U.S. patent application number 09/973677 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for internally laced shoe.
Invention is credited to Gaither, David.
Application Number | 20030066207 09/973677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29216527 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066207 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gaither, David |
April 10, 2003 |
Internally laced shoe
Abstract
An internal lacing system wherein a plurality of lace guides
having rotatable rollers are strategically positioned throughout a
shoe to facilitate the securing of the foot within the shoe. First
and second elongated laces are internally channeled through the
respective lace guides so as to enable a user to tighten the shoe
by pulling on exposed second ends of the first and second laces
thereby allowing the laces to roll along each respective roller
positioned within each lace guide. Because the first ends of the
first and second laces are fixed, the pulling on the second ends of
the first and second laces will result in a reciprocating force
about each lace guide thus securely tightening the shoe around the
user's foot.
Inventors: |
Gaither, David; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1827 POWERS FERRY ROAD
BUILDING 3, SUITE 200,
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
29216527 |
Appl. No.: |
09/973677 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.1 ;
36/58.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 3/02 20130101; A43C
1/04 20130101; A43C 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/50.1 ;
36/58.5 |
International
Class: |
A43C 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An internally laced shoe having a sole and a heel, comprising:
at least one lace having a first end and a second end, said first
end secured within said shoe, said second end extends to the
exterior of said shoe; means carried internally by said shoe for
slidably engaging and guiding said lace; and means carried by said
shoe for adjustably securing said second end of said lace, wherein
when said second end of said lace is pulled, said lace slides about
said guide means producing a reciprocating force about said guide
means and thus, tightening said shoe around a foot.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said guide means is a plurality
of rectangular box-like members each having a plurality of
apertures therethrough for receiving said lace, and a roller
rotatably engaged within each of said rectangular box-like members,
wherein said lace engages said roller and slides about said roller
when said lace moves.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said securing means is a
buckle.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said securing means is hook and
loop fastener.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
channels formed within said sole of said shoe and wherein at least
one of said guide means is positioned in each of said plurality of
channels.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said guide means are positioned
in generally a diamond-shaped formation about said shoe.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said guide means
is-positioned at the heel of said shoe.
8. An internally laced shoe having a sole and a heel, comprising:
at least one lace having a first end and a second end, said first
end secured within said shoe, said second end extends to the
exterior of said shoe; means carried internally by said shoe for
slidably engaging and guiding said lace; means carried by said shoe
for adjustably securing said second end of said; and a plurality of
channels formed within the sole of said shoe for channeling said
lace through the sole, wherein when said second end of said lace is
pulled, said lace slides about said guide means producing a
reciprocating force about said guide means and thus, tightening
said shoe around a foot.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein said guide means is a plurality
of rectangular box-like members each having a plurality of
apertures therethrough for receiving said lace, and a roller
rotatably engaged within each of said rectangular box-like members,
wherein said lace engages said roller and slides about said roller
when said lace moves.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein said securing means is a
buckle.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein said securing means is hook and
loop fastener.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of said guide means
is positioned at the heel of said shoe.
13. An internally laced shoe having a sole and a heel, comprising:
a first lace having a first end and a second end, said first end
secured within said shoe, said second end extends to the exterior
of said shoe; a second lace having a first end and a second end,
said first end secured within said shoe, said second end extends to
the exterior of said shoe; means carried internally by said shoe
for slidably engaging and guiding said first lace and said second
lace; first means carried by said shoe for adjustably securing said
second end of said first lace; and second means carried by said
shoe for removably securing said second end of said second lace,
wherein when said second end of said first lace and said second end
of said second lace is pulled, said first lace and said second lace
slides about said guide means producing a reciprocating force about
said guide means and thus, tightening said shoe around a foot.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein said guide means is a plurality
of rectangular box-like members each having a plurality of
apertures therethrough for receiving said first lace and said
second lace, and a first roller and a second roller rotatably
engaged within each of said rectangular box-like members, wherein
said first lace engages said first roller and slides about said
first roller when said first lace moves, and wherein said second
lace engages said second roller and slides about said first roller
when said first lace moves.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein said first securing means is a
buckle, and wherein said second securing means is a buckle.
16. The device of claim 13, wherein said first securing means is
hook and loop fastener, and wherein said second securing means is
hook and loop fastener.
17. The device of claim 13, wherein said guide means are positioned
in generally a diamond-shaped formation about said shoe.
