Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
024712100 | Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing | 60 |
20090172929 | DEVICE FOR TYING SHOELACES - Disclosed therein is a lace fastening device is easy to use and simple in structure since a fastening member is fastened to the inside of a receiving member the moment a control member is rotated and restored to its original location and the fastened state of the fastening member is released when a user rotates the control member to separate the fastening member from a magnetic body. An end portion of a lace is inserted into a fixing member and stackingly fastened inside the fixing member. The lace fastening device can stably fasten the lace to a footwear since a tightly fastened state of the lace can be kept while the upper end portion of the laminated lace pressurizes the lower end portion of the lace, thereby improving productivity. | 07-09-2009 |
20090205175 | ACCESSORIES FOR STRING OF FOOTWEAR - The present invention relates to a shoelace accessory provided to a shoelace to create an aesthetic appearance on the midfoot portion of a shoe while preventing the shoelace from being loosened, by preventing respective ornamental elements, threaded on the shoelace, from being moved or deformed. The shoelace is inserted through pairs of eyelets of an eyestay provided to the midfoot portion of a shoe so that the shoelace can be tightened and loosened to allow the shoe to be secured around a wearer's foot in conformity with a size of the foot, ornamental elements are threaded on the shoelace such that they are respectively placed between the respective pairs of eyelets and are positioned side by side in a rearward direction so as to independently or cooperatively provide an aesthetic appearance, and stoppers are integrally formed on surfaces of the ornamental elements. | 08-20-2009 |
20100115744 | LACE FASTENER - The present invention is a lace fastening device that can be attached to items requiring the use of laces that firmly ties the laces of the said item. The fastening device comprises; a housing base ( | 05-13-2010 |
20110067211 | Universal Lace / Cord Lock System - A cord locking system is provided that allows a user to easily, rapidly, and effectively lock/unlock a lace in one single-handed, swift motion. The locking device includes a pair of arms that can freely rotate around a swivel point within a base that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces controlled by a spring. The arrangement of the arms protrude outside the base for easy engagement/disengagement, with a mechanical advantage using leverage to reduce the required forces to act against the spring force at the teeth. The arms are configured in a curved scissors-like handle for an easy swift grasp contoured to the shape of your fingers with a single-handed motion. The most basic application is in outdoor sports, such as snowboarding. A snowboard rider can easily lock the boot laces with a swift motion and just as easily disengage the locking device under harsh, frozen, winter conditions while wearing gloves. Each boot would include a pull tool on the end of the boot lace with each side of the lace running through the assembled locking device. To disengage the locking mechanism, lift two fingers upward so that the teeth open and allow the device to slide up and down the laces toward the preferred location. To lock, press the arms toward the base to tighten further into position and then let go of the locking device allowing the spring to maintain the locked position. | 03-24-2011 |
20140123449 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIT OF FOOTWEAR - A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article. | 05-08-2014 |
20140208550 | LACE FIXATION ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM - A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot. | 07-31-2014 |
20150026936 | GUIDES FOR LACING SYSTEMS - Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace. | 01-29-2015 |
20150096158 | COVER DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR LOCKING ASSEMBLY - 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. | 04-09-2015 |
20160029745 | CLIP SET FOR RETAINING THE TIGHTNESS OF A LACED SHOE - A clip set for retaining the tightness of a laced shoe resulting from the tightening of a shoelace looped through shoelace eyelets of a shoe. The set comprises a pair of clip devices, each of which comprising a pair of thorough holes disposed thereon and a pair of opposingly-disposed, elongate, collinear, open slits disposed thereon, each slit extending between a hole and the boundary of the device whereby, a hole is rendered radially open via the slit connected thereto. | 02-04-2016 |
024712200 | Device engages tie in lacing | 19 |
20080301918 | Shoelace knot retaining apparatus - A shoelace knot retaining apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween. The first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members. The living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining. | 12-11-2008 |
