FASTENING DEVICE AND WEARABLE ARTICLE WITH A FASTENING DEVICE

Abstract

A fastening device (1) for a wearable article, the fastening device including four hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5) a central adjustment unit (6) and fastening cord (7). Furthermore, a wearable article with one or two fastening devices is disclosed.

Claims

1. A fastening device (1) for a wearable article, in particular a wearable article having two shoulder straps, the fastening device (1) comprising: four peripheral hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5), a central adjustment unit (6) and a fastening cord (7); wherein each of the four hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5) defines a cord holding receptacle (21, 31, 41, 51) which holds the fastening cord (7) such that the fastening cord (7) can longitudinally be moved through the holding receptacle (21, 31, 41, 51); wherein the fastening cord (7) directly connects each of the four hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5) with the central adjustment unit (6); wherein the central adjustment unit (6) forms a releasable locking connection with the fastening cord (7).

2. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central adjustment unit (6) is configured such that it is biased into a locking configuration in which it forms the releasable locking connection with the fastening cord (7).

3. The fastening device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the central adjustment unit (6) is configured such that it is switchable between the locking configuration and an open configuration, wherein longitudinally moving the fastening cord (7) through the central adjustment unit (6) is possible in the open configuration.

4. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central adjustment unit (6) comprises two separate locking channels (61, 62) through which the fastening cord (7) extends, wherein preferably each locking channel (61, 62) is biased into the locking configuration and can be brought into the open configuration.

5. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central adjustment unit (6) comprises a lug (63) defining one or more guide channels (631, 632), wherein the fastening cord (7) runs through at least one of the guide channels (631, 632), such that the fastening cord (7) can longitudinally be moved through the at least one guide channel (631, 632).

6. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two distal ends (71, 72) of the fastening cord (7) protrude from the central adjustment unit (6), wherein preferably the two distal ends (71, 72) are connected together, in particular by a form-locking, force locking and/or material bonded connection.

7. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each hook element (2, 3, 4, 5) comprises one or two hooks (221, 222) being configured for connecting the fastening device (1) with an engagement loop of the wearable article.

8. The fastening device (1) according to claim 7, wherein each hook (221, 222) defines a groove (2211), in particular a groove (2211) having a circular, cross-section, wherein preferably each hook (221, 222) defines a constricted groove opening (2212).

9. The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein each hook element (2, 3, 4, 5) comprises two hooks (221, 222) arranged after one another and spaced apart from each other.

10. The fastening device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the two hooks (221, 222) of one of the hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5) extend in parallel to each other or extend inversely to each other.

11. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening cord (7) extends from the central adjustment unit (6) directly to each of the four hook elements (2, 3, 4, through the cord holding receptacle (21, 31, 41, 51) of each of the hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5) and directly from the fastening cord holding receptacle (21, 31, 41, 51) back to the central adjustment unit (6).

12. The fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening cord (7) extends from the central adjustment unit (6) directly to each of the of the four hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5), through the fastening cord holding receptacle (21, 31, 41, 51) of each of the hook elements (2, 3, 4, 5) and from the fastening cord holding receptacle (21, 31, 41, 51) directly to another, in particular adjacent, hook element (2, 3, 4, 5).

13. A wearable article (100), in particular a vest, a bag or a backpack, having a first shoulder strap (101) and a second shoulder strap (102) each forming a shoulder loop (103, 104) of the wearable article (100), the wearable article (100) comprising the fastening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap (101) comprises at least two first engagement loops (1011, 1012, 1013) and wherein the second shoulder strap (102) comprises at least two second engagement loops (1021, 1022, 1023).

14. The wearable article (100) according to claim 13, wherein two hook elements (2, 3) of the fastening device (1) are each engaged with one of the first engagement loops (1011, 1013) and two hook elements (4, 5) of the fastening device (1) are each engaged with one of the second engagement loops (1021, 1023), such that the fastening device (1) connects the first (101) and second should strap (102), such that the central adjustment unit (6) is arranged between the first (101) and second shoulder strap (102).

15. The wearable article (100) according to claim 13, wherein the fastening device (1) forms a X-shape between the first (101) and second shoulder strap (102) with the central adjustment unit (6) being arranged in the center of the X-shape.

16. The wearable article (100) according to claim 13, wherein the two distal ends (71, 72) of the fastening cord (7) are freely protruding from the central adjustment unit (6).

17. Use of a fastening device (1) according to claim 1 in a wearable article (100) for fastening the wearable article (100) to a wearer.

18. A wearable article (200), in particular a vest, a bag or a backpack, having a first shoulder strap (201) and a second shoulder strap (202) each forming a shoulder loop (203, 204) of the wearable article (200), wherein the first shoulder strap (201) comprises at least two first engagement loops (2011, 2012, 2013) and wherein the second shoulder strap (202) comprises at least two second engagement loops (2021, 2022, 2023); the wearable article (200) comprising at least two fastening devices (1, 1), wherein each fastening device (1, 1) comprises: a hook element (2, 2), an adjustment unit (6, 6) and a fastening cord (7, 7) extending between the adjustment unit (6, 6) and the hook element (2, 2); wherein each hook element (2, 2) defines a cord holding receptacle (21, 21) which holds the fastening cord (7, 7) such that the fastening cord (7, 7) can longitudinally be moved through the cord holding receptacle (21, 21), wherein the adjustment unit (6, 6) forms a releasable locking connection, in particular a force-locking and/or form-locking and/or frictional connection, with the fastening cord (7, 7); and wherein each hook element (2, 2) of each fastening device (1, 1) is engaged with one of the first (2011, 2013) or second engagement loops of the first (201) or second shoulder strap and each adjustment unit (6, 6) is connected with one of the first or second engagement loops (2021, 2023) of the other one of the first or second shoulder strap (202) such that each fastening device (1, 1) connects the first (201) and second shoulder strap (202) with each other.

19. The wearable article (200) according to claim 18, wherein the adjustment unit (6, 6) of each fastening device (1, 1) is configured such that it is biased into a locking configuration in which it forms the releasable locking connection with the fastening cord (7, 7), wherein in the locking configuration, longitudinally moving the fastening cord (7, 7) through the adjustment unit (6, 6) is essentially avoided.

20. The wearable article (200) according to claim 19, wherein the adjustment unit (6, 6) of each fastening device (1, 1) is configured such that it can be brought from the locking configuration into an open configuration, wherein longitudinally moving the fastening cord (7, 7) through the adjustment unit (6, 6) is possible in the open configuration.

21. The wearable article (200) according to claim 18, wherein the adjustment unit (6, 6) of each fastening device (1, 1) comprises two separate locking channels through which the fastening cord (7, 7) extends, wherein each locking channel is biased into the locking configuration and can be brought into the open configuration.

22. The wearable article (200) according to claim 18, wherein the two distal ends (71, 72, 71, 72) of the fastening cord (7, 7) protrude from the adjustment unit (6, 6), wherein preferably the two distal ends (71, 72, 71, 72) are connected together, in particular by a form-locking, force locking and/or material bonded connection.

23. The wearable article (200) according to claim 18, wherein each hook element (2, 2) comprises one or two hooks (221, 222, 221, 222) configured for connecting the fastening device (1, 1) with an engagement loop (2011, 2013) of the wearable article (200).

24. The wearable article (200) according to any of claim 18, wherein the fastening cords (7, 7) of the two fastening elements (1, 1) extend in parallel to each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a fastening device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a fastening device according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the hook elements are not shown for clarity purposes;

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a fastening device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0063] FIG. 4 shows a wearable article according to an embodiment of the invention, particularly of the second aspect of the invention;

[0064] FIG. 5a shows a wearable article according to another embodiment of the invention particularly of the fourth aspect of the invention;

[0065] FIG. 5b shows the fastening devices used in the wearable article shown in FIG. 5b;

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a hook element as it can be used in embodiments of the invention;

[0067] FIG. 7 shows other hook elements as it can be used in other embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0068] FIG. 1 shows an X-shaped fastening device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fastening device 1 comprises central adjustment unit 6 and four thereto peripherally arranged hook elements 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as fastening cord 7. Each of the hook elements 2, 3, 4 and 5 defines a cord holding receptacle 21, 31, 41 and 51 (see also FIGS. 6 and 7), which holds the fastening cord such that it can longitudinally be moved through this holding receptacle (i.e., such that the position of the hook element is changed along the fastening cord 7 as indicated by the double arrow). The fastening cord 7 directly connects each hook element 2, 3, 4 and 5 with central adjustment unit 6. For securing a specific configuration, i.e., a relative position of the fastening cord with respect to central adjustment unit 6 and the four hook elements 2, 3, 4 and 5, the central adjustment unit 6 is configured such that it forms a releasable locking connection with fastening cord 7. Central adjustment unit 6 is biased into the locking configuration shown in FIG. 1, i.e., it remains in this position until a biasing force is overcome to bring the central adjustment unit 6 into an open position in which longitudinally moving fastening cord 7 with respect to, particularly through, the central adjustment unit 6 is enabled, respectively possible. In order to mount the fastening device 1 to corresponding engagement loops of a wearable article, each hook element comprises two hooks 221 and 222 (only the hooks of hook element 2 are referenced for clarity purposes). In general, hooks 221 and 222 are facing away from fastening cord 7, respectively cord holding receptacle 21. Hooks 221 and 222 are arranged one after another and are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap between them.

