GB2411570A

GB2411570A - Elastic lacing system

Info

Publication number: GB2411570A
Application number: GB0405031A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Iddon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-05
Filing date: 2004-03-05
Publication date: 2005-09-07
Also published as: GB0405031D0

Abstract

An elastic lacing system comprises an elastic lace that can be passed through a series of openings, such as eyelets, arranged along opposing edges of the upper of an item of footwear to be drawn together so as to secure the footwear to the wearer's foot. The lace exhibits a markedly reduced propensity to move through the eyelets during normal wear and use of the footwear. This is achieved by increasing the coefficient of friction between the lace and the openings, or by adding attachments to the lace which impede its movement through the openings.

Description

1 2411 570 Elastic Lacing System This invention relates to an adjustable

elastic lacing system for footwear.

A conventional shoelace is a cord, ribbon or string of relatively inelastic material that is passed through a series of openings, such as eyelets, usually arranged along opposite edges of the upper of an item of footwear, and drawn together to conform the upper portion of the footwear to the shape of the wearer's upper arch. The ends of the lace are knotted or secured with the use of a suitable locking mechanism/s to prevent the item of footwear from becoming loose on the wearer's foot. The resultant configuration is a fixed length of lace distributed throughout the eyelet arrangement - the fixed length of lace is determined by how tight or loose the wearer requires the footwear to fit and the point/e at which the ends of said lace are secured.

The fit of the footwear for a given wearer is initially dependent on the shape of the wearer's foot, which determines the distances between opposing eyelets along the upper of a given item of footwear which in turn determines the length of lace required to pass between said opposing eyelets (first length). For any specified shoe-size, the population generally have a slightly different foot-shape to one another as well as varying requirements regarding the tightness of the footwear on the wearer's foot.

This results in a wearer having individually unique first lengths for a given item of footwear. A wearer generally secures footwear to their feet at rest and so establishes their first lengths for their foot at rest. As the wearer moves their foot it undergoes a range of motion inside the footwear producing subtle changes in the shape of their foot, which in turn necessitates a change to the first lengths established at rest. As the lace is free to move relatively unrestricted through the eyelets, a point on the foot that requires an increased first length (possibly due to subtle widening of the foot at impact of the footwear and the ground) can only do so at the expense of another first length placing unwanted pressure at that or multiple point/e on the foot.

Elastic laces are similar to conventional laces with the exception of the material being of an elastomeric nature. Elastic laces can often be fitted to footwear and secured in the same manner as conventional laces; thereafter the footwear can be repeatedly removed and refitted without subsequent adjustment to the knot or locking mechanism/s as the elastic lace provides sufficient elasticity to do so. The benefits of replacing conventional laces with elastic laces can be extended to a varied crosssection of the population and are not limited to individuals who have difficulty tying their shoelaces or just require the convenience of a slip-on-type shoe from a lace-up item of footwear. Athletes seek a snug and custom fit from their sports shoes while individuals with impaired vision and/or manual capabilities may struggle with the intricacies of tying a knot and others may be medically advised to alleviate the pressure placed on the their upper arch by conventional laces.

An item of footwear secured to a wearer's foot by passing an elastic lace through said footwear's eyelet arrangement produces first lengths at rest in much the same way as established using a conventional lace. However, the first lengths of an elastic lace are established when the elastic lace is in its expanded state. Each first length in expanded state has a corresponding length of elastic lace in its relaxed state (second length).

When the footwear is removed and the elastic lace shortens (relaxes) from its expanded state, movement ofthe elastic lace occurs throughout the eyelet arrangement and the second lengths are affected. Subsequent fitting of the footwear without adjustment to the elastic lace will not necessarily produce the desired first lengths as established during initial fitting of the elastic lace. Furthermore, although the nature of the elastic lace allows for subtle changes in first lengths during movement of the foot inside the footwear, the elastic lace is free to move relatively unrestricted through said eyelets and can result in unwanted pressure at that or multiple point/e on the foot. To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a lacing system that, once an elastic lace has been passed through the eyelet arrangement of an item of footwear, allows individual adjustment of the first lengths and maintains the corresponding second lengths through normal wear and use of said footwear by exhibiting a markedly reduced propensity of the elastic lace to move through said eyelets.

The reduced propensity ofthe elastic lace to move through said eyelets is preferably achieved by using an elastic lace of material and/or crosssection that produces a relatively high coefficient of friction between it and the contact pointts of said eyelets.

