US20160095390A1 - Knot retainer - Google Patents
Knot retainer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160095390A1 US20160095390A1 US14/871,574 US201514871574A US2016095390A1 US 20160095390 A1 US20160095390 A1 US 20160095390A1 US 201514871574 A US201514871574 A US 201514871574A US 2016095390 A1 US2016095390 A1 US 2016095390A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cord
- knot
- retainer apparatus
- slot
- slots
- 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
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C7/00—Holding-devices for laces
- A43C7/005—Holding-devices for laces the devices having means to hold the traditional knots or part of it tightened
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C5/00—Eyelets
Definitions
- Shoelaces are generally used to secure shoes, boots and other footwear.
- Shoelaces typically consist of a pair of strings or cords, one for each shoe, having stiff end sections on both ends of the string or cord.
- Each shoelace is generally threaded through a series of slots or loops on both sides of the shoe, such that one end of the shoelace emerges from a side of the shoe and another end of the shoelace emerges from another side of the shoe.
- a shoelace When a shoelace is loosened, the shoe can be placed on a foot. The shoelace is then tightened and tied in a knot to secure the foot with the shoe.
- the shoelace knot can become untied, necessitating retying of the knot.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention include a knot retainer apparatus, which may be formed from a sheet of plastic. Slots may open through the knot retainer apparatus to receive cords threaded through the slots of knot retainer apparatus.
- a first cord end of a cord may be threaded through a first slot located at a first end of the knot retainer apparatus and a second cord end of the cord may be threaded through a second slot located at a second end of the knot retainer apparatus.
- both ends of the cord may be threaded into a slot located at the middle of the knot retainer apparatus. Both ends of the cords may then be tied in a knot.
- the knot retainer apparatus may then be rotated to twist the cord into a compact form, and may be inserted under the cord to secure the cord and prevent untying.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate plan views of a knot retainer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1C illustrates a plan view of a knot retainer apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 2A through 2E illustrate a method of using a detached knot retainer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a method of using an attached knot retainer system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate plan views of a knot retainer apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 has a body which has a top face 101 and a bottom face 102 opposite to each other, and which terminates lengthwise at a first end 110 and a second end 120 opposite to each other.
- a first slot 130 , a second slot 131 , and a third slot 132 open through the knot retainer apparatus 100 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by cutting the body from a sheet of durable plastic, where the plastic material used may be rigid or minimally flexible.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body from a flexible metal, then coating the body in an outer layer of plastic.
- a first slot 130 , a second slot 131 , and a third slot 132 may be cut or bored through the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body through an injection molding process.
- Injection molding dies may be cut from two solid steel blocks to form a recess for holding molten plastic.
- the dies are made in two halves in order to facilitate the removal of the finished panels. Grooves are cut into the dies to form runners for molten plastic flow.
- Moveable ejector pins are machined into the dies to help push the finished panels out of the dies.
- the steel dies are secured into an injection molding machine.
- the injection molding machine holds each halves of each die together by exerting several tons of hydraulic pressure. Plastic pellets are poured into a hopper on top of the injection molding machine.
- the pellets are heated inside the injection molding machine until molten and forced inside a die using a screw shaft drive. Once inside the die, the plastic cools to form the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 . After the formation of the body, the die is opened and the ejector pin ejects the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 from the die.
- the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be oblong in shape.
- the first end 110 of the body and the second end 120 of the body may be substantially equal in width to the width of the body.
- the first end 110 of the body may be substantially equal in width compared to the width of the body and the second end 120 of the body may be substantially tapered in width compared to the width of the body.
- the first end 110 of the body may have one or more rounded corners and up to four raised or inverted grip grooves.
- the first slot 130 , the second slot 131 , and the third slot 132 may be located along a medial axis aligned with the length of the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 , where the first slot 130 is located to a side of the second slot 131 nearer to the first end 110 , and the third slot 132 is located to a side of the second slot 131 nearer to the second end 120 .
- the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be substantially even in thickness throughout. Alternately, the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be thickest along a medial axis aligned with the lengthwise edges of the body, and tapered in thickness towards a first lengthwise edge and towards a second lengthwise edge. Thus, the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may have an overall thickness that tapers at lengthwise edges.
