Cable lock with flexible cable joint feature

Abstract

A cable lock, adapted to temporarily hold a cable passing through footwear or clothing in a stationary position, includes a housing and a flexible insert. The housing defines an aperture and is formed of a first material. The aperture extends through the thickness of the housing to provide access to the cable. The insert is at least partially disposed within the aperture and defines an opening. The insert is formed of a second material softer than the first material and includes a plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the aperture. When the cable is pulled through the opening, the plurality of cable engagement features are adapted to deflect away from a neutral, stress-free plane.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 017,412, filed April 29, 2020. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a cable locking device that can be selectively slidable along the length of a cable, for example, for securing the end of a shoelace or clothing drawstring. Background Technology

[0003] Drawstrings, elastic bands, and shoelaces (collectively referred to as “cords”) are frequently used in clothing items, footwear, bags, and other such products to provide a measure of fit, length, or diameter adjustability. For example, footwear traditionally features shoelaces that allow the upper to be adjusted around the wearer’s foot. Jackets may include drawstrings extending through the cuffs at the wrists or in the lower seams around the wearer’s waist. Bags may include cords or drawstrings extending through the rolled-up ends near the opening. Tensing any of these cords relative to their adjacent item can result in the material being pulled in, which can dimensionally restrict the item.

[0004] Traditionally, knots or bows can be used to tie cables to prevent adjacent items / materials from slackening into their untensioned state. Similarly, toggle-type instant clamps or other temporary clamps have been developed as easier-to-adjust securing devices than knots. However, such designs often involve multi-piece spring-loaded clamps that require a degree of dexterity and finger strength to open. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, this disclosure relates to a cable lock that can be used to secure opposite ends of a cable. Such a cable lock can be used in conjunction with cables for footwear or clothing items for specific purposes. For example, such a lock can be used to secure opposite ends of shoelaces, belt drawstrings (e.g., for shorts), cuffs (e.g., in the case of jackets), travel bags, etc. This design utilizes one or more flexible cable engagement members to engage with the cable. Due to this design, reversing the cable's direction of travel relative to the lock requires the cable engagement members to be turned beyond the center, which requires a greater force than a continuous translation in the original direction. To provide structural support for the design, in many embodiments, the cable lock may include a more rigid housing and a relatively more flexible insert comprising the cable engagement members, the housing including a hole for receiving the cable.

[0006] In this manner, in one construction, a cable lock adapted to temporarily hold a cable in a stationary position along a cable passing through footwear or clothing includes a housing and a flexible insert. The housing defines an aperture and is formed of a first material. The aperture extends through the thickness of the housing to provide access to the cable. The insert is at least partially disposed within the aperture and defines an opening. The insert is formed of a second material softer than the first material and includes a plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the aperture. When the cable is pulled through the opening, the plurality of cable engagement features are adapted to deflect away from a neutral, stress-free plane.

[0007] Similarly, in some embodiments, the housing may define a first hole and a second hole, each of which extends completely through the thickness of the housing. A flexible insert may then be formed of a polymeric material relatively softer than the housing and may extend over each of the first and second holes. The flexible insert defines a first opening extending through the insert and aligned with the first hole, and also defines a second opening extending through the insert and aligned with the second hole. The first opening is adapted to receive a first end portion of a cable, and the second opening is adapted to receive a second end portion of a cable. The flexible insert forms a first plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the first opening, such that each of the first plurality of cable engagement features operatively contacts and presses into the first end portion of the cable. Similarly, the flexible insert also forms a second plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward into the second opening, such that each of the second plurality of cable engagement features operatively contacts and presses into the second end portion of the cable.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first material used to form the housing has a hardness of about 40D to about 80D measured on the Shore D hardness scale, while the second material used to form the insert has a hardness of about 40A to about 80A measured on the Shore A hardness scale.

[0009] The radius of curvature of each of the plurality of cable joint features may be between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the radius of curvature of the hole or the radius of curvature of the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the plurality of cable joint features. Furthermore, each of the plurality of cable joint features may extend a distance from the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the plurality of cable joint features, the distance being between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the diameter of said circle.

