US20150223569A1 - Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism - Google Patents
Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150223569A1 US20150223569A1 US14/696,429 US201514696429A US2015223569A1 US 20150223569 A1 US20150223569 A1 US 20150223569A1 US 201514696429 A US201514696429 A US 201514696429A US 2015223569 A1 US2015223569 A1 US 2015223569A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lace
- locking apparatus
- shoe
- front surface
- rear surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 35
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005615 natural polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001059 synthetic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
- A43C1/02—Shoe lacing fastenings with elastic 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
- Y10T24/3711—Device engages element or formation on lacing
-
- 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
- Y10T24/3713—Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing having relatively movable holding components or surfaces
-
- 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
- Y10T24/3713—Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing having relatively movable holding components or surfaces
- Y10T24/3718—Includes separate device for holding drawn portion of lacing having relatively movable holding components or surfaces with integral resilient linking structure therebetween
-
- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to shoe lacings and in particular systems and apparatus for locking the laces.
- the present invention provides apparatus for locking laces.
- FIG. 1A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1B is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus partially deflected in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2A is a simplified diagram of an elastic lace system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2B is a simplified diagram of another elastic lace system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a simplified diagram of a lace being inserted into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3B is a simplified diagram of a lace locked into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3C is a simplified diagram of a lace stretched for movement in the lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a shoe in which the present invention may be employed
- FIG. 6A is a simplified partial diagram of a lace in a shoe locked into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6B is a simplified partial diagram of a lace locked into a lace locking apparatus, the lace locking apparatus embedded in a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6C is another simplified partial diagram of a lace in a shoe locked into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus with inserted lace in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7B is a simplified partial diagram of lace locking apparatus opening with inserted lace in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus with inserted lace in an open or released mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8B is a simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus with inserted lace in a closed or locked mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus with deflectable tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9B is a simplified rear diagram of the lace locking apparatus shown in FIG. 9A with deflectable tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9C is a simplified rear diagram of another lace locking apparatus with deflectable tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of an elastic lace architecture including a lace system fixably coupled to the lace locking apparatus shown in FIG. 9A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a lace may be threaded through several eyelets and then adjusted to a desired tension for a wearer. To maintain the desired or selection tension, one or more sections of the lace may be desirable fixed in position relative to an eyelet. Further, the lace may desirably include one or more elastic sections where the lace length may be restorably expanded. A lace with one or more elastic sections may enable the product incorporating the lace to be employed without locking or unlocked one or more lace sections relative to the product. For example, a user may be able to remove a shoe or put on a shoe without releasing a section of the lace while having a desired tension formed by the lace (between one or more threaded eyelets in an embodiment).
- FIG. 1A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1B is a simplified partial isometric diagram of the lace locking apparatus 10 partially deflected in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the locking apparatus 10 may be any shape having a diameter or area greater than the eyelets 54 of shoe 50 ( FIG. 5 ) where the locking apparatus 10 , 40 A- 40 H, may be employed ( FIG. 6A ) or embedded in a product 50 including an adjustable length lace (a shoe 50 shoulder 52 in an embodiment FIG. 5 ).
- the locking apparatus 10 may include a slit 14 coupled to an opening 12 .
- the opening may be any shape including circular where the opening area 12 is larger than the width of a lace 22 A in a stretched or elongated shape (small diameter 22 C) ( FIG. 3C ) and small enough to securely engage one or more laces 22 A, lace ends, or a loop of a lace 22 A in a restored shape (larger diameter 22 B shown in FIG. 3B ).
- the locking apparatus may be comprised of any flexible or semi-flexible material including synthetic and natural polymers, metals, or alloys.
- the polymers may include polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) a polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other restorably deformable materials.
- the opening 12 may include barbs or teeth 13 D of opening 12 D of FIGS. 7A to 8B to further hold laces 22 A securely.
- a lace material 22 A may include elastic and inelastic components and may have various modulus of elasticity.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified diagrams of lace systems 20 A, 20 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the lace systems 20 A, 20 B may include a lace 22 A, 22 B and aglets or bars 24 A, 24 B, 26 A, and 26 B.
- the lace 22 A, 22 B material may include elastic and inelastic components and may have various modulus of elasticity.
- the lace systems 20 A, 20 B shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B may include perpendicular aglets 24 B, 26 B or bars 24 A, 26 A on one or more ends of a lace 22 A, 22 B.
- the aglets 24 B, 26 B or bars 24 A, 26 A may be sized to be smaller than the diameter of a shoe 50 eyelets 54 in an embodiment.