- FIG. 1C illustrates a plan view of a knot retainer apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 has a body which has a top face 101 and a bottom face 102 opposite to each other, and terminates lengthwise at a first end 110 and a second end 120 opposite to each other.
- a first slot 130 , a second slot 131 , a third slot 132 , and a fourth slot 133 open through the knot retainer apparatus 100 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by cutting the body from a sheet of durable plastic, where the plastic material used may be rigid or minimally flexible.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body from a flexible metal, then coating the body in an outer layer of plastic.
- a first slot 130 , a second slot 131 , a third slot 132 , and a fourth slot 133 may be cut or bored through the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body through an injection molding process.
- Injection molding dies may be cut from two solid steel blocks to form a recess for holding molten plastic.
- the dies are made in two halves in order to facilitate the removal of the finished panels. Grooves are cut into the dies to form runners for molten plastic flow.
- Moveable ejector pins are machined into the dies to help push the finished panels out of the dies.
- the steel dies are secured into an injection molding machine.
- the injection molding machine holds each halves of each die together by exerting several tons of hydraulic pressure. Plastic pellets are poured into a hopper on top of the injection molding machine.
- the pellets are heated inside the injection molding machine until molten and forced inside a die using a screw shaft drive. Once inside the die, the plastic cools to form the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 . After the formation of the body, the die is opened and the ejector pin ejects the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 from the die.
- the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be oblong in shape towards the second end 120 .
- the body may be broader in width than towards the second end 120 of the body.
- a wing may protrude from each lengthwise side of the first end 110 of the body.
- the first end 110 of the body may have one or more rounded corners and up to four raised or inverted grip grooves.
- the first rear slot 133 and the first forward slot 134 may be located at a wing of the first end 110 of the body, and the second rear slot 135 and the second forward slot 136 may be located at another wing of the first end 110 of the body, where the first rear slot 133 and the second rear slot 135 are located nearer to the first end 110 , and the first forward slot 134 and the second forward slot 136 are located nearer to the second end 120 .
- the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be substantially even in thickness throughout. Alternately, the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be thickest along a medial axis aligned with the lengthwise edges of the body, and tapered in thickness towards a first lengthwise edge and towards a second lengthwise edge. Thus, the body of the knot retainer apparatus 100 may have an overall thickness that tapers at lengthwise edges.
- FIG. 2A through 2E illustrate a method for using a detached knot retainer apparatus 100 with a shoe 200 .
- a shoe 200 includes a first set of eyelets 210 on a side of the shoe and a second set of eyelets 220 on another side of the shoe.
- a cord 140 having a first cord end 141 and a second cord end 142 may be laced through the first set of eyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 (not visible) in a configuration such that either the first cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the first set of eyelets 210 and the second cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220 , or the first cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220 and the second cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the first set of eyelets 210 .
- the configuration may be any known shoe lacing pattern that results in one of these configurations for the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 .
- cord 140 While the cord 140 is laced, the cord 140 crosses the upper face of the shoe 200 between the first set of eyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 at least once. Each portion of the cord 140 running between the first set of eyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 is herein referred to as a “crossing portion.”
- either the cord 140 at the first cord end 141 is threaded through the first rear slot 133 and the cord 140 at the second cord end 142 is threaded through the second rear slot 135 , or the cord 140 at the first cord end 141 is threaded through the second rear slot 135 and the cord 140 at the second cord end 142 is threaded through the first rear slot 133 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be slid along the first cord end 141 and positioned at any point along the length of cord 140 between the first cord end 141 and the shoe 200 , and may be slid along the second cord end 142 and positioned at any point along the length of cord 140 between the second cord end 142 and the shoe 200 . From the top face 101 of the knot retainer apparatus 100 , both the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 may be threaded through the second slot 131 .
- either the cord 140 at the first cord end 141 is threaded through the first forward slot 134 and the cord 140 at the second cord end 142 is threaded through the second forward slot 136 , or the cord 140 at the first cord end 141 is threaded through the second forward slot 136 and the cord 140 at the second cord end 142 is threaded through the first forward slot 134 .
