GB2261013A

GB2261013A - Lace fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2261013A
Application number: GB9123052A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chris Piponides
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-10-30
Filing date: 1991-10-30
Publication date: 1993-05-05
Also published as: GB9123052D0

Abstract

A device which obviates the need to tie shoelaces and the like may take various forms. Some (eg fig.6) involve passing the laces through passages into which enter spring loaded plungers j, l which clamp the laces against withdrawal. Others involve jawed clips of assorted designs (eg figs 2, 4, 7). In the device of fig 7 the laces are held in the 2 U-shaped members, the jaws of which are held together by a hook engaging the longitudinal member which unites the two clips. <IMAGE>

Description

[PANEL A] Universal Lace Fastener This invention relates to a Lace Fastener Time is essential and limited in everyones life therefore the demand for convenience in products is higher than ever. Tying one's laces is a simple ta which can prove difficult and confusing to many sectors of the population. For instance young children, disabled people, pensioner and even some adults struggle to tie their own laces. Furthermore throughout each day each person is likely to tie his/her own laces at least four times.

The lace fastener is a unique way of tying laces quickly and securely. Also the lace fastener saves the laces and due to less strain, they last longer.

According to the present invention this lace fastener provided comprises a chamber and locking clip. The chamber contains holes through which laces are threaded and the lock is used to firmly hold the chamber and laces at the position required.

Being universal in each of its many versions the lace fastener securely fastens laces (for shoes) with a simple and quick method. Furthermore it can be used on any style shoe with laces and offers an efficient alternative to the traditional method of tying ones shoe laces using a knot.

[PANEL B] A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 illustrates a simple version of the thread-through type, where push/sliding button (b) locks the whole mechanism at position (c).

FIGURE 2 shows the rotating disc version of the universal lace fastener where disc (d) locks the mechanism when at position (e) FIGURE 3 illustrates the zip-version which locks when lever (f) is pressed down on one side. The mechanism can be released when lever (f) is pressed on the other side.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the clip method.

4(1) shows the clamp version which clips around the laces by pressing both arms (a) together. This mechanism is released by pressing the side release buttons (g) The arms (a) are hinged at one end or at the centre.

4(11) shows the thread-through clip where the whole mechanism is locked by pressing lever (h).

FIGURE 5 illustrates the circular design which can be locked by screw or lever system.

FIGURE 6 portrays another version which has thread-through means. The side buttons (i) and (j) are used to lock and release the mechanism respectively.

FIGURE 7 shows the springs version. Two springs connected by two bars have the laces threaded through and locking is achieved by contracting and bending the springs (k) to apply the hook (1).

In all of the above mentioned versions the lock system is easily releasable when required.

Claims

[PANEL C]

CLAIMS 1 A universal lace fastener comprising a chamber or runner and lock.
2 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 1 where the chamber and lock system can be of any shape, size or design.
3 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 2 where the chamber and lock is relatively small and light so as not to cause discomfort to its user.
4 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 3 which is ideally to be used on shoe laces.
5 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claims 1 to 4 where the whole mechanism is made of any suitable material eg. plastic, metal.
6 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 5 whereby the function of tying ones shoe lace is quickly and easily carried out.
7 A universal lace fastener as claimed in the previous claims which can be used on any style shoe or footwear with laces.
8 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 7 which can accommodate laces of any size or thickness.
9 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 8 whereby the chamber and lock incorporates a leverage system.
10 A universal lace fastener as claimed in the above whereby a spring or springs are used to operate it or a spring system is used to actually tie the laces.
11 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 10 where the lock system and whole mechanism can be released.
12 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 11 whereby the lock cannot be released unless required.

[PANEL C] CLAIMS (Continued)
13 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 12 whereby the lock and chamber is designed so as to fit conveniently on the shoe.
14 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 13 where the chamber and lock are strong enough to withstand objects such as footballs, balls and sticks likely to be used in sports.
15 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claims 1 to 14 where the chamber consists of rotating disc s which can be locked using the locking system.
16 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 15 where the whole system is battery operated.
17 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claims 1-16 where the chamber and lock comprises a screw and bolt system.
18 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 17 where the chamber and lock system is formed by using a clip or push button.
19 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 18 whereby the chamber contains a fluid such as in dydraulics, with a locking device.
20 A universal lace fastener as claimed specifically in Claims 1 to 19 whereby the chamber and lock is functional for any size lace.
21 A universal lace fastener as claimed in the above claims where the locking system can be easily released when required, and on any chosen version of the whole.
22 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claims 1 to 21 where advertising of some kind can be accommodated on the mechanism.

[PANEL C] CLAIMS (Continued)
23 A universal lace fastener whereby the chamber and lock system functions in a zip-like manner.
24 A universal lace fastener as claimed in all of the previous claims where the chamber and releasable lock system is made up of varying processes, all carrying out the function of tying laces.
25 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 24 where a stationary object can be used to fix the one lace and a chamber or runner is used on the other enabling laces to be tied by pulling one lace only.
26 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 25 whereby the system is easily operated using only one hand.
27 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claims 1-26 where the mechanism if operated using a cell or any other energy source, contains lights or any other novel accessories eg. speaker etc.
28 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 27 where the laces are threaded through the mechanism.
29 A universal lace fastener as claimed in Claim 27 where the mechanism particularly if it is in clip type is simply pinned around the laces.
30 A universal lace fastener as claimed in the previous claims which comprises a strong clip which locks into a closed position in a clamp like manner around the lace(s).
31 A universal lace fastener as claimed in the the above which comprises two circular discs with inner teeth which contract to lock into the lace when required.