[0010] The outer diameter of the cable that can be used with this lock may be larger than the diameter of the circle drawn through each of the plurality of cable joint features. To provide strength while still allowing the cable joint members to be pressed into the cable material, the cable may include a core layer and an outer layer surrounding the core layer, wherein the core layer is less elastic than the outer layer.

[0011] Other features and advantages of this cable locking system are described in the following disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a cable lock, in which a cable extends through discrete holes in the lock.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a cable lock.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a cable lock, for example along... Figure 2 The cable lock is formed by a common molding process, with the 3-3 line cut from the middle.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a cable lock, for example along... Figure 2 The cable lock is formed by an embedded injection molding process, with the 3-3 line cut from the cable.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a cable lock, for example along... Figure 2 The cable lock is formed by taking line 3-3 from the middle and using a snap-fit ​​assembly.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic side view of the hole in the cable lock, further showing the stress-free relative diameter of the cable used in conjunction with the lock.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cable being pulled through the cable lock.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic partial cutaway view of a cable that can be used with the cable lock of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the hole in the cable lock.

[0021] Figure 10A This is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a cable lock.

[0022] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A schematic side view of a cable lock. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following discussion and figures disclose a cable lock 10 (also referred to herein as “slider 10”), which incorporates a flexible cable engagement feature 12 to selectively restrict the translation of the lock 10 along the cable 14. Because the cable lock 10 of the present invention is not merely a clamp on the cable 14, it allows for greater design flexibility in controlling static and dynamic (sliding) resistance in both the forward and reverse forward directions. Thus, the lock 10 of the present invention can provide different amounts of resistance (coefficient of friction) for each of the dynamic sliding resistance in the forward direction, the static resistance (i.e., from rest), and the static resistance opposite to the forward direction. This degree of control can prove advantageous, for example, in children's footwear where lower resistance may be required when tightening shoelaces (i.e., allowing children to tie their own shoes), while a greater amount of resistance may be required to reverse the slider once the shoelaces are fully tightened (i.e., preventing the shoes from unintentionally coming undone).

[0024] In addition to providing enhanced control over the lock's functionality / operation, this design also minimizes the total number of parts within the lock 10 by utilizing flexible materials instead of spring-loaded catches. By minimizing the amount of assembly required to manufacture the lock 10, this ultimately results in a more cost-effective design.

[0025] Figure 1-2 An embodiment of a cable lock 10 and associated cable 14 according to the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. As shown, the lock 10 includes a housing 20 defining one or more holes 22 that extend completely through the thickness of the housing 20. Each hole 22 may include one or more flexible cable engagement features 12 projecting inward from the outer periphery 24 of the hole 22. To facilitate locking action of the slider 10 on the cable 14, the cable engagement features 12 may be sized such that when the cable 14 extends through the hole 22, the cable engagement features 12 contact and at least partially encroach upon the cable 14.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, each hole 22 may have a circular outer periphery 24, and the cable engagement feature 12 may include a plurality of discrete lobes 28 evenly spaced around the periphery 24. Although Figure 1 Four lobes 28 are shown, but it should be understood that this is merely an example, and other designs may include more or fewer lobes. For example, in one embodiment, each aperture 22 may include three equally spaced lobes 28, while in other embodiments, each aperture 22 may include five, six, or more lobes 28.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cable engagement feature 12 may be formed of some or all of a material different from the surrounding housing 20. More specifically, the housing may be more rigid to promote easy grip and durability, while the cable engagement feature 12 may be formed of a relatively soft material with greater flexibility to avoid damaging the cable 14. Figure 3-5 Three alternative methods for fabricating this multimaterial structure are schematically illustrated. Each figure is intended to illustrate... Figure 2 The figures depict a cross-section of lock 10 taken along line 3-3. It should be understood that these figures are not drawn to scale.

