WO2006005958A1 - Fastening devices for footwear of the lace-up type - Google Patents

Fastening devices for footwear of the lace-up type Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006005958A1
WO2006005958A1 PCT/GB2005/002773 GB2005002773W WO2006005958A1 WO 2006005958 A1 WO2006005958 A1 WO 2006005958A1 GB 2005002773 W GB2005002773 W GB 2005002773W WO 2006005958 A1 WO2006005958 A1 WO 2006005958A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fastening device
footwear
fastening
article
lace
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/002773
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert George Albert Gilder
Original Assignee
Robert George Albert Gilder
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert George Albert Gilder filed Critical Robert George Albert Gilder
Publication of WO2006005958A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006005958A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A43C11/22—Fastening devices with elastic tightening parts between pairs of eyelets, e.g. clamps, springs, bands
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
    • A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/24—Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
    • A43B3/0078—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design provided with logos, letters, signatures or the like decoration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A43C11/24—Ornamental buckles or other ornaments for shoes, with fastening function

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices for fastening shoes or other footwear articles of the lace-up type, for example trainers, without using laces.
  • a fastening device for use in fastening an article of footwear of the lace-up type, the fastening device comprising a length of elastomeric material provided with a hook formation at each of its opposite ends, the two hood formations being inwardly-directed towards each other, the device serving to couple between a single pair of opposed eyelets of the article of footwear.
  • the fastening device may be stretched sufficiently in order to engage the hook formations, at its opposite ends, into respective eyelets on opposite sides of the article of footwear: when the stretching force is released, the length of elastomeric material of the device tends to return to its normal or at-rest length, and so pulls the opposite sides of the article of footwear towards each other.
  • fastening device In practice, a number of such fastening device are used, these devices being applied in turn to successive pairs of eyelets of the article of footwear, after the article of footwear has been placed on the foot.
  • the fastening devices are easy to apply in order to fasten the article of footwear, but are also easy to disengage subsequently, when the article of footwear is to be removed.
  • the length of elastomeric material may be provided with end-pieces which include the respective hook formations .
  • the end-pieces may be formed of plastics material and moulded onto the ends of the length of elastomeric material.
  • the fastening device may be of any desired colours or patterns selected by the user: the set of devices used to fasten an article of footwear may all be of the same colour or pattern, or they may be of a variety of different colours or patterns.
  • the fastening device may carry logos, brand names, images or other indicia or visual features. These markings may be provided on upper or outwardly-directed surfaces of the end pieces of the device, or on the upper or outwardly-directed surface of the length of elastomeric material of the device.
  • FIGURE 1 is a view of two trainers, one shown fastened with laces and the other shown fastened using a series of devices in accordance with the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of a fastening device in accordance with the present invention, shown in its normal or at-rest condition;
  • FIGURE 3 is a similar view of the fastening device, Shown in an expanded or stretched condition;
  • FIGURE 4 is a side view of the fastening device, shown in its normal or at-rest condition;
  • FIGURE 5 is a similar view of the fastening device, shown in an expanded or stretched condition.
  • each fastening device D in accordance with the present invention comprises a length of elastomeric material 10 extending between two enlarged end-pieces 12. The undersides of the two end- pieces 12 are provided with hook formations 14 which are directed downwardly and inwardly, towards each other.
  • each of the end pieces is generally rectangular in plan view, side view and end view and the length of elastomeric material 10 is similarly generally rectangular in plan view, side view and end view.
  • the end-pieces 12 may be formed of plastics material and moulded onto the respective ends of the length of elastomeric material 10.
  • Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings show the device D in its normal or at-rest condition.
  • the two end-pieces 12 may however be pulled away from each other to a limited extent, so stretching the length of elastomeric material 10, the device being shown in its expanded or stretched condition in Figure 3 and 5 of the drawings.
  • the stretching force is released, the device D returns to its normal or at-rest condition, owing to the resilient nature of the length of elastomeric material 10.
  • the device D may be stretched in length in order to engage the hook formations 14, on its opposite end-pieces, in an opposed pair of eyelets of the trainer or other shoe.
  • Each pair of opposing eyelets are coupled together in turn, using successive fastening devices D.
  • the successive fastening devices are disengaged from eyelets of the shoe, at least on one side thereof.
  • the fastening devices D may be of any selected colours or patterns, chosen by the wearer to match the colour or pattern of the shoe or to accord with the team colours, where the user is participating in a team sport.
  • the end-pieces 12 of the devices may carry logos, brand names, images or other indicia or visual features, preferably on their upper surfaces 11.
  • fastening device which has been described is of simple and inexpensive construction yet is easy and effective to use.

Abstract

A fastening device (D) for fastening an item of footwear (T2) of the lace-up variety. The device (D) comprises an elastomeric material (10) formed with hook formations (14) at either end (12). The fastening device is secured between opposed eyelets (E) on opposite sides of the item of footwear (T2) thereby providing a fastening means so that the item of footwear can be held on the foot. When the fastening device is released, the elastomeric section returns to its un-stretched length, and the item of footwear can be removed. The fastening device max be of any desired colour and may carry logos or other forms of visual indicia.