The reduced propensity ofthe lace to move through said eyelets may also be achieved by implementing any, or a combination of the following: coating the lace/eyelets in a material that produces a relatively high coefficient of friction between it and said eyelets/lace, texturing the lace/eyelets in a way that restricts movement ofthe lace, shaping the lace/eyelets in a way that restricts movement ofthe lace, replacing the eyelets with suitable apertures that restrict movement of the lace.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention where an elastic lace is passed through the eyelet arrangement of an item of footwear and secured using mechanisms that offer ready adjustment to the length of the lace passing through the eyelet arrangement.

Figure 2 is a perspective view ofthe preferred embodiment ofthe elastic lace ofthe present invention.

Figures 3a - 3b are top views of an item of footwear showing how first distance, second distance, first length and second length relating to the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention are determined.

Figures 4a - 4b are perspective views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention where an elastic lace is passed through the eyelet arrangement of an item of footwear with the addition of attachments to the lace that further restrict movement of the lace through the eyelets.

Figures Sa - 5f are perspective views of further embodiments of the elastic lace of the present invention.

Figures 6a - 6d are top views of further embodiments of eyelets of the present Invention.

Figures 7a - d are various views of a further embodiment of an eyelet of the present invention.

Figures 8a - b are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention where the eyelet arrangement has been replaced with suitable apertures attached to the upper of the item of footwear through which the elastic lace is passed.

Figure I shows an item of footwear for use with the present invention that has an arrangement of openings (eyelets) 3 and 4 in opposed edges on the upper part of the footwear through which an elastic lace 1 is passed and secured by means of a suitable mechanism 2 on both opposing edges. The securing mechanism is not limited to this embodiment. A more traditional bow or knot may be tied centrally to prevent loosening ofthe lace although this may limit adjustability and comfort.

Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the elastic lace 1 of the present invention displaying a rectangular cross-section 5 with a relatively high height(h):width(w) ratio. Elastic lace 1 ofthe preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is formed from SA152, a silicone rubber manufactured by Silicone Altimex, Nottingham, UK.

Each end 6 of elastic lace 1 is terminated at an angle to facilitate ease of passing through said eyelets.

Figures 3a and 3b show an item of footwear for use with the present invention that has arrangement of eyelets in opposed edges on the upper part of the footwear. Figure 3a.i shows the footwear as it would appear without a lace while not being worn by the wearer, displaying the distances 7 between opposing eyelets 3 and 4 (first distances), as set out during manufacture ofthe footwear. Figure 3a.ii shows the footwear as it would appear without a lace while being worn by the wearer and due to the non- uniform shape ofthe foot now displays distances 8 between opposing eyelets 3 and 4 (second distances), different to first distances 7 of 3a.i. First and second distances are determined from the nearest point of an eyelet to the nearest point of an opposing eyelet.

Figure 3b.i shows the footwear fitted with elastic lace 1 as it would appear while being worn by the wearer and adjusted to comfortably conform the upper of the footwear to the shape of the wearer's upper arch. Elastic lace 1 is secured by means of knots 9 (as an alternative to securing mechanisms 2 of Figure la) on both sides of opposing edges of the upper. By passing elastic lace 1 through the eyelet arrangement with established second distances, lengths of lace 10 required to pass through opposing eyelets 3 and 4 (first lengths) are produced that are unique to the wearer.

The first lengths in Figure 3b.i are established with elastic lace 1 in its expanded state but once the footwear is removed elastic lace 1 relaxes from its expanded state and so produces corresponding lengths of lace 11 between opposing eyelets 3 and 4 (second lengths) as can be seen in Figure 3b.ii. As shown in Figure 3b.iii first lengths 10 are determined from the exit point of the lace at one eyelet to the entry point of the lace at a directly or diagonally opposing eyelet while the footwear is being worn; second lengths are the corresponding lengths of lace in its relaxed state. Retrospectively, the fit ofthe footwear for any given wearer is determined by the second lengths. The first lengths are a result of the second lengths expanded to a length of lace at a tension that produces a satisfactory degree of pressure on the foot - as determined by the user.

The elasticity of elastic lace 1 allows the footwear to be comfortably fitted and removed without adjusting the securing mechanism. Due to the reduced propensity of elastic lace 1 to move through opposing eyelets 3 and 4, the second lengths are maintained, even after repeated removal of the footwear. Essentially, the wearer can adjust their first lengths 10 at rest to a position that best accommodates their preferred first lengths during movement. This means each subsequent fitting ofthe footwear can be achieved without any further adjustment to elastic lace 1 while maintaining the wearer's unique first lengths. Furthermore, during movement ofthe foot within the footwear, any subtle changes required in first lengths 10 can be accommodated solely by the elasticity of elastic lace 1 due to the reduced propensity of elastic lace 1 to move through eyelets 3 and 4.