[0028] As generally shown, in each design, the cable engagement feature 12 can be collectively formed as part of the insert 30. In some embodiments, the insert 30 can have a hardness between approximately 40A and approximately 80A on the Shore A hardness scale, while the housing can have a hardness between approximately 40D and approximately 80D on the Shore D hardness scale. In some embodiments, the housing 20 can even be harder, for example, formed of metal. If the housing 20 and the insert 30 have significantly different hardnesses (e.g., Shore A 40A for aluminum), an intermediate material with a hardness between the insert 30 and the housing 20 can be disposed between the two components to serve as a strain relief. In a particular configuration, this intermediate strain relief material can be disposed only near the periphery of the hole 22 to prevent wear or tear at the edges.

[0029] refer to Figure 3 In one configuration, the insert 30 and the housing 20 can be integrally formed, for example, using a co-molding process. In this process, the housing 20 and the insert 30 can be formed simultaneously in the same mold by injecting two different types of polymers into the same mold cavity. Depending on the molding conditions, partial mixing may occur within the transition zone 32 between the housing 20 and the insert 30. In this design, to promote optimal bonding between the two materials, it is preferable that the two polymers have a common base resin or a resin selected from a common type of resin.

[0030] Figure 4 An embodiment of the lock 10 formed via an insert injection molding process is illustrated schematically. In this process, the insert 30 can be initially formed from a first material, for example, via a first injection molding process. The insert 30 can then be placed in a second mold, in which a polymer of the housing 20 is injected around a portion 34 of the first component, and then cured around the portion 34 of the first component, locking the insert in place. If an insert injection molding process is used, it may be advantageous for the overmolded portion 34 to include one or more mechanically retaining features 36, which may provide, for example, additional channels, ribs, or holes for mechanical interlocking / attachment.

[0031] Figure 5 A third construction is schematically shown, in which two pre-formed halves 40, 42 of the housing 20 are connected together, with the insert 30 sandwiched in between (i.e., a clamshell construction). More specifically, when the first half 40 of the housing 20 is connected to the second half 42 of the housing 20, the two halves can together define an internal volume 44 therebetween. During assembly, the insert 30 fills at least a portion of the volume 44 and contacts (and is preferably compressed between) the two adjacent halves 40, 42.

[0032] In any of these three configurations, if the lock 10 includes multiple holes 22 (i.e., receiving multiple cables), a single insert 30 that simply includes multiple openings 48, each corresponding to a different hole 22, can be used.

[0033] like Figure 6 As shown, during use, when the cable joint feature 12 is in a stress-free state, the cable 14 can typically have a stress-free radius RC greater than the minimum radius RO of the opening 48. When the cable 14 passes through the opening 48, as... Figure 7 As shown, it can bend / deflect one or more of the flexible cable engagement features 12 away from the neutral plane 50 in the relative travel direction 52 of the cable 14. To reverse the relative travel direction of the cable 14, the cable engagement features 12 must be turned away from the center to the opposite side of the neutral plane 50. This operation may require more force than simply continuing to translate in the original travel direction 52.

[0034] Generally, depending on the purpose and state of the lock 10 and the cable 14, the lock of the present invention can be designed to apply three different types of resistance. The first resistance can be the dynamic resistance that the lock 10 experiences when sliding along the cable 14 in a constant direction. This resistance can be configured as the lowest resistance experienced by the lock 10.

[0035] A second resistance, potentially greater than the first, arises when the lock 10 begins to slide on the cable 14 in the same direction as its previous direction of travel. This "static" resistance is likely a product of the cable engagement feature 12 initially encroaching more extensively on the cable 14, combined with the greater static resistance of the lock 10 on the cable 14. Finally, the greatest resistance the lock can generate involves reversing its previous direction of travel from rest. Doing so requires not only overcoming the static friction of the lock 10 on the cable 14, but also that the flexible cable engagement feature 12 be elastically compressed through the neutral plane to flip to the opposite side.

[0036] Figure 8An embodiment of a cable 14 that can be used with this lock 10 is schematically illustrated. As shown, the cable 14 may be formed of multiple layers, each with a different material and / or structure. In this configuration, the cable 14 may include one or more core layers 60 and one or more outer layers 62 surrounding the one or more core layers 60. In some embodiments, the cable 14 may further include one or more outer coatings 64 surrounding the outer layers 62 that promote friction and / or waterproofing. Generally, the outer layers 62 may be characterized by radial elasticity / compressibility, while the core layers 60 may be characterized by inelasticity in the axial direction along the length of the cable.

