Cord stopper

Abstract

A cord stopper (1) includes a first member (10) and a second member (20) which are combined with each other. Each of the first member (10) and the second member (20) includes: a base part (11, 21); a socket part (12, 22) which is disposed in the base part (11, 21) and in which a pair of first string insertion holes (125, 225) facing each other in a string insertion direction are formed; a plug part (13, 23) which is disposed in the base part (11, 21) side by side in a width direction intersecting the string insertion direction with respect to the socket part (12, 22) and in which a second string insertion hole (135, 235) is formed; and an arm part (14, 24) extending from the plug part (13, 23). The plug part (13, 23) of the first member (10) and the second member (20) is inserted into the socket part (22, 12) of the first member (10) or the second member (20), which are mating counterparts, along a combination direction intersecting the string insertion direction and the width direction. The second string insertion hole (135, 235) of the first member (10) and the second member (20) communicates with the pair of first string insertion holes (225, 125) of the mating counterparts. In each of the first member (10) and the second member (20), the arm part (14, 24) elastically biases the plug part (13, 23) by being pressed against the base part (21, 11) of the mating counterpart.

Description

Code stopper

[0001] The present invention relates to a code stopper capable of adjusting the fastening position with respect to a string.

[0002] Conventionally, a code stopper capable of adjusting the fastening position with respect to a string is known. For example, the code stopper disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical socket, a plug inserted into the socket, and a spring member disposed between the bottom of the socket and the plug. In this code stopper, the string is inserted through through-holes provided in each of the socket and the plug, and is sandwiched between the plug urged by the spring member and the socket.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-3110

[0004] However, in order to manufacture the code stopper of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare three members (plug, socket, and spring member) having different shapes and assemble them, which requires labor and cost for manufacturing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a code stopper capable of reducing the labor and cost for manufacturing.

[0006] [1] The code stopper according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first member and a second member that are combined with each other. Each of the first member and the second member includes a base portion, a socket portion provided on the base portion and having a pair of first string insertion holes formed to face the string insertion direction, and a plug portion provided on the base portion side by side in the width direction intersecting the string insertion direction with respect to the socket portion and having a second string insertion hole formed therein, and an arm portion extending from the plug portion. Each of the plug portions of the first member and the second member is inserted along a combination direction intersecting each of the string insertion direction and the width direction with respect to the socket portion of the first member or the second member that is a combination partner. Each of the second string insertion holes of the first member and the second member communicates with the pair of first string insertion holes in the combination partner. In each of the first member and the second member, the arm portion elastically biases the plug portion by being pressed against the base portion of the combination partner.

[0007] [2] In each of the first member and the second member according to [1] above, it is preferable that the tip of the arm portion is configured to be slidable in the width direction with respect to the base portion of the mating partner.

[0008] [3] In each of the first member and the second member relating to [2] above, it is preferable that the arm portion is connected to the end of the plug portion that is spaced apart from the socket portion in the width direction.

[0009] [4] In each of the first member and the second member relating to [2] or [3] above, the base portion has a guide bottom surface facing the combination direction in the internal space of the socket portion, and it is preferable that the guide bottom surface is inclined with respect to the width direction so as to guide the tip portion of the arm portion of the mating partner that is pressed to one side in the width direction.

[0010] [5] In each of the first member and the second member relating to any of [2] to [4] above, the socket portion has a guide side facing the width direction in the internal space of the socket portion, and it is preferable that the guide side is inclined with respect to the combination direction so as to guide the tip of the arm portion of the mating partner that is to be pressed to one side in the width direction.

[0011] [6] In each of the first member and the second member relating to any of [1] to [5] above, the socket portion preferably comprises a pair of wall portions that face each other in the direction of string insertion via the internal space of the socket portion and in which the pair of first string insertion holes are formed.

[0012] [7] In each of the first member and the second member relating to any of [1] to [6] above, the socket portion preferably has an opening that opens the internal space toward the plug portion in the width direction.

[0013] [8] The cord stopper according to claim 7, wherein in each of the first member and the second member relating to [7] above, the plug portion is arranged so as to be able to abut against the plug portion of the socket portion with which it is combined in the width direction via the open portion of the socket portion.