20090178257 | Shoelace holders - The Shoe Lace Holder is an invention specifically designed to secure a tied shoe lace, thus preventing the unraveling of the shoe lace. The Shoe Lace Holders offer multiple advantages: Parents and caregivers of the young or elderly may use this device as a safety measure to prevent accidents caused by untied shoe laces. The Shoe Lace Holder, may be beneficial to individuals with mental and or physical impairments such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. The Shoe Lace Holder may also be used across a wide spectrum of areas, i.e. securing the tied strings on handbags, purses, sweatpants or athletic apparel or any clothing that utilizes a drawstring or tying mechanism. The Shoe Lace Holder comes in four distinct Styles. The Velcro Shoe Lace Holder, the Button Fastener Shoe Lace Holder, Snap On Button Shoe Lace Holder, and the Slide Back Shoe Lace Holder. | 07-16-2009 |
20100218349 | TYING TOOL FOR SHOELACE - A device for binding shoelaces is disclosed. The device is provided on shoes having hook rings oppositely formed on both side of the instep thereof, the device comprising a binding member having a clutching plate formed with a clutching recess with a constant distance according to one side thereof; a receiving member having an opened slot at one side thereof so that the clutching plate is inserted in, a magnetic body attached on one side of the slot, and an installing recess formed in the direction vertical to the slot; and an adjusting member having a board typed pressing plate rotatably installed in the installing recess to be selectively attached to the magnetic body and receiving the pressing force, and a stopper protruded from one side of the pressing plate and selectively clutched in the clutching recess. According to a device for binding shoelaces of the present invention, the shoelaces may be safely bound and released since the device including a first binding member having a receiving member and a binding member which are separated from each other by pressure, a second binding member to insure the union for the end of the shoelaces, and third binding member to maintain and adjust the union for the lower end of the shoelaces. Products applied with this device may be expected the satisfaction of its users and its competitive power. | 09-02-2010 |
20110088229 | Bow Knot Clamp - Disclosed is a footwear such as shoes, sneakers and the like are provided with a clamp including a first and a second member, the first member having a post extending said second member in a complementary relation, and the second member in a complementary relation, and the second member being connected to the first in a hinge-like relation, the second member having an opening therein for receiving the post attached to the first member. The post is attached to the first member in a complementary relation to the opening in the second member, such that when the bow knot clamp is in a closed position the post remains attached to the first member, extends toward the fabric of the shoe laces being supported, and is received by the opening in the second member, whereby the fabric of the shoe laces being supported is substantially held fixed. | 04-21-2011 |
20120198668 | Stay-a two part device that snaps in place over shoelces - Stay a two part device that snap in place over shoelaces must be a effective, fractured resistance way to keep shoelaces from becoming untied. Easy to put on and take off, safe for children as well as adults. Device must be as small as possible while allowing it to function properly. | 08-09-2012 |
20130036582 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPENING A DOUBLE KNOT - An apparatus for opening a half double knot is disclosed. In embodiments, the apparatus includes a slider that includes a loop. A shoelace or drawstring is threaded through the loop. The shoelace or drawstring is tied in a bow knot. The slider is positioned adjacent to the bow knot. An end of the shoelace or drawstring and a bow of the bow knot opposite the end are tied in a half knot so that the half knot and the bow knot comprise a half double knot. The slider is moved toward the end to open the half double knot. In embodiments, the apparatus further includes a stopper that adheres to the end of the shoelace or drawstring and that prevents the slider from moving past the end of the shoelace or drawstring when the half double knot is opened. | 02-14-2013 |
20130199006 | Adjustable stop piece for lacings and method for use thereof - A stopper for securing an end of a lace in an article having at least one eyelet, such as a shoe, without having to form an exposed knot. A thin, rigid body includes a series of openings arranged in a row, including a first, middle opening through which the lace is routed from the eyelet, a second opening proximate one end through which the lace is routed from the middle opening, and a third opening proximate an opposite through which the lace is routed from the second opening via the first end of the body, the third opening having a slot-shaped configuration. When tension is applied to the lace, as by a foot being inserted into a shoe, a locking engagement is formed between the lace and stopper and the stopper reacts against the eyelet. The stopper may be hidden from view behind the eyelet stay of a shoe. | 08-08-2013 |