[0037] In one configuration, one or more core layers 60 may include a single core enclosed by an outer layer 62. For example, the single core may be a solid extruded polymer or a stranded polymer cable bundle. Conversely, one or more outer layers 62 may include, for example, a polymer foam layer surrounding the core, or a foam layer surrounded by a solid outer layer or a woven fabric.

[0038] Generally, the core layer 60 provides tensile properties to the cable 14, making it suitable for intended lacing or drawstring applications. For example, it is desirable for shoelaces to have a certain amount of axial stiffness so that they do not elongate significantly when tightened and can maintain suitable tension on the shoe. Conversely, in this design, the outer layers 62 of the cable 14 are designed to be more flexible, allowing them to compress radially in response to forces applied by the flexible cable engagement feature 12, such as... Figure 7 As shown. Reference Figure 6 In one embodiment, the core 60 of the cable 14 may have a diameter approximately equal to the minimum diameter of the opening 48 (i.e., twice the RO).

[0039] Figure 9 An embodiment of a hole 22 for receiving a cable is schematically shown. As shown, the hole 22 includes a plurality of discrete lobes 28 equidistantly spaced around a perimeter 26 of the hole 22, defining an opening 48 between them. This embodiment specifically includes four lobes 28, although more or fewer lobes 28 may be used as described above. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature 70 of each lobe 28 may be between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the radius of curvature 72 of the hole 22 or the radius of curvature of a minimum circle 74 drawn through the root of each lobe 28. Furthermore, in one embodiment, each lobe may extend a distance from the circle 74, which is also between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the diameter of the circle 74. In one embodiment, each lobe may extend inward from the circle 74 by approximately 33% of the diameter of the circle 74. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the reference circle 74 may coincide with the hole 22. However, in other embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, there may be a spacer or transition region 78 between the circle 74 and the housing 20.

[0040] Figure 10A and 10B Another embodiment of the cable lock 10 is shown, which operates in a similar manner to that described above. As shown, this cable lock includes two polymer components 100, 102, which are combined or integrally formed into a single unit. Generally, the first component 100 forms the structural frame of the lock 10, while the second component 102 is relatively soft and provides the flexibility necessary to realize the cable engagement features. In this configuration, the components can be layered such that the frame component 100, as the first component, forms at least a majority of the outer surface of the first side 104 of the lock 10, while the flexible component 102, as the second component, forms at least a majority of the outer surface of the opposite side 106, which is the second side.

[0041] When viewed from a perspective perpendicular to the first side 104, the second component (i.e., forming the cable engagement flap 28) may also extend beyond a portion of the opposite side edge 108 of the first component 100. In this way, the softer second component 102 can serve as an aid to provide a more flexible grip for the user's fingers to make contact. To provide a more streamlined profile, the first component may include an opposing concave recess 110 that allows the second component to extend beyond without requiring it to protrude forward in a convex manner. Generally, the frame component 100, as the first component, can provide a degree of rigidity to the lock 10.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the housing 20 may also define a slit 90 or aperture through which a cord, tab, or string can extend. This cord can serve as an alternative to simply gripping the lock and sliding it forcefully along the cable 14. Examples of designs utilizing the slider described herein are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 220486 (filed April 1, 2021) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 053262 (filed July 17, 2020), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] Although the accompanying drawings primarily show circular holes, other geometric shapes of holes / openings may also be used. For example, in one embodiment, hole 22 may have a square or rectangular shape, or even a triangular or hexagonal shape, with flexible cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery, and its dimensions are configured to contact and at least partially encroach upon the cable 14 extending through it.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the housing 10 may be made entirely of a softer material without relying on the auxiliary flexible cable engagement feature 12. This material may have a hardness between approximately 40 A and approximately 80 A on the Shore A hardness scale, or between approximately 60 A and approximately 80 A. In a particular embodiment, the material may be thermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness of approximately 75 A on the Shore A hardness scale.

[0045] Similar to the embodiments described above, this softer housing 10 design may include one or more holes 22 extending through the thickness of the housing 10. When the cable is in a slack state, the outer diameter of each hole 22 (when in a slack state) may be smaller than the outer diameter of the cable 14. In this way, when the cable 14 extends through the hole 22, and without any external force, the housing 10 can elastically intrude into a portion of the cable 14 and cause it to deform radially. This compressive force, along with any surface friction / material interaction, can resist or impede any relative movement of the housing 10 along the cable 14.

[0046] To release the clamping force and allow the housing 10 to slide along the cable 14, a user can pull / tighten a band extending through, for example, a slit 90 or hole in the housing 10, away from the hole 22. In some embodiments, when the housing 10 is tightened, for example via the band passing through the slit 90, the material construction of the lock 10 can cause one or more holes 22 to elastically expand and / or elongate. When this occurs, the compressive force exerted by the housing 10 on the cable 14 can be reduced to such an extent that the tension exerted on the pulling band can also cause relative movement of the housing 10 along the cable 14. In other words, when the hole 22 expands, the magnitude of the compressive locking force exerted by the housing 10 on the cable 14 is reduced, and relative movement of the housing 10 along the cable 14 is more easily achieved.

[0047] The foregoing features and advantages of this teaching, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred modes and other embodiments for carrying out this teaching, as defined in the appended claims. The following provisions provide various embodiments similar to the cable lock described above.

[0048] Clause 1. A cable lock adapted to temporarily hold a cable passing through footwear or clothing in a stationary position, the cable lock comprising: a housing defining an aperture formed of a first material, the aperture extending through the thickness of the housing; an insert at least partially disposed within the aperture and defining an opening for receiving the cable, the insert being formed of a second material softer than the first material, the insert including a plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the aperture, the plurality of cable engagement features being adapted to deflect away from a neutral, stress-free plane when the cable is pulled through the opening.

[0049] Clause 2. The cable lock according to Clause 1, wherein the first material has a hardness of about 40D to about 80D measured on the Shore D hardness scale, and wherein the second material has a hardness of about 40A to about 80A measured on the Shore A hardness scale.

[0050] Clause 3. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the radius of curvature of each of the plurality of cable engagement features is between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the radius of curvature of the hole or the radius of curvature of the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the plurality of cable engagement features.

[0051] Clause 4. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein each of the plurality of cable engagement features extends a distance from the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the plurality of cable engagement features, the distance being between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the diameter of the circle.

[0052] Clause 5. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-4 further includes a cable, the outer diameter of which is greater than the diameter of a circle drawn through each of the plurality of cable engagement features.

[0053] Clause 6. The cable lock as described in Clause 5, wherein the cable comprises a core layer and an outer layer surrounding the core layer, and wherein the core layer is less elastic than the outer layer.

[0054] Clause 7. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the housing and the insert are integrally connected to each other.

[0055] Clause 8. A cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the hole is a first hole, and wherein the housing further defines a second hole extending through the thickness of the housing; and wherein an insert extends over the first hole and the second hole, the insert defining a second opening within the second hole and a second plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the second hole, the second plurality of cable engagement features being adapted to deflect away from a neutral, stress-free plane when a second cable is pulled through the second opening.

[0056] Clause 9. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the housing further defines an opening adapted to receive a traction belt.

[0057] Clause 10. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the insert extends further outward beyond the opposite side edge of the housing to define a plurality of grip-enhancing portions.

[0058] Clause 11. A cable lock for securing opposing first and second end portions of a cable passing through a portion of a footwear or clothing article, the cable lock comprising: a housing defining a first hole and a second hole, each of the first hole and the second hole extending completely through the thickness of the housing, the housing being formed of a first polymer material; a flexible insert formed of a second polymer material and extending over each of the first hole and the second hole, the flexible insert defining a first opening extending through the insert and aligned with the first hole, and further defining a second opening extending through the insert and aligned with the second hole, the first opening being adapted to receive a first end portion of the cable, the second opening being adapted to receive a second end portion of the cable; wherein the flexible insert forms a first plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the first opening, such that each of the first plurality of cable engagement features operatively contacts and presses into the first end portion of the cable; and wherein the flexible insert further forms a second plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward into the second opening, such that each of the second plurality of cable engagement features operatively contacts and presses into the second end portion of the cable.