[0069] Central adjustment unit 6 further comprises lug 63 through which the fastening cord 7 extends and from which it protrudes with its two distal ends 71 and 72. Distal ends 71 and 72 protrude freely from lug 63, which means that they are unattached on the opposite side from lug 63. Distal ends 71 and 72 are connected by a form-locking connection, e.g., a knot. A wearer can readily bring central adjustment unit 6 into the open configuration by laterally pushing onto the laterally protruding locking structures thereby overcoming a biasing force which may generally for example be exerted by a biasing element such as a spring or an elastic polymer. In this or any other embodiment described herein, the central adjustment unit may be configured such that it can be switched from the locking configuration into the open configuration by a single handed operation, that is, the wearer can bring the central adjustment unit into the open position by using only a single hand. With the other free hand, the wearer can pull distal ends 71 and 72 of fastening cord 7 in order to tighten fastening device 1. Lug 63 defines two different guide channels (see FIG. 2) which are configured such that longitudinally moving the fastening cord 7 through the guide channels is possible, respectively enabled.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, fastening cord 7 extends with two cord sections between each hook element 2, 3, 4 and 5 and central adjustment unit 6. In other words, fastening cord 7 extends from central adjustment unit 6 to each of the hook elements and directly back to the adjustment unit 6. As a representative example, fastening cord 7 extends from central adjustment unit 6 directly to hook element 2, through the corresponding cord holding receptacle 21 and from there directly back to the central adjustment unit 6. The cord sections extending from hook elements 3 and 4 back to central adjustment unit 6 enter a T-shaped guide channel (see FIG. 2 guide channel 631) from opposite sides and then join at the crossing point of the guide channel, are bent at the crossing point and exit the T-shaped guide channel together protruding freely form lug 63.

[0071] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a fastening device 1. The hook elements are not shown for clarity purposes. By comparison with FIG. 1 it can be seen that in this or optionally any other embodiment described herein, two sections of the fastening cord extend between central adjustment unit 6 and each of the hook element, wherein one of the two sections extends through a locking channel 61, 62 of the central adjustment unit 6 and the other one of the two sections extends through a guide channel defined by lug 63, either T-shaped guide channel 631 or guide channel 632.

[0072] FIG. 3 shows fastening device 1 according to a different embodiment. Particularly, the arrangement of fastening cord 7 is different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Fastening cord 7 extends only with a single section directly between central adjustment unit 6 and each one of four hook elements 2, 3, 4 and 5. In addition however, the fastening cord 7 also directly connects two hook elements of a pair of hook elements with each other. In the embodiment shown, hook elements 2 and 3 form a first pair which is directly connected by fastening cord 7 and hook elements 4 and 5 form another, second pair whose hook elements are directly connected by fastening cord 7. In other words, fastening cord 7 extends from central adjustment unit to each one of the four hook elements 2, 3, 4 and 5, through their corresponding cord holding receptacle 21, 31, 41 and 51 and then directly to another one of the hook elements. As an illustrative example, fastening cord 7 extends from central adjustment unit 6, and particularly from a locking channel of the central adjustment unit, to hook element 2, through its cord holding receptacle 21 and from there directly to hook element 3. From hook element 3, the fastening cord then runs through its corresponding cord holding receptacle 31 and from there back to central adjustment unit 6, in particular through a guide channel of central adjustment unit 6 and from there to hook element 4 and 5 before it returns to central adjustment unit 6.

[0073] FIG. 4 depicts a wearable article 100, such as a vest or a backpack according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular according to the second aspect of the invention. Wearable article 100 comprises first shoulder strap 101 and therefrom separated second shoulder strap 102, wherein each shoulder strap forms a shoulder loop 103, 104 for receiving the wearer's arm and/or shoulder. Wearable article 100 comprises fastening device 1, for example fastening device 1 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The first shoulder strap 101 comprises eight first engagement loops, such as engagement loops 1011, 1012 and 1013 (only three engagement loops are referenced for clarity purposes). Second shoulder strap 102 comprises also eight engagement loops, such as engagement loops 1021, 1022 and 1023 (only three engagement loops are referenced for clarity purposes). Typically, the first engagement loops and the second engagement loops are aligned with each other, i.e., they are positioned at the same height of their corresponding shoulder strap. Furthermore, in this or any other embodiment described herein, the first engagement loops and the second engagement loops are facing each other.