Description

Fastening devices for footwear of the lace-up type
The present invention relates to devices for fastening shoes or other footwear articles of the lace-up type, for example trainers, without using laces.
A number of arrangements have been proposed hitherto for fastening footwear articles of the lace-up type but avoiding the need to use laces, in order to make the footwear easier to fasten. These arrangements have been generally of limited effectiveness, complex in construction or insufficiently easy to use. I have now devised a fastening device which overcomes these drawbacks.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fastening device for use in fastening an article of footwear of the lace-up type, the fastening device comprising a length of elastomeric material provided with a hook formation at each of its opposite ends, the two hood formations being inwardly-directed towards each other, the device serving to couple between a single pair of opposed eyelets of the article of footwear.
It will be appreciated that the fastening device may be stretched sufficiently in order to engage the hook formations, at its opposite ends, into respective eyelets on opposite sides of the article of footwear: when the stretching force is released, the length of elastomeric material of the device tends to return to its normal or at-rest length, and so pulls the opposite sides of the article of footwear towards each other.
In practice, a number of such fastening device are used, these devices being applied in turn to successive pairs of eyelets of the article of footwear, after the article of footwear has been placed on the foot. The fastening devices are easy to apply in order to fasten the article of footwear, but are also easy to disengage subsequently, when the article of footwear is to be removed.
The length of elastomeric" material may be provided with end-pieces which include the respective hook formations . The end-pieces may be formed of plastics material and moulded onto the ends of the length of elastomeric material.
The fastening device may be of any desired colours or patterns selected by the user: the set of devices used to fasten an article of footwear may all be of the same colour or pattern, or they may be of a variety of different colours or patterns.
The fastening device may carry logos, brand names, images or other indicia or visual features. These markings may be provided on upper or outwardly-directed surfaces of the end pieces of the device, or on the upper or outwardly-directed surface of the length of elastomeric material of the device.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a view of two trainers, one shown fastened with laces and the other shown fastened using a series of devices in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of a fastening device in accordance with the present invention, shown in its normal or at-rest condition;
FIGURE 3 is a similar view of the fastening device, Shown in an expanded or stretched condition; FIGURE 4 is a side view of the fastening device, shown in its normal or at-rest condition; and
FIGURE 5 is a similar view of the fastening device, shown in an expanded or stretched condition.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a first trainer Tl is shown, fastened by laces L threaded through its two opposed series of lace hole or eyelets E. Figure 1 also shows a like trainer T2 which is fastened by a number of devices D in accordance with the present invention, each device D coupling between corresponding eyelets E on the opposite sides of the trainer. Referring to Figures 2 to 5 of the drawings, each fastening device D in accordance with the present invention comprises a length of elastomeric material 10 extending between two enlarged end-pieces 12. The undersides of the two end- pieces 12 are provided with hook formations 14 which are directed downwardly and inwardly, towards each other. In the example shown, each of the end pieces is generally rectangular in plan view, side view and end view and the length of elastomeric material 10 is similarly generally rectangular in plan view, side view and end view. The end-pieces 12 may be formed of plastics material and moulded onto the respective ends of the length of elastomeric material 10.
Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings show the device D in its normal or at-rest condition. The two end-pieces 12 may however be pulled away from each other to a limited extent, so stretching the length of elastomeric material 10, the device being shown in its expanded or stretched condition in Figure 3 and 5 of the drawings. When the stretching force is released, the device D returns to its normal or at-rest condition, owing to the resilient nature of the length of elastomeric material 10.
In use, therefore, and after the trainer or other shoe has been placed on the foot, the device D may be stretched in length in order to engage the hook formations 14, on its opposite end-pieces, in an opposed pair of eyelets of the trainer or other shoe. Each pair of opposing eyelets are coupled together in turn, using successive fastening devices D. In order subsequently to remove the shoe from the foot, the successive fastening devices are disengaged from eyelets of the shoe, at least on one side thereof.
As previously mentioned, the fastening devices D may be of any selected colours or patterns, chosen by the wearer to match the colour or pattern of the shoe or to accord with the team colours, where the user is participating in a team sport. Further, the end-pieces 12 of the devices may carry logos, brand names, images or other indicia or visual features, preferably on their upper surfaces 11.
It will be appreciated that the fastening device which has been described is of simple and inexpensive construction yet is easy and effective to use.