- An aglets 24 B, 26 B or bars 24 A, 26 A may be comprised of inflexible, flexible or semi-flexible material including plastic, metals, or alloys.
- the lace system 20 B may include parallel aglets 24 B, 26 B on one or more ends.
- FIG. 3A is a simplified diagram of a lace insertion process for inserting a lace 20 B into a lace locking apparatus 10 in accordance with an embodiment 30 of the present invention.
- a lace 22 A may be stretched or elongated to extend a desired length into or through the opening 12 and then released to expand and lock into the opening 12 .
- FIG. 3B is a simplified diagram of a lace 22 A locked into a lace locking apparatus 10 opening 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3C is a simplified diagram of a lace 22 A stretched or elongated for movement in the lace locking apparatus 10 opening 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as discussed above.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified partial isometric diagrams of a lace locking apparatus 40 A, 40 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the locking apparatus 40 A may have multiple openings 12 A, 12 B for multiple laces sections 22 A, 22 B or lace ends.
- the locking apparatus 40 B may have multiple openings 12 A, 12 B, 12 C for multiple lace sections or ends.
- the locking apparatus 10 , 40 A, 40 B, 40 D may optionally include restorably deflectable slits 14 ( FIG. 1A ), 14 D ( FIG. 7A ).
- the slit 14 , 14 D may enable one or more ends or sections of a lace 22 A, 22 B to be passed into an apparatus 10 , 30 , 40 A, 40 B, 40 D opening 12 , 12 A, 12 B, 12 C, 12 D.
- the slit 14 D may also include teeth 15 D where the teeth may engage edges of a lace 22 A, 22 B when inserted in an opening 12 , 12 A, 12 B, 12 C, 12 D and aid retention of the lace sections within the locking apparatus 10 , 40 A, 40 B, 40 D.
- FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a shoe 50 in which the present invention may be employed.
- the shoe 50 may include a toe 58 , shoulders 52 , tongue 56 , vamp 57 , and a plurality of eyelets 54 .
- the shoe 50 may be any type of shoe including dress and athletic that includes two or more eyelets.
- FIG. 6A is a simplified partial diagram of a lace 20 B passed a shoe 50 eyelet 54 and locked into a lace locking apparatus 10 in accordance with an embodiment 60 A of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A the locking apparatus 10 may be located inside the shoe 50 and adjacent to an eyelet 54 .
- FIG. 6B is a simplified partial diagram of a lace 20 B locked into an embedded lace locking apparatus 10 .
- the apparatus 10 may be embedded in a shoe 50 shoulder 52 adjacent an eyelet in accordance with an embodiment 60 B of the present invention.
- the shoulder 52 material may be flexible enough to enable the locking apparatus 10 to be flexed so one or more laces 20 B may be inserted into an opening 12 , 12 A, 12 B, 12 C, 12 D, 12 E of the apparatus 10 , 40 A, 40 B, 40 D, 40 E ( FIGS. 8A-8B ).
- FIGS. 8A-8B are simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus 40 E with inserted lace in an open or released mode ( FIG. 8A ) or a locked or closed mode or configuration ( FIG. 8B ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the apparatus 40 E may include an opening 12 E with one or more retractable teeth 13 E.
- a teeth release mechanism 18 E may be restorably depressed as shown in FIG. 8A to cause one or more teeth 13 E of the opening 12 E to retract.
- the teeth 13 E may retract to create an opening large enough for an aglet 24 B, 26 B or bar 24 A, 26 A.
- the teeth 13 E may collapse towards the apparatus 40 E center.
- a spring mechanism (not shown) may provide a restoring force to the retractable teeth 13 E.
- the apparatus 40 D, 40 E may also a recess 16 D, 16 E sized to receive and compressably hold an an aglet 24 B, 26 B or bar 24 A, 26 A therein.
- the recess 16 D, 16 E may enable a user to increase a lace an aglet 24 B, 26 B or bar 24 A, 26 A therein to prevent an aglet 24 B, 26 B or bar 24 A, 26 A from resting against a user's foot or ankle.
- the teeth 13 D, 13 E of the openings 12 D, 12 E may be angled so that enable a lace to extend or pass in a first direction but engage or limit the movement of the lace in second opposite direction.