- the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 may be tied together in a knot at the bottom face 102 of the knot retainer apparatus 100 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be slid along the cord 140 away from the top of the shoe 200 to reduce the length of the cord 140 over the top face 101 and increase the length of the cord 140 under the bottom face 102 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be rotated at least once about the cord 140 clockwise or counterclockwise, may be rotated twice, and may be rotated thrice, thus twisting the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 about each other to secure the cord 140 in a compact form.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be inserted under at least one crossing portion of the cord 140 running over the tongue of the shoe 200 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be inserted under the cord 140 with the top face 101 facing up, or may be inserted under the cord 140 with the bottom face 102 facing up.
- the knot tying the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 may be secured to prevent untying.
- a sheath may be attached to the tongue of shoe 200 and the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be inserted within the sheath.
- a cover may be mated to the top face 101 to shield the portion of the cord 140 threaded through the knot retainer apparatus 100 from disturbance.
- the cover may be secured to the knot retainer apparatus 100 by a suitable attachment member such as a clip or a hinge.
- a decorative image may be applied to the cover.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a method for using an attached knot retainer system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a shoe 200 includes a first set of eyelets 210 on a side of the shoe and a second set of eyelets 220 on another side of the shoe.
- a cord 140 having a first cord end 141 and a second cord end 142 may be laced through the first set of eyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 (not visible) in a configuration such that either the first cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the first set of eyelets 210 and the second cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220 , or the first cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220 and the second cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the first set of eyelets 210 .
- the configuration may be any known shoe lacing pattern that results in one of these configurations for the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 .
- a stopper 310 may be attached to either or both of the first cord end 141 or the second cord end 142 . A stopper 310 may prevent the knot retainer apparatus 100 from sliding off an end of the cord 140 .
- a stopper 310 may be removably attached to the cord 140 , in which case the knot retainer apparatus 100 may slide off an end of the cord 140 while the stopper 310 is removed, or a stopper 310 may be non-removably attached to the cord 140 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may be slid along the first cord end 141 and positioned at any point along the length of cord 140 between the first cord end 141 or any stopper 310 attached thereto and the shoe 200 , and may be slid along the second cord end 142 and positioned at any point along the length of cord 140 between the second cord end 142 or any stopper 310 attached thereto and the shoe 200 . From the top face 101 of the knot retainer apparatus 100 , both the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 may be threaded through the second slot 131 . The first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 may be tied together in a knot at the bottom face 102 of the knot retainer apparatus 100 .
- FIG. 3A illustrates the performance of a step in accordance with FIG. 2D where a stopper 310 is attached to the cord 140 .
- FIG. 3B illustrates the performance of a step in accordance with FIG. 2E where a stopper 310 is attached to the cord 140 .
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 presents several advantages.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may allow a user to secure the shoe 200 to a foot with one hand.
- the knot retainer apparatus 100 may eliminate the appearance of a bow shaped knot that may occur when the first cord end 141 and the second cord end 142 are tied together.
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- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides a knot retainer apparatus. Said apparatus includes a first end, a second end, and at least three slots in the middle. A cord that is first threaded into a shoe is threaded into the slots of said apparatus wherein said cord is tied into a knot and said apparatus assists in keeping the knot from being untied.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,336, filed Oct. 1, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Shoelaces are generally used to secure shoes, boots and other footwear. Shoelaces typically consist of a pair of strings or cords, one for each shoe, having stiff end sections on both ends of the string or cord. Each shoelace is generally threaded through a series of slots or loops on both sides of the shoe, such that one end of the shoelace emerges from a side of the shoe and another end of the shoelace emerges from another side of the shoe. When a shoelace is loosened, the shoe can be placed on a foot. The shoelace is then tightened and tied in a knot to secure the foot with the shoe. However, over time, the shoelace knot can become untied, necessitating retying of the knot.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention include a knot retainer apparatus, which may be formed from a sheet of plastic. Slots may open through the knot retainer apparatus to receive cords threaded through the slots of knot retainer apparatus.