18. An internally laced shoe having a sole and a heel, comprising:
a first lace having a first end and a second end, said first end of
said first lace secured within said shoe, said second end of said
first lace extends to the exterior of said shoe; a second lace
having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second
lace secured within said shoe, said second end of said second lace
extends to the exterior of said shoe; means carried internally by
said shoe for slidably engaging and guiding said first lace; means
carried internally by said shoe for slidably engaging and guiding
said second lace; means carried by said shoe for adjustably
securing said second end of said first lace; and means carried by
said shoe for adjustably securing said second end of said second
lace, wherein when said second end of said first lace and said
second end of said second lace are pulled, said first lace and said
second lace slide about said first lace guide means and said second
lace guide means, respectively, producing a reciprocating force
about said first lace guide means and said second lace guide means
and thus, tightening said shoe around a foot.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein said first lace guide means is
a plurality of rectangular box-like members each having a plurality
of apertures therethrough for receiving said first lace, and a
roller rotatably engaged within each of said rectangular box-like
members, wherein said first lace engages said roller and slides
about said roller when said first lace moves.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein said second lace guide means is
a plurality of rectangular box-like members each having a plurality
of apertures therethrough for receiving said second lace, and a
roller rotatably engaged within each of said rectangular box-like
members, wherein said second lace engages said roller and slides
about said roller when said second lace moves.
21. The device of claim 18, wherein said first lace securing means
and said second lace securing means is a buckle.
22. The device of claim 18, wherein said first lace securing means
and said second lace securing means is hook and loop fastener.
23. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one of said second
lace guide means is positioned at the heel of said shoe.
24. An internally laced shoe having a sole and a heel, comprising:
a first lace having a first end and a second end, said first end of
said first lace secured within said shoe, said second end of said
first lace extends to the exterior of said shoe; a second lace
having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second
lace secured within said shoe, said second end of said second lace
extends to the exterior of said shoe; a plurality of first lace
guides carried by said shoe, said plurality of first lace guides
comprising a plurality of rectangular box-like members each having
a plurality of apertures therethrough for receiving said first
lace, and a roller rotatably engaged within each of said
rectangular box-like members, said first lace engages said roller
and slides about said roller when said first lace moves; a
plurality of second lace guides carried by said shoe, said
plurality of second lace guides comprising a plurality of
rectangular box-like members each having a plurality of apertures
therethrough for receiving said second lace, and a roller rotatably
engaged within each of said rectangular box-like members, wherein
said second lace engages said roller and slides about said roller
when said second lace moves; means carried by said shoe for
adjustably securing said second end of said first lace; and means
carried by said shoe for adjustably securing said second end of
said second lace, wherein when said second end of said first lace
and said second end of said second lace are pulled, said first lace
and said second lace slide about said first lace guide means and
said second lace guide means, respectively, producing a
reciprocating force about said first lace guide means and said
second lace guide means and thus, tightening said shoe around a
foot.
25. The device of claim 24, wherein said first lace securing means
and said second lace securing means is a buckle.
26. The device of claim 24, said first lace securing means and said
second lace securing means is hook and loop fastener.
27. The device of claim 24, wherein at least one of said plurality
of second lace guides is positioned at the heel of said shoe.
28. An internally laced shoe having a sole and a heel, comprising:
a first lace having a first end and a second end, said first end of
said first lace secured within said shoe, said second end of said
first lace extends to the exterior of said shoe; a second lace
having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second
lace secured within said shoe, said second end of said second lace
extends to the exterior of said shoe; means carried internally by
said shoe for slidably engaging and guiding said first lace; means
carried internally by said shoe for slidably engaging and guiding
said second lace; means carried by said shoe for adjustably
securing said second end of said first lace; means carried by said
shoe for adjustably securing said second end of said second lace,
and at least one slit formed on the exterior of the shoe for
forming a flap thereon for providing access to said first lace and
said second lace, wherein when said second end of said first lace
and said second end of said second lace are pulled, said first lace
and said second lace slide about said first lace guide means and
said second lace guide means, respectively, producing a
reciprocating force about said first lace guide means and said
second lace guide means and thus, tightening said shoe around a
foot.
