Cord stopper

Abstract

A cord stopper (1, 1B, 1C) has an insertion hole (3, 3C) and is constituted by one member. The insertion hole (3, 3C) has, in the width direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the insertion direction (X-axis direction) thereof, a width dimension that allows a cord (2) to slide. In the insertion hole (3, 3C), a movement allowing part (20, 20C) that allows the cord (2) to move in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) and fixing parts (30A, 30B, 30C) that are adjacent to the movement allowing part (20) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and that fix the cord (2) in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) are formed. The fixing parts (30A, 30B, 30C) protrude more than the movement allowing part (20, 20C) in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) intersecting the insertion direction (X-axis direction) and the width direction (Y-axis direction) so as to narrow the insertion hole (3, 3C).

Description

Cord Stopper

[0001] The present invention relates to a cord stopper for locking a cord such as a shoelace.

[0002] Conventionally, a cord lock used for tightening an attached cord is known (see Patent Document 1). This cord lock includes a plug and a socket, and clamps a cord-shaped member between the socket and the plug inserted into the socket. On the other hand, by pulling the plug to move the plug away from the socket, the cord-shaped member becomes movable relative to the cord lock.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-175489

[0004] However, the cord lock described in Patent Document 1 needs to include two members, a plug and a socket, so it is difficult to reduce the number of parts. Further, since the configuration is such that the cord-shaped member is moved relative to the cord lock after a pulling operation is performed to move the plug away from the socket, the plug and the cord-shaped member must be operated respectively, which requires time and effort for the operation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cord stopper that can reduce the number of parts and reduce the labor required for operation.

[0006] [1] The cord stopper of the present invention is a cord stopper that releasably locks a cord passed through an insertion hole, wherein the cord stopper has the insertion hole and is formed of a single member, the insertion hole has a width dimension that allows the cord to slide in a width direction intersecting the insertion direction of the cord, the insertion hole is formed with a movable portion that allows the cord to move in the insertion direction, and a fixing portion adjacent to the movable portion in the width direction and fixing the cord in the insertion direction, and the fixing portion protrudes more than the movable portion in a thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction and the width direction so as to narrow the insertion hole.

[0007] [2] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the fixing portion may have a fixing body portion that extends in the insertion direction and protrudes in the thickness direction, and a continuous inclined surface portion that is continuous with the movable portion and whose side edge on the movable portion side of the fixing body portion is continuous with the movable portion and which is inclined outward in the thickness direction as it moves from the side edge toward the movable portion side in the width direction.

[0008] [3] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the fixed body portion may have at least one projection that protrudes in the thickness direction and extends in the insertion direction.

[0009] [4] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the fixing portion has a first inclined portion at the front end of the fixing portion in the insertion direction that inclins outward in the thickness direction as it moves forward in the insertion direction, and the first inclined portion may be provided inclined toward the rear end of the fixing portion in the insertion direction as it moves toward the movable portion in the width direction.

[0010] [5] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the fixing portion has a second inclined portion at the front end of the fixing portion that is inclined outward in the thickness direction as it moves forward in the insertion direction, and the second inclined portion is positioned further away from the movable portion than the first inclined portion in the width direction, and may be provided inclined toward the rear end as it moves further away from the first inclined portion in the width direction.

[0011] [6] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the boundary line between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion adjacent to each other may be inclined toward the inside in the width direction with respect to the insertion direction.

[0012] [7] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the width dimension of the fixed main body in the width direction may be greater than the diameter dimension of the cord, the width dimension of the second inclined portion in the width direction may be smaller than the diameter dimension of the cord, and the width dimension of the first inclined portion in the width direction may be greater than the width dimension of the second inclined portion in the width direction.

[0013] [8] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the cord stopper has a pair of side plates facing each other in the width direction, the fixing portion is provided adjacent to the side plates, and the rear end of the fixing portion may protrude further rearward in the insertion direction than the side plate adjacent to the fixing portion.

[0014] [9] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the insertion hole may be provided with the fixing portion on both sides in the width direction and the movable portion between the fixing portions on both sides.

[0015]

[10] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the insertion hole may have the fixing portion on one side in the width direction relative to the movable portion.

[0016]

[11] In the cord stopper of the present invention, the cord stopper is positioned rearward in the insertion direction with respect to the insertion hole and may have a guide portion that protrudes from the movable portion side to the fixed portion side.

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cord stopper that can reduce the number of parts and the effort required for operation.

[0018] A perspective view showing a cord stopper according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An explanatory diagram showing a cord stopper according to the first embodiment. A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a cord stopper according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the cord movable state of the cord stopper according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the cord fixed state of the cord stopper according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the cord fixed state of the cord stopper according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view showing a cord stopper according to the third embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view showing the cord movable state of the cord stopper according to the third embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the cord fixed state of the cord stopper according to the third embodiment.

[0019] [Configuration of the First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In Figures 1 to 5, the cord stopper 1 according to the first embodiment is used to release a cord 2, such as a shoelace, at any position. The cord stopper 1 is made of synthetic resin and is composed of a single component having an insertion hole 3 through which the cord 2 passes. The cord 2 is an elastic cord (elastic cord, bungee cord, shock cord), and examples include cords made of rubber, urethane, polyester, and silicone. In the following description, the front-to-back direction of the cord stopper 1 (the insertion direction of the insertion hole 3) is defined as the X-axis direction, the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-Y-Z axis directions are mutually orthogonal. Furthermore, the forward direction of the cord stopper 1 in the X-axis direction is defined as the +X-axis direction, and the backward direction of the cord stopper 1 in the X-axis direction is defined as the -X-axis direction, one direction in the width direction of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the +Y-axis direction, and the other direction in the width direction of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the -Y-axis direction, and one direction in the thickness direction of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the +Z-axis direction, and the other direction in the thickness direction of the cord stopper 1 is defined as the -Z-axis direction. In addition, the side approaching the center line C1 along the X-axis direction is defined as the X-axis inner side, and the side moving away from it is defined as the X-axis outer side, the side approaching the center line C2 along the Y-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis inner side, and the side moving away from it is defined as the Y-axis outer side, and the side approaching the center line C3 along the Z-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis inner side, and the side moving away from it is defined as the Z-axis outer side.

[0020] The cord stopper 1 has a front plate portion 11 and a back plate portion 12 facing each other in the -Z axis direction, and a pair of side plate portions 13 and 14 continuous with the side edges of the front plate portion 11 and the back plate portion 12. The insertion hole 3 is formed along the X axis direction by the front plate portion 11, the back plate portion 12 and the side plate portions 13 and 14, and has a width dimension that allows the cord 2 to slide in the -Y axis direction. The rear ends 131 and 141 of the side plate portions 13 and 14 in the X axis direction are inclined toward the -X axis direction as they move from the outside in the Y axis direction toward the inside in the Y axis direction (towards the movable portion 20 side).

[0021] The insertion hole 3 has a movable portion 20 that allows the cord 2 to move in the -X axis direction, and fixed portions 30A and 30B that are adjacent to the movable portion 20 in the Y axis direction and fix the cord 2 in the X axis direction. The fixed portions 30A and 30B are provided on both sides of the movable portion 20 in the Y axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, for example, the fixed portions 30A and 30B protrude in the -X axis direction more than the side plate portions 13 and 14 and extend to the central portion of the cord stopper in the X axis direction.

[0022] The movable part 20 is provided between the fixed parts 30A and 30B in the Y-axis direction and is composed of the central portions in the Y-axis direction of the inner surfaces of the front plate part 11 and the back plate part 12, respectively. The width dimension of the movable part 20 in the Y-axis direction is set to be at least twice the diameter dimension of the cord 2.

[0023] The fixing portion 30A is configured on the +Y-axis side edge of the inner surface of the front plate portion 11 and the back plate portion 12, and the fixing portion 30B is configured on the -Y-axis side edge of the inner surface of the front plate portion 11 and the back plate portion 12. The fixing portions 30A and 30B protrude from the movable portion 20 so as to narrow the insertion hole 3 in the -Z-axis direction.

[0024] The fixed portion 30A includes a fixed main body portion 31A that extends in the -X axis direction and protrudes in the Z axis direction, a continuous inclined surface portion 32A that is continuous with the movable portion 20 on the movable portion 20 side (in this case, the -Y axis direction side) of the fixed main body portion 31A along the X axis direction and inclined outward in the Z axis direction as it moves from the side edge 311A ​​toward the movable portion 20 in the Y axis direction, and a first inclined portion 35A and a second inclined portion 36A that are inclined at the front end 301 (the end on the +X axis direction side) of the fixed portion 30A in the X axis direction.

[0025] The fixed body portion 31A is formed extending in the X-axis direction at a position adjacent to the side plate portion 13 on the +Y-axis side, and its width dimension in the Y-axis direction is greater than or equal to the diameter dimension of the cord 2 so that the cord 2 can be securely fixed. In addition, the fixed body portion 31A has a plurality of protrusions 310 that project in the Z-axis direction from the fixed body portion 31A and are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction along the X-axis direction. Note that there may be only one protrusion 310.

[0026] The continuous inclined surface 32A is oriented along the X-axis direction. The continuous inclined surface 32A provided on the inner surface of the front plate portion 11 is inclined toward the +Z-axis direction as it moves from the side edge 311A ​​toward the movable portion 20 in the Y-axis direction, and the continuous inclined surface 32A provided on the inner surface of the back plate portion 12 is inclined toward the -Z-axis direction as it moves from the side edge 311A ​​toward the movable portion 20 in the Y-axis direction.

[0027] The first inclined portion 35A is inclined outward in the Z-axis direction as it moves from the front edge 312A in the X-axis direction of the fixed main body portion 31A toward the +X-axis direction. Here, the first inclined portion 35A of the fixed portion 30A configured on the inner surface of the front plate portion 11 is inclined toward the +Z-axis direction as it moves toward the +X-axis direction, and the first inclined portion 35A of the fixed portion 30A configured on the inner surface of the back plate portion 12 is inclined toward the -Z-axis direction as it moves toward the +X-axis direction. Furthermore, the first inclined portion 35A is provided inclined toward the rear end 302 side (-X-axis direction) of the fixed portion 30A in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the movable portion 20 side (-Y-axis direction side) in the -Y-axis direction. The width dimension of the first inclined portion 35A in the Y-axis direction is greater than the width dimension of the second inclined portion 36A in the Y-axis direction.

[0028] Since the first inclined portion 35A is formed in this way, for example, when sliding the cord 2 fixed by the fixed portion 30A to the movable portion 20, if the fixed portion 30A does not have the first inclined portion 35A, there is a risk that the cord 2 may get stuck or catch when sliding it toward the movable portion 20 in the Y-axis direction, making it difficult to slide smoothly. However, in the first embodiment, since the fixed portion 30A has the first inclined portion 35A, the risk of the cord 2 getting stuck or catch when sliding it toward the movable portion 20 in the Y-axis direction can be reduced, and the cord 2 can be slid smoothly. For this reason, the operability of releasing the cord 2 in the cord stopper 1 can be improved.

[0029] The second inclined portion 36A is arranged continuously with respect to the first inclined portion 35A on the +Y axis side and is positioned further away from the movable portion 20 than the first inclined portion 35A in the -Y axis direction. The width dimension of the second inclined portion 36A in the Y axis direction is smaller than the diameter dimension of the cord 2. Furthermore, the second inclined portion 36A is provided inclined toward the rear end 302 side (-X axis direction side) as it moves further away from the first inclined portion 35A in the +Y axis direction. Because the second inclined portion 36A is formed in this way, in the portion of the cord 2 that is fixed by the fixing portion 30A and is in contact with the second inclined portion 36A, that portion of the cord 2 is guided by the second inclined portion 36A toward the side that moves further away from the movable portion 20 in the Y axis direction, thereby more favorably maintaining the state in which the cord 2 is fixed by the fixing portion 30A. Furthermore, by making the second inclined portion 36A smaller than the diameter of the cord, the cord 2 can be placed over the boundary line 37A between the first inclined portion 35A and the second inclined portion 36A. In addition, the first inclined portion 35A, which is larger than the width of the second inclined portion 36A, guides the cord 2, allowing it to slide smoothly into the movable portion 20, and enabling smooth release of the cord 2 from its fixed position.

[0030] The boundary line 37A where the first inclined portion 35A and the second inclined portion 36A are adjacent to each other is inclined toward the inward direction in the Y-axis direction (in this case, toward the -Y-axis direction) with respect to the -X-axis direction. Because the boundary line 37A is provided in this way, when sliding the cord 2 from the fixed portion 30A to the movable portion, the cord 2 can be guided toward the movable portion 20 along the aforementioned boundary line 37A, thereby improving the operability when releasing the cord 2 from its fixed position.

[0031] The fixed portion 30B includes a fixed main body portion 31B that extends in the -X axis direction and protrudes in the Z axis direction, a continuous inclined surface portion 32B that is continuous with the movable portion 20 on the movable portion 20 side (here, the +Y axis direction side) of the fixed main body portion 31B along the X axis direction and inclined outward in the Z axis direction as it moves from the side edge 311B toward the movable portion 20 in the Y axis direction, and a first inclined portion 35B and a second inclined portion 36B that are inclined at the front end 301 (the end on the +X axis direction side) of the fixed portion 30B in the X axis direction.

[0032] The fixed body portion 31B is formed extending in the X-axis direction at a position adjacent to the side plate portion 14 on the -Y-axis side, and its width dimension in the Y-axis direction is greater than or equal to the diameter dimension of the cord 2. In addition, the fixed body portion 31B has a plurality of protrusions 310 that project in the Z-axis direction from the fixed body portion 31B and are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction along the X-axis direction. Note that there may be only one protrusion 310.

[0033] The continuous inclined surface 32B is oriented along the X-axis direction. The continuous inclined surface 32B provided on the inner surface of the front plate portion 11 is inclined toward the +Z-axis direction as it moves from the side edge 311B toward the movable portion 20 in the Y-axis direction, and the continuous inclined surface 32B provided on the inner surface of the back plate portion 12 is inclined toward the -Z-axis direction as it moves from the side edge 311B toward the movable portion 20 in the Y-axis direction.

[0034] The first inclined portion 35B is inclined outward in the Z-axis direction as it moves from the front edge 312B of the fixed body portion 31B in the X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction. Here, the first inclined portion 35B of the fixed portion 30B configured on the inner surface of the front plate portion 11 is inclined toward the +Z-axis direction as it moves toward the +X-axis direction, and the first inclined portion 35B of the fixed portion 30B configured on the inner surface of the back plate portion 12 is inclined toward the -Z-axis direction as it moves toward the +X-axis direction. Furthermore, the first inclined portion 35B is provided inclined toward the rear end 302 side (-X-axis direction) of the fixed portion 30B in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the movable portion 20 side (+Y-axis direction) in the -Y-axis direction. The width dimension of the first inclined portion 35B in the Y-axis direction is greater than the width dimension of the second inclined portion 36B in the Y-axis direction.

[0035] The second inclined portion 36B is arranged continuously with respect to the first inclined portion 35B on the -Y axis side and is positioned further away from the movable portion 20 than the first inclined portion 35B in the -Y axis direction. The width dimension of the second inclined portion 36B in the Y axis direction is smaller than the diameter dimension of the code 2. Furthermore, the second inclined portion 36B is provided inclined toward the rear end 302 side (-X axis side) as it moves further away from the first inclined portion 35B in the -Y axis direction.

[0036] The boundary line 37B where the first inclined portion 35B and the second inclined portion 36B are adjacent to each other is inclined toward the inward direction in the Y-axis direction (in this case, toward the -Y-axis direction) with respect to the -X-axis direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the effects of the fixing part 30B are generally the same as those of the fixing part 30A.

[0038] [Securing and Releasing the Cord with a Cord Stopper] The following describes how to secure and release the cord 2 using cord stopper 1.

[0039] (Cord Fixing) First, as shown in Figure 4, the cord 2 is placed on the movable part 20, so that the cord 2 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the cord stopper 1. In the first embodiment, two parts (two cords) of the cord 2 are placed on the movable part 20. Next, the cord 2 is operated and slid outward in the Y-axis direction. The part of the cord 2 on the +Y-axis side slides toward the fixing part 30A on the +Y-axis side, and the part of the cord 2 on the -Y-axis side slides toward the fixing part 30B on the -Y-axis side. As a result, the two parts of the cord 2 slide apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and as shown in Figure 5, the two parts of the cord 2 are placed toward the fixing parts 30A and 30B respectively. At this time, the cord 2 is guided from the continuous inclined parts 32A and 32B to the fixing body parts 31A and 31B, and is fixed so that it cannot move in the -X-axis direction by being tightened in the Z-axis direction by the fixing body parts 31A and 31B. In this way, the cord 2 is fixed by the fixing parts 30A and 30B, preventing it from moving in the -X axis direction.

[0040] (Release of Code) First, as shown in Figure 5, Code 2 is positioned on the fixed parts 30A and 30B, and its movement in the -X axis direction is stopped. Next, Code 2 is manipulated to slide inward in the Y axis direction. The part of Code 2 on the +Y axis side slides toward the -Y axis side, and the part of Code 2 on the -Y axis side slides toward the +Y axis side. As a result, the two parts of Code 2 slide toward each other in the Y axis direction, and as shown in Figure 4, the two parts of Code 2 are positioned on the movable part 20, making Code 2 movable in the X axis direction. In this way, Code 2 is positioned on the movable part 20 in a movable state, and the lock on movement in the -X axis direction is released.

[0041] As described above, the cord stopper 1 can be constructed from a single component, thus reducing the number of parts compared to using plugs and sockets. Furthermore, the cord 2 can be positioned on either the movable part 20 or the fixed parts 30A or 30B with just one action of sliding the cord 2 in the Y-axis direction, thus reducing the effort required for operation.

[0042] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a cord stopper 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cord stopper 1B of the second embodiment is configured generally similarly to the cord stopper 1 of the first embodiment. However, as shown in Fig. 6, rear end portions 131, 141 of the side plate portions 13, 14 in the X-axis direction are inclined toward the +X-axis direction as going from the outside in the Y-axis direction toward the inside in the Y-axis direction (as going toward the movable portion 20 side), so that the cord 2 can be slid more easily toward the outside in the Y-axis direction. In addition, in the cord stopper 1B of the second embodiment, fixing portions 30A, 30B are configured to extend to rear portions of the side plate portions 13, 14 in the X-axis direction, thereby improving the fixing strength of the cord 2.

[0043] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, a cord stopper 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figs. 7 to 9, the cord stopper 1C according to the third embodiment is configured to correspond to one cord 2. An insertion hole 3C inserted through in the X-axis direction is provided with a movable portion 20C and a fixing portion 30C adjacent to one side of the movable portion 20C in the Y-axis direction instead of on both sides thereof. In addition, the cord stopper 1 has a guide portion 41 disposed rearward in the X-axis direction with respect to the insertion hole 3C.

[0044] The cord stopper 1C includes a front plate portion 11C, a back plate portion 12C, and a pair of left and right side plate portions 13C, 14C, and the insertion hole 3C is defined by the front plate portion 11C, the back plate portion 12C, and the pair of left and right side plate portions 13C, 14C. The fixing portion 30C is disposed on the side plate portion 13C side, and the movable portion 20C is disposed on the side plate portion 14C side.

[0045] The movable portion 20C is configured generally similarly to the movable portion 20 described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted. The dimension of the movable portion 20C in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the width dimension of the movable portion 20C in the Y-axis direction, and is equal to or larger than the diameter dimension of the cord 2.

[0046] The fixing portion 30C is configured generally similarly to the fixing portion 30A and can achieve generally the same operational effects, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0047] The guide portion 41 is provided continuously to the side plate portion 14C, and protrudes from the movable portion 20C side toward the fixed portion 30C side. Further, a gap equal to or larger than the diameter of the cord 2 is formed between the guide portion 41 and the fixed portion 30C. By pulling the cord 2 passed through the movable portion 20C backward in the X-axis direction, the guide portion 41 can guide the cord 2 to the fixed portion 30C side by the above-described guide portion 41, whereby the cord 2 can be smoothly fixed. Note that the cord 2 can be unlocked by pulling it forward in the X-axis direction.

[0048] Note that reference numeral 31C denotes a fixed main body configured similarly to the fixed main body 31A, reference numeral 311C denotes a side edge configured similarly to the side edge 311A, reference numeral 32C denotes a continuous slope portion configured similarly to the continuous slope portion 32A, reference numeral 35C denotes a first slope portion configured similarly to the first slope portion 35A, reference numeral 36C denotes a second slope portion configured similarly to the second slope portion 36A, and reference numeral 37C denotes a boundary line configured similarly to the boundary line 37A.

[0049] [Modified Example] In the first embodiment, the provision of the continuous slope portions 32A and 32B enables smooth sliding of the cord 2 from the movable portion 20 to the fixed main body portions 31A and 31B. However, as long as the cord 2 can slide onto the fixed portions 30A and 30B, the configuration of the continuous slope portions 32A and 32B may be omitted. The same applies generally to the second and third embodiments.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the fixed portions 30A and 30B have the first slope portions 35A, 35B and the second slope portions 36A, 36B. However, the configurations of the first slope portions 35A, 35B and the second slope portions 36A, 36B may be omitted. Alternatively, only the configurations of the first slope portions 35A and 35B may be omitted, or only the configurations of the second slope portions 36A and 36B may be omitted. The same applies generally to the second and third embodiments.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the boundary lines 37A and 37B where the first inclined portions 35A and 35B and the second inclined portions 36A and 36B are adjacent to each other are inclined inward in the Y-axis direction with respect to the X-axis direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the boundary lines may be aligned with the X-axis direction, or they may be inclined outward in the Y-axis direction with respect to the X-axis direction. The second and third embodiments are generally similar.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the width dimension of the fixed main body portions 31A and 31B in the Y-axis direction is set to be larger than the diameter dimension of the cord 2. However, this is not limited to this, and the width dimension may be equal to or less than the diameter dimension of the cord 2, as long as the cord 2 can be fixed in the X-axis direction. The second and third embodiments are generally similar.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the width dimension in the Y-axis direction of the first inclined portions 35A and 35B is greater than the width dimension in the Y-axis direction of the second inclined portions 36A and 36B, but it is not limited to this, and may be less than or equal to the width dimension in the Y-axis direction of the second inclined portions 36A and 36B. Also, the width dimension of the second inclined portions 36A and 36B may be greater than or equal to the diameter dimension of the code 2. The second and third embodiments are generally similar.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the continuous inclined surfaces 32A, 32B, the first inclined surfaces 35A, 35B, and the second inclined surfaces 36A, 36B may be flat surfaces extending linearly in their respective inclination directions, convex surfaces, or concave surfaces. Furthermore, there may be corners in the middle of the continuous inclined surfaces 32A, 32B, the first inclined surfaces 35A, 35B, and the second inclined surfaces 36A, 36B. The second and third embodiments are generally similar.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the fixing parts 30A and 30B are provided on the front plate portion 11 side and the back plate portion 12 side, respectively. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and as long as the cord 2 can be tightened in the Z-axis direction, only the fixing parts 30A and 30B on the front plate portion 11 side may be provided, or only the fixing parts 30A and 30B on the back plate portion 12 side may be provided.

[0056] Although the cord stoppers 1, 1B, and 1C have been described as being used to fasten shoelaces or other cords (cord 2) at any desired position, they may also be used for clothing, bags, and other items.

[0057] [Summary of Embodiments] (1) The cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C of the above embodiment are cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C that releasably stop a cord 2 passed through insertion holes 3, 3C, wherein the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C are made of a single member having the insertion holes 3, 3C, the insertion holes 3, 3C have a width dimension that allows the cord 2 to slide in the Y-axis direction, the insertion holes 3, 3C have movable parts 20, 20C that allow the cord 2 to move in the X-axis direction, and fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C that are adjacent to the movable parts 20, 20C in the Y-axis direction and fix the cord 2 in the X-axis direction, the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C protrude from the movable parts 20, 20C in the Z-axis direction so as to narrow the insertion holes 3, 3C. According to the above embodiment of cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C, since the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C can be constructed from a single component, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when plugs and sockets are used. Furthermore, when the cord 2 is placed in the movable parts 20, 20C, the cord 2 can be moved in the X-axis direction relative to the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C, allowing the position of the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C relative to the cord 2 to be adjusted. On the other hand, when the cord 2 is placed in the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C, the cord 2 is fixed by being tightened to the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C, preventing movement in the X-axis direction. With just one action of sliding the cord 2 in the Y-axis direction, the cord 2 can be placed in either the movable parts 20, 20C or the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C, reducing the effort required for operation.

[0058] (2) In the code stoppers 1, 1B, 1C of the above embodiment, the fixing portion 30A, 30B, 30C has a fixing body portion 31A, 31B, 31C extending in the X direction, and a continuous inclined portion 32A, 32B, 32C that is continuous with the movable portion 20, 20C on the side edge 311A, 311B, 311C of the fixing body portion 31A, 31B, 31C on the side of the movable portion 20, 20C and inclined in the Y direction from the side edge 311A, 311B, 311C toward the movable portion 20, 20C. With this configuration, in particular, when the cord 2 is slid in the Y-axis direction from the movable parts 20, 20C toward the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C, the cord 2 can be guided toward the fixed body parts 31A, 31B, 31C by the continuous inclined surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, thereby allowing the cord 2 to slide smoothly toward the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C.

[0059] (3) In the cord stoppers 1, 1B, and 1C of the above embodiment, the fixed body portions 31A, 31B, and 31C each have at least one projection that protrudes in the thickness direction and extends in the insertion direction. With this configuration, the projection 310 makes strong contact with the cord 2, thereby improving the fixing force to the cord 2.

[0060] (4) In the code stoppers 1, 1B, 1C of the above embodiment, the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C have first inclined portions 35A, 35B at the front end 301 in the X-axis direction of the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C that are inclined toward the rear end 302 in the X-axis direction of the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C as they move toward the movable portions 20, 20C in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, for example, when sliding the cord 2 fixed by the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C to the movable parts 20, 20C, if the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C do not have the aforementioned first inclined parts 35A, 35B, 35C, there is a risk that the cord 2 may get stuck or catch when sliding it toward the movable parts 20, 20C in the Y-axis direction, preventing smooth sliding. However, in the above embodiment, since the fixed parts 30A, 30B, 30C have the aforementioned first inclined parts 35A, 35B, 35C, the risk of the cord 2 getting stuck or catch when sliding it toward the movable parts 20, 20C in the Y-axis direction can be reduced, and the cord 2 can be slid smoothly. Therefore, the operability of releasing the cord 2 from the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C can be improved.

[0061] (5) In the code stoppers 1, 1B, 1C of the above embodiment, the fixing portion 30A, 30B, 30C has a second inclined portion 36A, 36B, 36C at the front end 301 of the fixing portion 30A, 30B, 30C that is inclined outward in the axial direction as it moves in the direction of the +X direction, and the second inclined portion 36A, 36B, 36C is positioned further away from the movable portion 20, 20C than the first inclined portion 35A, 35B, 35C in the Y direction, and is provided inclined toward the rear end 302 as it moves further away from the first inclined portion 35A, 35B, 35C in the Y direction. With this configuration, in the portion of the cord 2 fixed by the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C that is in contact with the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, 36C, that portion of the cord 2 is guided by the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, 36C toward the side away from the movable portions 20, 20C in the Y-axis direction, thereby more effectively maintaining the state in which the cord 2 is fixed by the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C.

[0062] (6) In the code stoppers 1, 1B, 1C of the above embodiment, the boundary lines 37A, 37B, 37C where the first inclined portions 35A, 35B, 35C and the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, 36C are adjacent to each other are provided inclined toward the Y-axis direction with respect to the X-axis direction. With this configuration, when sliding the code 2 from the fixed portions 30A, 30B, 30C to the movable portions 20, 20C, the code 2 can be guided toward the movable portions 20, 20C along the aforementioned boundary lines, thereby improving the operability when releasing the code 2.

[0063] (7) In the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C of the above embodiment, the width dimension of the fixed body portions 31A, 31B, 31C in the Y-axis direction is greater than the diameter dimension of the cord 2, the width dimension of the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, 36C in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the diameter dimension of the cord 2, and the width dimension of the first inclined portions 35A, 35B, 35C in the Y-axis direction is greater than the width dimension of the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, 36C in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the cord 2 can be securely fixed in the fixed body portions 31A, 31B, 31C, which have a width dimension greater than the diameter dimension of the cord 2. Furthermore, by making the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, and 36C smaller than the diameter of the cord 2, the cord 2 can be positioned over the boundary lines 37A, 37B, and 37C between the first inclined portions 35A, 35B, and 35C and the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, and 36C. In addition, by guiding the cord 2 with the first inclined portions 35A, 35B, and 35C, which are larger than the width of the second inclined portions 36A, 36B, and 36C, the cord 2 can be smoothly slid into the movable portions 20 and 20C, and the cord 2 can be smoothly released from its fixed position.

[0064] (8) In the above embodiment of the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C, the cord stoppers 1, 1B, 1C have a pair of side plate portions 13, 13C, 14, 14C that face each other in the Y-axis direction, and the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C are provided adjacent to the side plate portions 13, 13C, 14, 14C, and the rear end 302 of the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C protrudes further rearward in the X-axis direction than the side plate portions 13, 13C, 14, 14C that are adjacent to the fixing portions 30A, 30B, 30C. With this configuration, the rear end 302 of the fixing parts 30A, 30B, and 30C protrudes more than the side plate parts 13, 13C, 14, and 14C adjacent to the fixing parts 30A, 30B, and 30C, as described above. This reduces the risk that the movement of the cord 2 sliding outward in the Y-axis direction will be obstructed by the side plate parts 13, 13C, 14, and 14C, and the cord 2 can be suitably fixed by the fixing parts 30A, 30B, and 30C.

[0065] (9) In the cord stoppers 1 and 1B of the above embodiment, the insertion hole 3 is provided with the fixing parts 30A and 30B on both sides in the Y-axis direction, and the movable part 20 is provided between the fixing parts 30A and 30B on both sides. With this configuration, even when two cords 2 such as shoelaces are passed through the insertion hole 3 of the cord stoppers 1 and 1B, these cords 2 can be fixed to the fixing parts 30A and 30B on both sides by sliding them apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and the cords 2 can be placed in the movable part 20 by sliding them closer to each other in the Y-axis direction, thereby releasing the fixing and making them movable in the X-axis direction.

[0066] (10) In the cord stopper 1C of the above embodiment, the insertion hole 3C is provided with the fixing portion 30C on one side in the Y-axis direction relative to the movable portion 20C. With this configuration, when one cord 2 is passed through the insertion hole 3C of the cord stopper 1C, the cord 2 can be positioned in the movable portion 20C in a movable state, and the cord 2 can be fixed in the fixing portion 30C by sliding it in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the fixing of the cord 2 can be released by sliding the cord 2 in the opposite direction.

[0067] (11) In the above embodiment of the cord stopper 1C, the cord stopper 1C is positioned rearward in the X-axis direction relative to the insertion hole 3C and has a guide portion 41 that protrudes from the movable portion 20C side to the fixed portion 30C side. With this configuration, by pulling the cord 2 that has been passed through the movable portion 20C of the insertion hole 3C of the cord stopper 1C to the rearward side, the cord 2 can be guided to the fixed portion 30C side by the aforementioned guide portion 41, thereby allowing the cord 2 to be fixed smoothly. The cord 2 can be released by pulling it forward.

[0068] 1...Cord stopper, 11...Front plate, 11C...Front plate, 12...Back plate, 12C...Back plate, 13...Side plate, 131...End, 13C...Side plate, 14...Side plate, 141...End, 14C...Side plate, 1B...Cord stopper, 1C...Cord stopper, 2...Cord, 20...Movable part, 20C...Movable part, 3...Through hole, 301...End, 302...End, 30A...Fixed part, 30B...Fixed part, 30C...Fixed part, 310...Protrusion, 311A...Side edge , 311B...Side edge, 311C...Side edge, 312A...Edge, 312B...Edge, 31A...Fixed main body part, 31C...Fixed main body part, 31B...Fixed main body part, 32A...Continuous slope part, 32B...Continuous slope part, 32C...Continuous slope part, 35A ...first inclined part, 35B...first inclined part, 35C...first inclined part, 36A...second inclined part, 36B...second inclined part, 37A...boundary line, 37B...boundary line, 37C...boundary line, 3C...insertion hole, 41...guide part, C1 to C3...center line.

Claims

1. A cord stopper (1, 1B, 1C) for releasably securing a cord (2) passed through an insertion hole (3, 3C), wherein the cord stopper (1, 1B, 1C) is composed of a single member having the insertion hole (3, 3C), the insertion hole (3, 3C) has a width dimension such that the cord (2) can slide in the width direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the insertion direction (X-axis direction), the insertion hole (3, 3C) has a movable portion (20, 20C) that allows the cord (2) to move in the insertion direction (X-axis direction), and a fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) that is adjacent to the movable portion (20, 20C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and fixes the cord (2) in the insertion direction (X-axis direction), The fixed portion (30A, 30B, 30C) is a cord stopper that protrudes more than the movable portion (20, 20C) in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) intersecting the insertion direction (X-axis direction) and the width direction (Y-axis direction) so as to narrow the insertion hole (3, 3C).

2. The cord stopper according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) comprises a fixing body portion (31A, 31B, 31C) extending in the insertion direction (X-axis direction), and a continuous inclined portion (32A, 32B, 32C) that is continuous with the movable portion (20, 20C) on the side edge (311A, 311B, 311C) of the fixing body portion (31A, 31B, 31C) and inclined toward the movable portion (20, 20C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) from the side edge (311A, 311B, 311C).

3. The cord stopper according to claim 2, wherein the fixed body portion (31A, 31B, 31C) has at least one projection that protrudes in the thickness direction and extends in the insertion direction.

4. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) has a first inclined portion (35A, 35B, 35C) at the front end 301 of the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) that inclins outward in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) as it moves forward in the insertion direction (X-axis direction), and the first inclined portion (35A, 35B, 35C) is provided inclined toward the rear end (302) of the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) as it moves toward the movable portion (20, 20C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

5. The cord stopper according to claim 4, wherein the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) has a second inclined portion (36A, 36B, 36C) at the front end (301) of the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) that is inclined outward in the thickness direction (Z direction) as it moves forward in the insertion direction (X direction), and the second inclined portion (36A, 36B, 36C) is positioned further away from the movable portion (20, 20C) than the first inclined portion (35A, 35B, 35C) in the width direction (Y direction), and is provided inclined toward the rear end (302) as it moves further away from the first inclined portion (35A, 35B, 35C) in the width direction (Y direction).

6. The cord stopper according to claim 5, wherein the boundary lines (37A, 37B, 37C) where the first inclined portions (35A, 35B, 35C) and the second inclined portions (36A, 36B, 36C) are adjacent to each other are inclined inward in the width direction (Y direction) with respect to the insertion direction (X direction).

7. The cord stopper according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the width dimension of the fixed main body portion (31A, 31B, 31C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) is greater than the diameter dimension of the cord (2), the width dimension of the second inclined portion (36A, 36B, 36C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than the diameter dimension of the cord (2), and the width dimension of the first inclined portion (35A, 35B, 36C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) is greater than the width dimension of the second inclined portion (36A, 36B, 36C) in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

8. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cord stopper (1, 1B, 1C) has a pair of side plate portions (13, 13C, 14, 14C) facing each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) is provided adjacent to the side plate portions (13, 13C, 14, 14C), and the rear end (302) of the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C) protrudes rearward in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) than the side plate portions (13, 13C, 14, 14C) adjacent to the fixing portion (30A, 30B, 30C).

9. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insertion hole (3) is provided with the fixing portions (30A, 30B) on both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and the movable portion (20) is provided between the fixing portions (30A, 30B) on both sides.

10. The cord stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insertion hole (3C) has a fixed portion (30C) on one side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the movable portion (20C).

11. The cord stopper according to claim 10, wherein the cord stopper (1C) is positioned rearward in the insertion direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the insertion hole (3C), and has a guide portion (41) protruding from the movable portion (20C) side to the fixed portion (30C) side.

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