- From a common face of the knot retainer apparatus, a first cord end of a cord may be threaded through a first slot located at a first end of the knot retainer apparatus and a second cord end of the cord may be threaded through a second slot located at a second end of the knot retainer apparatus. From an opposing side of the knot retainer apparatus, both ends of the cord may be threaded into a slot located at the middle of the knot retainer apparatus. Both ends of the cords may then be tied in a knot. The knot retainer apparatus may then be rotated to twist the cord into a compact form, and may be inserted under the cord to secure the cord and prevent untying.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate plan views of a knot retainer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1C illustrates a plan view of a knot retainer apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 2A through 2E illustrate a method of using a detached knot retainer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a method of using an attached knot retainer system according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate plan views of aknot retainer apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 has a body which has atop face 101 and abottom face 102 opposite to each other, and which terminates lengthwise at afirst end 110 and asecond end 120 opposite to each other. Afirst slot 130, asecond slot 131, and athird slot 132 open through theknot retainer apparatus 100. - The
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by cutting the body from a sheet of durable plastic, where the plastic material used may be rigid or minimally flexible. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body from a flexible metal, then coating the body in an outer layer of plastic. Afirst slot 130, asecond slot 131, and athird slot 132 may be cut or bored through the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100. - The
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body through an injection molding process. Injection molding dies may be cut from two solid steel blocks to form a recess for holding molten plastic. The dies are made in two halves in order to facilitate the removal of the finished panels. Grooves are cut into the dies to form runners for molten plastic flow. Moveable ejector pins are machined into the dies to help push the finished panels out of the dies. When the panels are ready to be molded, the steel dies are secured into an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine holds each halves of each die together by exerting several tons of hydraulic pressure. Plastic pellets are poured into a hopper on top of the injection molding machine. The pellets are heated inside the injection molding machine until molten and forced inside a die using a screw shaft drive. Once inside the die, the plastic cools to form the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100. After the formation of the body, the die is opened and the ejector pin ejects the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100 from the die. - According to embodiments of the present invention, the body of the
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be oblong in shape. Thefirst end 110 of the body and thesecond end 120 of the body may be substantially equal in width to the width of the body. Alternately, thefirst end 110 of the body may be substantially equal in width compared to the width of the body and thesecond end 120 of the body may be substantially tapered in width compared to the width of the body. Thefirst end 110 of the body may have one or more rounded corners and up to four raised or inverted grip grooves. - The
first slot 130, thesecond slot 131, and thethird slot 132 may be located along a medial axis aligned with the length of the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100, where thefirst slot 130 is located to a side of thesecond slot 131 nearer to thefirst end 110, and thethird slot 132 is located to a side of thesecond slot 131 nearer to thesecond end 120. - The body of the
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be substantially even in thickness throughout. Alternately, the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be thickest along a medial axis aligned with the lengthwise edges of the body, and tapered in thickness towards a first lengthwise edge and towards a second lengthwise edge. Thus, the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100 may have an overall thickness that tapers at lengthwise edges. -
FIG. 1C illustrates a plan view of aknot retainer apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 has a body which has atop face 101 and abottom face 102 opposite to each other, and terminates lengthwise at afirst end 110 and asecond end 120 opposite to each other. Afirst slot 130, asecond slot 131, athird slot 132, and afourth slot 133 open through theknot retainer apparatus 100. - The
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by cutting the body from a sheet of durable plastic, where the plastic material used may be rigid or minimally flexible. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body from a flexible metal, then coating the body in an outer layer of plastic. Afirst slot 130, asecond slot 131, athird slot 132, and afourth slot 133 may be cut or bored through the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100. - The
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be formed by forming the body through an injection molding process. Injection molding dies may be cut from two solid steel blocks to form a recess for holding molten plastic. The dies are made in two halves in order to facilitate the removal of the finished panels. Grooves are cut into the dies to form runners for molten plastic flow. Moveable ejector pins are machined into the dies to help push the finished panels out of the dies. When the panels are ready to be molded, the steel dies are secured into an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine holds each halves of each die together by exerting several tons of hydraulic pressure. Plastic pellets are poured into a hopper on top of the injection molding machine. The pellets are heated inside the injection molding machine until molten and forced inside a die using a screw shaft drive. Once inside the die, the plastic cools to form the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100. After the formation of the body, the die is opened and the ejector pin ejects the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100 from the die. - According to embodiments of the present invention, the body of the
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be oblong in shape towards thesecond end 120. Towards thefirst end 110 of the body, the body may be broader in width than towards thesecond end 120 of the body. A wing may protrude from each lengthwise side of thefirst end 110 of the body. Thefirst end 110 of the body may have one or more rounded corners and up to four raised or inverted grip grooves. - The first
rear slot 133 and the firstforward slot 134 may be located at a wing of thefirst end 110 of the body, and the secondrear slot 135 and the secondforward slot 136 may be located at another wing of thefirst end 110 of the body, where the firstrear slot 133 and the secondrear slot 135 are located nearer to thefirst end 110, and the firstforward slot 134 and the secondforward slot 136 are located nearer to thesecond end 120. - The body of the
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be substantially even in thickness throughout. Alternately, the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be thickest along a medial axis aligned with the lengthwise edges of the body, and tapered in thickness towards a first lengthwise edge and towards a second lengthwise edge. Thus, the body of theknot retainer apparatus 100 may have an overall thickness that tapers at lengthwise edges. -
FIG. 2A through 2E illustrate a method for using a detachedknot retainer apparatus 100 with ashoe 200. Ashoe 200 includes a first set ofeyelets 210 on a side of the shoe and a second set of eyelets 220 on another side of the shoe. Acord 140 having afirst cord end 141 and asecond cord end 142 may be laced through the first set ofeyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 (not visible) in a configuration such that either thefirst cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the first set ofeyelets 210 and thesecond cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220, or thefirst cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220 and thesecond cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the first set ofeyelets 210. The configuration may be any known shoe lacing pattern that results in one of these configurations for thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142. - While the
cord 140 is laced, thecord 140 crosses the upper face of theshoe 200 between the first set ofeyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 at least once. Each portion of thecord 140 running between the first set ofeyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 is herein referred to as a “crossing portion.” - In accordance with a step as illustrated in
FIG. 2A , from thebottom face 102 of theknot retainer apparatus 100, either thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through thefirst slot 130 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through thethird slot 132, or thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through thethird slot 132 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through thefirst slot 130. Alternately, from thebottom face 102 of theknot retainer apparatus 100, either thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through the firstrear slot 133 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through the secondrear slot 135, or thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through the secondrear slot 135 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through the firstrear slot 133. - In accordance with a step as illustrated in
FIG. 2B , theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be slid along thefirst cord end 141 and positioned at any point along the length ofcord 140 between thefirst cord end 141 and theshoe 200, and may be slid along thesecond cord end 142 and positioned at any point along the length ofcord 140 between thesecond cord end 142 and theshoe 200. From thetop face 101 of theknot retainer apparatus 100, both thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 may be threaded through thesecond slot 131. Alternately, from thetop face 101 of theknot retainer apparatus 100, either thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through the firstforward slot 134 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through the secondforward slot 136, or thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through the secondforward slot 136 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through the firstforward slot 134. - In accordance with a step as illustrated in
FIG. 2C , thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 may be tied together in a knot at thebottom face 102 of theknot retainer apparatus 100. - In accordance with a step as illustrated in
FIG. 2D , theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be slid along thecord 140 away from the top of theshoe 200 to reduce the length of thecord 140 over thetop face 101 and increase the length of thecord 140 under thebottom face 102. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be rotated at least once about thecord 140 clockwise or counterclockwise, may be rotated twice, and may be rotated thrice, thus twisting thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 about each other to secure thecord 140 in a compact form. - In accordance with a step as illustrated in
FIG. 2E , theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be inserted under at least one crossing portion of thecord 140 running over the tongue of theshoe 200. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be inserted under thecord 140 with thetop face 101 facing up, or may be inserted under thecord 140 with thebottom face 102 facing up. By inserting theknot retainer apparatus 100 between thecord 140 and theshoe 200, the knot tying thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 may be secured to prevent untying. Alternatively, a sheath may be attached to the tongue ofshoe 200 and theknot retainer apparatus 100 may be inserted within the sheath. A cover may be mated to thetop face 101 to shield the portion of thecord 140 threaded through theknot retainer apparatus 100 from disturbance. The cover may be secured to theknot retainer apparatus 100 by a suitable attachment member such as a clip or a hinge. A decorative image may be applied to the cover. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a method for using an attached knot retainer system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ashoe 200 includes a first set ofeyelets 210 on a side of the shoe and a second set of eyelets 220 on another side of the shoe. Acord 140 having afirst cord end 141 and asecond cord end 142 may be laced through the first set ofeyelets 210 and the second set of eyelets 220 (not visible) in a configuration such that either thefirst cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the first set ofeyelets 210 and thesecond cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220, or thefirst cord end 141 emerges from an eyelet of the second set of eyelets 220 and thesecond cord end 142 emerges from an eyelet of the first set ofeyelets 210. The configuration may be any known shoe lacing pattern that results in one of these configurations for thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142. - From the
bottom face 102 of theknot retainer apparatus 100, either thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through thefirst slot 130 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through thethird slot 132, or thecord 140 at thefirst cord end 141 is threaded through thethird slot 132 and thecord 140 at thesecond cord end 142 is threaded through thefirst slot 130. Astopper 310 may be attached to either or both of thefirst cord end 141 or thesecond cord end 142. Astopper 310 may prevent theknot retainer apparatus 100 from sliding off an end of thecord 140. Astopper 310 may be removably attached to thecord 140, in which case theknot retainer apparatus 100 may slide off an end of thecord 140 while thestopper 310 is removed, or astopper 310 may be non-removably attached to thecord 140. - The
knot retainer apparatus 100 may be slid along thefirst cord end 141 and positioned at any point along the length ofcord 140 between thefirst cord end 141 or anystopper 310 attached thereto and theshoe 200, and may be slid along thesecond cord end 142 and positioned at any point along the length ofcord 140 between thesecond cord end 142 or anystopper 310 attached thereto and theshoe 200. From thetop face 101 of theknot retainer apparatus 100, both thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 may be threaded through thesecond slot 131. Thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 may be tied together in a knot at thebottom face 102 of theknot retainer apparatus 100. -
FIG. 3A illustrates the performance of a step in accordance withFIG. 2D where astopper 310 is attached to thecord 140.FIG. 3B illustrates the performance of a step in accordance withFIG. 2E where astopper 310 is attached to thecord 140. - The
knot retainer apparatus 100 presents several advantages. Theknot retainer apparatus 100 may allow a user to secure theshoe 200 to a foot with one hand. When theknot retainer apparatus 100 is inserted between thecord 140 and theshoe 200, theknot retainer apparatus 100 may eliminate the appearance of a bow shaped knot that may occur when thefirst cord end 141 and thesecond cord end 142 are tied together. - While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (14)
1. A knot retainer apparatus comprising a body having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of slots numbering at least three opening through the body;
wherein each slot of the plurality of slots opens through the body between the first end and the second end.
2. The knot retainer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body is oblong in shape.
3. The knot retainer apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first end of the body and the second end of the body are each substantially equal in width to the width of the body.
4. The knot retainer apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first end of the body is substantially equal in width to the width of the body and the second end of the body is substantially tapered in width compared to the width of the body.
5. The knot retainer apparatus of claim 2 , wherein each of three slots of the plurality of slots opens through the body along an axis aligned with the length of the body.
6. The knot retainer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body is oblong in shape towards the second end, and a wing protrudes from each lengthwise side of the first end.
7. The knot retainer apparatus of claim 6 , wherein a first two slots of the plurality of slots each opens through the body at a first wing, and a second two slots of the plurality of slots each opens through the body at a second wing.
8. A knot-retaining shoe system, comprising:
a shoe comprising a first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets;
a knot retainer apparatus comprising a body having a first end, a second end, a first face, a second face, and a plurality of slots numbering at least three opening through the body; and
a cord having a first cord end and a second cord end;
wherein each slot of the plurality of slots opens through the body between the first end and the second end;
wherein the cord is threaded through the first set of eyelets and the second set of eyelets;
wherein the first cord end is threaded from the first face of the knot retainer apparatus through a first slot of the plurality of slots;
wherein the second cord end is threaded from the first face of the knot retainer apparatus through a second slot of the plurality of slots;
wherein the first cord end and the second cord end are each threaded from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus through a slot of the plurality of slots other than the first slot and other than the second slot; and
wherein the first cord end and the second cord end are tied together at the first face of the knot retainer apparatus.
9. The knot-retaining shoe system of claim 8 , wherein the first cord end and the second cord end are both threaded through a third slot of the plurality of slots from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus.
10. The knot-retaining shoe system of claim 8 , wherein the first cord end is threaded through a third slot of the plurality of slots from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus, and the second cord end is threaded through a fourth slot of the plurality of slots from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus.
11. The knot-retaining shoe system of claim 8 , further comprising a stopper;
wherein the stopper is attached to one of the first cord end and the second cord end preventing the knot retainer apparatus from sliding off the cord.
12. A knot retention method comprising:
threading a cord through a first set of eyelets and a second set of eyelets of a shoe;
threading the cord at a first cord end from a first face of the knot retainer apparatus through a first slot of a plurality of slots numbering at least three opening through a knot retainer apparatus;
threading the cord at a second cord end from the first face of the knot retainer apparatus through a second slot of the plurality of slots opening through the knot retainer apparatus;
threading the cord at the first cord end from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus through a slot of the plurality of slots other than the first slot and other than the second slot;
threading the cord at the second cord end from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus through a slot of the plurality of slots other than the first slot and other than the second slot;
tying said first cord end and second cord end together at the first face of the knot retainer apparatus;
rotating the knot retainer apparatus to twist the first cord end and the second cord end about each other; and
inserting the knot retainer apparatus between the cord and a tongue of the shoe.
13. The knot retention method of claim 12 , wherein the first cord end and the second cord end are both threaded through a third slot of the plurality of slots from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus.
14. The knot retention method of claim 12 , wherein the first cord end is threaded through a third slot of the plurality of slots from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus, and the second cord end is threaded through a fourth slot of the plurality of slots from the second face of the knot retainer apparatus.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/871,574 US20160095390A1 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2015-09-30 | Knot retainer |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201462058336P | 2014-10-01 | 2014-10-01 | |
US14/871,574 US20160095390A1 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2015-09-30 | Knot retainer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160095390A1 true US20160095390A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 |
Family
ID=55631827
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/871,574 Abandoned US20160095390A1 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2015-09-30 | Knot retainer |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160095390A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170055642A1 (en) * | 2015-03-16 | 2017-03-02 | Anna Krengel | Dually Adjustable, Anchored, Parallel Lacing Technology |
IT201800007701A1 (en) * | 2018-07-31 | 2020-01-31 | Antonina Lampo | DEVICE FOR LACING A FOOTWEAR AND CORRESPONDING PROCEDURE |
US20230346058A1 (en) * | 2022-04-29 | 2023-11-02 | Rbcn Holding Llc | Laces with tying mechanisms and related methods |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5161322A (en) * | 1990-12-06 | 1992-11-10 | Scott Plastics Ltd. | Apparatus and method for hanging fishing nets |
-
2015
- 2015-09-30 US US14/871,574 patent/US20160095390A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5161322A (en) * | 1990-12-06 | 1992-11-10 | Scott Plastics Ltd. | Apparatus and method for hanging fishing nets |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170055642A1 (en) * | 2015-03-16 | 2017-03-02 | Anna Krengel | Dually Adjustable, Anchored, Parallel Lacing Technology |
US9730492B2 (en) * | 2015-03-16 | 2017-08-15 | Anna Krengel | Dually adjustable, anchored, parallel lacing technology |
IT201800007701A1 (en) * | 2018-07-31 | 2020-01-31 | Antonina Lampo | DEVICE FOR LACING A FOOTWEAR AND CORRESPONDING PROCEDURE |
US20230346058A1 (en) * | 2022-04-29 | 2023-11-02 | Rbcn Holding Llc | Laces with tying mechanisms and related methods |
US20240081448A1 (en) * | 2022-04-29 | 2024-03-14 | Rbcn Holding Llc | Laces with tying mechanisms and related methods |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |