 16 is fully released from the lock body 1718A, which is made possible by an open slot 44 that extends from the outer surface 1742 into the lock body 1718A, from an inlet 1734 to a second outlet 1740, as Figures 65-67 shown (e.g., along the entire first channel 28 and second channel 30 and extending into each channel 28, 30). Fig.69 shows the hand 925 positioning the adjustment cord in the first channel 28 to extend from the inlet 1734 and is shown partially wrapped around the slot 44 and in the first channel 28 (marked in Figures 65-67 ). Fig.70 shows the adjustment cord 16 after the hand 925 has completed positioning the cord 16 to extend in the slot 44 from the first inlet 1734, through Fig.65 the first channel 28 marked in, and through the second channel 30, and out of the second outlet 1740, thereby locking the cord 16 in the narrower second channel 30 until manually removed and tensioning the cord 16 to tighten the upper 112 onto the foot 923.

[0160] The following clauses provide example configurations of a lock for an adjustment cord and a wearable item disclosed herein.

[0161] Clause 1: A lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable item, the lock comprising: a body defining a first passage extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, and the body defining a second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second outlet of the body; wherein the body is configured to have a section of the first passage that extends from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicates with the second passage; and at least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage such that a portion of the adjustment cord disposed in the section of the first passage can move relative to the first passage when tensioned and can be selectively repositioned into the second passage, in which the adjustment cord is locked to the body and retains tension.

[0162] Clause 2: The lock according to Clause 1, wherein an outer surface of the body defines a groove extending from the first outlet to the second outlet, the groove extending into the body along the section of the first passage and along the second passage such that the adjustment cord can be repositioned in the body from a first position, in which the adjustment cord extends through the first outlet, to a second position, in which the adjustment cord extends through the second outlet, the adjustment cord extending through the inlet in both the first position and the second position.

[0163] Clause 3: The lock according to Clause 2, wherein the first passage has a first cross-sectional area and the second passage has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area.

[0164] Clause 4: The lock according to Clause 2, wherein the body comprises: a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the second sidewall being spaced from the first sidewall by the groove, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending along the section of the first passage; at least one protrusion extending from one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall into the groove such that the groove is narrowed at the at least one protrusion; and the width of the groove at the at least one protrusion is less than the width of the second passage.

[0165] Clause 5: The lock according to Clause 2, wherein the body comprises: a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced from the first sidewall by the groove; wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are configured such that the groove is narrower at the second passage than at the outer surface of the body.

[0166] Clause 6: The lock according to Clause 5, wherein an inner surface of at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is inclined from an outer surface of the body towards the other of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0167] Clause 7: The lock according to Clause 2, wherein the slot further extends along the first channel from an entrance of the first channel through the body to a first exit.

[0168] Clause 8: The lock according to any one of Clauses 1-7 further comprises: a mounting flange connected to the body and configured to be mounted to the wearable article; wherein the body and the mounting flange are an integral, single, one-piece component.

[0169] Clause 9: The lock according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the body is a first body and the lock further comprises: a second body, the second body being symmetric with the first body such that when the adjustment cord is disposed in the segment of the first channel of each body, the adjustment cord extends from a first exit of the first body to a corresponding first exit of the second body, and when the adjustment cord is disposed in the second channel of each body, the adjustment cord extends from a second exit of the first body to a corresponding second exit of the second body.

[0170] Clause 10: The lock according to Clause 9, wherein the second body is separated from and not connected to the first body.

[0171] Clause 11: The lock according to Clause 10, wherein the second body is integrated with the first body into a single integral one-piece component.

[0172] Clause 12: The lock according to any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein the adjustment cord is elastic.

[0173] Clause 13: The lock according to any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein the adjustment cord is inelastic.

[0174] Clause 14: A wearable article comprising: an adjustable covering; an adjustment cord operatively fixed to the adjustable covering at an anchoring location; a cord lock including a first body and a second body, both the first body and the second body being fixed to the adjustable covering and spaced apart from the anchoring location, and each body defining: a first passage extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body; a second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second outlet of the body; each body being configured with a section of the first passage extending from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicating with the second passage; wherein the adjustment cord extends from the inlet through the first passage of each of the first body and the second body to the first outlet, is capable of moving along the section of the first passage when tensioned, and is capable of being repositioned from the section of the first passage to the second passage in each of the first body and the second body to exit through the second outlet; and at least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage to lock the adjustment cord in the second passage of the first body to the first body and in the second passage of the second body to the second body.

