JP3156926U - Tip mounting means - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to easily grip the tip of a string-like member by attaching a tip attaching means to the tip of the string-like member, and particularly for a child, an elderly person, a disabled person or a caregiver, Provided is a tip attachment means that can be easily grasped. A tip attachment means 100 attached to a tip portion 200 of a string-like member 105, and a main body 101 having an outer portion, an inner portion, a head portion, and a bottom portion, and a head portion of the main body 101 located inside the main body 101. Mounting means having a hole on the side, the hole is configured such that the tip 200 of the string-like member 105 is inserted, and the attachment means is the tip of the string-like member 105 after the tip is inserted. 200 is held. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a tip attaching means attached to a tip portion of a string-like member, and more particularly to tip attaching means such as a shoelace for a shoe, a drawstring for a lighting fixture, and a tightening cord for clothes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional shoelace 11 is passed through a shoe hole 12 of a shoe 10 and tied to secure the shoe 10 to a foot. The shoelace 11 includes an aglet (tip portion) 13. The aglets 13 prevent the shoelaces 11 from fraying and facilitate passing the shoelaces 11 through the shoe holes 12. In addition, shoes that can be tightened or loosened by simple operations without tying shoelaces even for children, elderly people, people with disabilities, and those who are caring for them, and provide shoes with functions and fashionability that will not unravel the shoelaces. A string adjustment fixture has been devised (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-220908 A

  However, in the conventional shoelace 11, the aglet 13 is designed to be narrowed by tightening the tip of the shoelace 11 and passing through the shoe hole 12, so that it is generally small. There was a problem that it was difficult for people with disabilities and caregivers to see, find, and grasp. Further, the aglet 13 may be worn or lost. In this case, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp or pull the aglet 13.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tip attaching means that can be attached to the tip of a string-like member.

  The tip attaching means of the present invention is a tip attaching means attached to the tip of the string-like member, and is provided with a main body having an outer portion, an inner portion, a head portion, and a bottom portion, and is located inside the main portion, Mounting means having a hole on the head side, and the hole is configured such that the tip of the string-like member is inserted, and the mounting means is configured to insert the string after insertion of the tip. The tip part of the member is held.

  According to this configuration, by attaching the tip attaching means to the tip of the string-like member, the tip of the string-like member can be easily grasped, especially for children, elderly people, disabled persons and caregivers. Can be easily grasped.

  In the tip mounting means of the present invention, the mounting means includes a capture region having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the tip portion of the string-like member.

  According to this configuration, the distal end portion of the string-like member can be inserted into the mounting means, and the distal end attachment means can be attached to the distal end portion of the string-like member by being inserted.

  In the distal end attaching means of the present invention, the capturing area includes retaining means adapted to retain the distal end portion of the string-like member in the capturing area.

  According to this configuration, the capture region can hold the distal end portion of the string-like member, and the tip attachment means can be prevented from being detached from the string-like member.

  In the tip attaching means of the present invention, the holding means is located below the hole portion and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tip portion of the string-like member.

  According to this configuration, the leading end portion of the string-like member is inserted into the holding means, and the holding means presses the leading end portion of the string-like member, and the frictional force increases, so that the tip mounting means becomes string-like. It can prevent coming off from the member.

  In the tip mounting means of the present invention, the holding means includes a locking portion that locks the tip portion after insertion of the tip portion.

According to this configuration, the distal end mounting means is configured to generate a drag in a direction opposite to the direction in which the distal end of the inserted string-like member is pulled out by locking the distal end where the locking portion is inserted. Can be prevented from coming off from the string-like member.
In the tip attaching means of the present invention, the outside of the main body includes at least one of an animal, a character, a charm, a logo, a symbol, a silhouette, a human figure, a flag, a number, a character, a color, and a pattern.

  According to this configuration, the appearance of the main body can be selected according to the user's preference, and by expressing the individuality and self-esteem by the appearance of the main body, fashion and enjoyment are provided, and advertising (promotion) is developed. can do.

  In the tip mounting means of the present invention, the outside of the main body includes the shape of a sports ball.

  According to this configuration, the appearance of the main body can be selected according to the user's preference, and by providing personality and self-esteem by the appearance of the main body, providing enjoyment and developing promotional advertisements (promotions) Can do.

  In the tip mounting means of the present invention, the outside of the main body includes a logo shape of any of school, sports team, and business.

  According to this configuration, the appearance of the main body can be selected according to the user's preference, and by providing personality and self-esteem by the appearance of the main body, providing enjoyment and developing promotional advertisements (promotions) Can do.

  In the tip mounting means of the present invention, the outside of the main body includes a symbol shape including a flag.

  According to this configuration, the appearance of the main body can be selected according to the user's preference, and by providing personality and self-esteem by the appearance of the main body, providing enjoyment and developing promotional advertisements (promotions) Can do.

  In the tip mounting means of the present invention, the capture region extends to the bottom of the main body.

  According to this configuration, by extending the capture region to the bottom of the main body, it is possible to increase the holding force with respect to the distal end portion of the string-like member, and it is possible to prevent the tip attachment means from being detached from the string-like member. .

  The tip attaching means of the present invention includes an electric circuit that emits light from at least a part of the tip attaching means.

  According to this configuration, the tip end of the string-like member can be found even in a dark place by causing the tip attaching means to emit light. Moreover, fashionability and enjoyment can be improved by light emission.

  The tip mounting means of the present invention includes an electric circuit that emits sound from at least a part of the tip mounting means.

  According to this structure, even if it is a visually impaired person, the front-end | tip of a string-like member can be searched by making a sound output from a front-end | tip attachment means. Moreover, fashionability and enjoyment can be improved by making a sound.

  The mounting method of the tip mounting means of the present invention is a mounting method of tip mounting means that is attached to the tip of the string-like member and includes a mounting means including a capture region, and grips the tip of the string-like member,

  The distal end portion of the string-like member is inserted into the hole portion of the mounting means, and the distal end portion of the string-like member is pushed into the hole portion to be inserted into the capturing region of the attachment means.

  According to this configuration, by attaching the tip attaching means to the tip of the string-like member, the tip of the string-like member can be easily grasped, especially for children, elderly people, disabled persons and caregivers. Can be easily grasped.

  In the mounting method of the tip attachment means of the present invention, the tip portion of the string-like member includes an aglet portion, and the hole portion of the attachment means has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the aglet portion.

  According to this configuration, the distal end of the string-like member is inserted into the attachment means, the attachment means presses the distal end of the string-like member, and the frictional force increases, so that the tip attachment means becomes string-like. It can prevent coming off from the member.