- FIG. 9A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of another lace locking apparatus 40 G with deflectable tabs 12 F, 12 G in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9B is a simplified rear diagram of the lace locking apparatus 40 G shown in FIG. 9A with deflectable tabs 12 F, 12 G in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the lace locking apparatus 40 G may include a substantially planar front or first surface 15 A and a substantially planar rear or second surface 15 B separated by a substantially uniform thickness or edge 15 C.
- FIGS. 9A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of another lace locking apparatus 40 G with deflectable tabs 12 F, 12 G in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the lace locking apparatus 40 G may include a substantially planar front or first surface 15 A and a substantially planar rear or second surface 15 B separated by a substantially uniform thickness or edge 15 C.
- the lace section locking apparatus 40 G may include one or more restorably deflectable tabs 12 F, 12 G formed from arc shaped slits 13 F, 13 G extending between the front and rear surfaces 15 A, 15 C in the apparatus 40 G.
- the tabs 12 F, 12 G may be have various shapes including arcuate, polygonal, and other.
- an apparatus 40 H may include tabs 12 H, 12 I including one or teeth 15 D formed by slits 13 H, 13 I extending between the front and rear sections 15 A, 15 B of the apparatus 40 H.
- FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of an elastic lace architecture 70 including a lace system 20 C fixably coupled to the lace locking apparatus 15 A shown in FIG. 9A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6C is a simplified partial diagram of the lace architecture 70 employed in a shoe 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the lace system 20 C may include a lace section 22 B with an aglet 24 B at one end and a t-shaped bar 26 A at an opposite end of its longitudinal length.
- a first end 24 B of a lace system 20 C may be inserted through a first deflectable tab 12 F from a first side 15 A or 15 B to a second side 15 B or 15 A.
- a desired segment of the lace 22 B may be pulled through the slit 13 F.
- the lace 22 B thickness and apparatus tab 12 F material thickness may prevent the lace segment 22 B from being in an opposite direction without further deflecting the tab 12 F to enlarge opening formed by the tab 12 F and slit 13 F. Then the first end 24 B of a lace system 20 C may be inserted through a second deflectable tab 12 G from a second side 15 B or 15 A to a first side 15 A or 15 B (opposite the direction of lace end through the first tab 12 F). A desired segment of the lace 22 B may also be pulled through the slit 13 G.
- the combination of the slits 13 F, 13 G and tabs 12 F, 12 G may securely hold the lace system 20 C at a desired position of the lace body or segment 22 B.
- This segment may be the length that securely holds or may hold a user's foot in a shoe 50 .
- the end section 24 B and a portion of the lace body 22 B may be cut at location 22 C to reduce the presence of extra material in shoe 50 segment 52 and customize the lace system 20 C for a particular application, user, or shoe 50 .
- an apparatus 10 , 30 , 40 A- 40 H may have about a 0.5 to 1.5 inch diameter and about 0.1 to 0.5 inch thickness (from front to back side).
- An opening 12 , 12 A, 12 B, 12 C, 12 D, 12 E may be any shape and may have an envelope from about 0.1 to 0.4 inches in diameter.
- the apparatus 10 , 30 , 40 A- 40 H may be formed primarily of PET or BoPET. While this invention has been described in terms of a best mode for achieving the objectives of the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
Landscapes
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Shoe Laces and locking apparatus for locking a lace section a desired location with a knot in the lace, the apparatus including a restorably deflectable opening for holding a lace section or portion at a desired location.
Description
- The present application claims priority to application Ser. No. 61/484,223, Attorney Docket CE001US, entitled “Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism”, and filed on May 10, 2011 and co-pending application Ser. No. 13/469,082, Attorney Docket CE001US1, entitled “Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism”, and filed on May 10, 2012, which are both incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates generally to shoe lacings and in particular systems and apparatus for locking the laces.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- It may be desirable to lock shoe laces, the present invention provides apparatus for locking laces.
- The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:
-
FIG. 1A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 1B is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus partially deflected in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A is a simplified diagram of an elastic lace system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2B is a simplified diagram of another elastic lace system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3A is a simplified diagram of a lace being inserted into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3B is a simplified diagram of a lace locked into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3C is a simplified diagram of a lace stretched for movement in the lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a shoe in which the present invention may be employed; -
FIG. 6A is a simplified partial diagram of a lace in a shoe locked into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6B is a simplified partial diagram of a lace locked into a lace locking apparatus, the lace locking apparatus embedded in a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6C is another simplified partial diagram of a lace in a shoe locked into a lace locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus with inserted lace in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7B is a simplified partial diagram of lace locking apparatus opening with inserted lace in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus with inserted lace in an open or released mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8B is a simplified partial isometric diagram of lace locking apparatus with inserted lace in a closed or locked mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of a lace locking apparatus with deflectable tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9B is a simplified rear diagram of the lace locking apparatus shown inFIG. 9A with deflectable tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9C is a simplified rear diagram of another lace locking apparatus with deflectable tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of an elastic lace architecture including a lace system fixably coupled to the lace locking apparatus shown inFIG. 9A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Throughout this description, embodiments and variations are described for the purpose of illustrating uses and implementations of the invention. The illustrative description should be understood as presenting examples of the invention, rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.
- In a product having one or more adjustable laces it may be desirable to be able to releasably lock the position of one or more ends or sections of the lace without using a knot or knots in the lace. In shoes, a lace may be threaded through several eyelets and then adjusted to a desired tension for a wearer. To maintain the desired or selection tension, one or more sections of the lace may be desirable fixed in position relative to an eyelet. Further, the lace may desirably include one or more elastic sections where the lace length may be restorably expanded. A lace with one or more elastic sections may enable the product incorporating the lace to be employed without locking or unlocked one or more lace sections relative to the product. For example, a user may be able to remove a shoe or put on a shoe without releasing a section of the lace while having a desired tension formed by the lace (between one or more threaded eyelets in an embodiment).
-
FIG. 1A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of alace locking apparatus 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 1B is a simplified partial isometric diagram of thelace locking apparatus 10 partially deflected in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lockingapparatus 10 may be any shape having a diameter or area greater than theeyelets 54 of shoe 50 (FIG. 5 ) where the lockingapparatus FIG. 6A ) or embedded in aproduct 50 including an adjustable length lace (ashoe 50shoulder 52 in an embodimentFIG. 5 ). The lockingapparatus 10 may include aslit 14 coupled to anopening 12. The opening may be any shape including circular where theopening area 12 is larger than the width of alace 22A in a stretched or elongated shape (small diameter 22C) (FIG. 3C ) and small enough to securely engage one ormore laces 22A, lace ends, or a loop of alace 22A in a restored shape (larger diameter 22B shown inFIG. 3B ). The locking apparatus may be comprised of any flexible or semi-flexible material including synthetic and natural polymers, metals, or alloys. The polymers may include polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) a polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other restorably deformable materials. Theopening 12 may include barbs orteeth 13D of opening 12D ofFIGS. 7A to 8B to further holdlaces 22A securely. In an embodiment alace material 22A may include elastic and inelastic components and may have various modulus of elasticity. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified diagrams oflace systems lace systems lace lace lace systems FIGS. 2A and 2B may includeperpendicular aglets bars lace aglets bars shoe 50eyelets 54 in an embodiment. Anaglets bars FIG. 2B , thelace system 20B may includeparallel aglets -
FIG. 3A is a simplified diagram of a lace insertion process for inserting alace 20B into alace locking apparatus 10 in accordance with anembodiment 30 of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C , alace 22A may be stretched or elongated to extend a desired length into or through theopening 12 and then released to expand and lock into theopening 12.FIG. 3B is a simplified diagram of alace 22A locked into alace locking apparatus 10opening 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3C is a simplified diagram of alace 22A stretched or elongated for movement in thelace locking apparatus 10opening 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as discussed above.FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified partial isometric diagrams of alace locking apparatus - The
locking apparatus 40A may havemultiple openings multiple laces sections locking apparatus 40B may havemultiple openings apparatus FIG. 1A ), 14D (FIG. 7A ). Theslit lace apparatus slit 14D may also includeteeth 15D where the teeth may engage edges of alace opening apparatus -
FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of ashoe 50 in which the present invention may be employed. Theshoe 50 may include atoe 58, shoulders 52,tongue 56,vamp 57, and a plurality ofeyelets 54. Theshoe 50 may be any type of shoe including dress and athletic that includes two or more eyelets.FIG. 6A is a simplified partial diagram of alace 20B passed ashoe 50eyelet 54 and locked into alace locking apparatus 10 in accordance with anembodiment 60A of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6A the lockingapparatus 10 may be located inside theshoe 50 and adjacent to aneyelet 54.FIG. 6B is a simplified partial diagram of alace 20B locked into an embeddedlace locking apparatus 10. Theapparatus 10 may be embedded in ashoe 50shoulder 52 adjacent an eyelet in accordance with anembodiment 60B of the present invention. Theshoulder 52 material may be flexible enough to enable thelocking apparatus 10 to be flexed so one ormore laces 20B may be inserted into anopening apparatus FIGS. 8A-8B ). -
FIGS. 8A-8B are simplified partial isometric diagram oflace locking apparatus 40E with inserted lace in an open or released mode (FIG. 8A ) or a locked or closed mode or configuration (FIG. 8B ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 8A-8B theapparatus 40E may include anopening 12E with one or moreretractable teeth 13E. In theapparatus 40E ateeth release mechanism 18E may be restorably depressed as shown inFIG. 8A to cause one ormore teeth 13E of theopening 12E to retract. Theteeth 13E may retract to create an opening large enough for anaglet bar teeth release mechanism 18E, theteeth 13E may collapse towards theapparatus 40E center. A spring mechanism (not shown) may provide a restoring force to theretractable teeth 13E. As shown inFIGS. 7A , 8A, and 8B theapparatus recess aglet bar recess aglet bar aglet bar teeth openings -
FIG. 9A is a simplified partial isometric diagram of anotherlace locking apparatus 40G withdeflectable tabs FIG. 9B is a simplified rear diagram of thelace locking apparatus 40G shown inFIG. 9A withdeflectable tabs FIGS. 9A and 9B , thelace locking apparatus 40G may include a substantially planar front orfirst surface 15A and a substantially planar rear orsecond surface 15B separated by a substantially uniform thickness oredge 15C. As also shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B , the lacesection locking apparatus 40G may include one or more restorablydeflectable tabs rear surfaces apparatus 40G. Thetabs FIG. 9C , anapparatus 40H may includetabs 12H, 12I including one orteeth 15D formed byslits 13H, 13I extending between the front andrear sections apparatus 40H. - Similar to
apparatus 40A-40F, theapparatus 40G front and rearplanar surfaces edge 15C) including a polygon, circular, or semi-circular. As noted, the separation between thefront surface 15A andrear surface 15B may be substantially uniform and form theedge 15C. In an embodiment, theapparatus 40G may be disc-like in shape.FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of anelastic lace architecture 70 including alace system 20C fixably coupled to thelace locking apparatus 15A shown inFIG. 9A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6C is a simplified partial diagram of thelace architecture 70 employed in ashoe 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thelace system 20C may include alace section 22B with anaglet 24B at one end and a t-shapedbar 26A at an opposite end of its longitudinal length. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 6C , in a method of an embodiment afirst end 24B of alace system 20C may be inserted through a firstdeflectable tab 12F from afirst side second side lace 22B may be pulled through theslit 13F. Thelace 22B thickness andapparatus tab 12F material thickness may prevent thelace segment 22B from being in an opposite direction without further deflecting thetab 12F to enlarge opening formed by thetab 12F and slit 13F. Then thefirst end 24B of alace system 20C may be inserted through a seconddeflectable tab 12G from asecond side first side first tab 12F). A desired segment of thelace 22B may also be pulled through theslit 13G. - The combination of the
slits tabs lace system 20C at a desired position of the lace body orsegment 22B. This segment may be the length that securely holds or may hold a user's foot in ashoe 50. As shown inFIG. 6C . Theend section 24B and a portion of thelace body 22B may be cut atlocation 22C to reduce the presence of extra material inshoe 50segment 52 and customize thelace system 20C for a particular application, user, orshoe 50. - In an embodiment an
apparatus opening apparatus
Claims (17)
1. A lace system locking apparatus for a lace having a first end and a second end with a longitudinal length between the ends and a substantially uniform width along its length, the apparatus including:
a substantially planar front surface;
a substantially planar rear surface; and
a first restorably deflectable tab between the front surface and rear surface formed by a first slit extending between the front surface and the rear surface along a portion of the planar surfaces
wherein the first slit and the first tab are sized to enable a first or second end of the lace and a desired portion of the lace longitudinal length to pass therethrough in a first direction while limiting or preventing the passage of the lace portion in an opposite direction.
2. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is comprised of a restorably flexible material.
3. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus has a substantially disc-like configuration.
4. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first deflectable tab includes a plurality of teeth along its edge.
5. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a monolith.
6. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 1 , wherein apparatus consists of BoPET.
7. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 1 , further including a second restorably deflectable tab between the front surface and rear surface formed by a second slit extending between the front surface and the rear surface along a portion of the planar surfaces, the second slit and the second tab sized to enable a first or second end of the lace and a desired portion of the lace longitudinal length to pass therethrough in a first direction while limiting or preventing the passage of the lace portion in an opposite direction.
8. A lace system locking system, including:
a lace including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal length between the ends with a substantially uniform width along its length; and a lace locking apparatus, the apparatus including:
a substantially planar front surface;
a substantially planar rear surface; and
a first restorably deflectable tab between the front surface and rear surface formed by a first slit extending between the front surface and the rear surface along a portion of the planar surfaces
wherein the first slit and the first tab are sized to enable a first or second end of the lace and a desired portion of the lace longitudinal length to pass therethrough in a first direction while limiting or preventing the passage of the lace portion in an opposite direction.
9. The shoe lace locking system of claim 8 , wherein the lace locking apparatus is comprised of a restorably flexible material.
10. The shoe lace locking system of claim 8 , wherein the lace locking apparatus has a substantially disc-like configuration.
11. The shoe lace locking system of claim 8 , wherein the first deflectable tab includes a plurality of teeth along its edge.
12. The shoe lace locking system of claim 8 , wherein the lace locking apparatus is a monolith.
13. The shoe lace locking system of claim 8 , wherein lace locking apparatus consists of BoPET.
14. The shoe lace locking system of claim 8 , the lace locking apparatus further including a second restorably deflectable tab between the front surface and rear surface formed by a second slit extending between the front surface and the rear surface along a portion of the planar surfaces, the second slit and the second tab sized to enable a first or second end of the lace and a desired portion of the lace longitudinal length to pass therethrough in a first direction while limiting or preventing the passage of the lace portion in an opposite direction.
15. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 8 , the lace including one or more elastic sections along its longitudinal length.
16. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 4 , the lace including an aglet at a first end and a t-shaped bar at a second end.
17. The shoe lace locking apparatus of claim 8 , the lace elastic along the majority of its longitudinal length.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/696,429 US20150223569A1 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2015-04-25 | Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161484223P | 2011-05-10 | 2011-05-10 | |
US13/469,082 US20120284976A1 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2012-05-10 | Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism |
US14/696,429 US20150223569A1 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2015-04-25 | Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/469,082 Continuation-In-Part US20120284976A1 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2012-05-10 | Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism |
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US20150223569A1 true US20150223569A1 (en) | 2015-08-13 |
Family
ID=53773817
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/696,429 Abandoned US20150223569A1 (en) | 2011-05-10 | 2015-04-25 | Shoe Lace Apparatus and Locking Mechanism |
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US (1) | US20150223569A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9427045B1 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2016-08-30 | Gerald Hannon | Shoelace tie assembly |
CN108697202A (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2018-10-23 | 贝尔运动股份有限公司 | The combination of shoestring and loop fasteners shoes tightening system with replaceable shoestring |
US10595581B2 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2020-03-24 | Flyclip, LLC | Lace adjuster assembly including feedback assembly for use in visualizing and measuring athletic performance |
US10709205B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2020-07-14 | Xpand Inc. | Shoe lace lock and system and method for lacing shoes |
US11000096B2 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2021-05-11 | Lana Hamilton | System and method of tying a shoelace |
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US1669537A (en) * | 1927-06-09 | 1928-05-15 | Schaffer Alexander | Shoe lace |
US5962757A (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1999-10-05 | Shell Oil Company | Dehydrogenation catalyst and process |
US20120005869A1 (en) * | 2010-07-12 | 2012-01-12 | Lilienthal Jill R | Gathering Device |
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2015
- 2015-04-25 US US14/696,429 patent/US20150223569A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1669537A (en) * | 1927-06-09 | 1928-05-15 | Schaffer Alexander | Shoe lace |
US5962757A (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1999-10-05 | Shell Oil Company | Dehydrogenation catalyst and process |
US20120005869A1 (en) * | 2010-07-12 | 2012-01-12 | Lilienthal Jill R | Gathering Device |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9427045B1 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2016-08-30 | Gerald Hannon | Shoelace tie assembly |
US10595581B2 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2020-03-24 | Flyclip, LLC | Lace adjuster assembly including feedback assembly for use in visualizing and measuring athletic performance |
US20230189917A1 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2023-06-22 | Laceclip Llc | Lace adjuster assembly including feedback assembly for use in visualizing and measuring athletic performance |
CN108697202A (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2018-10-23 | 贝尔运动股份有限公司 | The combination of shoestring and loop fasteners shoes tightening system with replaceable shoestring |
US10709205B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2020-07-14 | Xpand Inc. | Shoe lace lock and system and method for lacing shoes |
US11000096B2 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2021-05-11 | Lana Hamilton | System and method of tying a shoelace |
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