[0175] Clause 15: The wearable article according to Clause 14, wherein when the adjustment cord is in the section of the first passage of each of the first body and the second body, a loop portion of the adjustment cord extends from the first outlet of the first body to the first outlet of the second body.

[0176] Clause 16: The wearable article according to Clause 15, wherein when the adjustment cord is disposed in the first passage of each of the first body and the second body, the adjustment cord is tensioned by pulling the loop portion away from the first body and the second body; and when the adjustment cord is repositioned to the second passage of each of the first body and the second body to be locked to the first body and the second body, the tension in the adjustment cord is maintained.

[0177] Clause 17: The wearable article according to Clause 16, wherein the adjustment cord is moved to the second passage of each of the first body and the second body by pivoting the loop portion of the adjustment cord relative to the first body and the second body.

[0178] Clause 18: The wearable article according to Clause 16, wherein each of the first body and the second body includes a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall, and at least one protrusion extending inwardly from the first side wall or the second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall extending along the section of the first passage, and the at least one protrusion being adjacent to the second passage.

[0179] Clause 19: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 14 - 18, wherein when the adjustment cord is tensioned, the adjustment cord pulls the adjustable covering at the anchoring position.

[0180] Clause 20: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 14 - 19, further comprising: a cord guide fixed to the adjustable covering; and wherein the adjustment cord engages the cord guide between the anchoring position and the first body.

[0181] Clause 21: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 14 - 20, wherein the wearable item is a footwear item and the adjustable covering is an upper.

[0182] Clause 22: The wearable item according to Clause 21, wherein the first body is disposed on the inner side of the tongue region of the upper and the second body is disposed on the outer side of the tongue region of the upper.

[0183] Clause 23: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 21 - 22, wherein the anchoring position is in front of the first body and the second body on the upper.

[0184] Clause 24: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 21 - 24, wherein: a first channel of each of the first body and the second body extends forward and upward from an entrance to a first exit, and a second channel of each of the first body and the second body extends backward and upward from the middle portion to a second exit.

[0185] Clause 25: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 21 - 24, further comprising: a first cord guide disposed on the inner side of the upper and a second cord guide disposed on the outer side of the upper; wherein the adjustment cord engages the first cord guide between the anchoring position and the first body and engages the second cord guide between the anchoring position and the second body.

[0186] Clause 26: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 14 - 24, wherein the adjustment cord is elastic.

[0187] Clause 27: The wearable item according to any one of Clauses 14 - 24, wherein the adjustment cord is inelastic.

[0188] Clause 28: The lock according to Clause 11, wherein the first body and the second body are configured to pivot relative to the upper to a retracted position.

[0189] To assist in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references cited are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0190] "Footwear article", "footwear article", and "footwear" may be considered machines and manufactured articles. A footwear article ready for wear (such as a shoe, sandal, boot, etc.) before final assembly into a finished product, and discrete components of a footwear article (such as a midsole, outsole, upper assembly, etc.) before final assembly into a footwear article ready for wear are herein considered and alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as "footwear article".

[0191] "A", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one item. Unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, there may be more than one such item. Unless otherwise explicitly or clearly indicated by the context, including the appended claims, the numerical values of all parameters (such as quantities or conditions) in this specification should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about", regardless of whether "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (achieving the accuracy of that value in some way; approximating or reasonably approaching that value; being close). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the ordinary sense in the art, then "about" as used herein indicates at least the variation that can be caused by the ordinary methods of measuring and using such a parameter. Additionally, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values within that range and further divided ranges.

[0192] The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Where possible, the order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed, and other or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the related listed items. The term "any" should be understood to include any possible combination of the reference items, including "any one" of the reference items. The term "any" should be understood to include any possible combination of the claims recited in the appended claims, including "any one" of the recited claims.

[0193] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", etc. may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0194] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction of the length of an elongate member. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region of the shoe. The terms "forward" or "front" are used to refer to the general direction from the heel region to the forefoot region, and the terms "rearward" or "back" are used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot region towards the heel region. In some cases, a member can be identified by a longitudinal axis and a front-to-back longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis can also be referred to as the front-to-back direction or axis.

[0195] The term "lateral" refers to the direction of the width of an elongate member. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as the side-to-side direction or axis or the inner-to-outer direction or axis.

[0196] The term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case of placing the sole of a shoe flat on the ground, the vertical direction can extend upward from the ground. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to the various components of the sole. The terms "upward" or "upwardly" refer to the vertical direction pointing towards the top of a member, which can include the instep, fastening region, and / or throat of the upper. The terms "downward" or "downwardly" refer to the vertical direction opposite to the upward direction, which is towards the bottom of the member and generally can point to the bottom of the sole structure of a footwear item.

[0197] The "interior" of a footwear item such as a shoe refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The "inner side" of a member is the side or surface that faces (or will face) towards the interior of the member or the footwear item in an assembled footwear item. The "outer side" or "exterior" of a member is the side or surface of the member that is oriented (or will be oriented) away from the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components can be between the inner side of a member and the interior in an assembled footwear item. Similarly, other components can be between the outer side of a member and the space outside of an assembled footwear item. Additionally, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the direction towards the interior of a footwear item such as a shoe or a member, and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to the direction towards the exterior of a footwear item such as a shoe or a member. Further, the term "proximal" refers to the direction that is closer to the center of a footwear component or towards the foot when a user inserts their foot into the footwear item when wearing the shoe. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position that is farther from the center of a footwear component or farther from the foot when a user inserts their foot into the footwear item when wearing the shoe. Thus, the terms proximal and distal can be understood to provide generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0198] Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be combined with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically restricted. Thus, the embodiments are not limited except as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0199] Although several modes for carrying out many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art related to these teachings will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be understood to be illustrative and exemplary of the entire scope of alternative embodiments, and based on what is included, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the entire scope of alternative embodiments that are implicitly, structurally and / or functionally equivalent or otherwise become apparent, and not limited to those explicitly shown and / or described.

Claims

1. A lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable item, the lock comprising: A body defines a first passage extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, and the body defines a second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second outlet of the body; Wherein, the body is configured to have a section of the first passage that extends from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicates with the second passage; At least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage, such that a portion of the adjustment cord disposed in the section of the first passage can move relative to the first passage when tensioned and can be selectively repositioned into the second passage, in which the adjustment cord is locked to the body and maintains tension, An outer surface of the body defines a groove extending from the first outlet to the second outlet, the groove extending into the body along the section of the first passage and along the second passage, such that the adjustment cord can be repositioned in the body from a first position to a second position through the groove, in the first position, the adjustment cord extends through the first outlet, in the second position, the adjustment cord extends through the second outlet, and the adjustment cord extends through the inlet in both the first position and the second position.

2. The lock according to claim 1, wherein, The first passage has a first cross-sectional area, and the second passage has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

3. The lock according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes: A first sidewall and a second sidewall, the second sidewall being spaced from the first sidewall by the groove, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending along the section of the first passage; At least one protrusion extending from one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall into the groove, such that the groove narrows at the at least one protrusion; A width of the groove at the at least one protrusion is less than a width of the second passage.

4. The lock according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes: A first sidewall and a second sidewall separated from the first sidewall by the groove; Wherein, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are configured such that the groove is narrower at the second passage than at an outer surface of the body.

5. The lock according to claim 4, wherein, An inner surface of at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is inclined from the outer surface of the body toward the other of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

6. The lock according to claim 1, wherein, The groove also extends along the first passage from the inlet through the body to the first outlet.

7. The lock according to claim 6, wherein, The groove further extends from the second outlet into the body and to the inlet.

8. The lock according to any one of claims 1 - 7, further comprising: A mounting flange, connected to the body and configured to be mounted to the wearable article; wherein, the body and the mounting flange are an integral, single, one-piece component.

9. The lock according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein, The body is a first body, and the lock further includes: A second body, the second body being symmetrical with the first body such that when the adjustment cord is disposed in the segments of the first channels of the first body and the second body, the adjustment cord extends from the first outlet of the first body to the corresponding first outlet of the second body, and when the adjustment cord is disposed in the second channels of the first body and the second body, the adjustment cord extends from the second outlet of the first body to the corresponding second outlet of the second body.

10. The lock according to claim 9, wherein, The second body is separated from and not connected to the first body.

11. The lock according to claim 10, wherein, The wearable article is a footwear article, and the first body and the second body are configured to pivot to a stowed position relative to the upper of the footwear article.

12. The lock according to claim 10, wherein, The second body is integrated with the first body as a single unitary one-piece component.

13. A wearable item, comprising: An adjustable covering; An adjustment cord operatively fixed to the adjustable covering at an anchoring position; A cord lock including a first body and a second body, both the first body and the second body being fixed to the adjustable covering and spaced apart from the anchoring position, and each of the first body and the second body defining a first channel and a second channel, the first channel extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, the second channel extending from an intermediate portion of the first channel to a second outlet of the body; Each of the first body and the second body is constructed with a segment of the first channel extending from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicating with the second channel; Wherein the adjustment cord extends from the inlet through the first channels of each of the first body and the second body to the first outlet, is capable of moving along the segment of the first channel when tensioned, and is capable of being repositioned from the segment of the first channel to the second channel in each of the first body and the second body to exit through the second outlet; At least a portion of the second channel is narrower than the first channel to lock the adjustment cord to the first body in the second channel of the first body and to the second body in the second channel of the second body.

14. The wearable item according to claim 13, wherein, When the adjustment cord is in the segments of the first channels of each of the first body and the second body, a loop portion of the adjustment cord extends from the first outlet of the first body to the first outlet of the second body.

15. The wearable article according to claim 14, wherein, When the adjustment cord is disposed in the first channels of each of the first body and the second body, the adjustment cord is tensioned by pulling the loop portion away from the first body and the second body; and when the adjustment cord is repositioned to the second channels of each of the first body and the second body to be locked to the first body and the second body, the tension in the adjustment cord is maintained.

16. The wearable article according to claim 15, wherein, The adjustment cord is moved to the second channels of each of the first body and the second body by pivoting the loop portion of the adjustment cord relative to the first body and the second body.

17. The wearable article according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the first body and the second body includes an outer surface that defines a slot extending from a first outlet to a second outlet, the slot extending along the segment of the first passage and along the second passage such that the adjustment cord can be repositioned from a first position, in which the adjustment cord extends through the first outlet, to a second position, in which the adjustment cord extends through the second outlet, with the adjustment cord extending through the inlet in both the first and second positions.

18. The wearable article according to claim 17, wherein, The slot further extends from the second outlet to the inlet.

19. The wearable article according to any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising: A cord guide fixed to the adjustable covering; and wherein the adjustment cord engages the cord guide between the anchoring location and the first body.

20. The wearable article according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, The wearable article is a footwear item and the adjustable covering is a shoe upper.

21. A wearable article, comprising: An adjustable covering; An adjustment cord operably fixed to the adjustable covering at an anchoring location; and A cord lock including a first body and a second body, both the first body and the second body being fixed to the adjustable covering and spaced apart from the anchoring location, and each of the first body and the second body defining a first passage and a second passage, the first passage extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, the second passage extending from an intermediate portion of the first passage to a second outlet of the body; wherein each of the first body and the second body is configured with a segment of the first passage extending from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicating with the second passage; wherein the adjustment cord extends from the inlet through the first passage of each of the first body and the second body to the first outlet, is movable along the segment of the first passage when tensioned, and can be repositioned from the segment of the first passage to the second passage in each of the first body and the second body to exit through the second outlet; wherein at least a portion of the second passage is narrower than the first passage to lock the adjustment cord in the second passage of the first body to the first body and in the second passage of the second body to the second body; wherein each of the first body and the second body includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, and at least one protrusion extending inwardly from the first sidewall or the second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending along the segment of the first passage, and the at least one protrusion being adjacent to the second passage.

22. The wearable article according to claim 21, wherein, When the adjustment cord is tensioned, the adjustment cord pulls the adjustable covering at the anchoring location.

23. The wearable article according to claim 22, wherein, The wearable article is a footwear item, the adjustable covering is a shoe upper, the first body is disposed on the inner side of the tongue region of the shoe upper, and the second body is disposed on the outer side of the tongue region of the shoe upper.

24. The wearable article according to claim 22, wherein, The wearable article is a footwear item, the adjustable covering is a shoe upper, and the anchoring location is in front of the first and second bodies on the shoe upper.

25. The wearable article according to claim 22, wherein, The wearable item is a footwear item, the adjustable covering is an upper, and the wearable item further comprises: a first cord guide disposed on the inner side of the upper and a second cord guide disposed on the outer side of the upper; and wherein an adjustment cord engages the first cord guide between an anchoring position and a first body and engages the second cord guide between the anchoring position and a second body.

26. The wearable article according to claim 21, wherein, The adjustment cord is elastic.

27. The wearable article according to claim 21, wherein, The adjustment cord is inelastic.

28. A footwear article, comprising: The upper, comprising: an adjustment cord operably fixed to the upper at an anchoring position; and a cord lock including a first body and a second body, both the first body and the second body being fixed to the upper and spaced apart from the anchoring position, and each of the first body and the second body defining a first channel and a second channel, the first channel extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, the second channel extending from an intermediate portion of the first channel to a second outlet of the body; wherein each of the first body and the second body is configured with a segment of the first channel that extends from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicates with the second channel; wherein the adjustment cord extends from the inlet through the first channel of each of the first body and the second body to the first outlet, is capable of moving along the segment of the first channel when tensioned, and is capable of repositioning from the segment of the first channel to the second channel in each of the first body and the second body to exit through the second outlet; wherein at least a portion of the second channel is narrower than the first channel to lock the adjustment cord in the second channel of the first body to the first body and in the second channel of the second body to the second body; wherein the first channel of each of the first body and the second body extends forward and upward from the inlet to the first outlet, and the second channel of each of the first body and the second body extends backward and upward from the intermediate portion to the second outlet.

29. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The first body is disposed on the outer side of the tongue region of the upper, and the second body is disposed on the inner side of the tongue region.

30. The footwear article according to any one of claims 28-29, wherein, The anchoring position is located in the forefoot region of the footwear item in front of the cord lock.

31. The footwear article according to claim 30, further comprising: A first cord guide, disposed behind and below the first body; and a second cord guide, disposed behind and below the second body; wherein the adjustment cord passes through and engages the first cord guide and the second cord guide.

32. A wearable article, comprising: An adjustable covering; an adjustment cord operably fixed to the adjustable covering at an anchoring position; and a cord lock including a first body and a second body, both the first body and the second body being fixed to the adjustable covering and spaced apart from the anchoring position, and each of the first body and the second body defining a first channel and a second channel, the first channel extending from an inlet of the body through the body to a first outlet of the body, the second channel extending from an intermediate portion of the first channel to a second outlet of the body; Each of the first body and the second body is configured with a section of the first passageway that extends from the intermediate portion to the first outlet and communicates with the second passageway. The adjustment cord extends from the inlet through the first passageway of each of the first body and the second body to the first outlet, is capable of moving along the section of the first passageway when tensioned, and is capable of being repositioned from the section of the first passageway to the second passageway in each of the first body and the second body to exit through the second outlet. At least a portion of the second passageway is narrower than the first passageway to lock the adjustment cord in the second passageway of the first body to the first body and in the second passageway of the second body to the second body. The first body and the second body are configured to pivot to a stowed position relative to the adjustable covering.

33. The wearable article according to claim 32, wherein: The cord lock includes a mounting flange mounted to the adjustable covering; and The first body and the second body include tubular portions pivotable to a stowed position relative to the mounting flange. The mounting flange, and the first body and the second body define an opening in which the tubular portion pivots relative to the mounting flange. The first body and the second body have non-pivoting end portions that cooperate with opposite ends of the tubular portion, and Each of the non-pivoting end portions includes an edge on which the tubular portion is rotatably mounted.

34. The wearable article according to claim 33, wherein, The tubular portion is releasably fixed in the stowed position.

35. The wearable article according to claim 33, wherein: The wearable article is a footwear item, including an upper; and The adjustable covering is the upper.

36. The wearable article according to claim 34, wherein, The cord lock is fixed in the tongue region of the upper.

37. A lock for an adjustment cord of a wearable article, the lock comprising: A first body portion and a second body portion, the body portions being configured as elongate tubes having a square cross-section. The first body portion includes a first passageway that extends completely through the first body portion from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. The second body portion includes a second passageway that extends completely through the second body portion from an inlet to an outlet, the second passageway having a greater diameter than the first passageway, the first passageway and the second passageway being cylindrical and having a greater diameter than the adjustment cord when the adjustment cord is not tensioned. One end of the first body portion is received within a notched end of the second body portion between the side arms of the second body portion, the side arms being pivotally connected to the first body portion by a pivot pin to establish a pivot axis of the cord lock such that the second body portion is pivotally hinged to the first body portion at the pivot axis. The body portion has an unlocked position in which the outlet is adjacent the inlet, and the longitudinal axis of the first passageway is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second passageway, and the adjustment cord extends through the lock and is slidable relative to the lock in the first passageway and the second passageway. Wherein, in order to tension the adjustment cord, the second body part is pivotable relative to the first body part about a pivot axis such that the second channel is no longer coaxial with the first channel, and the adjustment cord is clamped against the inner surface of the second body part at the outlet of the first body part.

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