  In the mounting method of the tip attachment means of the present invention, when the tip of the string-like member does not include an aglet part, the tip of the string-like member is connected to a part of the string-like member. Prepare eyes.

  According to this configuration, even when the aglet part is worn and lost, the tip attaching means is attached to the tip part of the string member by inserting the knot of the string member into the hole of the attaching means, It is possible to prevent the tip attaching means from coming off the string-like member.

  In the mounting method of the tip attachment means of the present invention, the capture region is substantially cylindrical from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the tip attachment means.

  According to this configuration, the trapping region is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the tip attachment means, so that the tip of the string-like member can be inserted to the bottom of the tip attachment means, and the end attachment means Can be prevented from coming off from the string-like member.

  In the mounting method of the tip mounting means of the present invention, the capture region extends to the bottom of the tip mounting means.

  According to this configuration, by extending the capture region to the bottom of the main body, it is possible to increase the holding force with respect to the distal end portion of the string-like member, and it is possible to prevent the tip attachment means from being detached from the string-like member. .

  The mounting method of the tip attaching means of the present invention includes an electric circuit that emits light or emits sound from at least a part of the tip attaching means.

  By emitting light or making a sound from the tip attachment means, it is possible to find the tip of the string member even in a dark place, or even the visually impaired can find the tip of the string member. it can. Moreover, fashionability and enjoyment can be improved by light emission and utterance.

  In the tip attachment means mounting method of the present invention, the outside of the tip attachment means is at least an animal, a character, a sports ball, a charm, a logo, a symbol, a silhouette, a human figure, a flag, a number, a character, a color, and a pattern. It consists of one.

  According to this configuration, the appearance of the main body can be selected according to the user's preference, and by providing personality and self-esteem by the appearance of the main body, providing enjoyment and developing promotional advertisements (promotions) Can do.

  The present invention is a tip attachment means attached to the tip of a string-like member, a main body provided with an outer portion, an inner portion, a head portion, and a bottom portion, and a hole portion located on the head portion side of the main body. And the hole portion is configured such that the tip end portion of the string-like member is inserted, and the attachment means holds the tip end portion of the string-like member after insertion of the tip portion, thereby Is attached to the tip of the string-like member so that the tip of the string-like member can be easily grasped, and in particular, the tip of the string-like member can be easily grasped for a child, an elderly person, a disabled person or a caregiver. .

It is the figure which showed an example of background art. It is the figure which illustrated the tip attachment means of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the tip attachment means of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the tip attachment means 100 when the tip portion 200 is inserted into the tip attachment means. It is the figure which showed the 1st modification of the front-end | tip attachment means 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the 2nd modification of the front-end | tip attachment means 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the tip attachment means 100 in the shape of the football which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the front-end | tip attachment means 100 in the shape of the character which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the front-end | tip attachment means 100 which made the shape of the symbol which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the front-end | tip attachment means 100 which made the shape of the logo which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the front-end | tip attachment means concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for mounting the tip attachment means 100. It is the figure which showed the front-end | tip attachment means 100 with which the front-end | tip part 200 of the drawstring 15 of the lighting fixture 14 is mounted | worn. It is the figure which showed the front-end | tip attachment means 100 with which the front-end | tip part 200 of the string 17 of the clothes 16 is mounted | worn. It is the figure which showed Figure1. It is the figure which showed Figure2. It is the figure which showed Figure3. It is the figure which showed Figure4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing FIG. It is the figure which showed Figure6. It is the figure which showed Figure7. It is the figure which showed Figure8. It is the figure which showed Figure9. It is the figure which showed Figure10.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the tip mounting means of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the tip mounting means of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip attaching means 100 is attached to the tip portion 200 of the string-like member 105.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tip mounting means of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip mounting means 100 includes a main body 101 and a mounting means 309. The mounting means 309 includes a hole 300, a capture region 310, and a holding means 304.

  The mounting means 309 is located inside the main body 101 and holds the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 after the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is inserted. Preferably, the mounting means 309 is an elastic body such as rubber or polymer. The hole part 300 is located on the head side of the main body 101 and is configured such that the tip part 200 of the string-like member 105 is inserted. The capture area 310 includes a holding unit 304 that holds the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 in the capture area 310.

  The holding means 304 in FIG. 3A includes a locking portion 305 that locks the distal end portion 200. Here, the locking portion 305 is a wedge-shaped hooking portion. 3B is located below the hole 300 and has a diameter D2 that is smaller than the diameter D1 (see FIG. 4) of the tip 200 of the string-like member 105. In addition to the substantially conical shape and the substantially funnel shape, the holding means 304 is configured such that the tip portion 200 is held in the mounting means 309 when the tip portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is inserted from the hole 300. Any shape is acceptable.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tip attaching means 100 when the tip portion 200 is inserted into the tip attaching means. In FIG. 4, an aglet of the string-like member 105 corresponds to the tip portion 200. The mounting means 310 includes a capture region 205 having a diameter D3 that is substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105. The distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is inserted from the hole portion 300 and held in the capture region 205 of the distal end attachment means 100. Since the rear end of the inserted distal end portion 200 is locked to the locking portion 305, a drag force is generated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inserted distal end portion 200 is pulled out, and the distal end attachment means 100 is connected to the string-like member 105. Can be prevented from coming off.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing a first modification of the tip attaching means 100 according to the first embodiment. The mounting unit 309 includes a hole 300 located at the head of the tip attaching unit 100 and a capturing region 205 that captures and holds the tip 200 of the string-like member 105. The hole 300 of the mounting means 309 has a substantially bowl shape, and the upper part of the hole 300 is wider than the lower part. Since the upper part of the hole part 300 is wide, the tip part 200 can be easily inserted into the hole part 300. Since the width of the hole portion 300 decreases as it goes downward, the tip portion 200 is guided to the capture region 205 and the tip portion 200 is inserted into the capture region 205 as the tip portion 200 is inserted below the hole portion 300. To make it easier. The diameter D4 at the bottom of the hole 300 is smaller than the diameter D3 of the capture region 205. A locking portion 305 is provided on the upper portion of the capture region 205. After the distal end portion 200 is inserted from the upper portion of the hole portion 300 and pushed into the capture region 205, the rear end of the distal end portion 200 is locked by the locking portion 305, so that the inserted distal end portion 200 is pulled out. A drag force is generated in a direction opposite to the direction, and the tip attaching means 100 can be prevented from being detached from the string-like member 105.

