Rope locking assembly

Abstract

The cord locking assembly includes an insertion member and a receiving member. The receiving member has a hollow body with a cavity and an opening for passage of a cord therethrough. The insert member has a shank fitting within the receiving member cavity, the shank having a channel, the shank sliding within the cavity along the guide ridge. When the insertion member is pushed into the receiving member, it securely holds the cord in place. The insertion member also has an opening for the cord and a groove into which the cord is inserted from the side portion. The handle has a small rib near its end that presses the cord against the inside of the cavity to provide additional gripping. The guide ridges and channels may be angled to assist in aligning the components during insertion.

Description

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 704,107, filed October 7, 2024, entitled “FLAT CORDLOCK,” which is incorporated in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a cord lock assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] Cord locks are commonly used to secure and adjust draw cords on a variety of articles such as clothing, footwear, backpacks, outdoor gear, and the like. Conventional cord locks are typically formed of plastic. These devices generally rely on an internal spring-loaded mechanism to clamp and hold the cord in place. In use, pressing a portion of the housing causes the spring to compress, allowing the cord to slide through the opening of the lock. Once released, the spring acts to clamp and secure the cord, thereby maintaining a desired cord length or tension.

[0004] While these spring-loaded cord locks are widely adopted due to their provision of quick adjustment without the need for knots, they require multiple internal components (e.g., springs, separate guide elements, etc.) to function. The reliance on these additional components increases cost, complexity, and potential points of failure. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to a cord lock assembly, substantially as illustrated in at least one of the accompanying drawings and described in connection with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] Figure 1a An assembly view of an exemplary cord lock assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 1b And 1c A perspective view of the cord lock assembly is shown with the first insert member engaged with the receiving member. In Figure 1b the assembly is shown in a secured position, while in Figure 1c the assembly is shown in an adjusted position.

[0009] Figure 1d And 1eA perspective view of the rope locking assembly is shown with the second insertion part engaged with the receiving part. In Figure 1d the assembly is shown in the fixed position, while in Figure 1e the assembly is shown in the adjustment position.

[0010] Figure 2a and 2b show a perspective view and a side sectional assembly view, respectively, of the rope locking assembly along the sectioning line A-A of Figure 1b

[0011] Figure 2c and 2d show a top sectional assembly view of the rope locking assembly along the sectioning line B-B of Figure 1c , where Figure 2c corresponds to the fixed position and Figure 2d corresponds to the adjustment position.

[0012] Figure 3a and 3b show a first perspective view and a second perspective view, respectively, of the receiving part.

[0013] Figure 3c and 3d show a first side view and a second side view, respectively, of the receiving part.

[0014] Figure 3e and 3f show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the receiving part.

[0015] Figure 3g and 3h show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the receiving part.

[0016] Figure 4a and 4b show a first perspective view and a second perspective view, respectively, of the first insertion part.

[0017] Figure 4c and 4d show a first side view and a second side view, respectively, of the first insertion part.

[0018] Figure 4e and 4f show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the first insertion part.

[0019] Figure 4g and 4h show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the first insertion part.

[0020] Figure 5a and 5b show a first perspective view and a second perspective view, respectively, of the second insertion part. ​

[0021] Figure 5c and 5d show a first side view and a second side view, respectively, of the second insertion component.

[0022] Figure 5e and 5f show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the second insertion component.

[0023] Figure 5g and 5h show a front view and a back view, respectively, of the second insertion component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] References to singular items shall include the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the term "and / or" together with the occurrence of a list of two or more items shall mean that any single one of the listed items can be employed by the disclosure along with any combination of the listed items. The term "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", but also includes other non-specified items. The term "consisting essentially of shall mean including additional (one or more) items that do not materially affect the essence of the disclosure. The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure using terms such as "process", "method", "procedure", "technique", "step", "operation", or "function" shall not be understood as indicating that any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure is necessarily limited to just those steps or operations, but rather such terms are used to better describe some aspects and embodiments of the disclosure. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of any of the following terms: "one", "another", "at least one", "one or more", and "at least one or more" shall not imply that the integer or unit associated with the term is limited to only one entity rather than one or more than one. The use of the term "about" or "approximately" in connection with a value shall mean that the associated value, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, is intended to be an acceptable

[0025] When the term "about", "approximately", "substantially", or like terms appear alongside a value, it is understood that the acceptable range of deviation from the stated value, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, is such that the stated value operates satisfactorily for the intended use. The ranges of values and / or numerical values given herein are provided merely as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "for instance", "such as", "like", "for example") provided herein are intended merely to better illuminate examples of the disclosure and do not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. The terms "such as" and "for example" give a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0026] The term "and / or" means any one or more of the listed items or a combination of any of the listed items. For example, "x and / or y" means any element of the trinary set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y." As another example, "x, y, and / or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y, and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z."

[0027] Rope locks are used in rope application situations such as glove wrist, hooded garments, sleeve cuffs, and backpack cinch closures. Conventional rope locks are typically cylindrical and include two or more molded plastic components that cooperate with one another to pinch / compress the rope when cinched, often relying on a metal spring to increase the pinching force between the components. While functional, these devices have several drawbacks. The reliance on metal springs increases cost, complexity, and potential durability issues. Loosening the rope end is often not manageable, thus requiring additional components or accessories. Conventional rope locks also are not typically cinched in the application, creating inconvenience and increasing the risk of loss. Additionally, many rope locks are pre-assembled prior to shipping, increasing the cost of manufacturing and assembly for the supplier and decreasing the flexibility of the subcontractor responsible for installation.

[0028] The present disclosure relates generally to rope fastening devices, and more particularly to rope locks for securing and adjusting a drawstring in a customer product such as a garment, glove, and backpack. In operation, the disclosed rope locks allow an end user to cinch the drawstring by pulling on the loose end, which causes the rope lock to tighten its grip on the rope. To loosen, the user operates one component relative to the other to release the grip and allow the rope to elongate.

[0029] The rope locks of the present disclosure address the deficiencies of existing rope locks by providing a rope lock that can be shipped as separate components to be assembled by a customer subcontractor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In particular, the present disclosure describes a flat rope lock (as opposed to a cylindrical rope lock, for example) that includes two components. The two components can be an insert component (e.g., a male component) and a receiving component (e.g., a female component). The disclosed rope locks provide repeatable cinching and loosening functionality without the need for metal springs.

[0030] The disclosed rope lock improves management of the slack rope portion through one or more guide loops, thereby eliminating the need for auxiliary rope retention components. By eliminating the metal spring, the disclosed rope lock further reduces cost while increasing durability. At least one component can be directly tied to the application, thereby ensuring that the fastener remains secure and is convenient to use. For example, the rope can be guided through the insert component and the receiving component via one or more rope openings formed within the insert component and the receiving component. These features provide a rope lock that achieves the desired tying and untying functionality of conventional designs while giving the distinct advantages of cost reduction, durability, ease of assembly, and user convenience.

[0031] In one example, a rope lock assembly for securing a rope includes a receiving component including a receiving body defining a cavity, wherein a guide ridge is formed within the cavity, and an insert component including an insert body and an insert appendage, wherein the insert appendage includes a shank terminating at a front end, wherein the shank includes a channel configured to engage the guide ridge, and wherein the insert component is configured to linearly translate relative to the receiving component between a secured position and an adjusted position.

[0032] In another example, a rope lock assembly for securing a rope includes a receiving component including a receiving body defining a cavity, wherein the cavity includes a tapered inner sidewall, and an insert component including an insert body and an insert appendage, wherein the insert appendage includes a shank terminating at a front end, the front end shaped complementary to the tapered inner sidewall at a compression region, and wherein the insert component is configured to linearly translate relative to the receiving component between a secured position and an adjusted position.

[0033] In some examples, when in the secured position, the rope is compressed at the compression region between a portion of the insert component and a portion of the receiving component.

[0034] In some examples, when in the adjusted position, the rope is slidable at the compression region.

[0035] In some examples, the receiving component includes at least one guide loop configured to receive a portion of the rope.

[0036] In some examples, the insert body defines a pair of openings through which the rope passes.

[0037] In some examples, the insert body further includes at least one slot that allows the rope to be laterally inserted into at least one of the pair of openings.