[0014] [9] In each of the first member and the second member relating to any of [1] to [8] above, it is preferable that a groove is formed between the plug portion and the base end of the arm portion.

[0015]

[10] In each of the first member and the second member relating to any of [1] to [9] above, the plug portion preferably comprises a plug body portion in which the second string insertion hole is formed, and a protrusion that protrudes from the plug body portion in the string insertion direction and engages with the first string insertion hole of the mating partner.

[0016] A side view showing the cord stopper of the first embodiment in the cord-fastened state. A side view showing the cord stopper of the first embodiment in the cord-unfastened state. A perspective view showing the first member constituting the cord stopper of the first embodiment. A side view showing the first member constituting the cord stopper of the first embodiment. A plan view showing the first member constituting the cord stopper of the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the cord stopper of the first embodiment in the cord-fastened state. A cross-sectional view showing the cord stopper of the first embodiment in the cord-unfastened state. A side view showing the cord stopper of the second embodiment. A side view showing the first member constituting the cord stopper of the second embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the cord stopper of the second embodiment in the cord-unfastened state. A cross-sectional view showing the cord stopper of the second embodiment in the cord-unfastened state.

[0017] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. As shown in Figures 1 to 2, the cord stopper 1 of this embodiment comprises a first member 10 and a second member 20 that can be combined with each other. This cord stopper 1 is configured to be attached to any two parts of the cord 9 (first part 91 and second part 92) (see Figure 1), and becomes movable in the length direction of the cord 9 when pressed by the user (see Figure 2). The cord stopper 1 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but can be used to adjust the length of a cord 9 of clothing, bags, or accessories.

[0018] For convenience, the following explanation uses mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The width direction of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the X direction, the length direction of the cord stopper 1 as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the cord stopper 1 as the Z direction. The Y direction corresponds to the direction in which the first member 10 and the second member 20 are combined, and the Z direction corresponds to the cord insertion direction, which is the direction in which the cord is inserted into the cord stopper 1.

[0019] [Configuration of the First and Second Members 20] The first member 10 and the second member 20 are identical parts having the same shape. In the following, the configuration of the first member 10 will be described as a representative example with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figures 3 to 5 show the first member 10 before assembly, and Figure 6 shows the first member 10 and the second member 20 after they have been assembled together.

[0020] In the code stopper 1, the second member 20 has an arrangement in which the first member 10 is inverted in the X and Y directions. Therefore, by changing the leading digit of the symbols attached to the components of the first member 10 from "1" to "2", and by swapping the positive and negative signs in the X and Y directions, the description of the configuration of the first member 10 can be applied to the configuration of the second member 20.

[0021] The first member 10 comprises a base portion 11, a socket portion 12 provided on the base portion 11, a plug portion 13 provided on the base portion 11 aligned with the socket portion 12 in the X direction, and an arm portion 14 extending from the plug portion 13. The socket portion 12 forms an internal space 120 that accommodates the plug portion 23 of the second member 20, which is its counterpart, and the plug portion 13 is housed in the internal space 220 of the socket portion 22 of the second member 20, which is its counterpart.

[0022] The base portion 11 has a substantially plate shape. This base portion 11 has an upper surface 111 facing one side in the Y direction (+Y direction), a guide bottom surface 112 facing the other side in the Y direction (-Y direction) with respect to the internal space 120 of the socket portion 12, and a stopper surface 113 facing the -Y direction around the plug portion 13. The upper surface 111 is the operating surface that receives pressure from the user. The guide bottom surface 112 guides the arm portion 24 that it is paired with. The stopper surface 113 contacts the edge of the insertion opening 221 of the socket portion 22 that it is paired with, thereby restricting the movement of the first member 10 and the second member 20 in the approaching direction. In addition, the upper surface 111, the guide bottom surface 112, and the stopper surface 113 are each inclined with respect to the X direction such that they are inclined towards the +Y direction as they move toward one side in the X direction (-X direction).