Figure 4a shows an item of footwear for use with the present invention that has an arrangement of eyelets 3 and 4 in opposed edges on the upper part ofthe footwear through which an elastic lace 1 is passed and secured by means of a suitable mechanism 2 on both opposing edges. The propensity of the lace to move through said eyelets 3 and 4 is further reduced by attaching clip 12 to elastic lace 1 at the exit side of eyelets 3 and 4. A preferred embodiment of clip 12 is shown in Figure 4a where two apertures of similar proportions to the cross-sectional dimensions of elastic lace 1 are separated by a central bar. A space similar in width to that of elastic lace 1 is positioned centrally to each aperture on the outside edges ofthe clip to allow easy passing of elastic lace 1 through the apertures. The propensity of elastic lace 1 to move through the apertures of clip 12 is reduced due to a relatively high coefficient of friction resultant at the points of contact of clip 12 and elastic lace 1 at the outer edges and central bar of clip 12. As the dimensions of clip 12 are greater than the dimensions ofthe eyelets, elastic lace 1 is effectively restricted from moving through eyelets 3 and 4. Figure 4b shows a method of attachment of clip 12 to elastic lace 1 whereby clip 12 can be attached after elastic lace 1 has been fitted to the footwear.

Other variations and embodiments of reducing the propensity of elastic lace 1 to move through eyelets 3 and 4 by attaching additional mechanisms are considered to be within the claimed inventive concept.

Figure 5 shows other possible embodiments ofthe elastic lace ofthe present invention. Figures 5a - d show variations of an elastic lace of substantially rectangular cross-section where Figure Sa has a nodular texture, Figure 5b has been formed with the inclusion of ridges, Figure 5c has been coated or covered with an additional material and Figure Sd has been formed with a barbed appearance. Figures Se - f show variations of an elastic lace of substantially round cross-section where Figure 5e shows a plurality of elastic strands encased in an elastic material of suitable material or texture to produce sufficient friction between it and the eyelet to reduce its propensity to movement. Figure Sf shows elastic cord with an asymmetric beaded appearance where the widest portion of each lobe is greater than the width of the eyelet but elastic enough to be passed through during fitting. Each embodiment of the elastic lace produces a reduced propensity of the lace to move through eyelets and can be applied to one or both sides of the elastic lace or can be used alone or in combination with an alternative embodiment. Other variations and embodiments of an elastic lace of any shape or form that has a reduced propensity to move through eyelets are considered to be within the claimed inventive concept.

Figure 6 shows various embodiments ofthe present invention where the eyelet has been adapted to reduce the propensity of the lace of the present invention to move through it. Figure 6a shows an eyelet 13 constructed of a suitable material that once in contact with elastic lace 1 result in a relatively high coefficient of friction. Figure 6b shows an eyelet 14 suitably textured to reduce the propensity of movement of lace 1 through it. Figure 6c shows an eyelet 15 that maximises the surface area ofthe point of contact between said eyelet and elastic lace 1 and Figure 6d shows a further increase in the surface area of the point/e of contact between the two by including an additional eyelet 16. Other variations and embodiments ofthe eyelet of any shape or form that reduces the propensity of an elastic lace to move through it are considered to be within the claimed inventive concept.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment ofthe present invention where the shape of an eyelet 17 reduces the propensity of a round cross-sectioned elastic lace to move through it without a relatively high coefficient of friction between the two. Figure 7a shows a relatively round eyelet 17 with the addition of a v-notch. A round cross- sectioned elastic lace 18 whose diameter is less than the diameter of the round portion of eyelet 17 is passed through eyelet 17 as in Figure 7b.i. As elastic lace 18 is stretched, so its diameter diminishes as in Figure 9b.ii and is able to move further down the tapering v-notch, Figure 7b. iii. As tension on elastic lace 18 is directed to wards the apex ofthe v- notch, when relaxation of elastic lace 18 occurs (shown in Figure 7c) the portion of elastic lace 18 within the eyelet 17 can not return to its original diameter and effectively locks this portion in place which in turn restricts movement of elastic lace 18 through eyelet 17. The addition of ridges to the inside of the v-notch of eyelet 17 (as shown in Figure 7d) would further restrict elastic lace 18 from returning to its original diameter. Other variations and embodiments ofthe eyelet of any shape or form that reduces the propensity of an elastic lace to move through it without necessitating a relatively high coefficient of friction between it and said elastic lace are considered to be within the claimed inventive concept.