29. The device of claim 28, further comprising a zipper formed on
the exterior of the shoe for providing access to said first lace
and said second lace.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of patent
application Ser. No. 09/374,153 filed on Aug. 13, 1999, titled
Internally Laced Shoe, which is a continuation-in-part application
of application Ser. No. 09/288,831 filed on Apr. 8, 1999, titled
Internally Laced Shoe, now issued on Sep. 11, 2001 and PCT
application PCT/US00/09408 filed on Apr. 7, 2000, titled Internally
Laced Shoe, which claims priority to and benefits of the
above-referenced applications.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to footwear and,
more specifically, to an internally laced shoe.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] There are a multitude of known shoe and lacing designs for
footwear. However, these known designs are deficient in light of
the present invention. For instance, previous designs fail to
adequately and comfortably secure a user's foot within the shoe.
Traditional shoes have an upper central exterior lacing system
wherein the lacing is usually channeled through a plurality of
eyelets positioned generally on both sides of the center top of the
shoe and in close proximity thereto. This type of design fails to
provide adequate support by limiting the securing area to generally
the upper portion of the foot. For instance, in sporting
applications these traditional designs may be physically dangerous
and reduce the athlete's performance by allowing the foot to slide
or otherwise move within the shoe during use. In addition, because
the lacing in traditional designs is exterior, undesired accidents
including snagging on objects and tripping on lacing that becomes
untied during use may result. Moreover, because of the dangers of
the exposed lace of exterior-laced shoes becoming snagged on
machinery and placing a user in dangerous positions, many companies
forbid the use of these types of shoes in certain industrial
applications. Additionally, the lacing of exterior-laced shoes is
exposed to the shoes exterior environment and often results in
premature wear.
[0004] Several attempts have been made to overcome some of these
deficiencies. For instance, designs have been proposed wherein the
lace system wraps around the heel portion of the shoe to provide a
better means for securing the foot within the shoe. Examples of
such designs may be found by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,006
to Breuner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,529 to Bell et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,269,078 to Cochrane and U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,098 to Chalmers.
However, these designs teach the use of heel lacing in boots and
therein incorporate more complicated and/or bulky fastening means
and thus, are not suitable for typical shoes, especially sporting
shoes. Moreover, lacing systems that only wrap around the heel of
the shoe do not provide maximum securing of the entire foot within
the shoe.
[0005] In an attempt to solve some of the above-discussed
deficiencies of exterior lacing, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,078 to
Cochrane discloses a partially internally laced shoe. However, the
internal lacing only wraps around the heel of the shoe; traditional
lacing is needed for the upper center of the shoe. Nonetheless,
even with the dual lacing system, Cochrane fails to secure the
entire foot within a shoe as adequately as provided by the present
invention. Moreover, the exterior lacing of Cochrane remains
susceptible to snagging and premature wear and tear.
[0006] An additional deficiency noted in previous designs is the
need to utilize two hands to tie and/or secure the lacing in
position. For many handicap individuals, traditional shoes can be
difficult if not impossible to tie and/or adequately secure around
the feet. Additionally, many professional and nonprofessional
athletes and other users find it both interfering and time
consuming to use both hands to retie traditional shoe lacing that
may become easily untied during use. In an attempt to overcome
these deficiencies designs have been proposed that allow one hand
or finger tightening. An example of such a design may be found by
reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,949 to Seidel. Although Seidel
discloses a one-pull tightening system, as with other previous
deficient designs, Seidel's lacing system only tightens the upper
center portion of the shoe and thus fails to adequately secure the
entire foot within the shoe.
[0007] It is readily apparent that a new and improved internally
laced shoe is needed that provides for a one-pull lacing system
that wraps around the entire shoe and foot, including the heel, to
provide means for more adequately securing the entire foot within
the shoe. It is, therefore, to the provision of such improvements
that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In the first primary embodiments, briefly described, in a
preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the
above-mentioned disadvantages by providing an internally laced shoe
that more fully secures the wearer's foot within the shoe.
[0009] The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, comprises
a shoe, a plurality of lace guides, a buckle and lacing. More
specifically, lace guides are positioned at a multitude of
advantage points to maximize the tightening of the shoe around a
wearer's foot. These advantage points in the preferred embodiment
are along the upper center, bottom inside edge, bottom outside edge
and heel of the shoe. Preferably two to eight lace guides are
positioned along the bottom inside edge, two to eight along the
bottom outside edge, two to eight along the upper center and one to
three on the heel of the shoe. The lace is preferably one
continuous generally elongated rectangular-shaped cloth, elastic or
other flexible material having a first end and a second end.
