COVER DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR LOCKING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Cover devices and systems for locking assemblies are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the cover device include a cover component having an interior and at least one opening, where the interior is configured to house a locking assembly therein and the opening(s) are configured to receive the locking assembly and/or a flexible strand (such as a lace) therethrough. The locking assembly cover systems include the previously described cover component, a locking assembly operable to releasably secure a portion of a flexible strand and slidably disposed within the interior of the cover device, and at least one flexible strand releasably secured by the locking assembly and threaded through at least one of the openings of the cover component. Furthermore, locking assembly cover kits are described, which include an assembly of the components of the system packaged together.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/888,964, filed Oct. 9, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, it is known to use cords, laces or other flexible strands to tighten aspects of footwear or apparel. For example, running shoes typically comprise a lace threaded back and forth through the sides and middle of the shoe, with two free ends extending from the top portion of the shoe. A user can pull these two free ends to tighten the shoe around his or her foot by pulling on the same until the desired level of tension is achieved. Thereafter, to ensure the laces do not loosen over time, it is known to secure the laces with a bow or knot.

However, because maintaining a constant tension is often difficult with solely a bow or knot securing the laces, a cord lock or a lace lock may be used. Cord and lace locks are conventionally used to releasably secure a portion of cord, lace, wire, strand, or the like. For example, a cord or lace lock may be used to releasably secure a free end portion of a drawstring threaded through the waist of a pair of shorts. In application to footwear, a lace lock may be used to temporarily secure the laces so that they maintain a constant tension over time. For example, the laces of a running shoe may be pulled through the lace lock such that when the lace lock is engaged, the laces are locked therein and a user can run, walk and/or exercise without worrying about the laces loosening or becoming untied. Accordingly, instead of using a bow or knot to secure laces on a shoe, a user can use a lace lock to quickly, easily and effectively releasably secure the laces at the desired tension.

Due to the nature of the cord/lace locks and their intended uses, the devices must typically be durable enough to withstand a certain degree of pressure and active wear. For example, where a lace lock is used with running shoes, the device must be able to withstand repeated concussion and harsh outdoor conditions (such as temperature fluctuations, dirt/dust, high moisture levels and/or precipitation) without slipping on the underlying laces and, thus, loosening the desired tension therein. Accordingly, most cord/lace locks are comprised of materials selected with reliability and durability in mind in order to provide consistent operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a cover component comprising an interior and at least one opening in communication with the interior. In this at least one embodiment, the interior is configured to house a locking assembly therein and the at least one opening is configured to receive a flexible strand therethrough. The cover component may be comprised of a compressible or non-compressible material and may also further comprise or define a first end, a second end, a front surface and a back surface. For example, in at least one embodiment, the first and second ends of the cover component comprise compressible material. Additionally or alternatively, the cover component may comprise a sleeve and/or comprise a portion that is phosphorescent and/or a portion that flashes or otherwise illuminates in either a flashing or steady-state.

In an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, at least one of the at least one openings is configured to receive a flexible strand therethrough. In another embodiment, the locking assembly is either fully housed within the interior of the cover component, substantially housed within the interior of the cover component, or at least partially housed within the interior of the cover component. In various embodiments, the at least one opening comprises at least two openings, wherein at least one of the at least two openings comprises a lace opening. The cover component further defines at least one lace opening configured to receive a flexible strand therethrough. The device may further comprise one or more lights, and may also comprise a control and a battery, wherein at least one of the control and/or the battery is coupled to the one or more lights.

In an exemplary system for covering a locking assembly, the system comprises a cover component, a locking assembly and at least one flexible strand. The cover component comprises an interior and at least one opening in communication with the interior. The locking assembly is slidably disposed within the interior of the cover component and operable to releasably secure a portion of the flexible strand. The at least one flexible strand comprises a first portion releasably secured by the locking assembly and a second portion traversing one of the at least one openings of the cover component. In at least one embodiment, the at least a third portion of the at least one flexible strand may be affixed on or to an article and/or the cover component may be coupled with the same. The article in question may comprise apparel, footwear, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, and athletic shoulder pads. Furthermore, the locking assembly of the system may be configured to move between a locked position and a released position. In such embodiments where the cover component is at least partially comprised of a compressible or non-compressible material, the cover component may be further configured such that a user can move the locking assembly between the locked position and the released position when the locking assembly is disposed within the interior of the cover component.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking assembly cover kit is provided that includes an assembly of components packed together. The locking assembly cover kit comprises a cover component comprising an interior and at least one opening in communication with the interior and a locking assembly operable to releasably secure a portion of a flexible strand. In this at least one embodiment, the interior of the cover component is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the locking assembly therein. Furthermore, the locking assembly cover kit may also further comprise one or more flexible strands. In addition, where the locking assembly cover kit comprises one or more flexible strands, in at least one embodiment such flexible strands may further comprise elastic bands configured to traverse the at least one opening of the cover component of the claimed system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages, and disclosures contained herein, and the matter of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of one configuration of a lace lock, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the lace lock of FIG. 1A with a lace secured therein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C shows a front view of the lace lock of FIG. 1A in a locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D shows a front view of the lace lock of FIGS. 1A and 1C in a released position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows perspective views of an alternative configuration of a lace lock, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective views of yet another configuration of a lace lock, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows perspective views of additional types of lace locks, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a cover device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the cover device of FIG. 5A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of three lock assembly cover systems, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A shows perspective views of systems of FIG. 6 where each of the locking assemblies is partially inserted into the respective cover device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B shows perspective views of the systems of FIGS. 6 and 7A where each locking assembly is fully encased within the respective cover device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8C show views of at least one embodiment of the lock assembly cover system described herein as applied to a running shoe, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of various components and/or features of an exemplary cover device of the present disclosure.

An overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features, such as various couplers, etc., as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

It will be appreciated that while the embodiments disclosed herein are generally described for use in connection with footwear, all of such devices, systems and kits may be used for or in connection with any kind of locking assembly for use with an article comprising flexible strands including, without limitation, backpacks, other packs or bags, medical devices, apparel, or sporting goods. Furthermore, as used herein the term “lace lock” is broadly defined to include cord locks, lace locks or any other locking assemblies for use in releasably securing flexible strands, and the term “lace” is broadly defined to include any flexible strands including, without limitation, lace, cord, string, wire, rope or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-4, various configurations of lace locks are shown. As these lace locks share many of the same components, like components are indicated with like reference numbers throughout the figures. In operation, lace locks can be subjected to a high degree of stress, depending on their desired application. For example, lace locks used in connection with footwear must be able to withstand the concussion associated with repeated footfalls and the elements an individual encounters when wearing such footwear (e.g., water, rain, ice, snow, extreme temperatures, high moisture levels, dirt/mud, etc.). Accordingly, while lace locks can be made of any suitable material, most lace locks are manufactured with strength and reliability in mind to account for the stresses associated with normal use of the products.

FIGS. 1A-4 illustrate various embodiments of a lace lock 10, which may be made of plastic or another material. The lace locks 10 shown therein are spring-activated devices having a hollow body 12, a locking member 14 and a tension assembly 16. The hollow body 12 comprises an outer surface 24 and an inner surface 26, which define an inner cavity therebetween. Additionally, both the outer and inner surfaces 24, 26 can define one or more eyelets 18 for one or more laces 28 to pass through. In such an embodiment, each eyelet 18 on the outer surface 24 comprises a matching, concentrically aligned eyelet 24 on the inner surface 26.

The inner cavity of the hollow body 12 is configured to house the tension assembly 16 and slidably receive the locking member 14 therein. The locking member 14 defines one or more eyelets 20 for the lace(s) 28 to pass through (see FIG. 1B) and is seated on the tension assembly 16 such that when downward pressure is applied to the locking member 14 (see the arrow in FIG. 1D), the locking member 14 slides further down into the hollow body 12 and applies pressure to the tension assembly 16. Additionally, where the outer and inner surfaces 24, 26 also comprise eyelet(s) 18, when the locking member 14 is slidably moved down into the hollow body 12, the eyelet(s) 20 of the locking member 14 align with the eyelet(s) 18 of the hollow body 12. In this manner, an eyelet passageway traversing through the outer surface 24 of the hollow body 12, the locking member 14, and the inner surface 26 of the hollow body 12 is formed.

In the embodiment of the lace lock 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the tension assembly 16 comprises a spring assembly. However, it will be appreciated that the tension assembly is not limited to a particular arrangement or configuration and any suitable mechanism may be employed. For example, while the tension assembly 16 of lace lock 10 is configured as spring-loaded barrel locks, lace lock 10 may comprise any tension assemblies or locking mechanisms known in the art such as a capstan, a cam lock, post or any other suitable device or arrangement.

In operation, the lace lock 10 is configured to move between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, any laces threaded through the lace lock 10 are securely held in place by the locking member 14 and/or tension assembly 16. For example, when the embodiment of the lace lock 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D is in the locked position, the eyelet passageway is not easily accessible as eyelets 18, 20 are not concentrically aligned. (See FIGS. 1A and 1C.) As such, when laces 28 are threaded through the eyelets 18, 20 and the lace lock 10 is moved the locked position, the flexible laces 28 are secured within the lace lock 10 due to the offset between the eyelets 18 of the hollow body 12 and the eyelets 20 of the locking member 14.

Conversely, when this embodiment is moved to the released position, the offset between the eyelets 18, 20 is corrected and an eyelet passageway is clearly defined such that the laces 28 can easily be threaded or unthreaded through the lace lock 10. (See FIG. 1D.) Accordingly, a user can move the lace lock 10 to the released position, thread one or more laces 28 through the eyelets 18, 20, and then, after setting the desired tension of the laces 28, move the lace lock 10 into the locked position to secure the same.

Now referring to FIGS. 5A-7B, exemplary cover devices and systems for a locking assembly of the present disclosure are shown. FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a protective cover 100 configured for placement over a lace lock 10. While the devices, systems and kits described herein are described connection with the lace lock 10, it will be appreciated that such embodiments may be used in connection with any type of locking assemblies configured to releasably secure flexible strands, whether such locking assemblies are now in existence or may otherwise be adopted in the future.

Now referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, front and bottom views of a cover device 100 are shown. In at least one embodiment, the cover device 100 comprises a compressible sleeve having a front surface 110, a back surface 112, and defining an interior 106 for receiving at least a portion of the lace lock 10. The cover device 100 further comprises at least one opening 108 in communication with the interior 106, the opening configured to receive at least part of the lace lock 10 and to allow for any lace(s) 28 secured by the lace lock 10 to extend therethrough when the lace lock 10 is positioned within the interior 106 of the cover device 100.

In addition to the at least one opening 108, the cover device may also comprise one or more lace openings 120 configured to allow one or more laces 28 to pass through. For example, in the at least one embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the cover device 100 comprises a first end 102 and a second end 104, where the second end 104 comprises a larger opening 108 to receive the lace lock 10 and the first end 102 comprises a smaller lace opening 120 for the laces 28. Nevertheless, it is understood that the cover device 100 may comprise only one open end or the one or more lace openings 120 may be positioned through any surface of the device 100 (not just on the ends). Indeed, the cover device 100 need not comprise any discernible ends at all, depending on its desired shape and configuration.

It will be appreciated that the cover device 100 may comprise a variety of configurations and is not limited to those illustrated in the figures. For example, the cover device 100 may comprise a single strip of material, folded or formed into a V-shape. There, the V-shaped cover device 100 sandwiches the lace lock 10 in the interior defined between V, and the at least one openings 108 and lace openings 120 comprise the open end and sides. In yet another embodiment, the cover device 100 simply comprises a single piece akin to the front surface 110 shown in FIG. 5A. This embodiment does not define an interior, but instead secures over the front of the lace lock 10 and provide protection in that manner.

The cover device 100 may be comprised of any material that is suitable to cover the lace lock 10 and still allow a user to easily lock or release the lace lock 10 when it is encased within the cover device 100. As such, the material of the cover device 100 may entirely or partially be compressible and/or flexible or semi-flexible. Furthermore, the cover device 100 may comprise materials that are durable and reliable and will not rust or corrode. In this manner, the cover device 100 can be configured to withstand any stress associated with the application for which it is to be used and, thus, adequately protect the underlying lace lock 10 from wear and tear. For example, and without limitation, the cover device 100 may comprise hard plastic and/or metal. Alternatively or additionally, the cover device 100 may also comprise waterproof or water resistant material, magnetic material, non-ferrous metals, polymers, wood, minerals, rock, stone, and/or synthetic and other fabrics.

The cover device 100 may also comprise of a variety of materials having different characteristics. In at least one embodiment, the cover device 100 is configured as a rigid or semi-rigid sleeve with compressible areas located where necessary to allow a user to lock and release a lace lock 10 positioned within the interior 106 thereof. For example, and without limitation, part or all of the front and back surfaces 110, 112 of the cover device 100 may comprise a rigid material while the first and second ends 102, 104 may comprise a compressible material. In this manner, the cover device 100 provides structure and increased protection to the underlying lace lock 10 disposed therein, yet still allows for a user to easily lock and/or release the lace lock 10 while the cover device 100 is in place.

Although the front surface 110 of the cover device 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B as flat and smooth, both the front and back surfaces 110, 112 may have other suitable non-flat configurations such as, for example, being shaped to conform to the shape of an upper/lace portion of a shoe. Furthermore, the back surface 112 need not be smooth, but may instead have a non-smooth surface (e.g., a textured surface) that might aid, for example, in mounting the cover device 100 to an article (e.g., a shoe). Additionally, such a non-smooth surface on the back surface 112 may also aid in keeping the cover device 100 and lace lock 10 securely in place after it is mounted to the article.

Still further, at least the front surface 110 of the cover device 100 may comprise two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images, designs or ornamentation thereon. In this manner, not only does the cover device 100 protect the lace lock 10 disposed therein, but also adds an element of fashion and/or decorative interest to the device 100 and/or the underlying article to which the device 100 is attached. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the front surfaces 110 of the cover devices 100 are configured to display characters and/or animals. Cover devices 100 comprising such ornamentation can be manufactured using thermochromatic or other methods, or may be created via dying, painting, or any other method available. Furthermore, any type of material may be used in creating such ornamentation or simply be added to the front surface 110 of the device 100 including, but not limited to, reflective, phosphor-based and other materials.

Still further, as shown in FIGS. 6-7B, the entire cover device 100 itself may be configured to reflect the shape of the ornamentation shown on the front surface 110. As seen in FIG. 6, one of the cover devices 100 shown is configured in the shape of a frog head to correspond with the design printed on the front surface 110 thereof. Additionally, the opening(s) 108 and/or lace opening(s) 120 may also be strategically positioned through the front surface 110 of the cover device 100 such that the laces 28 are incorporated into the overall design, image or ornamentation thereon. For example, if the front surface 110 depicts an elephant head, the lace opening(s) 120 may be positioned such that the laces 28 extending therethrough look like the elephant's trunk.

It will be appreciated that such ornamentation can come in a multitude of images, patterns, designs and even be customized by a user. By way of non-limiting example, such images and designs could include characters and cartoons; flowers, trees and other plant life; sports-related images (including sports equipment, team logos, mascots, etc.); mythical beings (including unicorns, monsters, dragons, etc.); transportation-related images (including planes, trains, automobiles, boats, etc.); construction-related images (including buildings, heavy machinery and other equipment, etc.); agriculture-related images (including barns, animals, tractors, etc.); racing images and logos; animals, reptiles and insects; dinosaurs; food; geography-related images (including mountain ranges, rivers, etc.); business images, logos and other trademarks; party supplies and images; numbers and letters; holiday-related and seasonal images (including stockings, Christmas trees, Jack-o-lanterns, witch hats, broom sticks, images representing the seasons, etc.); religious images; patriotic images (including flags, landmarks, etc.); music-related images; likenesses of celebrities, political figures, or other individuals; firearms and weaponry; apparel, footwear and accessories; pet goods and related items (collars, tags, etc.); appliances; and any other image or design that may be desired.

In addition to the aforementioned, the front surface 110 of the cover device 100 may also comprise other ornamental aspects, such as pendants, gems, stones, or other type of adornments. The front surface 110 of the cover design 100 may also comprise functional adornments such as flashing and/or static lights, LEDs, batteries and the like. FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of components and/or features of an exemplary cover device 100 of the present disclosure, said cover device 100 defining at least one opening 108 configured to receive a lace lock 10 and at least one (shown as two) lace openings 120 defined therein and configured to receive part of a lace 28 therethrough. FIG. 9 also shows an embodiment of an exemplary cover device 100 comprising an exemplary light 900, which can be an LED as noted above, for example, which is controlled using control 902, which may be a button, switch, or another control mechanism known in the art useful to control illumination of a light 900. One or more batteries 904 operably coupled to light 900 and/or control 902 can be used to provide the required current to illuminate light 900 as desired. Other components and/or features as referenced herein may accompany such an exemplary cover device 100 embodiment.

It will also be appreciated that any type of image, adornment, design, pattern or display may be incorporated onto and/or displayed on the cover device 100 described herein, provided such ornamentation is securely attached thereto and does not prevent a user from releasing and/or locking a lace lock 10 encased within the device 100.

Now referring to FIGS. 6-7B, exemplary cover systems for a locking assembly of the present disclosure are shown. While FIGS. 6-7B illustrate components of three distinct cover systems 200 and each system 200 shown includes a different type of lace lock 10 and a cover device 100 having different ornamental design, the main componentry of each of the embodiments shown is the same. As with previous figures, like reference numerals depict like components throughout FIGS. 6-7B.

Locking assembly cover system 200 comprises a lace lock 10 at least partially encased within a cover device 100 for mounting on and securing laces 28. Specifically, the laces 28 are threaded through or otherwise engaged by the lace lock 10, which is housed fully, substantially, or at least partially within the interior 106 of the cover device 10. The laces 28 enter the interior 106 of the cover device 100 through the one or more openings 108 or through lace opening(s) 120, are engaged by the lace lock 10 positioned therein, and exit the interior 106 of the cover device 100 either through the same or additional opening(s) 108 or lace opening(s) 120 (depending on the configuration of the cover device 100). Thus, while the laces 28 are secured by the lace lock 10 within the cover device 100, the majority of the laces 28 remain outside of the cover device 100. Accordingly, the cover device 100 does not inhibit use of the lace lock 10 and the laces 28 can still be easily adjusted to provide a tighter or looser fit with the cover device 100 in place. Furthermore, the mechanism of the lace lock 10 and its critical engagement with the laces 28 are protected by the cover device 100 from detrimental external forces such as dust, dirt, moisture and even impact.

FIG. 7A shows perspective views of two cover systems 200 of the present disclosure. Each locking assembly cover system 200 comprises a lace lock 10 partially disposed within the interior 106 of the cover device 100. It will be understood that the laces 28 of interest may be threaded through or secured by the lace lock 10 prior to mounting the cover device 100 thereover, when the cover device 100 is partially mounted over the lace lock 10 as shown in FIG. 7A, or after the lace lock 10 is fully disposed within the interior 106 of the cover device 100. As shown in FIG. 7B, the placement of the at least one opening 108 and lace opening(s) 120 of the cover device 100 is dependent on the type of lace lock 10 employed. For example, where the eyelet(s) 18 of the lace lock 10 are positioned such that the laces 28 enter and exit the lace lock 10 at an angle perpendicular to the front and/or back surface 110, 112 of the cover device 100, one or more lace openings 120 may traverse the front and/or back surface 110, 112 (as appropriate) such that the laces 28 directly exit the cover device 100 upon exiting the lace lock 10. In other words, a lace opening 120 of the cover device 100 may be positioned concentrically with the eyelet(s) 18 of the hollow body 12 of the lace lock 10.

In an alternative embodiment, the lace openings 120 of the cover device 100 may be positioned in the first or second ends 102, 104 of the cover device 100 such that the laces enter through the opening 108 in the one end, engage with the lace lock 10 disposed within the interior 106, and exit the cover device 100 through the lace opening(s) 120 in the opposite end. Still further, the number of openings 108 and lace openings 120 may also be customized to correspond with the type of lace lock 10 employed and/or to facilitate retention of the lace lock 10 within the interior 106 of the cover device 100. For example, in the third embodiment of system 200 shown in FIG. 7B, while the opening 108 is defined through the second end 104 (not shown) of the cover device 100, both the front and back surfaces 110, 112 each comprise two lace openings 120 that correspond and are concentrically aligned with the two eyelets 18 in the hollow body 12 of the lace lock 10. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the lace lock 10 is inserted into the interior 106 through the opening 108 and each individual lace 28 is threaded through an independent lace opening 120.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of the lace lock 10 and cover device 100 of the system 200 can be customized pursuant to the desired application(s) and/or user needs. By way of a non-limiting example, in applications where the laces 28 comprise cables (such as, for example, in rock climbing gear), the size, shape and position of the openings 108 and lace openings 120 may be manipulated to correspond with the type of lace lock 10 employed and with respect to the underlying objective for which the system 200 is to be used (e.g., climbing packs or climbing shoes where the cable needs to be durable, sturdy and maintain a low profile against the underlying gear). Furthermore, the material, shape, overall design, and ornamentation of the cover device 100 are all fully customizable such that these aspects may be modified to according to the applications and/or user needs as well.

Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, an exemplary application of the present locking assembly cover system 200 is shown. Here, locking assembly cover system 200 is shown affixed to a running shoe 300. The laces 28 of the running shoe 300 are threaded through the lace lock 10 (not shown), which is entirely encased within the cover device 100. Specifically, the laces 28 enter the back surface 112 of the cover device 100, engage with the lace lock 10 inside the cover device 100, and exit the cover device 100 through two lace openings 120 traversing the front surface 110 of the cover device 100.

As previously described, the cover device 100 comprises sufficiently compressible and/or flexible or semi-flexible material such that a user may move the lace lock 10 between the released and locked positions with ease while it is encased within the cover device 100. For example, assuming (without any limitation) that the lace lock 10 component of the locking assembly cover system 200 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C comprises the configuration of the lace lock 10 of FIG. 2, a user must push the locking member 14 down into the cavity of the hollow body 12 to move the lace lock 10 to the released positioned. Accordingly, with system 200, a user need only squeeze the first and second ends 102, 104 of the cover device 100 to push the locking member 14 down and thereby move the lace lock 10 into the released position. Because the laces 28 extend through the lace openings 120 in the front surface 110 of the cover device 100, the user can then simply pulls the laces 28 to tighten the tension on the shoe 300 or, alternatively, pull the entire cover device 100 (and thus the lace lock 10) along the laces 28 in order to loosen the tension on the shoe 300. Accordingly, a user may tighten and/or loosen the laces 28 of the shoe 300 without dismantling the components of the system 200.

The various components of the locking assembly cover system 200 may be packaged together as a kit for sale or distribution to consumers. In at least one embodiment, the kit comprises the lace lock 10 and the cover device 100 for sale/distribution to consumers who desire to use the system 200 in connection with their own laces 28. Alternatively, the kit may also include a set of laces 28—whether specifically configured for use with the system 200 or simply a standard lace—to be packaged together with the lace lock 10 and the cover device 100.

While various embodiments of the cover device and locking assembly cover system have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered as non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the content thereof.

Further, in describing representative embodiments, the present disclosure may have presented a method and/or a process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth therein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described, as other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a cover component defining an interior therein and further defining at least one opening in communication with the interior;

wherein the interior is configured to house a locking assembly therein, the locking assembly configured to secure a portion a flexible strand therein; and

wherein at least one of the at least one openings is configured to receive the locking assembly therethrough.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover component is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a compressible material and a non-compressible material.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover component further defines a first end, a second end, a front surface, and a back surface, and wherein at least the first end and the second end are comprised of a compressible material.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover component comprises a sleeve.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover component comprises a portion that is phosphorescent.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more lights.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one openings is configured to receive the flexible strand therethrough.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly is at least substantially housed within the interior of the cover component.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least two openings, wherein at least one of the at least two openings comprises a lace opening.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover component further defines at least one lace opening configured to receive the flexible strand therethrough.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover component is configured with a design selected from the group consisting of a cartoon character, a flower, a sports-related image, a mythical being image, a transportation-related image, a construction-related image, an agriculture-related image, a racing image, an animal image, a reptile image, an insect image, a dinosaur image, a food image, a geography-related image, a business image, a business logo, a trademark, a party supply image, a number, a letter, a holiday-related image, a seasonal image, a religious image, a patriotic image, a music-related image, a celebrity likeness, a political figure image, a firearm image, an apparel image, a footwear image, a pet-related image, and an appliance.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a control and a battery, wherein at least one of the control and/or the battery is coupled to the one or more lights.

13. A system for covering a locking assembly, the system comprising:

a cover component defining an interior therein and further defining at least one opening in communication with the interior; and

a locking assembly operable to releasably secure a portion of a flexible strand, the locking assembly slidably disposed within the interior of the cover component; and

at least one flexible strand comprising a first portion releasably secured by the locking assembly, a second portion traversing one of the at least one openings of the cover component, and a third portion traversing one of the at least one openings of the cover component

wherein at least one of the at least one openings is configured to receive the locking assembly therethrough.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least a fourth portion of the at least one flexible strand is affixed on or to an article.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the cover component is coupled with the article.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of apparel, footwear, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, and athletic shoulder pads.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the locking assembly is configured to move between a locked position and a released position and the cover component is at least partially comprised of a compressible material such that a user can move the locking assembly between the locked position and the released position when the locking assembly is disposed within the interior of the cover component.

18. A locking assembly cover kit including an assembly of components packaged together, the locking assembly cover kit comprising:

a cover component defining an interior therein and further defining at least one opening in communication with the interior; and

a locking assembly operable to releasably secure a portion of a flexible strand, the locking assembly slidably disposed within the interior of the cover component;

wherein the interior of the cover component is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the locking assembly therein through the at least one opening.

19. The locking assembly cover kit of claim 18, further comprising one or more flexible strands.

20. The locking assembly cover kit of claim 19, wherein the one or more flexible strands comprise elastic bands configured to traverse the at least one opening of the cover component.