[0038] In some examples, the shank further includes a plurality of ribs configured to compress the rope at the compression region when in the secured position.

[0039] In some examples, the plurality of ribs are configured to complement the tapered inner sidewall of the cavity.

[0040] In some examples, the insertion component includes a guide ring.

[0041] In some examples, the receiving component includes spaced apart upper and lower plates that are joined to one another to at least partially define the cavity, wherein the guide ridge is formed on at least one of the upper and lower plates.

[0042] Figure 1a An assembly view of an exemplary cord locking assembly 100 is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The cord locking assembly 100 generally includes a receiving component 102 and an insertion component 104. As Figure 1a shown, the assembly includes one receiving component 102 and two exemplary insertion components 104 that are interchangeably used with the receiving component 102 to accommodate desired applications. More specifically, the first insertion component 104a is provided with a guide ring 120, while the second insertion component 104b is devoid of the guide ring 120 to provide, for example, a smaller form factor.

[0043] Figure 1b and 1c A perspective view of the cord locking assembly 100 is shown with the first insertion component 104a engaged with the receiving component 102. In Figure 1b , the cord locking assembly 100 is shown in a secured position (e.g., a locked or cinched position), while in Figure 1c , the cord locking assembly 100 is shown in an adjusted position (e.g., a released or loosened position). Figure 1d and 1e A perspective view of the cord locking assembly 100 is shown with the second insertion component 104b engaged with the receiving component 102. In Figure 1d , the cord locking assembly 100 is shown in a secured position, while in Figure 1e , the cord locking assembly 100 is shown in an adjusted position.

[0044] Each of the receiving component 102 and the insertion component 104 can be manufactured to have a body or other housing (e.g., receiving body 114 and insertion body 124) with one or more internal or attached components (e.g., guide ridge 126, etc.) or other features. The cord locking assembly 100 is generally configured to secure and adjust one or more cords 122, such as a drawstring, a shoelace, a rope, a cable, a cord, or similar elongate flexible member, and can be used in a wide range of applications including apparel, luggage, tents, footwear, marine equipment, outdoor gear, and industrial cables, among others.

[0045] Figure 2a and 2b Perspective and side cross-sectional assembly views of the cord locking assembly 100 with the cord 122 along Figure 1b , respectively, taken along the cut line A-A. Figure 2c and2d a cross-sectional assembly view taken along Figure 1c the plane of the cut line B-B. Figure 2c corresponding to the fixed position, and Figure 2d corresponding to the adjusted position.

[0046] The illustrated rope locking assembly 100 includes two components, namely a receiving component 102 and an insert component 104. The receiving component 102 is configured to house and guide the insert component 104 during assembly, while cooperating with the insert component 104 to compress, clamp, and selectively release the rope 122. As Figure 1a shown, the assembly 100 can include a single receiving component 102 and one of a plurality of insert components 104 that are interchangeably engageable with the receiving component 102. More specifically, the illustrated example includes a first insert component 104a and a second insert component 104b, either of which can be used with the same receiving component 102 depending on application requirements.

[0047] The first insert component 104a is provided with a guide ring 120, while the second insert component 104b omits the guide ring 120. The inclusion or omission of the guide ring 120 provides different rope management options to the end user. For example, the guide ring 120 of the first insert component 104a can be employed to lay an additional rope end 122b in a controlled manner, thereby reducing tangling and increasing aesthetics. In contrast, the second insert component 104b provides a simple construction without the guide ring 120, thereby reducing component complexity, decreasing form factor, and allowing low cost manufacturing (e.g., due to simplicity and reduced material usage).

[0048] The insert component 104 acts as an interface with the user, and thus can include, for example, grippable areas or textured surfaces. In some examples, the width of the insert body 124 can be wider than the receiving component 102 to increase user grip. While an exemplary receiving component 102 is shown with first and second insert components 104a, 104b, the receiving component 102 and / or the insert component 104 can alternatively or additionally include other features. These features can include grippable areas or textured surfaces (e.g., knurling, ridges, or soft overmolded rubber) to facilitate one-handed operation, including enlarged detent bumps or "easy to pull" geometry to assist users with limited dexterity, including integral tie-in loops or clips that securely attach to clothing, backpacks, or gear, or including integral locking mechanisms (e.g., secondary carabiners) to mitigate accidental release. In some examples, the receiving component 102 and / or the insert component 104 can further include multi-functional elements, such as whistles, hooks, or clips.