[0059] Clause 12. The cable lock according to Clause 11, wherein when a first end portion of the cable is pulled through a first opening, each of the first plurality of cable engagement features is adapted to deflect away from a neutral stress-free plane; and wherein when a second end portion of the cable is pulled through a second opening, each of the second plurality of cable engagement features is adapted to deflect away from a neutral stress-free plane.

[0060] Clause 13. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-12, wherein the first material has a hardness of about 40D to about 80D measured on the Shore D hardness scale, and wherein the second material has a hardness of about 40A to about 80A measured on the Shore A hardness scale.

[0061] Clause 14. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-13, wherein the radius of curvature of each of the first and second plurality of cable engagement features is between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the radius of curvature of the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the respective plurality of cable engagement features.

[0062] Clause 15. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-14, wherein each of the first and second plurality of cable engagement features extends a distance from the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the respective plurality of cable engagement features, the distance being between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the diameter of the circle.

[0063] Clause 16. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-15 further includes a cable having a first end portion and a second end portion, the outer diameter of which is greater than the diameter of a circle drawn through the tip of each of the plurality of cable engagement features.

[0064] Clause 17. The cable lock as described in Clause 16, wherein the cable comprises a core layer and an outer layer surrounding the core layer, and wherein the core layer is less elastic than the outer layer.

[0065] Clause 18. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-17, wherein the housing and the insert are integrally connected to each other.

[0066] Clause 19. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-18, wherein the housing further defines an opening adapted to receive a traction belt.

[0067] Clause 20. The cable lock according to any one of Clauses 11-18, wherein the insert extends further outward beyond the opposite side edge of the housing to define a plurality of grip-enhancing portions.

[0068] Clause 21. A footwear article comprising a sole structure and an upper having an internal volume of a foot adapted to receive the footwear article, the footwear article further comprising laces operable to tighten the upper around a wearer's foot, the article further comprising a cable lock slidably engaged with each of a first end portion and a second end portion of the laces; and wherein the cable lock is in accordance with any one of Clauses 1-20.

Claims

1. A cable lock adapted to temporarily hold a stationary position along a cable passing through footwear or clothing, said cable lock comprising: A housing defining an opening, the housing being formed of a first material, and the opening extending through the thickness of the housing; as well as An insert, at least partially disposed within the hole and defining an opening for receiving the cable, is formed of a second material softer than the first material. The insert includes a plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the hole, the plurality of cable engagement features being adapted to deflect away from a neutral, stress-free plane when the cable is pulled through the opening. The insert extends further outward beyond the opposite side edge of the housing to define a plurality of grip-enhancing portions.

2. The cable lock according to claim 1, wherein, The first material has a hardness of 40D to 80D as measured on the Shore D hardness scale, and the second material has a hardness of 40A to 80A as measured on the Shore A hardness scale.

3. The cable lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The radius of curvature of each of the plurality of cable joint features is between 25% and 40% of the radius of curvature of the hole, or the radius of curvature of each of the plurality of cable joint features is between 25% and 40% of the radius of curvature of the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the plurality of cable joint features.

4. The cable lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of cable joint features extends a distance from the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the plurality of cable joint features, the distance being between 25% and 40% of the diameter of the circle.

5. The cable lock according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a cable, the outer diameter of which is greater than the diameter of a circle drawn through each of the plurality of cable engagement features.

6. The cable lock according to claim 5, wherein, The cable includes a core layer and an outer layer surrounding the core layer, wherein the core layer has less elasticity than the outer layer.

7. The cable lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing and the insert are integrally connected to each other.

8. The cable lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The hole is a first hole, and the housing further defines a second hole extending through the thickness of the housing; and The insert extends over the first hole and the second hole, defining a second opening within the second hole and a second plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the second hole. When the second cable is pulled through the second opening, the second plurality of cable engagement features are adapted to deflect away from the neutral stress-free plane.

9. The cable lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing also defines an opening suitable for receiving the traction belt.