  The capture region 205 is substantially cylindrical from the bottom of the hole 300 to the bottom of the tip attachment means 100. The capturing area 205 extends to the lower part of the main body 101 of the tip mounting means 100. As a result, the tip portion 200 longer than the capture region 205 can be inserted to penetrate the tip attachment means 100, and the tip attachment means 100 can be reliably attached to the string-like member 105.

  The mounting means 309 includes one or more hook-shaped portions 310 (corresponding to locking portions) inside the capture region 205. Since the inserted distal end portion 200 is locked to the hook-shaped portion 310, a drag force is generated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inserted distal end portion 200 is pulled out, and the distal end attaching means 100 is detached from the string-like member 105. Can be prevented. In addition, the tip attachment means 100 can be fixed to the string-like member 105 by the hook-like portion 310 sticking into the tip portion 200. Thereby, the front-end | tip attachment means 100 can function as an aglet itself, and can also function as a detachable aglet. That is, when the tip end portion 200 is worn or lost due to wear, the tip end attaching means 100 functions as an aglet itself by locking the tip end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 to the hook-like portion 310.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing a second modification of the tip mounting means 100 according to the first embodiment. It differs from the above-mentioned embodiment by the point which the front-end | tip part 200 of the string-like member 105 becomes the knot 405 instead of an aglet. That is, the knot 405 of the string-like member 105 corresponds to the tip portion 200.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tip attaching means 100 is attached to the knot 405 of the string-like member 400. After the knot 405 (tip portion 200) is inserted from the hole 300 of the mounting means 304 and pushed into the capture region 205, the rear end of the knot 405 is locked by the locking portion 305, so that the insertion is performed. A drag force is generated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the formed knot 405 is pulled out, and the tip attaching means 100 can be prevented from being detached from the string-like member 400. Thus, even when the string-like member 400 does not have an aglet, the tip attachment means 100 can be attached to the string-like member 400 by tying the tip of the string-like member 400. Further, by attaching the tip attaching means 100 to the string-like member 400, the tip attaching means 100 can function as an aglet itself or can function as a detachable aglet.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a tip mounting means according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the tip mounting means according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and function as the tip mounting means according to the first embodiment, and performs the same operation.
7 to 10 are diagrams in which the external shape, color, or pattern of the main body 101 shown in FIG. 2 is changed. The exterior of the main body 101 includes at least one appearance of an animal, a character, a sports ball, a charm, a logo, a symbol, a silhouette, a human figure, a flag, a number, a character, a color, and a pattern.

  For example, in FIG. 7, the external appearance of the tip attachment means 100 has a football shape, and can express that the user is a football player or a fan. Moreover, it is also possible to attach a team color, a team logo, a team name, and other characters to the tip attaching means 100 (football shape).

  In FIG. 8, the appearance of the tip attaching means 100 is in the shape of an animal or a character. For example, when a child likes an animal or character attached to his shoes, the child's self who wants to show his shoes off. Satisfy the claim. Also, a small charm that attracts children's interest, such as the tip attachment means 100 shown in FIG. 8, is useful for easily grasping and pulling the string-like member 105. Further, by devising the external shape of the main body 101, the string-like member 105 can be easily grasped or pulled. In this case, a child, an elderly person, a disabled person, or a caregiver can easily grasp the tip of the string-like member.

  In FIG. 9, the external appearance of the tip attachment means 100 has the shape of a flag. Symbols such as flags, mascots, and trademarks express loyalty and self-esteem for the state, school, and product.

  In FIG. 10, the external appearance of the tip attachment means 100 is in the shape of a school, company, sports team, or product logo. This utilizes the advantage that the tip of the shoelace attached with the tip attaching means 100 is shaken to attract others' interest. Each time the user walks, the tip attachment means 100 shakes, and the attention of others is naturally directed to the tip attachment means 100. The tip attaching means 100 with the logo is effective for the promotion of schools, companies, sports teams, and products. The logo may be an image or a character such as a slogan. Further, it may be a combination of an image and a character, or a combination of an image, a character, and a feature such as an artificial jewel.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a tip mounting means according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the tip attaching means according to the third embodiment has the same configuration and function as the tip attaching means according to the first and second embodiments, and performs the same operation.

  FIG. 11 is a view showing the tip attaching means according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the tip attaching means 100 includes an electric circuit 900 that emits light from at least a part of the tip attaching means 100. The electric circuit 900 includes a power source 905, a switch 910, a light source 915, and a speaker 920. Examples of the switch 910 include a push button type switch and a motion sensor / switch that is activated by detecting an operation. The light source 915 is preferably an LED (Light Emitting Diode). By causing the tip attachment means 100 to emit light, the tip of the string-like member 105 can be found even in a dark place. Moreover, fashionability and enjoyment can be improved by light emission.

  In addition, the electric circuit 900 emits sound from at least a part of the tip mounting means 100. One or more music data is stored in the storage means, and the music data is reproduced when the switch 910 is activated. By generating sound from the tip attaching means 100, even the visually handicapped person can find the tip of the string-like member. Moreover, fashionability and enjoyment can be improved by making a sound. For example, when the appearance of the tip attachment means 100 is a dog character, the motion sensor switch 910 is activated each time it walks, and the light source placed in the eyes or nose of the dog character shines or generates a dog cry. Can be.

  Next, a method for mounting the tip mounting means 100 according to the first to third embodiments according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for mounting the tip mounting means 100.

  In step S <b> 1000, the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is grasped, and the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is inserted into the hole portion 300 of the mounting means 309. In step S <b> 1001, the distal end portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is pushed into the hole portion 300 and inserted into the capturing region 205 of the mounting unit 309. In step 1002, the tip attachment means 100 is attached to the tip portion 200, and the user can easily grasp or pull the tip portion 200 of the string-like member 105. Especially, for a child, an elderly person, a disabled person, or a caregiver, a string-like shape is provided. The tip of the member 105 can be easily grasped.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment concerning this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, It can change and deform | transform within the range described in the claim.

  For example, the tip 200 is held by the mounting means 309 by friction. In this case, the mounting property of the tip portion 200 may be improved by providing an epoxy resin or an adhesive material inside the mounting means 309.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the string-like member 105 may be a draw string 15 of the lighting fixture 14. Also in this case, the tip attachment means 100 is attached to the tip portion 200 of the drawstring 15. For example, by adding or applying a fluorescent material to the main body 101 of the tip attaching means 100, the tip attaching means 100 can emit light, and the tip of the drawstring 15 can be easily found and grasped even after the lighting fixture 14 is turned off.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the string-like member 105 may be a tightening string 17 of the clothes 16. Also in this case, the tip attachment means 100 is attached to the tip portion 200 of the drawstring 15. For example, by making the main body 101 of the tip attaching means 100 into the shape of a character, it is possible to provide fashion and fun and to promote advertising (promotion). Furthermore, the string-like member 105 may be a string-like member such as a wallet, a mobile phone, or a belt.

BACKGROUND OF THE behind
The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear and
lighting, and more specifically to an aglet enhancement for shoelaces and
lighting with string pulls.

Shoelaces are well known in the field of footwear.
referred to as shoe strings, shoelaces were an indispensable part of early
footwear and remain an extremely popular means for securing shoes on feet
today. A shoelace comprises a long, narrow length of material that is
traditionally threaded through eyelets in a shoe and the ends of the lace are
tied together to secure the shoe to the wearer's foot.Shoelaces can be
made of many different materials including leather, cotton, and synthetic
materials. In order to make threading the shoelace through the eyelets
easier, the ends of a shoelace are typically crimped with an aglet. An
aglet is traditionally a short, tubular piece of plastic that is heat sealed
around the ends of a shoelace. The aglet keeps shoelaces made of fabric
from fraying, and greatly assists in the threading process.

Traditional aglets are small in size and hard to see.After
assisting in threading a shoelace through eyelets, their main purpose has been
served and they actually become a hindrance. Since aglets compress the
ends of a shoelace, the ends of the shoelace become hard to see, hard to find,
and are hard to grasp.This difficulty in distinguishing the ends of a
shoelace causes problems when teaching a child to tie their shoes.
child is challenged in just finding the ends of the lace and seeing where the
ends of the lace go, during the tying process.Small aglets also cause
problems for the visually impaired and the elderly.Thin laces and even
smaller aglets are hard to see, and hard to grasp and maneuver.

What is needed in the field is an aglet enhancement that allows the
ends of a shoelace to easily be seen and grasped.The ideal device would
easily attach to a traditional aglet after the aglet has been threaded through
the eyelets of the shoe.

What is further needed in the field is an enhanced aglet that can be
provided in different shapes and forms to serve as a form a self expression,
promotion or pride.
String pulls on lighting fixtures….
Traditional string pulls are small in size, hard to see and hard to grasp…

What is needed in the field is an enhancement to the end of the
string pull that allows it to easily be seen and grasped.
device would easily attach to a traditional string-pull end.

What is further needed in the field is an enhancement that can be
provided in different shapes and forms to serve as a form of self expression,
promotion or pride.
(Both types of enhancements are referred to
herein as “aglet enhancement” or “enhancement”.)

SUMMARY OF THE
An aglet enhancement that is adapted for attachment to the end of a
shoelace or string pull, 22.the enhancement provides both utilitarian and
decorative improvements. The aglet enhancement consists a body and a
means for attaching to the aglet or pull string.
an exterior, an interior, a top and a bottom.The attachment means is
located in the interior of the enhancement body, and has an opening at the top
of the enhancement body.The opening of the attachment means is adapted
for insertion there-through of the end of the shoelace or string pull, and the
attachment means resists removal, after insertion.
further includes a capture area, the capture area has a diameter that is
substantially capture to the diameter of the end of the shoelace.
area may further include a holding means that is adapted to hold the end of the
shoelace within the capture area.The holding means is preferably a lower
portion of the opening of the attachment means, 22. the lower portion of
the opening has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of an original aglet
of the shoelace or pull-string end.

The present enhancement may also be used as a replacement
When the shoelace no longer has the original aglet, the holding
means of the present aglet may includes at least one barb that is adapted to
hook into the material at the end of the shoelace or string pull, which
preferably is knotted prior to insertion. (Opinion: delete this or insert
“May”.)

The exterior of the enhancement body can be provided in any number
of shapes, colors and styles, including ornaments, charms, figures,
silhouettes, characters, names, numbers, animals, and models.
exterior of the aglet body can also be provided in the shape of sports balls,
including basketball, baseball, soccer and footballs.The exterior of the
aglet body may also advertise the logo for a school, sports team or
business.Other embodiments of the present enhancement include electronic
circuitry that allow for portions of the ornament to light up, and to make
sounds or play music.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an aglet
enhancement that makes learning to tie your shoes easy and fun.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an aglet or
string-pull enhancement that is easy to grasp and pull.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
aglet or string-pull enhancement that provides self expression and / or selected
promotion for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE drawings
The invention of the present application will be described in detail
with
reference to the accompanying drawing (s),
given only by way of example, in which:

Figure 1 is a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of the present
aglet enhancement;
Figure 2 is a transparent view of the exemplary embodiment showing
the preferred attachment means;
Figure 3 is a detailed view of the preferred attachment means;
Figure 4 illustrates the versatility of the preferred attachment means;
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment and an alternative
attachment means;
Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the present aglet enhancement;
Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present aglet enhancement;
Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present aglet enhancement;
Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of optional hardware; and,
Figure 10 is a flow chart with steps for attaching the preferred
embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment 100 of the present aglet
enhancement, referred to herein as KickTips, in operational position, attached
to the end of a shoelace 105. In this embodiment 100, the shoelace's
aglet has been enhanced with an ornament in the shape of a basketball.
enhanced aglet can be made from any number of materials and combinations of
materials, including rubber, plastic, foam, resin, silicon, stone and
wood. The aglet enhancement can also be produced using any number of
production methods, or combination of production methods, including molding,
extrusion, stamping and loss-wax method. While the exemplary embodiment
100 has been shown as a basketball, the present invention can be provided in
virtually any shape, including other sports ball, and other shapes, as will be
seen later.

Figure 2 is a transparent view of the exemplary embodiment 100
showing the original aglet 200 of the shoelace 105 being held in place within
the capture area 205 of the aglet enhancement. The exemplary embodiment
100 completely covers the original aglet 200 and only the shoelace 105 can be
seen protruding from the top of the enhanced aglet 100. The capture area
205 is complementary in size to the original aglet 200 and has features that
make sure the aglet 200 is securely held within the interior of the enhanced
aglet 100. After the enhanced aglet 100 has been attached, the user can
pull and tug on the ends of his shoelace (or pull string) 105, while tying his
shoe for example, and the decorative enhancement will not pull off.

Figure 3 is a transparent view of the preferred embodiment 100
showing the preferred attachment means, without an original aglet
inserted. The preferred attachment means includes an opening 300, at the
top of the enhanced aglet 100, and a capture area 205, which as the name
implies, is intended to capture and hold the original aglet on the
The opening 300 of the attachment means is conical in shape,
wherein the upper portion of the opening 300 is wider than the lower portion of
the opening.The wide upper portion of the opening 300 is intended to aid
the user during the attachment process; discussed further below.
narrow, lower portion of the opening 300 assists in the capture portion of the
attachment process.The diameter of the lower portion of the opening 300
is intentionally less than the diameter of the capture area 205. This
design creates a ledge, or catch 305 at the top of the capture area 205.
After an original aglet is inserted through the opening 300 and into the
capture area 205, the back edge of the original aglet becomes engaged with the
catch 305 and is prevented from being pulled back out through the opening
300.The capture area 205 may be totally contained within the interior of
the enhanced aglet 100, or the capture area may extend through the bottom of
the aglet enhancement, so as to provide for shoelaces (or pull strings) with
original aglets that are extremely long.

The present aglet enhancement can also be an aglet itself, or used
as a replacement aglet. Sometimes, due to wear and tear, the original
aglet can become frayed and eventually just disappear, leaving shoelace ends
that are almost impossible to grasp and pull.In such a case, the present
attachment means can be provided with one or more barbs 310 located within the
capture area and placed so as to allow for the insertion of an amount of
shoelace material, but then resist the removal of the
material.

Figure 4 illustrates the versatility of the present attachment
means, which can be attached to a shoelace 400 that no longer has its original
When the original aglet is missing, the user merely ties the end
of the shoelace 400 into a knot 405 and presses the knot through the opening of
attachment means and into the capture area 205. The straightened end of a
hanger, or other rigid, narrow utensil may be used to assist during this
After the knotted end 405 of the shoelace 400 is in the capture
area 205, removal is prevented by the one or more barbs and the catch
305. The present invention can breathe new life into old shoelaces and
make an old pair of shoes seem like new again.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment 500 with an alternative
attachment means 505. The alternative embodiment 500 is in the shape of a
football, which is appealing to football players and fans, young and old.
The aglet enhancement, or football, can be provided in any color, including
team colors, and could include a team logo, team name, or other text.
alternative attachment means 505 is in the shape of a cone or funnel, and is
intended to cause the original aglet to become wedged within the attachment
means 505 upon insertion.The original aglet is held in place by
friction. A small amount of epoxy or other adhesive could also be placed
within the attachment means 505 prior to insertion of the original aglet to
assist in attachment.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment 600 of the present aglet
enhancement. Imagine a child's pride when they can't wait to show off
their shoes, because their favorite animal or character is on them.
small charm that grabs the attention of a child, such as enhanced aglet 600,
will make learning to tie their shoes a lot more fun.The multiple curves
and surfaces of the enhanced aglet 600 will also make grasping and pulling the
shoelace 105 easier.Small hands with young muscles, and older hands with
arthritic joints, will both benefit from the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment 700 of the present aglet
enhancement. This embodiment shows that the present invention can be
provided in the shape of a symbol, such as a flag.Symbols such as flags,
mascots, and trademarks allow older shoe wearers to show their pride in their
country and / or school, for example.The present invention includes aglet
enhancements that provide benefits to senior citizens without embarrassment.

Figure 8 shows that the present invention can take advantage of the
fact that shoelaces move, and as such they draw attention.When an object
is attached to a walking person's foot, the human eye is naturally drawn to
it. An enhanced aglet 800 with a logo for a school, business or sports
team provides an efficient means for advertisers to promote their school,
product or team.The logo could be an image, text, including a slogan, a
combination of an image with text, or a combination of an image, text and
another feature, such as faux jewelry, a contrasting border, or in combination
with a shaped aglet, such as the aglet shown in figure 6.

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of electronic circuitry 900 that could
be provided within the present enhanced aglet. The electronic circuitry
900 includes: a power source, such as a battery 905; a switch 910, 22. the
switch could be a push button (toggle) switch or a motion sensitive switch that
is activated whenever movement is detected; a light source 915, which
preferably is a light emitting diode (LED); and, a speaker 920. One or
more audio files can be stored in simple hardware that is co-located with the
switch 910, and the audio files can be played sequentially when the switch is activated.
More than one light could also be provided in the present invention and the
lights could be provided in key areas of a character's face, such as the eyes
and / or nose. Combined with a motion detector as the switch 910, a child
could have a couple dogs on each foot that barked and had eyes and tails that
lit up every time the child took a step.

Figure 10 is a flow chart with exemplary steps for attaching the
preferred embodiment to a shoelace or pull string.In step 1000, the
original aglet on the shoelace is grasped and the tip of the aglet is placed in
the opening at the top of the present enhanced aglet, aka KickTips. In
the step 1001, the entire original aglet is pushed through the opening, so that
the original aglet ends up within the capture area, where it is securely held
in step.In step 1002, the enhanced aglet is in place and the wearer is
provided with all the benefits, including easier to grasp and pull, more fun to
tie, and pride of personal expression, shown by the choice of ornament,
character or symbol.

The overlapping description of the specific embodiments will so fully
reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments without departing from the generic concept.
adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within
the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.It is to be
understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.

I claim:
1. An aglet enhancement that is
adapted for attachment to an end of a shoelace or pull string, providing both
utilitarian and decorative enhancement to the same, the aglet enhancement
comprising: an aglet body, the body having an exterior, an interior, a top and
a bottom; and, an attachment means, the attachment means being located in the
interior of the enhancement body, and having an opening at the top of the
enhancement body, wherein the opening of the attachment means is adapted for
insertion there-through of the end of the shoelace or pull string, and wherein
the attachment means resists removal of the end of the shoelace after
insertion.
2. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, wherein the attachment
means further includes a capture area wherein the capture area has a diameter
that is substantially equal to a diameter of the end of the shoelace or pull
string.
3. The aglet enhancement of claim 2, wherein the capture area
includes a holding means that is adapted to hold the end of the shoelace within
the capture area.
4. The aglet enhancement of claim 3, wherein the holding means
is a lower portion of the opening of the attachment means, the lower portion of
the opening having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of an original
aglet of the shoelace.
5. The aglet enhancement of claim 3, wherein the holding means
may have at least one barb that is adapted to hook into the end of the shoelace
after insertion.
6. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, wherein the exterior of
the enhancement body is in a shape of an animal or character.
7. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, wherein the exterior of
the enhancement is in a shape of a sports ball.
8. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, wherein the exterior of
the enhancement includes a logo for a school, sports team or business.
9. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, wherein the exterior of
the enhancement is in a form of a symbol, including a flag.
10. The aglet enhancement of claim 2, wherein the capture area
extends through the bottom of the enhancement.
11. A method for attaching an aglet enhancement to an end of a
shoelace or string pull, wherein the aglet enhancement includes an attachment
means with a capture area, the method comprising the steps of: grasping the end
of the shoelace or string pull; inserting the end of the shoelace or string
pull into an opening of the attachment means; and, pushing the end of the
shoelace or string pull through the opening and into the capture area of the
attachment means.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the end of the shoelace or
string pull includes an original aglet or similar object, and the opening of
the attachment means has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the
original aglet or object.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the end of the shoelace or pull
string does not include an original aglet, and the end of the shoelace or pull string
comprises a knot of shoelace or pull-string material.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the capture area has
a cylindrical shape that extends from a bottom of the opening to a bottom of
the aglet enhancement.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the capture area extends
through the bottom of the aglet.
16. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, further comprising
electronic circuitry that allows at least a portion to the enhancement to light
up.
17. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, further comprising
electronic circuitry that allows the enhancement to make sounds.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the aglet enhancement
further comprises electronic circuitry that allows the enhancement to light up
and make noises.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the aglet enhancement is
in the shape of a sports ball, flag, ornament, charm, figure, silhouette,
character, name, number, animal, or model. I claim:
1. An aglet enhancement that is
adapted for attachment to an end of a shoelace or pull string, providing both
utilitarian and decorative enhancement to the same, the aglet enhancement
comprising: an aglet body, the body having an exterior, an interior, a top and
a bottom; and, an attachment means, the attachment means being located in the
interior of the enhancement body, and having an opening at the top of the
enhancement body, etc. the opening of the attachment means is adapted for
insertion there-through of the end of the shoelace or pull string, and.
the attachment means resists removal of the end of the shoelace after
insertion.
2. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, 10.
means further includes a capture area and the capture area has a diameter
that is substantially equal to a diameter of the end of the shoelace or pull
string.
3. The aglet enhancement of claim 2, 10.
includes a holding means that is adapted to hold the end of the shoelace within
the capture area.
4. The aglet enhancement of claim 3, wherein the holding means
is a lower portion of the opening of the attachment means, the lower portion of
the opening having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of an original
aglet of the shoelace.
5. The aglet enhancement of claim 3, wherein the holding means
may have at least one barb that is adapted to hook into the end of the shoelace
after insertion.
6. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, 10.
the enhancement body is in a shape of an animal or character.
7. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, 10.
the enhancement is in a shape of a sports ball.
8. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, 10.
the enhancement includes a logo for a school, sports team or business.
9. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, 10.
the enhancement is in a form of a symbol, including a flag.
10. The aglet enhancement of claim 2, 10.
extends through the bottom of the enhancement.
11. A method for attaching an aglet enhancement to an end of a
shoelace or string pull, etc. the aglet enhancement includes an attachment
means with a capture area, the method comprising the steps of: grasping the end
of the shoelace or string pull; inserting the end of the shoelace or string
pull into an opening of the attachment means; and, pushing the end of the
shoelace or string pull through the opening and into the capture area of the
attachment means.
12. The method of claim 11, 10.the end of the shoelace or
string pull includes an original aglet or similar object, and the opening of
the attachment means has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the
original aglet or object.
13. The method of claim 11, 10.the end of the shoelace or pull
string does not include an original aglet, and the end of the shoelace or pull string
comprises a knot of shoelace or pull-string material.
14. The method of claim 11, 10.
a cylindrical shape that extends from a bottom of the opening to a bottom of
the aglet enhancement.
15. The method of claim 14, ... the capture area extends
through the bottom of the aglet.
16. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, further comprising
electronic circuitry that allows at least a portion to the enhancement to light
up.
17. The aglet enhancement of claim 1, further comprising
electronic circuitry that allows the enhancement to make sounds.
18. The method of claim 11, ... the aglet enhancement
further configure electronic circuitry that allows the enhancement to light up
and make noises.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the aglet enhancement is
in the shape of a sports ball, flag, ornament, charm, figure, silhouette,
character, name, number, animal, or model.

ABSTRACT
An aglet enhancement that can be attached to original
aglets or string pulls, or used as a replacement aglet. The aglet
enhancement can be in the shape of an animal, cartoon character, symbol or
logo. Attractive characters and rounded shapes make seeing and grasping
the ends of a shoelace or pull string with the present invention easier,
especially for older and younger hands.An attachment means within the
aglet enhancement is designed to latch onto the original aglet of the shoelace
or pull-string end, and allow for pulling and tugging of the shoelace or pull-string
end. The attachment means also allows the aglet enhancement to be
attached to shoelaces or pull strings that no longer have their original
aglets.

1. A tip attaching means adapted to be attached to a tip portion of a shoelace or a drawstring, and a body means having an outer portion, an inner portion, a head portion, and a bottom portion, and a hole located on the head portion side of the main body. And the hole is adapted for insertion of the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring, and the attachment means holds the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring after the insertion. A tip mounting means characterized in that:
2. The tip attachment means according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes a catching region having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring.
3. The tip attaching means according to claim 2, wherein the catching region includes holding means adapted to hold the tip of the shoelace or the drawstring in the catching region.
4). The tip attaching means according to claim 3, wherein the holding means is a lower portion of the hole portion and has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring before insertion. .
5). The tip attaching means according to claim 3, wherein the holding means includes a locking portion that locks the tip after the insertion.
6). The tip attaching means according to claim 1, wherein the outside includes an animal or character shape.
7). The tip attaching means according to claim 1, wherein the outside includes a shape of a sports ball.
8). The tip attaching means according to claim 1, wherein the outside includes a logo shape of any one of a school, a sports team, and a business.
9. The tip attaching means according to claim 1, wherein the outside includes a symbol shape including a flag.
10. The tip attaching means according to claim 2, wherein the capturing region extends to the bottom.
11. A method of attaching a tip attachment means adapted for attachment to a tip portion of a shoelace or a drawstring and comprising an attachment means including a capture region, wherein the shoelace or the drawstring is grasped by gripping the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring. The tip attachment portion is inserted into the hole portion of the attachment means, and the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring is pushed into the hole portion and inserted into the capture region of the attachment means. How to wear the means.
12 The tip attachment according to claim 11, wherein the tip portion of the shoelace or the drawstring includes an aglet portion, and the hole portion of the mounting means has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the aglet portion. How to wear the means.
13. When the tip of the shoelace or the drawstring does not have an aglet part, the tip of the shoelace or the drawstring has a knot that connects a part of the shoelace or the drawstring. The mounting method of the tip attachment means of Claim 11 characterized by the above-mentioned.
14 The mounting method of the tip attachment means according to claim 11, wherein the capture region is substantially cylindrical from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the tip attachment means.
15. The mounting method of the tip attachment means according to claim 14, wherein the capture region extends to the bottom of the tip attachment means.
16. The tip mounting means according to claim 1, further comprising an electric circuit that emits light from at least a part of the tip mounting means.
17. 2. The tip mounting means according to claim 1, further comprising an electric circuit for generating sound from at least a part of the tip mounting means.
18. The mounting method of the tip mounting means according to claim 11, further comprising an electric circuit that emits light from at least a part of the tip mounting means and emits sound.
19. The tip attaching means according to claim 11, wherein the tip attaching means is any one of a sports ball, a flag, a decoration, a charm, a figure, a silhouette, a character, a character, a number, an animal, and a model. Wearing method.

  The present invention relates to the field of footwear and lighting equipment, and more particularly to tip attachment means for shoelaces of footwear and pulling strings of lighting equipment.

  Shoelaces are well known in the footwear field. In terms of shoelaces, shoelaces are indispensable for early shoes and are still the most common for tightening shoes on feet. The shoelace is a long and thin member, and is generally passed through the shoe hole of the shoe. And the front-end | tip part of a shoelace is tied and a shoe is clamped to a leg | foot. Shoelaces are made of various materials such as leather, cotton, and synthetic fibers. To facilitate tying the shoelace through the shoe hole, an aglet is attached to the tip of the shoelace. Aglets are generally short tubular plastic parts that are heat sealed to the tip of the shoelace. The aglets prevent the tip of the shoelace from fraying and makes it easier to tie the shoelace to the shoe hole.

  A general aglet is relatively small and difficult to see. In addition, the main purpose of the aglet after tying the shoelaces to the shoe holes is achieved, making it useless. Since the aglet compresses and narrows the tip of the shoelace, the tip of the shoelace is difficult to see, difficult to find, and difficult to grasp. The difficulty that it is difficult to distinguish the tip of the shoelace is a problem when teaching the child how to tie the shoelace. When tying a shoelace, the child has a hard time even finding the tip of the shoelace and finding the destination of the tip of the shoelace. The relatively small aglets can cause problems for the visually impaired and the elderly. Thin shoelaces and small aglets are difficult to see, grasp, and difficult to handle.

  Accordingly, there is a need in the art for tip attachment means that facilitate finding and grasping the tip of a shoelace. An ideal instrument is one that can be easily attached to a common aglet after passing the shoelace through the shoe hole. There is also a need in this field for tip mounting means provided in various appearances and forms to represent personality, advertising (promotion) and self-esteem (pride).

  In addition, there are similar problems and needs in the drawstrings of lighting fixtures. A handle portion is provided at the tip of a pulling string of a general lighting fixture, but it is difficult to see because it is relatively small. In particular, after the lighting device is turned off, the tip of the pulling string of the lighting device is difficult to see, difficult to find, and difficult to grasp. The difficulty that it is difficult to distinguish the tip portion causes problems similar to shoelaces for children, visually impaired persons, and elderly people.

  Accordingly, there is a need in the art for tip attachment means that facilitates finding and grasping the tip of the drawstring. An ideal instrument is one that can be easily attached to the tip of a typical drawstring. There is also a need in this field for tip mounting means provided in various appearances and forms to represent personality, advertising (promotion) and self-esteem (pride).

  FIG. 2 is a view exemplarily showing the tip attaching means 100 according to the present invention, and is also referred to herein as “Kick Tips”. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the end portion (aglet) 200 of the string-like member (shoelace) 105 is attached. The tip attaching means 100 decorates the tip portion 200 of the string-like member 105 into a basketball shape. The tip mounting means 100 is made of various materials such as rubber, plastic, foam, resin, silicon, mineral, and wood, or a combination thereof. The tip mounting portion 100 is manufactured by various manufacturing methods such as die molding, extrusion molding, stamp molding, loss wax (Loss-Wax), or a combination thereof. The tip mounting means 100 of the present embodiment has a basketball shape, but is configured in any shape such as other sports balls or other shapes (described later).

  FIG. 4 is a view exemplarily showing a perspective view of the tip attaching means 100, and the tip portion 200 of the string-like member 105 is held in the capturing region 205 of the tip attaching means 100. The tip portion 200 is covered with the tip attachment means 100. The string-like member 105 extends from the head of the tip attaching means 100. The capture region 205 has a feature that it complements the size of the tip portion 200 and holds the tip portion 200 firmly inside the tip attachment means 100. After the tip attachment means 100 is attached, even if the user pulls the tip portion 200 of the string-like member 105 (or the drawstring) strongly, the tip attachment means 100 is not easily detached from the tip portion 200.

  FIG. 5 is a view exemplarily showing a perspective view of the tip mounting means 100 including the mounting means 309 before the tip portion 200 is inserted. The mounting means 309 includes a hole 300 positioned at the head of the tip attachment means 100 and a capture region 205 that captures and holds the tip 200 of the shoelace. The hole 300 of the mounting means 309 has a substantially conical shape, and the upper part of the hole 300 is wider than the lower part. The wide upper portion of the hole 300 makes it easy for the user to attach the tip attachment means 100. The hole 300 whose width becomes narrower as it goes downward facilitates the mounting of the tip mounting means 100 in the mounting process. The diameter of the lower portion of the hole 300 is smaller than the diameter of the capture region 205. A protrusion or hooking portion 305 (corresponding to a locking portion) is provided on the upper portion of the capturing region 205. After the distal end portion 200 is inserted from the upper portion of the hole portion 300 and pushed into the capturing region 205, the rear portion of the distal end portion 200 is caught by the hook portion 305, thereby preventing the distal end portion 200 from coming out of the hole portion 300. Substantially the entire capture area 205 is contained within the tip attachment means 100. In addition, the capture region 205 may extend to the lower part of the tip attachment means 100, so that a relatively long tip 200 can be inserted.

  The tip attaching means 100 according to the present embodiment can function as an aglet itself or as a detachable aglet. Due to wear, the tip 200 may be frayed or chipped, making it difficult to grip or pull the tip of the string-like member 105. In such a case, the mounting means 309 includes one or more heel-shaped portions 310 (corresponding to locking portions) inside the capture region, and the heel-shaped portion 310 allows the insertion of a shoelace, It functions to prevent the withdrawal of the shoelace.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an application example of the tip mounting means 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip attachment means 100 is attached to a shoelace 400 that does not include an aglet. When the aglet is lost, the user inserts the tied knot 405 into the hole 300 of the mounting means 309 by tying the tip of the shoelace 400, and pushes the knot 405 into the capture region 205. The straight end of the hanger (protrusion) and other hard and narrow parts assist the process of inserting this knot. After the knot 405 of the shoelace 400 is positioned in the capture region 205, the hook 305 (locking portion) prevents the knot 405 from coming off the tip attachment means 100. The tip attaching means 100 according to the present embodiment decorates a conventional shoelace and provides a new utilization method for the conventional shoe.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a mounting unit 309 related to the tip mounting unit 100 according to another embodiment. The tip attaching means 100 has a football shape, and can express that the user is a football player or a fan. The tip attaching means 100 (football shape) can be given a team color, a team logo, a team name, and other characters. In addition to the substantially conical shape and the substantially funnel shape, the mounting means 309 may have any shape that can be hooked in the mounting means 309 during insertion. The tip portion 200 is held by the mounting means 309 by friction. The mounting property of the distal end portion 200 may be improved by providing an epoxy resin or an adhesive material inside the mounting means 309.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing a tip attaching means 100 according to another embodiment. By attaching your favorite animals and characters to your shoes, you can satisfy the child's self-assertion that you want to show off your shoes. A small charm that attracts children's interest, such as the tip attachment means 100 shown in FIG. 8, is also useful for easily grasping and pulling the string-like member 105. Further, the plurality of curves and curved surfaces of the tip attaching means 100 are also useful for easily grasping and pulling the string-like member 105. Therefore, the benefit of the tip mounting means 100 according to the present embodiment can be enjoyed even for infants with undeveloped muscles and elderly persons suffering from arthritis.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing the tip mounting means 100 according to the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the tip attaching means 100 has a symbol shape such as a flag. Symbols such as flags, mascots, and trademarks represent the self-esteem of older users, for example, for a country or school of origin. The tip mounting means 100 according to the present embodiment is useful for elderly people to naturally express themselves.

  FIG. 10 uses the advantage that the tip attaching means 100 according to the present embodiment is interested in other people by shaking the tip of the shoelace. Each time the user walks, the tip attachment means 100 shakes, and the attention of others is naturally directed to the tip attachment means 100. The tip attaching means 100 with the logo of the school, the company, or the sports team effectively contributes to the advertisement related to the promotion of the school, the product, or the team. The logo may be an image or a character such as a slogan. Further, it may be a combination of an image and a character, a combination of an image, a character, and a feature such as an artificial jewel, a contrast border, or a specific shape such as the tip attaching means 100 shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 11 is a view showing the tip mounting means 100 including the electric circuit 900. The electric circuit 900 includes a power source such as a battery 905, a switch 910, a light source 915, and a speaker 920. Examples of the switch 910 include a push button type switch and a motion sensor / switch that is activated by detecting an operation. The light source 915 is preferably an LED (Light Emitting Diode). One or more music data is stored in hardware provided with the switch 910, and the music data is reproduced when the switch is activated. In this embodiment, one or more light sources are provided and arranged in the main area of the character's face such as the eyes and nose. When a motion sensor is used as the switch 910, for example, each of the children's shoes is provided with two dog tip attachment means 100, and each time the child walks, the dog squeaks and the dog's eyes and tail are turned off. It can also be illuminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart exemplarily showing a mounting method of the tip mounting means 100. In step 1000, the tip portion 200 of the shoelace is grasped, and the tip of the tip portion 200 is located in the hole portion 300 located at the upper portion of the tip attachment means 100 (Kick Tips). In step 1001, the entire tip 200 is pushed into the hole 300, fits within the capture region 205, and is held firmly. In step 1002, the tip attachment means 100 is mounted, and the user can easily grab or pull the tip of the shoelace, enjoy tying the shoelace, and select a decoration, character, or symbol. Can express self-assertion and self-esteem.

  The tip attaching means according to the present invention is a tip attaching means attached to the tip portion of the string-like member, and is provided with a main body having an outer portion, an inner portion, a head portion, and a bottom portion; Mounting means having a hole on the side, the hole is configured so that the tip of the string-like member is inserted, and the mounting means holds the tip of the string-like member after insertion of the tip By attaching the tip attaching means to the tip portion of the string-like member, the tip of the string-like member can be easily grasped, and the tip of the string-like member can be easily obtained especially for children, elderly people, persons with disabilities and caregivers. It is useful as a tip attachment means for shoelaces for shoes, drawstrings for lighting fixtures, laces for clothes, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Shoelace 13 Aglet 100 Tip attachment means 101 Main body 105,400 String member 200 Tip part 205 Capture area 300 Hole part 304 Holding means 305 Locking part 309 Mounting means 310 Saddle part 405 Knot 900 Electric circuit 905 Power supply 910 915 Light source 920 Speaker

Claims (12)

A tip attaching means attached to the tip of the string-like member,
A body with an exterior, interior, head, and bottom;
A mounting means located inside the main body and having a hole on the head side of the main body;
The hole is configured such that the tip of the string-like member is inserted;
The tip attaching means, wherein the mounting means holds the tip of the string-like member after the tip is inserted.   The tip mounting means according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means includes a capture region having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the tip portion of the string-like member.   The tip attaching means according to claim 2, wherein the catching region includes holding means adapted to hold the tip of the string-like member in the catching region.   The tip attaching means according to claim 3, wherein the holding means is located below the hole portion and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tip portion of the string-like member.   The tip attaching means according to claim 3, wherein the holding means includes a locking portion that locks the tip after the tip is inserted.   The outside of the main body includes at least one of an animal, a character, a charm, a logo, a symbol, a silhouette, a human figure, a flag, a number, a character, a color, and a pattern. The tip mounting means according to any one of the above.   The tip mounting means according to claim 1, wherein the outside of the main body includes a shape of a sports ball.   The tip attaching means according to claim 1, wherein the outside of the main body includes a logo shape of any of school, sports team, and business.   The tip mounting means according to claim 1, wherein the exterior of the main body includes a shape of a symbol including a flag.   The tip attaching means according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the capturing region extends to the bottom of the main body.   The tip mounting means according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an electric circuit that emits light from at least a part of the tip mounting means.   The tip mounting means according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an electric circuit for generating sound from at least a part of the tip mounting means.