WO2020222257A1

WO2020222257A1 - Footwear closure system

Info

Publication number: WO2020222257A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050394
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohammed Akil JAM; Ashtad Sharukh KOHINOOR
Original assignee: Somaiya Vidyavihar
Priority date: 2019-04-30
Filing date: 2020-04-30
Publication date: 2020-11-05

Abstract

The present invention discloses a footwear closure system (100, 200) comprising first (110) and second (120) connecting members. In a first engagement condition (C1) when translated by a user, slide laterally only to said axial length (L1) for ensuring clasping of male protrusion (170) within corresponding female groove (190) to form secure footwear closure, and in a second condition (C2) slide laterally minimal of said axial length (L1) to completely unclasp said footwear closure.

Description

FOOTWEAR CLOSURE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] The present invention relates to footwear accessories that provide hassle free closure to said footwear. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Traditional footwear closure systems include adjustable fasteners in the form of laces, buckle systems, rotatory pullers, zippers, hook-and-loop straps and magnet-based closures systems. While such closure systems provide adjustment mechanism for user, they typically exhibit many known problems.

[3] Lace systems requires user or other person to manually tie them for securing footwear closure. It becomes very difficult for user who lacks knowledge of lace tying or lacks physical strength or mental ability. Further lace tying consumes lacks time and also its unhealthy. Alternatively, buckle systems, rotatory pullers, zippers, and hook-and-loop straps are not durable and create further problems as thereby do not provide secure closure of said footwear. These systems typically do not loosen smoothly or adequately for easy ingress or egress from a shoe, making footwear removal or closure more difficult. Further, they do not provide accurate tight closure for a footwear. Such closure systems are complex, add to weight to the footwear and increase costs.

[4] Presently available magnet-based closures systems provide easy closure.

However, such magnetic systems are also not durable as the magnets may drop or lose their magnetic effect over a period of use. Further, closure system with magnets are also expensive. Also, such magnet closure system does not provide secure closure of said footwear while running.

[5] Therefore, there is a need for a footwear closure system that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[6] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention discloses a footwear closure system comprising: a first connecting member having an upper side with one or more user engagement surfaces on at least one face of said first connecting member, and an under side with one or more coupling surfaces equi distantly spaced apart over entire length of the first connecting member, each said coupling surface having a male protrusion of an axial length projecting outwardly from said under side; and a second connecting member having an upper side with one or more user engagement surfaces on at least one face of said second connecting member, and an under side with guide walls extending over entire length of the second connecting member, said guide walls having one or more cross sectional cut-out coupling surfaces equidistantly spaced apart, corresponding to equidistantly spaced apart coupling surfaces of the first connecting member, each said cross sectional cut-out coupling surface has a female groove of an axial length corresponding to axial length of said male protrusion, said first and second connecting members in a first condition when translated by a user, slide laterally only to said axial length ensuring clasping each of male protrusion within corresponding female groove to form secure footwear closure, and in a second condition slide laterally minimal of said axial length to completely unclasp said footwear closure.

[7] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said first and second connecting members in said first condition form a U shaped or a V shaped groove on at least one of said faces.

[8] According to the embodiment, the first and second connecting members are removably or fixedly secured on the footwear.

[9] According to one embodiment, said at least one face of said first and second connecting members are slanted towards upper side.

[10] According to another embodiment, at least one said face of said first and second connecting members is slanted towards upper side and the other is curved towards upper side.

[11] According to the embodiment, each said user engagement surface of said first and second connecting members is inwardly recessed from said upper side to a width less than or equal to half of entire width.

[12] According to the embodiment, each said user engagement surface of said first and second connecting members is inwardly recessed from said at least one face to a width more than or equal to half of entire width.

[13] According to the embodiment, each said user engagement surfaces inwardly recessed from both said upper side have inclined wall surfaces or curved wall surfaces.

[14] According to the embodiment, said user engagement surfaces of said first and second connecting members are diagonal or parallel to each other. [15] According to the embodiment, each of male protrusions has an underside raised surface and each of female grooves has a depressed surface that ensure clasping of both the first and second connecting members in said first condition.