[0023] The socket portion 12 is provided so as to protrude from the base portion 11 in the -Y direction. This socket portion 12 forms not only the internal space 120 described above, but also an insertion opening 121 and an opening 122 that communicate with the internal space 120. The insertion opening 121 receives the plug portion 23 of the pairing along the Y direction, and the opening 122 opens the internal space 120 toward the plug portion 13 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the insertion opening 121 and the opening 122 are formed to be continuous with each other.

[0024] Specifically, the socket portion 12 comprises a pair of wall portions 123 and 124 facing each other in the Z direction via an internal space 120, and a side portion 127 that faces the internal space 120 and connects the pair of wall portions 123 and 124.

[0025] Each of the pair of wall portions 123 and 124 has a first string insertion hole 125 that penetrates in the Z direction. The first string insertion hole 125 of wall portion 123 and the first string insertion hole 125 of wall portion 124 are paired with each other and face each other in the Z direction via the internal space 120. The cross-sectional shape of the first string insertion hole 125 is not particularly limited, but is for example circular. In addition, a concave guide groove 126 is formed in the part of the pair of wall portions 123 and 124 that corresponds to the edge of the insertion opening 121. The guide groove 126 guides the insertion of the plug portion 23 (specifically, the convex portion 234 described later) that it is paired with.

[0026] The side portion 127 faces the opening portion 122 and forms part of the outer edge of the cord stopper 1. This side portion 127 has a guide side surface 128 that guides the insertion of the paired arm portion 24 as part of the inner surface continuous with the guide bottom surface 112. The guide side surface 128 is inclined with respect to the Y direction such that it moves more toward the -X direction as it moves toward the +Y direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the side portion 127 has an outer surface 129 that is arranged along the Z direction. As shown in Figure 6, with respect to the outer surface 129, the upper surface 111 of the base portion 11 is not perpendicular to the outer surface 129 and has an inclination angle θ1 that is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Similarly, the guide bottom surface 112 is not perpendicular to the outer surface 129 and has an inclination angle θ2 that is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Furthermore, the guide side portion 128 is not parallel to the outer surface 129 and has an inclination angle θ3 that is less than 90 degrees. This inclination angle θ3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 45 degrees or less. Also, the guide bottom surface 112 and the guide side portion 128 are not orthogonal, and the angle θ4 formed between them is preferably greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. It is preferable that a concave R surface 114 is formed between the guide bottom surface 112 and the guide side portion 128.

[0028] The plug portion 13 is positioned on the -X side relative to the socket portion 12 and is provided to protrude from the base portion 11 in the -Y direction. Specifically, the plug portion 13 comprises a plug body portion 131 having a substantially plate shape and a pair of protrusions 134 that protrude from the plug body portion 131 on both sides in the Z direction.

[0029] A second string insertion hole 135 is formed in the plug body 131, penetrating in the Z direction. The cross-sectional shape of the second string insertion hole 135 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, circular. In this embodiment, the diameter of the second string insertion hole 135 is smaller than the diameter of the first string insertion hole 125, but is not limited to this.

[0030] Furthermore, the plug body portion 131 has an inner end portion 132 located on the other side in the X direction (+X side) and an outer end portion 133 located on the -X side. The inner end portion 132 is exposed to the +X side from the socket portion 22 of the paired socket portion 22 via an opening portion 222. The outer end portion 133 corresponds to the end of the plug portion 13 that is spaced apart from the socket portion 12 in the X direction.

[0031] Each of the pair of protrusions 134 is provided on the +Z side of the plug body portion 131 or on the +Z side of the surface, on the -Y side of the second cord insertion hole 135. The protrusions 134 are positioned within the first cord insertion hole 225 of the socket portion 22 that they are paired with, and by engaging with the edge of the first cord insertion hole 225, they can restrict the movement of the first member 10 and the second member 20 in the direction of separation (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0032] The arm portion 14 extends from the outer end 133 of the plug portion 13. This arm portion 14 has a tip portion 141 that slidably contacts the base portion 21 of the mating part, and a base portion 142 that is connected to the outer end 133 of the plug portion 13. The specific shape of the arm portion 14 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the arm portion 14 has a bar shape that extends linearly along the Y direction from the outer end 133 of the plug portion 13 before assembly (see Figures 3 to 5). Furthermore, after assembly, the arm portion 14 elastically deforms so as to bend in an arc shape (see Figure 6).

[0033] A groove 136 is formed between the plug body 131 and the base end 142 of the arm 14, opening in the -Y direction and penetrating in the Z direction. The groove 136 has a shape that widens towards the opening side. This groove 136 is formed in the first member 10 so as to separate the plug body 131 and the base end 142 of the arm 14 in the X direction.

[0034] (Assembly of Cord Stopper 1) The assembly method for Cord Stopper 1 will now be explained. Note that the first member 10 and the second member 20 can each be integrally molded from resin material, and the same mold can be used for both.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the worker or assembly device inserts the arm portion 14 of the first member 10 into the socket portion 22 of the second member 20, which is its counterpart, and inserts the arm portion 24 of the second member 20 into the socket portion 12 of the first member 10, which is its counterpart. Then, pressure is applied to the first member 10 and the second member 20 to bring them closer to each other in the Y direction. As a result, the plug portion 13 of the first member 10 is inserted into the socket portion 22 of the second member 20, and the plug portion 23 of the second member 20 is inserted into the socket portion 12 of the first member 10, which is its counterpart. As a result, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are assembled.

[0036] The operation when the plug portion 13 is inserted into the socket portion 22 will be described in detail below. Note that the following description can be applied to the operation when the plug portion 23 is inserted into the socket portion 12 by reversing the positive and negative signs in the X and Y directions.

[0037] When the plug portion 13 is inserted into the socket portion 22, the pair of protrusions 134 of the plug portion 13 are guided into the guide grooves 226 of the socket portion 22 and positioned within the pair of first string insertion holes 225 of the socket portion 22. As a result, the protrusions 134 can engage with the edges of the first string insertion holes 225 and function as retainers to prevent the first member 10 and the second member 20 from falling out of each other.

[0038] Furthermore, when the plug portion 13 is inserted into the socket portion 22, the tip portion 141 of the arm portion 14 is sequentially guided by the guide side surface 228 of the socket portion 22 and the guide bottom surface 212 of the base portion 11, and moves toward the +X direction as it moves toward the -Y direction. At this time, bending stress is applied to the arm portion 14, and the arm portion 14 elastically deforms so that it bends inward in the X direction. When the plug portion 13 is fully inserted into the socket portion 22, the arm portion 14 plastically deforms by the amount of the external force that exceeds the yield point. After that, when the pressure on the first member 10 and the second member 20 is released, the plastic deformation of the arm portion 14 is maintained, but the elastic deformation of the arm portion 14 returns to its original state.

[0039] As described above, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are combined with each other to assemble the cord stopper 1. In this cord stopper 1, the plug portion 13 is inserted into the socket portion 22 in the -Y direction via the insertion opening 221, and the plug portion 23 is inserted into the socket portion 12 in the +Y direction via the insertion opening 121.

[0040] (Operation of the cord stopper) The operation of the cord stopper will be explained with reference to Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7. The cord stopper 1 has the cord-fastened state shown in Figures 1 and 6 as its base state, and can change to the cord-releasing state shown in Figures 2 and 7. Note that the cord 9 is not shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, when the cord stopper 1 is in the cord-fastened state, the base 11 of the first member 10 and the socket 22 of the second member 20 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, and the base 21 of the second member 20 and the socket 12 of the first member 10 are also spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. At this time, the protrusions 134 and 234 of the plug parts 13 and 23 can engage with the edges of the first cord insertion holes 225 and 125 of the socket parts 22 and 12 that they are paired with.

[0042] When the cord stopper 1 is in the cord-fastening state, by applying pressure to the upper surfaces 111 and 211 of the bases 11 and 21, the first member 10 and the second member 20 approach each other. At this time, the plug portion 13 is deeply inserted into the socket portion 22, and the tip portion 141 of the arm portion 14 is pressed against the guide bottom surface 212 of the base 21 and slides on the guide bottom surface 212 in the X direction toward the plug portion 23 side. Also, the plug portion 23 is deeply inserted into the socket portion 12, and the tip portion 241 of the arm portion 24 is pressed against the guide bottom surface 112 of the base 11 and slides on the guide bottom surface 112 in the X direction toward the plug portion 13 side. As a result, the arm portions 14 and 24 are elastically deformed so as to bend inward in the X direction respectively.

[0043] When the first member 10 and the second member 20 are closest to each other, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the cord stopper 1 is in the cord-release state. At this time, the plug portions 13 and 23 are completely inserted into the socket portions 22 and 12 of the mating partner. Note that the bases 11 and 21 may contact the edges of the socket portions 22 and 12 of the mating partner.

[0044] When the cord stopper 1 is in the cord-release state, the second cord insertion hole 135 of the plug portion 13 overlaps with the pair of first cord insertion holes 225 of the socket portion 22 in the Z direction, and the second cord insertion hole 235 of the plug portion 23 overlaps with the pair of first cord insertion holes 125 of the socket portion 12 in the Z direction. In this state, any first portion 91 of the cord 9 can freely pass through the pair of first cord insertion holes 125 and the second cord insertion hole 235, and any second portion 92 of the cord 9 can freely pass through the pair of first cord insertion holes 225 and the second cord insertion hole 135. Note that in the cord-release state, the arm portion 14 biases the plug portion 13 in the +Y direction by an elastic force, and the arm portion 24 biases the plug portion 23 in the -Y direction by an elastic force.

[0045] When the operator releases the pressure, the first member 10 and the second member 20 separate from each other due to the elastic force of the arm portions 14 and 24. That is, the plug portion 13 moves in the direction of being removed from the socket portion 22, and the plug portion 23 moves in the direction of being removed from the socket portion 12. As a result, the cord stopper 1 returns to the cord-fastening state.

[0046] Furthermore, when the cord stopper 1 is in the cord-stopped state, compared to the cord-unlocked state, the overlapping area between the second cord insertion hole 135 of the plug portion 13 and the first cord insertion hole 225 of the socket portion 22 is reduced, and the overlapping area between the second cord insertion hole 235 of the plug portion 23 and the first cord insertion hole 125 of the socket portion 12 is also reduced. As a result, the edges of the pair of first cord insertion holes 125 and the edge of the second cord insertion hole 235 can hold the first portion 91 of the cord 9 between them, and the edges of the pair of first cord insertion holes 225 and the edge of the second cord insertion hole 135 can hold the second portion 92 of the cord 9 between them.

[0047] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the cord stopper 1 of this embodiment comprises a first member 10 and a second member 20 that can be combined with each other. Each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 comprises a base portion 11, 21, a socket portion 12, 22 provided on the base portion 11, 21 and having a pair of first cord insertion holes 125, 225 facing each other in the cord insertion direction (Z direction), a plug portion 13, 23 provided on the base portion 11, 21 in the width direction (X direction) intersecting the socket portion 12, 22 in the Z direction and having second cord insertion holes 135, 235, and an arm portion 14, 24 extending from the plug portion 13, 23. The plug portions 13, 23 of the first member 10 and the second member 20 are inserted into the socket portions 22, 12 of the first member 10 or the second member 20 that are paired with it, along the pairing direction (Y direction) that intersects the X direction and the Z direction, respectively. The second string insertion holes 135, 235 of the first member 10 and the second member 20 communicate with a pair of first string insertion holes 225, 125 of the paired with it. In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20, the arm portions 14, 24 are pressed against the base portions 21, 11 of the paired with it, thereby elastically biasing the plug portions 13, 23.

[0048] In such a configuration, the first member 10 and the second member 20 that constitute the code stopper 1 have the same shape as each other. Therefore, when manufacturing the first member 10 and the second member 20, the same mold can be used, and it is not necessary to manage each type of part. Also, the operations of the prior art such as assembling the spring member are not necessary. Thus, according to the code stopper 1 of the present embodiment, the labor and cost for manufacturing can be reduced.

[0049] Also, in the code stopper 1 of the present embodiment, since a conventional spring member is not required, a space for arranging the spring member is not necessary inside the code stopper 1. Therefore, the code stopper 1 of the present embodiment can be miniaturized.

[0050] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of the present embodiment, the tip portions 141, 241 of the arm portions 14, 24 are configured to be slidable in the X direction with respect to the bases 21, 11 of the mating partners. According to such a configuration, the arm portions 14, 24 can be elastically deformed so as to be pushed down by the bases 21, 11, and as a result, the plug portions 13, 23 can be deeply inserted into the socket portions 22, 12. Thereby, the code stopper 1 can be suitably miniaturized in the Y direction.

[0051] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of the present embodiment, the arm portions 14, 24 are connected to the outer end portions 133, 233 which are the end portions of the plug portions 13, 23 spaced apart in the X direction from the socket portions 12, 22. According to such a configuration, a space for the arm portions 14, 24 to elastically deform can be secured in the X direction between the plug portions 13, 23 and the bases 21, 11 of the mating partners. Thereby, the code stopper 1 can be suitably miniaturized in the Y direction.

[0052] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, the base portions 11 and 21 have guide bottom surfaces 112 and 212 facing the internal spaces 120 and 220 of the socket portions 12 and 22 in the Y direction, and the guide bottom surfaces 112 and 212 are inclined with respect to the X direction so as to guide the tip portions 241 and 141 of the arm portions 24 and 14 of the paired arm that are pressed against each other to one side in the X direction. With this configuration, when the arm portions 14 and 24 are pressed against the base portions 21 and 11 of the paired arm, the arm portions 14 and 24 can be stably elastically deformed. As a result, the operation of the cord stopper 1 can be stabilized.

[0053] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, the socket portions 12 and 22 have guide sides 128 and 228 facing the X direction in the internal spaces 120 and 220 of the socket portions 12 and 22, and the guide sides 128 and 228 are inclined with respect to the Y direction so as to guide the tip portions 241 and 141 of the arm portions 24 and 14 that are combined with each other to one side in the X direction. With this configuration, when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are combined with each other, the arm portions 14 and 24 can be stably elastically deformed. As a result, the manufacturing of the cord stopper 1 can be stabilized. In addition, in this embodiment, the side portions 127 and 227 of the socket portions 12 and 22 on which the guide sides 128 and 228 are formed function as supports for the plug portions 13 and 23 in the X direction, and rattling of the cord stopper 1 can be suppressed.

[0054] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, the socket portions 12 and 22 face each other in the Z direction via the internal spaces 120 and 220 of the socket portions 12 and 22, and are provided with a pair of wall portions 123, 124, 223, and 224 in which a pair of first string insertion holes 125 and 225 are formed. With this configuration, the socket portions 12 and 22 can be easily formed.

[0055] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, the socket portions 12 and 22 have openings 122 and 222 that open the internal spaces 120 and 220 towards the plug portions 13 and 23 in the X direction. With this configuration, since there are no socket portions 12 and 22 between the plug portions 13 and 23, the dimensions in the X direction can be reduced.

[0056] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, the plug portions 13 and 23 are arranged to be able to contact the plug portion 23 and 13 of the socket portion 12 and 222 in the X direction via the openings 122 and 222 of the socket portion 12 and 22. With this configuration, rattling caused by the operation of the cord stopper 1 can be suppressed.

[0057] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, grooves 136 and 236 are formed between the plug portions 13 and 23 and the base ends 142 and 242 of the arm portions 14 and 24. With this configuration, the length of the arm portion 14 in the Y direction can be secured while keeping the Y-direction dimension of the cord stopper 1 to a minimum. This allows for optimal elasticity of the arm portion 14.

[0058] In each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 of this embodiment, the plug portion 13, 23 comprises a plug body portion 131, 231 in which the second string insertion holes 135, 235 are formed, and a protrusion 134, 234 that protrudes in the Z direction from the plug body portion 131, 231 and engages with the first string insertion holes 125, 225 of the paired member. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first member 10 and the second member 20 from falling off each other.

[0059] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. The cord stopper 1A of the second embodiment is a modified version of the cord stopper 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, this cord stopper 1A comprises a first member 10A and a second member 20A that can be combined with each other, substantially the same as in the first embodiment.

[0060] The following description will primarily focus on the first member 10A. However, by changing the leading digit of the reference numerals assigned to the components of the first member 10A from "1" to "2," and by reversing the positive and negative signs of the X and Y directions, the description of the configuration of the first member 10A can be applied to the configuration of the second member 20A. Furthermore, for configurations substantially similar to those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the first member 10A is substantially the same as the first member 10 of the first embodiment, and includes a base portion 11, a socket portion 12 provided on the base portion 11, a plug portion 13 provided on the base portion 11 aligned with the socket portion 12 in the X direction, and an arm portion 14A extending from the plug portion 13.

[0062] The base 11 of this embodiment, like that of the first embodiment, includes an upper surface 111, a guide bottom surface 112, and a stopper surface 113, but each of these surfaces may be arranged parallel to the X direction.

[0063] The socket portion 12 of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, includes a pair of wall portions 123 and 124, but does not necessarily have a side portion 127 connecting the pair of wall portions 123 and 124. Furthermore, the first string insertion hole 125 formed in each of the pair of wall portions 123 and 124 may have a shape that combines a hole with a circular cross-section and a recess that is recessed in the +Y direction from the hole.

[0064] The plug portion 13 of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, comprises a plug body portion 131 and a pair of protrusions 134 projecting from the plug body portion 131 on both sides in the Z direction. The plug body portion 131 has a recess 137 that opens inward in the X direction (i.e., towards the socket portion 12). This recess 137 forms a space capable of receiving the tip portion 241 of the arm portion 24A that it is paired with, and the inner surface of the recess 137 is continuous with the guide bottom surface 112 of the base portion 11. The recess 137 may also overlap the second string insertion hole 135 of the plug body portion 131 in the Z direction.

[0065] The arm portion 14A of this embodiment has a different shape from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, before assembly, the arm portion 14A of this embodiment is curved inward in the X direction (i.e., toward the socket portion 12) from the outer end 133 of the plug portion 13, while also curving toward the -Y direction (see Figure 9). Furthermore, after assembly, the arm portion 14A elastically deforms so that its curved shape is extended (see Figure 10).

[0066] The assembly method and operation of the cord stopper 1A in the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and it is possible to switch between the cord-fastened state shown in Figure 10 and the cord-releasing state shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, the cord stopper 1A of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0067] In the second embodiment, when the cord stopper 1A transitions from a cord-locking state to a cord-releasing state, the tip portions 141 and 241 of the arm portions 14A and 24A slide in the +X direction against the guide bottom surfaces 212 and 112 of the base portions 21 and 11 that it combines with, and are inserted into the recesses 137 and 237 of the plug portions 13 and 23. At this time, the arm portions 14A and 24A elastically deform so that their curved shape extends. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure a large elastic force for the arm portions 14A and 24A while avoiding interference between the arm portions 14A and 24A and the plug portions 13 and 23 (see Figure 11).

[0068] [Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as described below.

[0069] In each of the above embodiments, the arm portions 14 and 24 may have other shapes. For example, the arm portions 14 and 24 may have a bellows shape that elastically deforms when pressed against the base portions 21 and 11 of the mating partner. In such modified examples, the arm portions 14 and 24 do not need to slide against the base portions 21 and 11 of the mating partner.

[0070] In each of the above embodiments, the arm portions 14 and 24 may extend from parts of the plug portions 13 and 23 other than the outer ends 133 and 233. For example, in the first embodiment, the arm portions 14 and 24 may extend from the inner ends 132 and 232 of the plug portions 13 and 23. In such modifications, when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are close to each other, each of the arm portions 14 and 24 may elastically deform so as to bend outward in the X direction.

[0071] In each of the above embodiments, the socket portions 12 and 22 may have other shapes. For example, the socket portions 12 and 22 may be formed as cylindrical portions that receive the plug portions 23 and 13 that they are paired with, and these cylindrical portions may have any cross-sectional shape.

[0072] In each of the above embodiments, the protrusions 134, 234 of the plug portions 13, 23 may be omitted. In such modified examples, the strings 9 inserted through the first string insertion holes 125, 225 and the second string insertion holes 135, 235 may prevent the first member 10 and the second member 20 from falling off each other.

[0073] 1, 1A...Cord stopper, 10, 10A...First member, 20, 20A...Second member, 11, 21...Base, 111, 211...Top surface, 112, 212...Guide bottom surface, 113, 213...Stopper surface, 12, 22...Socket part, 120, 220...Internal space, 121, 221...Insertion opening, 122, 222...Open part, 123, 223...Wall part, 124, 224...Wall part, 125, 225...First cord insertion hole, 126, 226...Guide groove, 127, 227...Side part, 128, 228...Ga Side of the plug, 13, 23...plug part, 131, 231...plug body part, 132, 232...inner end, 133, 233...outer end, 134, 234...protrusion, 135, 235...second string insertion hole, 136, 236...groove, 137, 237...recess, 14, 14A, 24, 24A...arm part, 141, 241...tip part, 142, 242...base end, 9...string, 91...first part, 92...second part.

Claims

1. The device comprises a first member (10, 10A) and a second member (20, 20A) that can be combined with each other, and each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A) comprises: a base portion (11, 21); a socket portion (12, 22) provided on the base portion (11, 21) and having a pair of first string insertion holes (125, 225) facing each other in the string insertion direction; a plug portion (13, 23) provided on the base portion (11, 21) in a width direction intersecting the socket portion (12, 22) in the string insertion direction and having a second string insertion hole (135, 235); and an arm portion (14, 24) extending from the plug portion (13, 23). Each of the plug portions (13, 23) of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A) is inserted into the socket portion (12, 22) of the paired first member (10, 10A) or the second member (20, 20A) along a pairing direction intersecting the cord insertion direction and the width direction, respectively; each of the second cord insertion holes (135, 235) of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A) communicates with the pair of first cord insertion holes (125, 225) of the paired pair; and in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the arm portion (14, 24) presses against the base portion (11, 21) of the paired pair to elastically bias the plug portion (13, 23), thereby providing a cord stopper.

2. The cord stopper according to claim 1, wherein the tip portions (141, 241) of the arm portions (14, 24) of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A) are configured to be slidable in the width direction relative to the base portion (11, 21) of the paired member.

3. The cord stopper according to claim 2, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the arm portion (14, 24) is connected to the end portion (133, 233) of the plug portion (13, 23) that is spaced apart in the width direction from the socket portion (12, 22).

4. The cord stopper according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the base portion (11, 21) has a guide bottom surface (112, 212) facing the combination direction into the internal space (120, 220) of the socket portion (12, 22), and the guide bottom surface (112, 212) is inclined with respect to the width direction so as to guide the tip portion (141, 241) of the arm portion (14, 24) of the combination partner that is subjected to pressure to one side in the width direction.

5. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the socket portion (12, 22) has guide sides (128, 228) facing the width direction into the internal space (120, 220) of the socket portion (12, 22), and the guide sides (128, 228) are inclined with respect to the combination direction so as to guide the tip portions (141, 241) of the arm portion (14, 24) of the paired arm that is to be pressed to one side in the width direction.

6. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the socket portion (12, 22) is provided with a pair of wall portions (123, 124, 223, 224) that face each other in the cord insertion direction via the internal space (120, 220) of the socket portion (12, 22) and in which the pair of first cord insertion holes (125, 225) are formed.

7. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the socket portion (12, 22) has an opening (122, 222) that opens the internal space (120, 220) to the plug portion (13, 23) in the width direction.

8. The cord stopper according to claim 7, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the plug portion (13, 23) is arranged to be able to abut against the plug portion (13, 23) of the socket portion (12, 22) in the width direction via the opening portion (122, 222) of the socket portion (12, 22).

9. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), grooves (136, 236) are formed between the plug portion (13, 23) and the base end portion (142, 242) of the arm portion (14, 24).

10. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in each of the first member (10, 10A) and the second member (20, 20A), the plug portion (13, 23) comprises: a plug body portion (131, 231) in which the second cord insertion holes (135, 235) are formed; and a protrusion (134, 234) that protrudes from the plug body portion (131, 231) in the cord insertion direction and engages with the first cord insertion holes (125, 225) of the paired counterpart.

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