[0049] Figure 1b and 1cThe rope locking assembly 100 is shown with the first insert component 104a engaged with the receiving component 102. In Figure 1b In the secured position, the insert component 104a is fully inserted into the cavity 128 of the receiving component 102 such that the ribs 116 formed on the insert component 104 press the rope 122 against the inner surface of the receiving body 114 at the compression region 132. As Figure 2c And 2d As most clearly shown, the sidewalls of the cavity 128 are generally tapered (or include a tapered region) and correspond to the angle and shape of the forward end 118 (and ribs 116, where applicable). In Figure 1c The rope locking assembly 100 is shown with the first insert component 104a engaged with the receiving component 102. In

[0050] Figure 1d And 1e The rope locking assembly 100 is shown with the second insert component 104b engaged with the receiving component 102. Figure 1d A secured position is shown in which the rope 122 is tightly pinched by the interaction of the ribs 116 and the inner cavity surface of the receiving component 102. Figure 1e A similar adjusted position is shown in which the insert component 104b is displaced relative to the receiving component 102 to release pressure on the rope 122, allowing the slackline loop 122a or other cinched portion of the rope to be loosened. Figure 1c

[0051] Figures 3a-3h A detail view of the receiving component 102 is shown. Figure 3a And 3b First and second perspective views of the receiving component 102 are shown. Figure 3c And 3d First and second side views of the receiving component 102 are shown. Figure 3e And 3f Top and bottom views of the receiving component 102 are shown. Figure 3g And 3h Front and rear views of the receiving component 102 are shown.

[0052] The receiving component 102 includes a receiving body 114 that defines a cavity 128 configured to receive the insert attachment 112 of the insert component 104. The receiving body 114 can be formed as a unitarily molded housing.

[0053] ​In some examples, the receiving body 114 includes or defines an upper plate and a lower plate connected along opposite sides (e.g., whether directly connected or connected via one or more side walls), thereby forming a pocket-like cavity 128. At least one guide ring 120 is formed within the receiving body 114 to allow passage of the cord 122. The guide ring 120 can be circular, oval, slot-like, or polygonal, and can be formed through one wall of the receiving body 114 or through multiple walls in communication with the cavity 128.

[0054] The cavity 128 can define a cross-section that is rounded rectangular, generally rectangular, oval, circular, or other cross-sectional shape, for example depending on the shape of the insert accessory 112. At the compression region 132, at least a portion of the sidewall of the cavity 128 can be generally tapered (or otherwise sloped or angled) to correspond to the angle or shape at the leading end 118 of the rib 116.

[0055] Within the cavity 128, the guide ridge 126 is formed as a linear protrusion or track that extends along the interior wall of the receiving body 114 (shown on the interior surface of the top and bottom plates). The guide ridge 126 engages with the complementary channel 110 formed on the insert accessory 112, thereby guiding the insert member 104 during insertion and withdrawal. The guide ridge 126 and channel 110 together function as a track, allowing linear translation of the insert member 104 relative to the receiving member 102 between a fixed position and an adjusted position. As Figure 2a and 2b As shown, the length of the opposing guide ridge 126 is shorter than the length of the channel 110, thereby fixing the insert member 104 while still allowing it to slide between the extremes of the channel 110 (shown as the leading end 110a and the trailing end 110b). If desired for removal, the insert member 104 can be disengaged from the receiving member 102 by pulling the insert member 104 in direction A (arrow 134) with sufficient force to flex the opposing guide ridges 126 outward (e.g., via flexing of the receiving body 114), thereby allowing the ridges 126 to exit the channel 110.

[0056] In some examples, each guide ridge 126 includes a chamfered or tapered leading end 126a to facilitate alignment and insertion into the channel 110, and a flat trailing end 126b to hold the ridge within the channel until sufficient withdrawal force is applied. Correspondingly, each channel 110 can include a trailing end 110a shaped complementary to the leading end 126a of the ridge, and a leading end 110b shaped complementary to the trailing end 126b of the ridge. This arrangement ensures that the handle 130 is securely in place in the receiving member 102 while still allowing controlled release under sufficient force.