20140020219 | DEVICE TO SECURE SHOELACE KNOT - The device to secure the shoelace knot has flexible upper member and flexible lower member attached preferably using eyelet kind of part at equally spaced lateral apertures of upper member and lower member in a manner where upper member's top surface attaches to lower member's top surface so that shoelace can be inserted through apertures of upper member and a lower member to tie a knot over upper member's bottom surface. After tying regular shoelace bow knot over upper member's bottom surface, the upper member's body is folded at imaginary center axis to fasten the hook and loop ends while securing knot in bigger knot receiving aperture of upper member while lower member rests on shoe's surface providing extra support even when shoe is being used in regress sports activities and ensuring that knot remains tied. | 01-23-2014 |
20140115842 | SHOELACE TYING DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for tying a shoelace includes a planar-shaped body member including a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening. Each of the openings is configured to allow the shoelace to be inserted there through. The first, second, third and fourth openings may be arranged in a two-by-two array, wherein the first and second openings form a first row of the array, and wherein the third and fourth openings form a second row of the array. The first and fourth openings may be coupled to one another by a first slit, and the second and third openings may be coupled to one another by a second slit. | 05-01-2014 |
20140290014 | DEVICE FOR SECURELY TYING SHOELACES AND METHOD OF USE - A device and method for securely tying a shoelace. Two ends of a shoelace are secured within two bobbin ports and the shoelace is wrapped around a bobbin as the bobbin is rotated. A ratchet is attached to the bobbin, rotates with the bobbin, and enables the bobbin to be locked in place (securely tying the shoelace). A frame enables access to the shoelace before, during, and after the shoelace tying procedure. | 10-02-2014 |
20140366340 | SHOE ENABLING THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE TENSION OF SHOELACES - The inventive concept relates to a shoe enabling the adjustment of the tension of shoelaces. The shoe includes a first shoelace engaging member including left and right shoelace engaging members and a second shoelace engaging member. The first shoelace engaging member includes a first fixed member engaged to the shoe front upper and a movable member rotatably engaged to the first fixed member by means of hinge formed at first end of the movable member. The movable member includes a hole through which a shoelace passes and formed at second end of the movable member. The second shoelace engaging member is disposed between the left and right shoelace engaging members. The second shoelace engaging member includes a second fixed member disposed on a tongue and a second movable member rotatably engaged to the second fixed member by means of a main hinge. | 12-18-2014 |
20160095390 | KNOT RETAINER - The present invention provides a knot retainer apparatus. Said apparatus includes a first end, a second end, and at least three slots in the middle. A cord that is first threaded into a shoe is threaded into the slots of said apparatus wherein said cord is tied into a knot and said apparatus assists in keeping the knot from being untied. | 04-07-2016 |
20160166008 | LACE SECUREMENT DEVICE | 06-16-2016 |
024712300 | And fully covers tie | 6 |
20100018018 | CLOSURE FOR SHOELACES - The present invention relates to a closure for clamping shoelaces of shoes in place, having a clamping device, by means of which the shoelaces ( | 01-28-2010 |
20100154182 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SHORTENING LACES WHILE RETAINING THE AGLETS THEREON - Apparatus and method for shortening a shoe/boot lace, while retaining the aglets in place, are disclosed. The principle of the disclosure involves cutting a portion from the central part of the lace between the aglets, tying a knot(s) into both cut ends and threading the part laces through apertures in a housing to create a continuous, but shorter, lace. The shoe/boot may now be re-laced with the housing located at a suitable point, usually midway between the first pair of eyelets. The principle of the invention may be used in a purely functional way and/or to produce artistic effects on the footwear. | 06-24-2010 |