Claims

Claims
1. A fastening device for use in fastening an article of footwear of the lace-up type, the fastening device comprising a length of elastomeric material provided with a hook formation at each of its opposite ends, the two hook formations being inwardly-directed towards each other, the device serving to couple between a pair of opposed eyelets of the article of footwear.
2. A fastening device as claimed in claim 1 in which said elastomeric material is arranged to return to its normal or un-stretched length when the fastening device is released from the article.
3. A fastening device as claimed in claims 1 or 2 in which said hook formations are provided as moulded elements on the ends of the length of elastomeric material.
4. A fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim in which said hook formations are of a plastic material.
5. A fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim in which said fastening device is of a coloured material.
6. A fastening device as claimed in any preceding claim in which said fastening device includes indicia on a surface of the fastening device which is visible when the device is coupled between a pair of opposed eyelets of an article of footwear.
7. An item of footwear of the lace-up type incorporating a fastening device, said fastening device comprising a length of elastomeric material provided with a hook formation at each of its opposite ends, the two hook formations being inwardly-directed towards each other, the device serving to couple between a single pair of opposed eyelets of the article of footwear.
PCT/GB2005/002773 2004-07-14 2005-07-13 Fastening devices for footwear of the lace-up type WO2006005958A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0415705A GB2416185A (en) 2004-07-14 2004-07-14 Elastomeric fastener for footwear
GB0415705.3 2004-07-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006005958A1 true WO2006005958A1 (en) 2006-01-19

Family

ID=32893517

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/002773 WO2006005958A1 (en) 2004-07-14 2005-07-13 Fastening devices for footwear of the lace-up type

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2416185A (en)
WO (1) WO2006005958A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2462473A (en) * 2008-08-09 2010-02-10 Deborah Emmanuel Elasticated shoe lace with T bar ends
ES1069969Y (en) * 2009-03-23 2009-10-02 Eustaquio Canto Cano S L SHOE WITH ORNAMENTATION MEANS
FR3099347A1 (en) * 2019-07-31 2021-02-05 angie infantino Device allowing the personalization as well as the decoration of shoes, sneakers, sneakers ...

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR994687A (en) * 1949-09-06 1951-11-21 Closure for shoes and shoes
FR1187515A (en) * 1956-12-05 1959-09-11 Elastic clip or clip for shoes and other applications
US3332116A (en) * 1965-03-31 1967-07-25 Rosemount Eng Co Ltd Elastomer tension carrying device
US4210983A (en) * 1979-01-05 1980-07-08 Green Robert L Eyelet clamp for shoes
US4733439A (en) * 1987-06-03 1988-03-29 Gentry Keith B Fastener for shoes

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1595630A (en) * 1925-12-09 1926-08-10 Raymond F Stockton Shoe spring lace
US2289225A (en) * 1941-09-11 1942-07-07 Tonai Hideo Elastic shoelace
FR951095A (en) * 1947-06-06 1949-10-14 Elastic shoe lace
JPH01297001A (en) * 1988-02-23 1989-11-30 Asics Corp Clamping device for shoes and plate member
US5214826A (en) * 1991-02-14 1993-06-01 Fortune Roy L Fastener for use with shoes
BE1014733A6 (en) * 2002-03-28 2004-03-02 Mouhamou Abdelmijd Shoe lace, comprises strip with inner elastic part secured to shoe by pair of eyelets, hooks or slits

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR994687A (en) * 1949-09-06 1951-11-21 Closure for shoes and shoes
FR1187515A (en) * 1956-12-05 1959-09-11 Elastic clip or clip for shoes and other applications
US3332116A (en) * 1965-03-31 1967-07-25 Rosemount Eng Co Ltd Elastomer tension carrying device
US4210983A (en) * 1979-01-05 1980-07-08 Green Robert L Eyelet clamp for shoes
US4733439A (en) * 1987-06-03 1988-03-29 Gentry Keith B Fastener for shoes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0415705D0 (en) 2004-08-18
GB2416185A (en) 2006-01-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE60309296T2 (en) SHOE COVER
US8484865B2 (en) Ball control insert
US9565890B2 (en) Retaining device and spike devices for shoes
US5979028A (en) Shoe lace clip
CA2000592A1 (en) Shoe lace replacing and shoe fastening device
US5240418A (en) Learning shoe for children
US20060254089A1 (en) Footwear and clothes fastening and transforming system
US20160058128A1 (en) Shoe Lace Securing Device
WO2009049288A2 (en) Clip for ornamentation and method of using same
US6158096A (en) Shoe tongue positioner
US20160360835A1 (en) Adjustable shoelace fastener and method of use
WO2006005958A1 (en) Fastening devices for footwear of the lace-up type
US20200237050A1 (en) Anti-slip shoe string
US20030221334A1 (en) Link shoelace replacement
GB2396285A (en) Clamp for laces
US20110302748A1 (en) Skateboarder's shoelace clamp and methods of use
WO2017053764A1 (en) Footwear-based gymnastics training device and method
US20130097887A1 (en) Shoe closure system
KR101844135B1 (en) Device and kit for tying shoelaces
KR100916492B1 (en) Board for crampons chain type
US9486038B1 (en) Apparatus that fits into the eyelets of lace up footwear and permits a closure means alternative to laces
US20210378362A1 (en) Footwear laces and method for tightening footwear laces
US8661631B2 (en) Shoelace holder
US20080313925A1 (en) Crazy strangs
US9521879B2 (en) Removable stud or cleat assembly for footwear

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KM KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NG NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase