US20030167609A1 - Lace tightening article - Google Patents

Lace tightening article Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030167609A1
US20030167609A1 US10/090,032 US9003202A US2003167609A1 US 20030167609 A1 US20030167609 A1 US 20030167609A1 US 9003202 A US9003202 A US 9003202A US 2003167609 A1 US2003167609 A1 US 2003167609A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
lace
tubular members
shoe
pair
lengthwise
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
US10/090,032
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US6622358B1 (en
Inventor
Philip Troy Christy
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US10/090,032 priority Critical patent/US6622358B1/en
Publication of US20030167609A1 publication Critical patent/US20030167609A1/en
Priority to CA002441311A priority patent/CA2441311A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6622358B1 publication Critical patent/US6622358B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C7/00—Holding-devices for laces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C9/00—Laces; Laces in general for garments made of textiles, leather, or plastics
    • A43C9/04—Forming ends of laces of plastics, celluloid, rubber, or the like
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/37—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor
    • Y10T24/3703—Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing
    • Y10T24/3724—Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing having lacing wound thereabout or wedged therein
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/37—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor
    • Y10T24/3726—Drawstring, laced-fastener, or separate essential cooperating device therefor with holding means fixedly mounted on lacing

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an article for tightening together the ends of laces. While not so limited, the article is useful in tightening together the the ends of shoe laces on a shoe.
  • lacing and unlacing is beyond the ability of some users, for example, young children and individuals with certain disabilities such as arthritis.
  • Stubbs U.S. Pat. No. 777,563, uses two cylindrical members placed upon the sides of the upper portion of the shoe through which the ends of the shoe lace are passed and then tied.
  • a primary object of this invention is the tightening together of the ends of a lace without the laces actually touching.
  • Another object is simplifying the tying of laces for children.
  • the article includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of a lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device.
  • the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the laces actually touching.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe with lace inserted therein;
  • FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the step of inserting one end of a lace in a lace end receiving device
  • FIG. 2A is an enlarged, cross sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 2B is a top view of a lace receiving device
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the step of tying together lace end receiving devices on the opposite ends of a lace.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shoe illustrating the present invention with lace end devices tied together for tightening the shoe lace on the shoe.
  • a shoe 11 is shown in FIG. 1 with a lace 12 having tips 13 , threaded through a series of holes or loops 14 .
  • the lace 12 is typically of cloth, leather or plastic.
  • a first 15 and second 16 end of the shoe lace 12 extend through the top holes or loops 14 U.
  • FIG. 2 the first end 15 of the shoe lace 12 is shown looped through a first lace end receiving device 17 .
  • the device is seen as having a pair of tubular members 18 , 19 joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise passage 20 , 21 extending therethrough.
  • the lace 12 is looped through the device 17 by pushing it up through the first passage 20 and down the second passage 21 .
  • Each device is typically 3 inches long with passages of 3 ⁇ 8 th inch diameter and made as a single piece from non-toxic, flexible plastic.
  • the plastic is such as to retain the lace within the passages without slippage and when tied together, to be described hereafter, to remain tied.
  • the device 17 can be made available in a variety of colors.
  • FIG. 4 shows the devices 17 tied together, thereby tightening the shoe laces on the shoe.
  • the invention may also be used with laces for other types of footwear, clothing, packaging and containers.

Abstract

An article for tightening together the ends of a lace includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of flexible, tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of the lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at each end of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • This invention relates to an article for tightening together the ends of laces. While not so limited, the article is useful in tightening together the the ends of shoe laces on a shoe. [0002]
  • 2. Description of the Prior Art [0003]
  • Laces, particularly shoe laces, require tying and untying each time used, may become unlaced without warning and therefore become hazardous, and fray and break due to repetitive tying and knotting. [0004]
  • Additionally, lacing and unlacing is beyond the ability of some users, for example, young children and individuals with certain disabilities such as arthritis. [0005]
  • The prior art has been directed to a solution to one or more of the problems posed, with varying degrees of success. [0006]
  • Stubbs, U.S. Pat. No. 777,563, uses two cylindrical members placed upon the sides of the upper portion of the shoe through which the ends of the shoe lace are passed and then tied. [0007]
  • Schelling, U.S. Pat. No. 849,921, discloses a fastener for a shoe string that utilizes flexible tubular portions. [0008]
  • In Derrenberger, U.S. Pat. No. 1,172,954, the ends of a lace are passed through a fastener comprising hollow, truncated cone-shaped ferrules. [0009]
  • Various lace fastening devices are shown in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. Price, 2,636 237; Brodowski, 3,074,135; Curry, 5,119,539; Yusafan, 5,613,283; and, Munsell, Jr., 6,192,559 B1. [0010]
  • Swinton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,967, attaches hook and pile straps along the shoe lace. [0011]
  • Gold, U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,695, discloses a closure mechanism for a glove utilizing a channel member with draw string arrangement. [0012]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is the tightening together of the ends of a lace without the laces actually touching. [0013]
  • Another object is simplifying the tying of laces for children. [0014]
  • These and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises an article for tightening together the ends of laces. [0015]
  • The article includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of a lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. [0016]
  • By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at opposite ends of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the laces actually touching..[0017]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
  • Other objects features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawing, wherein: [0018]
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe with lace inserted therein; [0019]
  • FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the step of inserting one end of a lace in a lace end receiving device; [0020]
  • FIG. 2A is an enlarged, cross sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2; [0021]
  • FIG. 2B is a top view of a lace receiving device; [0022]
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the step of tying together lace end receiving devices on the opposite ends of a lace; and, [0023]
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shoe illustrating the present invention with lace end devices tied together for tightening the shoe lace on the shoe.[0024]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • A shoe [0025] 11 is shown in FIG. 1 with a lace 12 having tips 13, threaded through a series of holes or loops 14.
  • The [0026] lace 12 is typically of cloth, leather or plastic.
  • A first [0027] 15 and second 16 end of the shoe lace 12 extend through the top holes or loops 14U.
  • In FIG. 2, the [0028] first end 15 of the shoe lace 12 is shown looped through a first lace end receiving device 17. Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, the device is seen as having a pair of tubular members 18,19 joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise passage 20,21 extending therethrough.
  • The [0029] lace 12 is looped through the device 17 by pushing it up through the first passage 20 and down the second passage 21.
  • The same procedure is followed with the [0030] opposite end 16 of the lace 14. Each device is typically 3 inches long with passages of ⅜th inch diameter and made as a single piece from non-toxic, flexible plastic. The plastic is such as to retain the lace within the passages without slippage and when tied together, to be described hereafter, to remain tied. The device 17 can be made available in a variety of colors.
  • In FIG. 3, with the second or opposite end of the lace looped through a second device, and the proximal ends of the devices preferably close to or against the [0031] top holes 14U in the shoe 11, the devices 17 are twisted, pulled and tied.
  • FIG. 4 shows the [0032] devices 17 tied together, thereby tightening the shoe laces on the shoe.
  • There is no requirement to attach anything to the shoes or modifying the shoes themselves in any way. [0033]
  • It is not necessary for the lace to toch itself. Fraying of the lace is minimal since there is no knotting of the lace or rubbing between parts of a lace. The laces can not go back into the lace holes. [0034]
  • The laces do not come loose thus avoiding tripping from a loose lace. [0035]
  • It is easier for a child to tie this than tying a lace and is a teaching tool for when a child is able to tie a lace alone. [0036]
  • Older persons will find it easier to use than lacing one's shoes. [0037]
  • The invention may also be used with laces for other types of footwear, clothing, packaging and containers. [0038]
  • It should be obvious that changes, additions and omissions may be made in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. [0039]

Claims (6)

What is claimed is:
1. In an article for tightening the ends of a lace,
a lace end receiving device having
a pair of flexible, tubular members
each of the tubular members including a lengthwise retaining passage therein, the members adapted for receiving therein, looping therethrough and holding the end of the lace.
2. The article according to claim 1 wherein the tubular members are joined together lengthwise.
3. An article for tightening together the first and second ends of a lace, comprising:
a first end receiving device having
a pair of first, flexible, tubular members,
each of the first tubular members including a lengthwise retaining passage therein, the first members adapted for receiving therein, looping therethrough and holding the first end of the lace; and,
a second lace end receiving device having
a pair of second, flexible, tubular members,
each of the second tubular members including a lengthwise retaining passage therein, the second members adapted for receiving therein, looping therethrough and holding the second end of the lace,
the first and second devices adapted to be tied together whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching.
4. The article according to claim 3 wherein the first pair and second pair of tubular members are, respectively, joined together lengthwise.
5. An article for tightening together the first and second ends of a shoe lace on a shoe, comprising:
a first lace end receiving device having
a pair of first tubular members,
each of the first tubular members including a lengthwise retaining passage therein, the first members adapted for receiving therein, looping therethrough and holding the first end of the shoe lace; and,
a second lace end receiving device having
a pair of second tubular members,
each of the second tubular members including a lengthwise retaining passage therein, the second members adapted for receiving therein, looping therethrough and holding the second end of the shoe lace,
the first and second devices adapted to be tied together whereby the shoe lace is tightened on the shoe without the lace itself touching.
6. The article according to claim 5 wherein the first pair and second pair of tubular members are, respectively, joined together lengthwise.
US10/090,032 2002-03-05 2002-03-05 Lace tightening article Expired - Fee Related US6622358B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/090,032 US6622358B1 (en) 2002-03-05 2002-03-05 Lace tightening article
CA002441311A CA2441311A1 (en) 2002-03-05 2003-09-17 Lace tightening article

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/090,032 US6622358B1 (en) 2002-03-05 2002-03-05 Lace tightening article
CA002441311A CA2441311A1 (en) 2002-03-05 2003-09-17 Lace tightening article

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US20030167609A1 true US20030167609A1 (en) 2003-09-11
US6622358B1 US6622358B1 (en) 2003-09-23

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1604581A1 (en) * 2004-06-11 2005-12-14 Philip Troy Christy Lace tightening article
US7343652B1 (en) * 2006-09-18 2008-03-18 Kun-Chung Liu Lace adjuster
USD970874S1 (en) * 2020-03-13 2022-11-29 Butterfly Hedge LLC Aglet
USD974737S1 (en) * 2018-01-11 2023-01-10 The Global Games Inc. Shoelace
USD976565S1 (en) * 2020-10-19 2023-01-31 Travis Anderson Shoestring

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US20080060170A1 (en) * 2006-09-07 2008-03-13 Wagner Fred A Adjustable Clamp and Method For Use of Same
US7713062B2 (en) * 2007-03-19 2010-05-11 Wendy Welling Shoelace pull tab for facilitating and teaching lace tying
US7891058B2 (en) * 2007-09-27 2011-02-22 Ronald N. Kubli Elastic cord with adjustable loop
US9185948B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2015-11-17 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Buckle-lace: lace fastening device
US10087573B1 (en) 2014-05-08 2018-10-02 Regina B. Casperson Elastomeric tubular casings for drawstrings and a method of laundering accessories therewith
USD737563S1 (en) * 2014-11-26 2015-09-01 Nike, Inc. Shoe upper
USD763565S1 (en) 2015-05-08 2016-08-16 Regina B. Casperson Elastomeric tubular drawstring casing
US9781975B2 (en) * 2015-07-06 2017-10-10 Russell J. Dykema Footwear securement system
US10390590B2 (en) 2015-11-08 2019-08-27 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Lace ratcheting device II
US9808050B2 (en) 2015-11-08 2017-11-07 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Lace ratchet fastening device
US10786045B2 (en) 2016-07-12 2020-09-29 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Lace ratcheting device—metal jacket
US10602807B2 (en) 2016-07-12 2020-03-31 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Belt ratcheting device
US11026472B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2021-06-08 Nike, Inc. Dynamic lacing system
US10849389B1 (en) 2018-02-15 2020-12-01 Kamiko L. Darrow Device for assisting lace tightening
USD902573S1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2020-11-24 Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. Sports shoe
CN112955047B (en) 2018-09-06 2022-11-29 耐克创新有限合伙公司 Dynamic lacing system with feedback mechanism
US11241067B2 (en) 2020-02-17 2022-02-08 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Hidden blade belt ratcheting device IV
US11234489B2 (en) 2020-02-17 2022-02-01 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Spring lace ratcheting device
US11517077B2 (en) 2020-12-25 2022-12-06 Jezekiel Ben-Arie Belt ratcheting device with hidden blade II

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1604581A1 (en) * 2004-06-11 2005-12-14 Philip Troy Christy Lace tightening article
US7343652B1 (en) * 2006-09-18 2008-03-18 Kun-Chung Liu Lace adjuster
US20080066273A1 (en) * 2006-09-18 2008-03-20 Kun-Chung Liu Lace adjuster
USD974737S1 (en) * 2018-01-11 2023-01-10 The Global Games Inc. Shoelace
USD970874S1 (en) * 2020-03-13 2022-11-29 Butterfly Hedge LLC Aglet
USD976565S1 (en) * 2020-10-19 2023-01-31 Travis Anderson Shoestring

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Publication number Publication date
CA2441311A1 (en) 2005-03-17
US6622358B1 (en) 2003-09-23

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