20130111717 | Device for Securing a Shoelace Knot - A fastening device is provided for securing a shoelace knot. The fastening device comprises a base plate configured to conceal a portion of a knot of a tied shoelace, wherein the base plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. The fastening device also includes a first clamping assembly arranged on the lower surface of the base plate. The first clamping assembly comprises an arm moveable between an open position and a closed position. The fastening device also includes a second clamping assembly arranged on the lower surface of the base plate. The second clamping assembly comprises an arm moveable between an open position and a closed position. In addition, the arm of the first clamping assembly and the arm of the second clamping assembly are independently moveable. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117975 | SHOELACE AND APPAREL LACE DESIGN - This invention is a shoelace retainer ring, ball, clamp, and/or shell device of any desired shape, material and color which is fitted onto a shoelace and permits the user to enjoy fast and secure tying of shoelaces and expedient unknotting. Thus, this invention: (1) enables adults and children to tie shoelaces in a manner that allows knot-free tied shoelaces through a knot-free enablement device and (2) enables adults to locate missing children and handicapped persons using the invention through an included GPS device. The invention can be built directly onto the shoelace or be a separate device that clamps onto the shoelace. Said device can be made from any appropriate material (such as high-quality plastics), and formed to any desired shape, color, and decorum, and allows for reflective qualities or to be lit for safety. Additionally, it can but does not necessarily require an included electronic GPS device. | 05-16-2013 |
20130318756 | DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING A TIED SHOE LACE KNOT - A device for securing a shoe lace has a first panel and a second panel affixed to the first panel. The second panel being movable about a fold line between a first position away from the first panel and a second position in contact with the first panel. A first shoe lace securing member extending from a first side of the first panel and a second shoe lace securing member extending from an opposed side of the first panel, each shoe lace securing member securing the first panel to a shoe. A fastener secures the first panel to the second panel when in contact with each other. | 12-05-2013 |
20150059136 | Shoestring Lock - This present invention provides an alternative to tying shoestrings. The current device incorporates a typical shoestring into an attractive configuration. The device not only secures a typical shoestring to hold the shoe in place, it directs the lace into an attractive loop configuration and secures the ends of the shoestring. It's important that the shoestring is tight enough to secure the shoe to the foot and that the end of the lace is secure to prevent it from tripping the user. This invention accomplishes both and is easy to apply and once in place can quickly and securely tighten and loosen the laces of a shoe for easy and secure, on and off. | 03-05-2015 |
024712400 | Device engages element or formation on lacing | 3 |
20080222861 | Ornamental shoelace tip and accessory - The present invention relates to an ornamental shoelace accessory for decorating shoes and sneakers Ornaments and charms can be securely and removably attached to the shoelace tip while has been adapted to receive the removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The accessory device of the present invention enables the removable and interchangeable charms to be also added to a standard shoelace. | 09-18-2008 |
20120284976 | Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism - Shoe Laces and locking apparatus for locking laces without trying the laces, the apparatus including an opening for holding a lace or laces in a locked configuration. The apparatus may include a slit for passing a lace into the locking opening. | 11-15-2012 |
20140290015 | DECORATIVE RE-USABLE ZIP-TIE SHOELACES - A shoe fastening device for use with lace-up shoes is disclosed. The device comprises a locking head having an aperture through a first side and a locking tab extending from the first side and below the aperture. The locking tab further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on a top surface. An elongated tie extending from a second side of the locking head has a tapered end. The elongated tie further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on a bottom surface. The device comprises a removable badge having a pair of slits near a pair of opposing edges for inserting the elongated tie. The tapered end of the elongated tie is inserted through the aperture of the locking head and pulled to engage the plurality of locking ridges of the locking tab with the plurality of locking ridges of the elongated tie thereby keeping the device in a locked position. | 10-02-2014 |
024712500 | Having relatively movable holding components or surfaces | 18 |
20080250617 | FASTENER FOR FASTENING TOGETHER TWO LACE SEGMENTS - A fastener for fastening together two lace segments includes a base, a pull unit, and two clamp units. The base has an intermediate portion, and two openings disposed on two opposite sides of the intermediate portion. Each of the openings is adapted to permit one of the lace segments to extend therethrough. The pull unit includes a middle portion fixed to the base, and two opposite pull members extending outwardly from the middle portion. The clamp units are respectively connected to the pull members and are disposed above the openings. Each of the clamp units defines a through hole adapted to permit one of the lace segments to extend therethrough. The clamp units are movable toward the openings to effect clamping and are movable away from the openings when the pull members are pulled away from the base. | 10-16-2008 |
20090064473 | FASTENER FOR CORD - The present utility model relates to a fastener for cord comprising a cord lock mounted on a cord of an article for locking the cord, characterized in that said cord lock has a engaging portion which is provided with a hollow central zone having an inner diameter, said fastener for cord further has a base fixed on said article, a convex portion is arranged on said base for engaging with said central zone in a manner of snap-fastening, the inner diameter of said central zone is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the convex portion on said base so as to make the central zone engaged, in a manner of snap-fastening, with said base. The present utility model is available for fastening an article (such as a fixer or bottom on a cord) so as to avoid inconveniency brought to users by the article. | 03-12-2009 |
20090193634 | FASTENER FOR A SHOELACE - A fastener for a shoelace includes a longitudinal shoelace clamp and a longitudinal pull unit. The shoelace clamp includes a base and two clamp rings extending longitudinally and oppositely from two sides of the base. Each of the clamp rings has a ring opening and a clamp piece extending across the ring opening. The pull unit includes a middle portion disposed over the base, two opposite pull members extending oppositely from the middle portion and disposed respectively over the clamp rings, and a joining unit. The joining unit includes a plurality of string members fixed to the pull unit and extending oppositely from the middle portion to the pull members along a longitudinal direction of the pull unit. The string members have fixed sections embedded within the middle portion and the pull members, and string rings exposed from the pull members and connected to the shoelace clamp. | 08-06-2009 |
20100101061 | SHOELACE TIGHTENING DEVICE - A shoelace tightening device. A housing has a base plate affixed to the tongue of a shoe, and a side wall formed on the base plate. A rotation member has a rotator seated on the side wall of the housing and formed with a ratchet gear on its inner surface, and a bobbin formed on the lower surface of the rotator. A cover is placed on the ratchet gear. A stopper has a head which can slide on the cover, a bridge which extends downward from the head, and a pawl member which is formed on the lower end of the bridge. A coupling shaft is coupled to the base plate and has a stopper housing. The pawl member is received in the stopper housing. A spring is interposed between the inner surface of the stopper housing and an end of the pawl member. | 04-29-2010 |
20100236033 | LACE ADJUSTER - A lace adjuster includes a tubular member, a stop anchor, and a separating member. The tubular member includes a surrounding wall which has two open ends and an inner surface bounding a through hole that has an axis. The stop anchor includes a fixing portion fixed on a part of the inner surface, and an inclining portion extending inclinedly from the fixing portion toward the axis and having a sharp free end portion proximate to the axis. The separating member extends axially through the through hole and said open ends, and is adapted to partition off the stop anchor from the lace moving past the stop anchor. The separating member is removable from the tubular member to permit the stop anchor to engage the lace after a desired length of the lace has moved past the stop anchor. | 09-23-2010 |
20150121669 | ROTARY CLOSURE FOR A SHOE - A rotary closure for a shoe, especially for a sports shoe, including a housing which can be attached to the shoe, a tensioning roller which is rotatably supported around an axis in the housing, wherein a tensioning element can be spooled during lacing of the shoe on the tensioning roller and a rotary knob which is arranged rotatable around the axis at the housing to turn the tensioning roller. The rotary closure furthermore includes an intermediate carrier, wherein the intermediate carrier has at least one pawl which engages in a first blocking gearing of the housing and at least one locking lever which is arranged in or at the intermediate carrier, wherein a first and a second control element which co-operate with first and second crank section of the locking lever, are disposed on the rotary knob. | 05-07-2015 |
20160047403 | DRAWSTRING CLAMPING DEVICE - An drawstring clamping device having a first member and a second member. The first member has a first member base, a first tower structure secured to the first member base at a first tower structure first end, and a second tower structure secured to the first member base at a second tower structure first end. The second member has a second member base with an aperture disposed therethrough. The aperture is configured to adjustably engage the first tower structure and the second tower structure. | 02-18-2016 |
024712600 | With pivotal connection therebetween | 6 |
20110094072 | Shoelace with shoelace fastener - A shoelace with a shoelace fastener includes a first retaining base at an end of a first lace and/or a second retaining base at another end of the first lace, and a ratchet and an elastic plate are disposed in the first retaining base and the second retaining base respectively, such that the ratchet can be pressed at an end of the elastic plate, and the ratchet is pressed by the elastic plate into a normal slantingly pressed down status. When use, a fabric shoelace or a serrated plastic groove is passed into the retaining base, and ends of the ratchets are provided for clamping a surface of the fabric shoelace or plastic shoelace to facilitate adjusting the tightness of the shoelace. | 04-28-2011 |
20130160256 | LACE LOCKING SYSTEM - A lace or draw string fastening system can include a clamping unit and a capture element. The clamping unit can clamp onto the laces, such as shoe laces, to tighten the shoes and the capture element can capture and contain the free ends of the laces that extend from the clamping unit to prevent tripping by securing them to other portions of the laces or the article that houses the laces. The fastening system can be used in a shoe lace fastening system without the need for knot tying. The clamping unit can clamp the laces together at the top of the shoe to hold the laces tight while the capture element can contain or secure the free ends of the shoe lace to the shoe or the laces adjacent the toe to prevent tripping. | 06-27-2013 |
20150040360 | SHOE LACE CLIP FOR SECURING SHOE LACES WITHOUT TYING AND METHOD THEREFOR - A clip device for securing a shoe lace has a base. A bottom plate is coupled to the base. The bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end thereof. A top plate is coupled to the bottom plate. The top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth. A pivot assembly is provided to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate. A spring mechanism is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate. The spring mechanism forces the top plate downwards towards the bottom plate. | 02-12-2015 |
20150089780 | Shoe Lace Fastener and System - A lace fastener for an article of footwear has at least an upper and a lower half attached by a spring, screw or similar mechanism. The lace fastener has at least one display face that may have the name, color, logo, etc. of the user's choosing. The lace fastener is adhered to the outer portion of the article of footwear, preferably near the top of the article of footwear. Once the article of footwear is laced, the laces are pulled through the lace fastener and the upper half is closed securing the laces in place. The laces may then be pulled through lace holders around the article of footwear in order to hold the laces neatly in place. | 04-02-2015 |
20150296923 | SHOELACE KNOT HOLDING APPARATUS - A shoelace knot holding apparatus for holding the shoelace knot in a tied position is provided. The shoelace knot holding apparatus including a bottom frame positioned below the shoelace knot having a rear bottom end and a front bottom end, a top frame positioned above the shoelace knot having a rear top end and a rear bottom end. The shoelace knot holding apparatus includes a zigzag swivel hinge extending from the rear bottom end to connect with the rear top end and further facilitates the front top end of the top frame to loop around the shoelace knot to connect with the front bottom end of the bottom frame. The shoelace knot holding apparatus includes plurality of bottom frame teeth extending from the inner side of the bottom frame and plurality of top frame teeth extending from the inner side of the top frame to grab and maintain the shoelace knot in a tied position. | 10-22-2015 |
20160058130 | MULTI-PURPOSE CLOSURE SYSTEM - A reel-based mechanism for tightening footwear includes a tension member and a plurality of guide members that are positioned about an opening of the footwear. The plurality of guide members guide or direct the tension member about a path along the footwear. The reel-based mechanism further includes a tightening mechanism that is operationally coupled with the tension member to effect tensioning of the tension member and tightening of the footwear upon operation of the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism performs one or more secondary functions that are not related to tightening of the footwear. | 03-03-2016 |
024712700 | With integral resilient linking structure therebetween | 5 |
20080250618 | Shoe with Directional Conditioning Device for Laces or the Like - A footwear item including an upper portion; at least one lace passing through eyelets arranged along the edges of an opening on the front the upper portion, and that tightens, thereby drawing the edges of the opening closer to each other, when pulled in a fastening direction; a string locking arrangement, provided in the upper portion having one or more passages in which the at least one lace is inserted and is capable of sliding when the wearer pulls it, while being capable of being retained there by a lock when it is at rest. The lock including an oscillating locking member in contact with the at least one lace to slide when the latter is pulled in the fastening direction, and which gets attached onto the at least one lace and locks it in position when the latter undergoes a tension in a direction opposite to the fastening direction. | 10-16-2008 |
20080301919 | Powered shoe tightening with lace cord guiding system - The automatic shoe lace tightening system or power lace has a switch on the shoe upper to activate a small battery powered slow speed motor fixed into a recess in the heel which winds in onto the winder spool the smooth plastic or wire lacing cord passing through guiding tubes positioned across the shoe tongue and down the side of the shoe through to the motor housing upon which the tightening cord draws together the lace loop plates fixed either side of the shoe's upper adjacent to the tongue by passing in a zig-zag through cord loops fixed to and along the lace plates with the end of the cord attached to the bottom of one of the plates and the desired tension of the cord and shoe fit is automatically held in place as the cord passes through a sprung loaded clamp which can then be manually released to loosen the shoe. | 12-11-2008 |
20120291242 | LOCKING DEVICE FOR LACE STRANDS, TIGHTENING SYSTEM HAVING SUCH DEVICE, AND FOOTWEAR HAVING SUCH SYSTEM - A device for locking strands of laces, including a hollow body demarcating a cavity, the cavity defining at least one passageway for passage of the lace strands, the locking device including a locking member, the locking member being movable between a locking position and a release position, the locking device operating via cooperation of the locking member with each passageway to lock each lace strand by a wedging effect, an elastic mechanism biasing the locking member towards the locking position. The locking device acts for at least three lace strands, and at least one passageway is adapted to receive two superposed lace strands. | 11-22-2012 |
024712800 | Formed from wire | 2 |
20100132170 | Bow retainer clips for shoes - Standard bow knots—which are favored on lace-up shoes—are prone to come untied. The latter is both an inconvenience and a safety issue. But no bow knot can come untied until one end of the bow has passed back through the loosened knot. The present bow retainer clips are unitary, bent wire, spring clips which fit through the upper grommets of lace-up shoes. Such clips have recesses which are aligned with a row of grommets on either the left or right side of a shoe. While the bow knot is being tied, one or both halves of the bow on either side of the knot are inserted under the clip. The wire of the latter will indent and grip the shoelace so as to make it difficult or impossible for such to be pulled back through the knot. But by deliberately removing the bow portions from under the bow retaining clips, the bows can be untied in a conventional manner. These functional bow retainer clips are small and decorative, and can be used as attachment points for jewelry charms, if desired. | 06-03-2010 |
20160066652 | MEANS TO ELIMINATE BOW TIE KNOTTING OF A SHOE LACE - This invention obviates the need to bow tie a foot apparel lacing string, by substituting a push-button clamping mechanism housed in a foot apparel hosted tubing structure. | 03-10-2016 |
024712900 | Having lacing wound thereabout or wedged therein | 11 |
20100122441 | String covering apparatus - Drawstrings or cords of clothing or non-clothing items such as carrying apparatuses are prevented from receding and being lost in the item by providing a flexible string covering apparatus through which strings or cords are passed. A central body region of a string covering apparatus is adorned with a team logo, company emblem, or the like, and aperture regions are arranged on opposite ends of the central body region in which to thread the string or cord. The thermoplastic composition material and the shape of apertures within the aperture regions prevent the string covering apparatus from sliding, allowing the user or maker of the string covering apparatus to display a desired image unobstructed by the string or cord. | 05-20-2010 |
20110277282 | Bow and knot eliminator - The Bow and Knot Eliminator is constructed of two pliable plastic tubings: one being the inner tubing having a curved slot followed with a straight slot to the end, with a U-shape cut-out at the opposite side; the other being an outer plastic tubing that slides over the inner tubing, has an ornament on it, and also a hold down arm. All this assembled to tighten rope, string, or shoe string. | 11-17-2011 |
20130025100 | APPARATUS FOR FASTENING SHOELACE - An apparatus for fastening a shoelace comprises a housing which comprises a ratchet gear; a rotating cover; a reel part; and a restricting member. | 01-31-2013 |
20130117976 | Adjustable stop piece for lacings and method for use thereof - A stopper for securing an end of a lace in an article having at least one eyelet, such as a shoe, without having to form an exposed knot. A thin, rigid body includes a series of openings arranged in a row, including a first, middle opening through which the lace is routed from the eyelet, a second opening proximate one end through which the lace is routed from the middle opening, and a third opening proximate an opposite through which the lace is routed from the second opening via the first end of the body, the third opening having a slot-shaped configuration. When tension is applied to the lace, as by a foot being inserted into a shoe, a locking engagement is formed between the lace and stopper and the stopper reacts against the eyelet. The stopper may be hidden from view behind the eyelet stay of a shoe. | 05-16-2013 |
20130174391 | FASTENING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fastener assembly is provided including a fastener body having at least one aperture and a cavity formed at a top portion. A cap is provided configured to be removably inserted into the cavity. A method for fastening an article is provided including providing an article having holes in opposing edges of an article opening and a lace passed through said holes. At least one fastener body is provided having an attachment point, wherein the lace is secured to the attachment point, forming at least one slack portion. Each slack portion is pulled through a set of holes in the opposing edges of the article to form lace loop(s). Each lace loop is overlapped over the at least one fastener body. | 07-11-2013 |
20140000074 | Shoelace Fastener System | 01-02-2014 |
20140059819 | DECORATIVE RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR A SHOELACE - A retaining assembly for the shoelaces of a shoe, including at least one, but more practically, a plurality of retaining members, each including a base and a retaining structure that serves to retain a different free end of a shoelace in a secured, stored position within or on the shoe. Each retaining structure is dimensioned and configured to pass through a predetermined eyelet of the shoe, such that a corresponding free end of the shoelace is retained in the stored position on the interior of the shoe. The retaining structure further includes an intermediate region structured to engage the shoelace when the said base is disposed in an operative position on the shoe. Also, the retaining assembly preferably includes a display for displaying decorative and/or informative indicia permanently or removably disposed on the display area. | 03-06-2014 |
20140208551 | BUCKLE - LACE : LACE FASTENING DEVICE - The invention is a device called Buckle-Lace for fastening and keeping fastened laces, ropes, strings and alike. The device includes a multiplicity of channels. Each channel has at least one resilient gate which is installed in a forward leaning diagonal direction with respect to the channel's direction. The resilient gates are installed in the channels by their rear ends while their front ends are unattached and free to move. The resilient gates have gaps between their front ends and the opposite walls of the channels. The laces pass through these gaps which are controlled by a locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is in closed position the gaps are narrowed such that the resilient gates are squeezing the laces in the channels and act as lace ratchets i.e. allowing the laces to move forwards when pulled but block lace motion backwards. The ratchet operation enables the user to fasten the laces and they remain fastened as long as the locking mechanism is in locked position. When the locking mechanism is switched into opened position the gaps are widened and the laces are released. | 07-31-2014 |
20140359981 | INTEGRATED CLOSURE DEVICE COMPONENTS AND METHODS - According to an embodiment, a method of assembling a reel includes coupling a drive component with a tightening component and coupling the tightening component with a top end of a housing. A spool component is then inserted within a bottom end of the housing so that the spool component is positioned within the housing's interior region and faces a bottom surface of the drive component. An attachment component is then coupled with the bottom end of the housing. The attachment component includes a coupling member that couples with the drive component. Coupling of the coupling member with the drive component operationally couples the drive component and the spool component so that operation of the tightening component causes the spool component to rotate within the housing in a first direction while preventing rotation of the spool component in a second direction. | 12-11-2014 |
20160066654 | DEVICE FOR SECURING ROPE IN MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS AND PROCESS OF USING THE SAME - An apparatus for securing a rope includes a device body having a first width, a first length, and a first height, the first width substantially greater than each of the first height and the first length, the device body having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends at opposing ends of the first width of the device body. The apparatus includes a first rope notch, the first rope notch located at the first end of the device body, the first rope notch extending in a first direction parallel to the first height away from the central body. The apparatus includes a second rope notch, the second rope notch located at the second end of the device body, the second rope notch extending in a second direction parallel to the first height away from the device body, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. | 03-10-2016 |
20160198802 | Drawstring Tightener | 07-14-2016 |