[16] According to the embodiment, each of the male protrusions of said first connecting member are symmetrical or asymmetrical and have corresponding symmetrical or asymmetrical female grooves in said second connecting member.

[17] According to the embodiment, each of the male protrusions of said first connecting member are colinear or zig zag and have corresponding colinear or zig zag female grooves in said second connecting member.

[18] According to the embodiment, each of said male protrusion has a radially outward projecting surface and each of said female groove has a radially inward recessed surface.

[19] According to the embodiment, a flat plate with plurality of holes feed and secure free ends of a lace that are passed out through at least an eyelet of said first and second connecting members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[20] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[21] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a footwear closure system in a first engagement condition, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [22] Figure 2 illustrates a top view and a side view of a first connecting member of said footwear closure system, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[23] Figure 3 illustrates a top view and a side view of a second connecting member of said footwear closure system, according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[24] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view, a side view and a detailed view of the first connecting member, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[25] Figure 5 illustrates isometric, top, bottom, and side views of the second connecting member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[26] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view and front view of flat plate adapted for closure of free ends of lace, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[27] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[28] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[29] In general, the present invention claims a footwear closure system comprising a first connecting member having an upper side with one or more user engagement surfaces and an under side with one or more coupling surfaces having male protrusions of an axial length projecting outwardly from said under side; and a second connecting member having an upper side with one or more user engagement surfaces, and an underside having guide walls with one or more cross sectional cut-out coupling surfaces having female grooves of an axial length corresponding to axial length of said male protrusion, said first and second connecting members in a first condition when translated by a user, slide laterally only to said axial length for ensuring clasping of male protrusion within corresponding female groove to form secure footwear closure, and in a second condition slide laterally minimal of said axial length to completely unclasp said footwear closure.

[30] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[31] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[32] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, first and second connecting members, upper side, under side, user engagement surfaces, width and length of first and second connecting members, axial length, outwardly, inwardly, recessed, raised, face of first and second connecting members, guide walls, cut-outs, U shaped, V shaped, symmetrical or asymmetrical, zig-zag, colinear, inclined or curved wall surfaces, slanted or curved, depressed, first and second condition, shape and configuration of said footwear closure system referred in the description for the purpose of the understanding and nowhere limit the invention.

[33] Figures discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged environment. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. It should be understood that these are provided to merely aid the understanding of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the invention.

[34] Referring Figures 1-6 shows a footwear closure system (100, 200), a first connecting member (110), an upper side (130), one or more user engagement surfaces (140), faces (150a, 150b), width (Wl), entire width (W), an under side (160), entire length (L), a male protrusion (170), axial length (LI), a second connecting member (120), guide walls (180), one or more cross sectional cut-out coupling surfaces (185), a female groove (190), a first condition (Cl), a second condition (C2), plurality of clippers (194), and an eyelet (195).

[35] Referring Figures 1-3 illustrates a footwear closure system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the system in a first engagement condition (Cl). The footwear closure system (100) comprises a first connecting member (110) and a second connecting member (120) having eyelets (195). The first connecting member (110) and second connecting member (120) have an upper side (130) with one or more user engagement surfaces (140) on at least one face (150a, 150b) of said first and second connecting members (110, 120).

[36] Referring Figure 2, according to an exemplary embodiment, each said user engagement surface (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is inwardly recessed from said upper side (130) to a width (Wl) less than or equal to half of entire width (W) and each said user engagement surface (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is inwardly recessed from said at least one face (150a, 150b) to a width (Wl) more than or equal to half of entire width (W).

[37] According to the embodiment, first connecting member (110) has an under side (160) with one or more coupling surfaces equidistantly spaced apart over entire length (L) of the first connecting member (110). Each said coupling surface has a male protrusion (170) of an axial length (LI) projecting outwardly from said under side (160).

[38] Referring Figure 3, according to the embodiment, shows each said user engagement surface (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is inwardly recessed from said upper side (130) to a width (Wl) less than or equal to half of entire width (W) and each said user engagement surface (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is inwardly recessed from said at least one face (150a, 150b) to a width (Wl) more than or equal to half of entire width (W).