Figure 8 shows an item of footwear that sees the replacement of an eyelet arrangement with the attachment of suitable apertures 19, arranged along opposite edges ofthe upper ofthe footwear, that reduce the propensity of movement of elastic lace 1 through the apertures. Figure 8a shows a preferred embodiment of such attached apertures. Buckle 19 is attached to the footwear in a manner that allows rotation as shown in Figure 8b.i. Elastic lace 1 is passed through aperture 20 as shown in Figure 8b.ii, over central bar 21 and through aperture 22 as shown in Figures 8b.iii and 8b.iv. Other variations and embodiments of a replacement eyelet arrangement that reduces the propensity of an elastic lace to move through apertures are considered to be within the claimed inventive concept. Buckle 19 is the preferred securing mechanism 2 as shown in previous figures.

Claims

Claims 1. An elastic lacing system comprising an elastic lace that can be

passed through a series of openings, such as eyelets, arranged along opposing edges ofthe upper of an item of footwear to be drawn together so as to secure said footwear to the wearer's foot, thereafter said lace exhibits a markedly reduced propensity to move through said eyelets during normal wear and use of said footwear.
2. An elastic lacing system according to claim 1, in which the reduced propensity of said lace to move through said eyelets allows the lengths of said lace, in its expanded state, required to pass between said opposing eyelets (first length) to be individually adjusted and in so doing produces corresponding lengths of said lace when in its relaxed state (second length).
3. An elastic lacing system according to claim 2, in which repeated removal and fitting of said footwear without adjustment to said lace will maintain said first lengths and second lengths.
4. A lacing system according to claim 2, in which, during movement of said foot within said footwear, any subtle changes required in first lengths can be accommodated solely by the elasticity of said lace.
S. An elastic lacing system according to claim 1, in which the reduced propensity of said lace to move through said eyelets is achieved as a result of a relatively high coefficient of friction resultant at the point of contact between said lace and said eyelet.
6. An elastic lacing system according to claim 1, in which the reduced propensity of said lace to move through said eyelets is achieved as a result of a relatively high coefficient of friction resultant at the point of contact between said lace and the portion of upper between said eyelet and edge of said upper on either the top or bottom or both surfaces of said upper.
7. An elastic lacing system according to claim 1, in which the reduced propensity of said lace to move through said eyelets is achieved as a result of a relatively high coefficient of friction resultant at the point of contact between said lace and said eyelet combined with a relatively high level of friction resultant at the point of contact between said lace and the portion of upper between said eyelet and edge of said upper on either the top or bottom or both surfaces of said upper.
8. An elastic lacing system according to claim 5, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the material of said lace acting on said eyelet.
9. An elastic lacing system according to claim 5, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the material of said eyelet acting on said lace.
10. An elastic lacing system according to claim 5, in which the relatively high coefficient offriction is produced by a combination ofthe material of said lace acting on the material of said eyelet.
11. An elastic lacing system according to claim 5, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the texture of said lace acting on said eyelet.
12. An elastic lacing system according to claim S. in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the texture of said eyelet acting on said lace.
13. An elastic lacing system according to claim 5, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by a combination of the texture of said lace acting on the texture of said eyelet.
14 An elastic lacing system according to claim 5, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by maximising the surface area ofthe point of contact between said lace and said eyelet.
15. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the material of said lace acting on said portion of upper.
16. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the material of said portion of upper acting on said lace.
17. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by a combination ofthe material of said lace acting on the material of said portion of upper.
18. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the texture of said lace acting on said portion of upper.
19. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by the texture of said portion of upper acting on said lace.
20. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by a combination ofthe texture of said lace acting on the texture of said portion of upper.
21. An elastic lacing system according to claim 6, in which the relatively high coefficient of friction is produced by maximising the surface area of the point of contact between said lace and said portion of upper.
22. An elastic lacing system according to claim 14, in which maximising the surface area ofthe point/e of contact between the lace and the eyelet is achieved by adding multiple apertures to said eyelet.
23. An elastic lacing system according to claim 14, in which maximising the surface area of the point of contact between said lace and said eyelet is achieved by providing said eyelet of similar shape and dimensions to the cross-section of said lace.
24. An elastic lacing system according to claim 1, in which the reduced propensity of said lace to move through said eyelets negates the need for a securing mechanism.
25. An elastic lacing system comprising an elastic lace that can be passed through a series of openings, such as eyelets, arranged along opposing edges ofthe upper of an item of footwear to be drawn together so as to secure said footwear to the wearer's foot, thereafter the propensity of said lace to move through said eyelets is further reduced by the addition of attachments to said lace that impede said lace's movement through said eyelets.
26. An elastic lacing system according to claim 1, in which said lace comprises a single strand of silicone rubber.
27. An elastic lacing system according to claim 26, in which said lace has a relatively flat appearance defined by its rectangular cross-section of relatively high height:width ratio.
28. An elastic lacing system according to claim 27, in which said lace is terminated at both ends by an angled profile to facilitate ease of passing through said eyelets.
29. An elastic lacing system substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1- 8 ofthe accompanying drawings.