[0057] Figures 4a-4h A detail view of the first insert member 104a is shown, Figures 5a-5h A detail view of the second insert member 104b is shown.Figure 4a and 4b respectively show a first perspective view and a second perspective view of the first insert component 104a. Figure 4c and 4d respectively show a first and second side view of the first insert component 104a. Figure 4e and 4f respectively show a top view and a bottom view of the first insert component 104a. Figure 4g and 4h respectively show a front view and a rear view of the first insert component 104a. Figure 5a and 5b respectively show a first perspective view and a second perspective view of the second insert component 104b. Figure 5c and 5d respectively show a first side view and a second side view of the second insert component 104b. Figure 5e and 5f respectively show a top view and a bottom view of the second insert component 104b. Figure 5g and 5h respectively show a front view and a rear view of the second insert component 104b.

[0058] The insert component 104 includes an insert body 124 and an insert accessory 112. The insert body 124 defines at least one pair of cord openings 106 for receiving a cord 122. Each cord opening 106 can be circular, oval, or polygonal, and sized to snugly accommodate the cord 122.

[0059] In some examples, the insert body 124 further includes one or more slots 108 extending (as shown, laterally) through a perimeter of the insert body 124 to the cord openings 106. The slots 108 allow the cord 122 to be inserted into the cord openings 106 without threading a free end of the cord, thereby simplifying assembly and rethreading. For example, the slots 108 allow for tool-free field replacement, so a user can replace the insert body 124 without cutting the cord 122 or rethreading the cord 122. The first insert component 104a also includes a guide ring 120, while the second insert component 104b omits this feature. The guide ring 120 can be used to anchor one end of the cord 122 and to lay out the slack end 122b.

[0060] The insert accessory 112 extends perpendicularly relative to the insert body 124. The insert accessory 112 includes a shank 130 terminating at a front end 118. An edge of the front end 118 can be beveled or rounded to facilitate insertion into the cavity 128 of the receiving component 102. A pair of external channels 110 are formed along the shank 130, extending longitudinally along at least one side of the shank 130 or opposite sides of the shank 130 (as shown). Each channel 110 is configured to receive a guide ridge 126 formed within the receiving component 102.

[0061] A plurality of ribs 116 are formed on, at, or near the front end 118 of the shank 130. In the illustrated example, four ribs 116 are provided, arranged on opposite sides of the shank. The ribs 116 project outwardly from the shank 130 and are configured to engage the cord 122 when the insertion accessory 112 is inserted into the cavity 128. When in the secured position, the ribs 116 press the cord 122 against the inner wall of the receiving component 114, thereby securing the cord 122 in place at the pinch region 132. Each rib 116 can be straight, arcuate, angled, segmented, or continuous, and can be formed with different degrees of hardness to vary the clamping force.

[0062] The plurality of ribs 116 on each side can form a step or be arranged on an angled surface of the front end 118, such that the overall shape of the front end 118 is angled or sloped to engage the generally tapered inner side wall of the cavity 128. In the illustrated example, the front end 118 and the plurality of ribs 116 define a generally trapezoidal or triangular end portion. When the cord 122 is installed and the cord locking assembly 100 is in the secured position, the cord 122 is clamped between the plurality of ribs 116 and the tapered inner side wall of the cavity 128 at the pinch region 132. When the insertion component 104 is moved slightly out of the cavity 128 to assume the adjusted position, a gap is formed between the plurality of ribs 116 and the tapered inner side wall of the cavity 128 at the pinch region 132, thereby relaxing and releasing the cord 122 so that the cord 122 can slide or otherwise slip at the pinch region 132.

[0063] The receiving component 102 and the insertion component 104 can be manufactured using a variety of techniques according to a desired balance of strength, durability, cost, and manufacturing volume. In one example, both components are manufactured by injection molding of a thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (Nylon), or other engineering polymers. Injection molding allows tight dimensional control of features such as the cavity 128, the guide ridge 162, the ribs 116, and the like, which must be maintained to tight tolerances to achieve reliable clamping action. In some examples, the receiving component 102 and the insertion component 104 can be manufactured using night glow or high-visibility accent features for nighttime or safety use.

[0064] Other examples of additive manufacturing include three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), binder jetting, powder bed fusion, or direct energy deposition. Additive manufacturing is highly advantageous for rapid prototyping or limited production runs because it eliminates the need for costly molds and allows for rapid iteration of design features such as the geometry of channel 110 and guide ridge 126.

[0065] In another example, the receiving part 102 and the inserting part 104 can be formed from metallic materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc alloys, especially for heavy-duty applications requiring better load-bearing capacity or wear resistance. Metal versions can be manufactured by die casting, CNC machining, embossing, or powder metallurgy.

[0066] In some cases, a hybrid construction may be employed. For example, the receiving component 102 may be injection molded, while the insert component 104 may be machined or additively manufactured, thereby utilizing the strengths of each technology (or vice versa). Co-molding may also be used, allowing different materials to be integrated into a single component—for example, overmolding a soft elastomer onto a rigid substrate to provide enhanced cord retention or tactile feel.

[0067] The components of the rope locking assembly 100 can be further treated with surface finishing, coating, or texturing to improve performance. For example, the rib 116 can be coated with a high-friction elastomer to increase the gripping of the rope 122, while the outer surface of the receiving body 114 can be polished, textured, or coated for aesthetic purposes.

[0068] During operation, the rope locking assembly 100 alternates between two main states: a fixed position and an adjustable position.

[0069] In a fixed position, such as Figure 1b , 1d As shown in Figure 2d, the insertion attachment 112 of the insertion member 104 is fully inserted into the cavity 128 of the receiving member 102. Ribs 116 located near the front end 118 engage the rope 122 and press it against the inner wall of the receiving body 114 (e.g., in the clamping region 132). This clamping action prevents relative slippage of the rope 122 and locks the rope's tying portion 122a in place. Channels 110 and guide ridges 126 ensure proper alignment of the insertion attachment 112 within the cavity 128, thereby maintaining continuous clamping.

[0070] Adjusting the position, such as Figure 1c and 1eAs shown, the insertion attachment 112 is partially withdrawn from the cavity 128, thereby reducing the pressure applied by the ribs 116 to the cord 122. This reduced engagement allows the cord 122 to freely slide in the compression region 132 and, for example, through the cord opening 106 of the insertion body 124 and the guide ring 120 of the receiving component 102. The user can then tighten the cord 122 by pulling the free end 122b in the tightening direction 134, or loosen the cord 122 by pulling apart the receiving component 102 and the insertion component 104 in a direction opposite the tightening direction, as indicated by arrow 136.

[0071] Due to the construction of, for example, the ribs 116 and the alignment features provided by the channels 110 and the guide ridges 126, the transition between the fixed position and the adjustment position can be repeated multiple times without significant wear to the components.

[0072] In some examples, the receiving component 102 can include multiple guide rings 120 arranged on different surfaces of the receiving body 114 to receive cords entering from different directions.

[0073] In other examples, the insertion attachment 112 can include at least one channel 110 arranged circumferentially around the handle 130, thereby engaging multiple guide ridges 126 in the cavity 128. This multi-channel design improves the stability of the insertion component 104 within the receiving component 102 and reduces the likelihood of rotational misalignment.

[0074] In other examples, the ribs 116 can be arranged in staggered rows along the length of the handle 130, thereby providing multiple levels of cord engagement as the insertion component 104 is pushed into the cavity 128. This multi-level engagement can allow for gradual tightening of the cord 122, giving the user more fine control over the tightening.

[0075] While Figures 1a-5h The insertion component 104 is shown configured to secure a single cord 122, but other examples can be designed to secure two or more cords simultaneously. For example, the insertion body 124 can define multiple pairs of cord openings 106 and corresponding slots 108, each pair of cord openings 106 and corresponding slot 108 configured to receive a respective cord.

[0076] Still further examples can reverse the arrangement of the alignment features. For example, the channels 110 can be formed within the cavity 128 of the receiving component 102, while the guide ridges 126 can be provided on the handle 130 of the insertion attachment 112.

[0077] The cord locking assembly 100 has a wide range of applications across the consumer, commercial, and industrial fields. In the apparel industry, it can be used to secure drawstrings on jackets, pants, or hoods. In the footwear industry, it can be used as a lace locking system. In outdoor and sporting equipment, it can be applied to tents, backpacks, or sleeping bags to adjust and secure the cords under different loads. In marine applications, the cord locking assembly 100 can secure rigging, tarpaulins, or flotation devices while being corrosion resistant when constructed of suitable materials. In medical or industrial equipment, the cord locking assembly 100 can be used to manage tubing, hoses, or cables where reliable and repeatable adjustment is required.

[0078] Because the disclosed design does not rely on springs or other auxiliary components, it is particularly well suited for situations where reliability and durability are of utmost importance. This simplified construction reduces the number of components, assembly steps, and cost while maintaining a robust and repeatable cinching function.

[0079] While this device and / or system has been described with reference to certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the device and / or system. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, components in the disclosed examples can be combined, separated, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the device and / or system are not intended to be limited to the particular examples disclosed. Indeed, the device and / or system encompasses all examples falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A rope locking assembly for securing a rope, the rope locking assembly comprising: A receiving component, the receiving component including a receiving body defining a cavity, The guiding ridge is formed within the cavity; as well as The insertion component includes an insertion body and an insertion attachment. The inserted accessory includes a handle that terminates at the front end. The handle includes a channel configured to engage the guide ridge, and The insertion component is configured to translate linearly between a fixed position and an adjustable position relative to the receiving component.

2. The rope locking assembly of claim 1, wherein when in the fixed position, the rope is clamped in the clamping region between a portion of the inserting member and a portion of the receiving member.

3. The rope locking assembly of claim 2, wherein when in the adjusted position, the rope is slidable in the clamping area.

4. The rope locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the receiving component includes at least one guide loop configured to receive a portion of the rope.

5. The rope locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the insertion body defines a pair of openings through which the rope passes.

6. The rope locking assembly of claim 5, wherein the insertion body further includes at least one groove that allows the rope to be laterally inserted into at least one of the pair of openings.

7. The rope locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle further includes a plurality of ribs configured to press the rope into the pressing area when in the fixed position.

8. The rope locking assembly of claim 7, wherein the plurality of ribs are configured to complement the tapered inner wall of the cavity.

9. The rope locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the insertion member includes a guide ring.

10. The rope locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the receiving member comprises a spaced-apart upper plate and a lower plate, the upper plate and the lower plate engaging with each other to at least partially define the cavity, wherein the guide ridge is formed on at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate.

11. A rope locking assembly for securing a rope, the rope locking assembly comprising: A receiving component, the receiving component including a receiving body defining a cavity, The cavity includes a tapering inner wall; as well as The insertion component includes an insertion body and an insertion attachment. The insertion attachment includes a handle terminating at a front end, the shape of which complements the tapered inner wall in the clamping region. The insertion component is configured to translate linearly between a fixed position and an adjustable position relative to the receiving component.

12. The rope locking assembly of claim 11, wherein the handle includes a channel configured to engage a guide ridge formed within the cavity.

13. The rope locking assembly of claim 11, wherein when in the fixed position, the rope is pressed between a portion of the insert member and a portion of the receiver member in the pressing region.

14. The rope locking assembly of claim 13, wherein when in the adjusted position, the rope is slidable in the clamping area.

15. The rope locking assembly of claim 11, wherein the receiving component includes at least one guide loop configured to receive a portion of the rope.

16. The rope locking assembly of claim 11, wherein the insertion body defines a pair of openings through which the rope passes.

17. The rope locking assembly of claim 16, wherein the insertion body further includes at least one groove that allows the rope to be laterally inserted into at least one of the pair of openings.

18. The rope locking assembly of claim 11, wherein the handle further includes a plurality of ribs configured to press the rope into the pressing area when in the fixed position.

19. The rope locking assembly of claim 11, wherein the insertion member includes a guide ring.

20. The rope locking assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiving member comprises a spaced-apart upper plate and a lower plate, the upper plate and the lower plate engaging with each other to at least partially define the cavity, wherein the guide ridge is formed on at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate.

Images