[39] According to the embodiment, second connecting member (120) comprises an under side (160) with guide walls (180) extending over entire length (L) of the second connecting member (120), said guide walls (180) having one or more cross sectional cut-out coupling surfaces (185) equidistantly spaced apart, corresponding to equidistantly spaced apart coupling surfaces of the first connecting member (110), each said cross sectional cut-out coupling surface has a female groove (190) of an axial length (LI) corresponding to axial length (LI) of said male protrusion (170).

[40] Referring Figure 1, first (110) and second (120) connecting members in a first condition (Cl) when translated by a user, slide laterally only to said axial length (LI) ensuring clasping each of male protrusion (170) within corresponding female groove (190) to form secure footwear closure, and in a second condition (C2) slide laterally minimal of said axial length (LI) to completely unclasp said footwear closure.

[41] According to the embodiment, said first (110) and second (120) connecting members in said first condition (Cl) form a U shaped or a V shaped groove on at least one of said faces (150a, 150b).

[42] According to the embodiment, said first (110) and second (120) connecting members are removably or fixedly secured on the footwear.

[43] Referring Figures 2-5, at least one said faces (150a, 150b) of said first (HO) and second (120) connecting members is slanted towards upper side (130) and the other is curved towards upper side (130).

[44] According to the embodiment, each said user engagement surfaces (140) are inwardly recessed from both said upper side (130) have inclined wall surfaces or curved wall surfaces.

[45] According to the embodiment, said user engagement surfaces (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members are diagonal or parallel to each other. [46] According to the embodiment, each of the male protrusions (170) of said first connecting member (110) are symmetrical or asymmetrical and have corresponding symmetrical or asymmetrical female grooves (190) in said second connecting member (120).

[47] According to the embodiment, each of the male protrusions (170) of said first connecting member (110) are colinear or zig zag and have corresponding colinear or zig zag female grooves (190) in said second connecting member (120).

[48] According to the embodiment, each of said male protrusion (170) has a radially outward projecting surface and each of said female groove (190) has a radially inward recessed surface.

[49] Referring Figures 4 and 5, according to another embodiment, shows (150a, 150b) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members are slanted towards upper side (130). Each of male protrusions (170) has an under side raised surface and each of female grooves (190) has a depressed surface that ensure clasping of both the first (110) and second (120) connecting members in said first condition (Cl).

[50] Referring Figure 6, according to the embodiment, shows a clippers (194) with plurality of holes feeds and secures free ends of a lace that are passed out through at least an eyelet (195) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members.

[51] According to an embodiment, the present invention discloses a footwear comprising a closure system as described herein below for providing a hassle-free closure. [52] According to the embodiment, the footwear closure system is of less weight and low cost.

[53] According to the embodiment, the first connecting member (110) is secured over a length on a first side of the footwear and second connecting member (120) is secured over a length on a second side of the footwear.

[54] According to the embodiment, first connecting member (110) and second connecting member (120) may be removably secured through a lace.

[55] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a method for hassle free closure of a footwear having a closure system (100, 200) comprising the steps of adjoining a first connecting member (110) and a second connecting member (120); translating said first (110) and second (120) connecting members to an engaged first condition (Cl) on the footwear, when a user laterally slides said first (110) and second (120) connecting members only to an axial length (LI) ensuring clasping of male protrusions (170) within female grooves (190), without pulling or pushing force applied thereto and without rotation of at least one of first

(110) and second (120) connecting members with one another to form a secured footwear closure; and in a second condition (C2) completely disengaging and translating said first (110) and second (120) connecting members to an initial position on the footwear, when the user slides the engaged connecting members (HO, 120) laterally to a minimal axial length (LI) to completely unclasps the footwear system, without pulling or pushing force applied thereto and without rotation of at least one of first (110) and second (120) connecting members with one another. [56] According to the present invention, first connecting member (110) and second connecting member (120) may also include magnets for further securing footwear, thereby providing rigid stability.

[57] According to the embodiment, said members (110, 120) on the footwear are located at an ankle portion at a proximal end or middle or a distal end.

[58] According to the embodiment, said user engagement surfaces (140), are configured to receive fingers of user to pry said first (110) and second members (120) for coupling or decoupling.

[59] The present invention has been described in the context of a footwear closure system. The sliding of first connecting member laterally with respect to second connecting member nowhere limits the invention, user can slide second connecting member with first connecting member as well. User can slide said members in any direction laterally for coupling or decoupling i.e. from top to bottom or from bottom to top or up or down. Further, the shape and configuration of the footwear closure system only for reference and understating purpose of the invention.

[60] There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a footwear accessory specifically a footwear closure system. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Footwear does not include loafers, slippers, and other slip-on shoes that may not require any closure systems. Thus, while particular types of materials, structure, shape of the closure system have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments may be manufactured with other types of materials and further, the structure and design of the system may vary accordingly as well.

[61] In the foregoing detailed description of aspects embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of aspects, embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

[62] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms“including” is used as the plain-English equivalent of the respective term“comprising” respectively.

Claims

Claims :

1. A footwear closure system (100, 200) comprising:

a first connecting member (110) having

an upper side (130) with one or more user engagement surfaces (140) on at least one face (150a, 150b) of said first connecting member (110), and

an under side (160) with one or more coupling surfaces equidistantly spaced apart over entire length (L) of the first connecting member (110), each said coupling surface having a male protrusion (170) of an axial length (LI) projecting outwardly from said under side (160); and

a second connecting member (120) having

an upper side (130) with one or more user engagement surfaces (140) on at least one face (150a, 150b) of said second connecting member (120), and

an under side (160) with guide walls (180) extending over entire length (L) of the second connecting member (120), said guide walls (180) having one or more cross sectional cut-out coupling surfaces (185) equidistantly spaced apart, corresponding to equidistantly spaced apart coupling surfaces of the first connecting member (110), each said cross sectional cut-out coupling surface has a female groove (190) of an axial length (LI) corresponding to axial length (LI) of said male protrusion (170),

said first (110) and second (120) connecting members in a first condition (Cl) when translated by a user, slide laterally only to said axial length (LI) ensuring clasping each of male protrusion (170) within corresponding female groove (190) to form secure footwear closure, and in a second condition (C2) slide laterally minimal of said axial length (LI) to completely unclasp said footwear closure.

2. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first (110) and second (120) connecting members in said first condition (Cl) form a U shaped or a V shaped groove on at least one of said faces (150a, 150b).

3. The system (100, 200) as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein said first (110) and second (120) connecting members are removably or fixedly secured on the footwear.

4. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein said faces (150a, 150b) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members are slanted towards upper side (130).

5. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein at least one said faces (150a, 150b) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is slanted towards upper side (130) and the other is curved towards upper side (130).

6. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-5, each said user engagement surface (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is inwardly recessed from said upper side (130) to a width (Wl) less than or equal to half of entire width (W).

7. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-6, each said user engagement surface (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members is inwardly recessed from said at least one face (150a, 150b) to a width (W 1) more than or equal to half of entire width (W).

8. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-7, wherein each said user engagement surfaces (140) inwardly recessed from both said upper side (130) have inclined wall surfaces or curved wall surfaces.

9. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein said user engagement surfaces (140) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members are diagonal or parallel to each other.

10. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-9, wherein each of male protrusions (170) has an under side raised surface and each of female grooves (190) has a depressed surface that ensure clasping of both the first (110) and second (120) connecting members in said first condition (Cl).

11. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-10, wherein each of the male protrusions (170) of said first connecting member (110) are symmetrical or asymmetrical and have corresponding symmetrical or asymmetrical female grooves (190) in said second connecting member (120).

12. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein each of the male protrusions (170) of said first connecting member (110) are colinear or zig zag and have corresponding colinear or zig zag female grooves (190) in said second connecting member (120).

13. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein each of said male protrusion (170) has a radially outward projecting surface and each of said female groove (190) has a radially inward recessed surface.

14. The system (100, 200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-13, wherein a plurality of clippers (194), each having plurality of holes, feed and secure free ends of a lace that are passed out through at least an eyelet (195) of said first (110) and second (120) connecting members.