[0074] Two hook elements, namely hook elements 2 and 3, of fastening device 1 are each engaged with a first engagement loop. Hook element 2 is engaged with engagement loop 1011 and hook element 3 is engaged with engagement loop 1013. Furthermore, the remaining two hook elements, namely adjacent hook elements 4 and 5 are each engaged with a second engagement loop. Hook element 4 is engaged with engagement loop 1023 and hook element 5 is engaged with engagement loop 1021. The hook elements are engaged with the corresponding engagement loops such that central adjustment unit 6 is arranged between first shoulder strap 101 and second shoulder strap 102 and further such that the fastening device forms an X-shape between the two shoulder straps 101 and 102.

[0075] FIG. 5a shows wearable article 200 according to a different embodiment of the invention, particularly according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention. FIG. 5b shows a detailed view of the corresponding two fastening devices 1 and 1 used in wearable article 200 of FIG. 5a.

[0076] Wearable article 200 comprises first shoulder strap 201 forming shoulder loop 203 and second shoulder strap 202 forming shoulder loop 204. First shoulder strap 201 comprises eight first engagement loops, such as engagement loops 2011, 2012 and 2013 (only three engagement loops are referenced for clarity purposes). Second shoulder strap 202 comprises also eight engagement loops, such as engagement loops 2021, 2022 and 2023 (only three engagement loops are referenced for clarity purposes). The wearable article comprises two fastening devices 1 and 1, which are separate from each other and not directly connected with each other. Each fastening device 1, 1 comprises a single hook element 2, 2 which defines cord holding receptacle 21, 21. The cord holding receptacle holds fastening cord 7, 7 of fastening device 1, 1 such that the fastening cord can longitudinally be moved through the cord holding receptacle. Furthermore, each fastening device 1, 1 comprises adjustment unit 6, 6 forming a releasable locking connection with corresponding fastening cord 7. 7. The hook element 2, 2 of each of the fastening devices 1, 1 is engaged with one of the first engagement loops of first shoulder strap 201, i.e., hook element 2 is engaged with first engagement loop 2011 and hook element 2 is engaged with first engagement loop 2013. It is clear to the skilled person that it may also be possible to turn around one or both fastening devices 1, 1 by 180, i.e., such that hook element 2, 2 is connected with one of the second engagement loops 2021, 2022, 2023 of the second shoulder strap 202. Each adjustment unit 6, 6 is connected with a second engagement loop of the second shoulder strap 203. It is clear to the skilled person that if one or both of the fastening devices is turned around by 180 as mentioned above, the corresponding adjustment unit 6, 6 would be connected to a first engagement loop of the first shoulder strap 201. Adjustment units 6, 6 are connected to second engagement loops 2021 and 2023 by a form-locking connection and further such that each fastening device 1, 1 connects first shoulder strap 201 and second shoulder strap 202 with each other. In general, the adjustment unit 6, 6 may be the same as it has been described with respect to any other embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As can be seen, both fastening devices 1 and 1 comprise a lug 73, 73 being connected to fastening cord 7, 7 and protruding therefrom. In this or any other embodiment described herein, lug 73, 73 may be arranged such that adjustment unit 6, 6 is arranged between corresponding lug 73, 73 and hook element 2, 2. Fastening cord 7, 7 extends from each hook element 2, 2 to adjustment unit 6, 6 and from there back to the hook element 2, 2. Furthermore, each fastening cord 7, 7 fastening device 1, 1 comprises two fastening cord sections extend in parallel to each other between first shoulder strap 201 and second shoulder strap 202.

[0077] FIG. 6 shows a hook element 2 as it can be used in any fastening device described herein. Hook element 2 defines cord holding receptacle 21, which in the embodiment shown is a groove having a constricted opening 211 through which the fastening cord can be inserted but which also secure the fastening cord inside the groove. Furthermore, hook element 2 comprises two hooks 221 and 222 which are arranged one after another. The hooks shown in FIG. 6 extend in parallel to each other, that is they are congruent and can be transformed into each other by linear translation. Each hook, such as hook 221 defines a groove, such as groove 2221 having a round cross-section and having constricted groove opening 2212.

[0078] FIG. 7 shows hook elements 2, which can also be used in any fastening device described herein. Also, these hook elements define cord holding receptacle 21 and a have each two S-shaped hooks 221 and 222 being arranged one after another, but in contrast to the hook element shown in FIG. 6, the two hooks 221 and 222 do not extend in parallel to each other but extend inversely to each other, i.e., they are congruent to each other in that they can be transformed into each other by point inversion. This entails that the corresponding groove openings 2212 and 2222 of the two hooks 221 and 222 are oppositely arranged to each other, which decreases the risk of undesired disconnection of the corresponding fastening device from the first or second engagement loop of a wearable article.