10. A cable lock for securing opposing first and second end portions of a cable passing through a portion of footwear or clothing, the cable lock comprising: A housing defining a first hole and a second hole, each of the first hole and the second hole extending completely through the thickness of the housing, the housing being formed of a first polymer material; as well as A flexible insert, formed of a second polymer material and extending over each of the first and second holes, defines a first opening extending through the insert and aligned with the first hole, and also defines a second opening extending through the insert and aligned with the second hole, the first opening being adapted to receive a first end portion of the cable, and the second opening being adapted to receive a second end portion of the cable; The flexible insert forms a plurality of first cable engagement features extending radially inward from the first opening, such that each of the plurality of cable engagement features operably contacts and presses into a first end portion of the cable; and The flexible insert further forms a second plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward into the second opening, such that each of the second plurality of cable engagement features operably contacts and presses into the second end portion of the cable, and When the first end portion of the cable is pulled through the first opening, each of the first plurality of cable joint features is adapted to deflect away from the neutral stress-free plane. When the second end portion of the cable is pulled through the second opening, each of the second plurality of cable joint features is adapted to deflect away from the neutral, stress-free plane; and The insert extends further outward beyond the opposite side edge of the housing to define a plurality of grip-enhancing portions.

11. The cable lock according to claim 10, wherein, The first polymer material has a hardness ranging from 40D to 80D as measured on the Shore D hardness scale, and the second polymer material has a hardness ranging from 40A to 80A as measured on the Shore A hardness scale.

12. The cable lock according to claim 10, wherein, The radius of curvature of each of the first plurality of cable joint features and the second plurality of cable joint features is between 25% and 40% of the radius of curvature of the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the respective plurality of cable joint features.

13. The cable lock according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the first plurality of cable joint features and the second plurality of cable joint features extends a distance from the smallest possible circle drawn through the root of each of the respective plurality of cable joint features, the distance being between 25% and 40% of the diameter of the circle.

14. The cable lock of claim 10 further includes a cable having a first end portion and a second end portion, the outer diameter of the cable being greater than the diameter of a circle drawn through the tip of each of the first plurality of cable engagement features and the second plurality of cable engagement features.

15. The cable lock according to claim 14, wherein, The cable includes a core layer and an outer layer surrounding the core layer, wherein the core layer has less elasticity than the outer layer.

16. The cable lock according to claim 10, wherein, The housing and the insert are integrally connected to each other.

17. The cable lock according to claim 10, wherein, The housing also defines an opening suitable for receiving the traction belt.

18. A footwear article comprising a cable lock according to any one of claims 1-9.

19. The footwear article according to claim 18, further comprising: The sole structure and upper, the upper having an internal volume suitable for receiving the foot; and Shoelaces are used to tighten the shoe upper by wrapping around the wearer's foot; The cable lock can be slidably engaged with each of the first and second end portions of the shoelace.

20. A footwear article comprising a cable lock according to any one of claims 10-17.

21. The footwear article according to claim 20, further comprising: The sole structure and upper, the upper having an internal volume suitable for receiving the foot; and Shoelaces are used to tighten the shoe upper by wrapping around the wearer's foot; The cable lock can be slidably engaged with each of the first and second end portions of the shoelace.

22. A cable lock adapted to temporarily hold a stationary position along a cable passing through footwear or clothing, said cable lock comprising: A housing defining an opening, the housing being formed of a first material, and the opening extending through the thickness of the housing; as well as An insert, at least partially disposed within the hole and defining an opening for receiving the cable, the insert being formed of a second material softer than the first material, the insert including a plurality of cable engagement features extending radially inward from the periphery of the hole, the plurality of cable engagement features being adapted to deflect away from a neutral, stress-free plane when the cable is pulled through the opening. The insert includes a portion extending into the housing around the hole; and The portion of the insert includes a mechanically retaining feature that is mechanically interlocked with the housing; and The insert extends further outward beyond the opposite side edge of the housing to define a plurality of grip-enhancing portions.

23. The cable lock according to claim 22, wherein, The mechanical retaining feature is one of a channel, rib, or hole.

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