[0010] The first end of the lace is sewn or otherwise secured
internally near the toe of the shoe. The second end of the lace is
channeled through each lace guide starting with the first bottom
edge lace guide proximal to the first end of the lace, through the
sole of the shoe and through the first bottom lace guide opposite
the secured first end of the lace and then through the first lace
guide of the upper center set. Next, the lace is channeled through
the next adjacent bottom edge guide on the side of the shoe having
the secured first end of the lace. This pattern is continued until
the lace is channeled through the next to last (fifth) upper center
lace guide, at which time the lace is wrapped around the heel of
the shoe, through the heel lace guide, and back around through the
last upper center lace guide. Upon exiting this last lace guide the
second end of the lace is channeled through a fixed buckle and into
a small slit positioned near the buckle to provide a means for
hiding any excess lace. Alternatively or additionally,
hook-and-loop fastener or other suitable securing means may be
utilized to secure the lace in the desired position in lieu of the
buckle. Preferably, the first, fourth and sixth upper center lace
guides extend through apertures formed in the outside layer of the
shoe and thus are the only externally visible lace guides. As such,
the lace remains internal until it exits out of the sixth upper
lace guide except for small portions that are externally visible
near or at the first, fourth and sixth upper center lace
guides.
[0011] Because of the strategically placed lace guides, a user
simply pulls on the exposed second end of the lace thereby allowing
the lace to roll along a roller positioned within each lace guide.
Additionally, because the first end of the lace is fixed, the
pulling on the second end of the lace will result in a
reciprocating force about each lace guide thus securely tightening
the shoe around the user's foot.
[0012] In a first alternate embodiment, an internal lacing system
is disclosed wherein the lace guides are positioned internally in a
generally diamond-shaped layout. There are preferably four lace
guides each comprises preferably two rollers. The first lace guide
is positioned generally in the upper centerline of the shoe near
the toe area; the second lace guide is positioned generally on the
left side of the shoe and in close proximity to the sole at
approximately the middle of the shoe, lengthwise; the third lace
guide is positioned generally on the right side of the shoe and in
close proximity to the sole at approximately the middle of the
shoe, lengthwise, and thus directly opposite the second lace guide;
the fourth lace guide is positioned generally in the upper
centerline of the shoe near the foot opening. The lace in this
first alternate embodiment is generally two elongated
cylindrical-shaped cords made from cloth or other flexible
material. Each lace has a first end and a second end.
[0013] The first end of each lace is secured to a point or adjacent
points, preferably, near the center of the diamond-shaped
formation. The second end of one lace is first channeled through
the third lace guide and over one of its rollers, then through the
first lace guide and over one of its rollers, then through the
second lace guide and over one of its rollers, then through the
fourth lace guide and encircles one of its rollers, and then exits
the interior of the shoe and is secured by a buckle positioned on
the left side of the shoe near the fourth lace guide. The second
end of the other lace is first channeled through the second lace
guide and over its other roller, then through the first lace guide
and over its other roller, then through the third lace guide and
over its other roller, then through the fourth lace guide and
encircles its other roller, and then exits the interior of the shoe
and is secured by a buckle positioned on the right side of the shoe
near the fourth lace guide.
[0014] Because of the strategically placed lace guides in the first
alternate embodiment, a user simply pulls in opposite directions on
the two exposed second ends of the two laces thereby allowing the
laces to roll along the rollers positioned within each lace guide.
Additionally, because the first ends of each lace is fixed, the
pulling on the second ends of each lace will result in a
reciprocating force about each lace guide thus securely tightening
the shoe around the user's foot.
[0015] In a second alternate embodiment of the present invention,
as with the preferred embodiment, lace guides are positioned along
the upper center, bottom left edge, bottom right edge and heel of
the shoe. However, with this embodiment, three lace guides are
positioned along the lower left edge, two along the bottom right
edge, six along the upper center and one on the heel of the shoe.
An additional distinction from the preferred embodiment is that the
lace is not channeled through the sole of the shoe; all of the
lower left and lower right edge lace guides are positioned just
above the sole of the shoe. The lace is preferably one continuous
generally elongated rectangular-shaped cloth made from elastic or
other flexible material having a first end and a second end.
[0016] The first end of the lace is sewn or otherwise secured
internally near the toe of the shoe. The second end of the lace is
channeled through each lace guide starting with the first bottom
edge lace guide proximal to the first end of the lace and through
the first lace guide of the upper center set. Next, the lace is
channeled through the next adjacent bottom edge guide on the side
of the shoe having the secured first end of the lace. This pattern
is continued until the lace is channeled through the next to last
(fifth) upper center lace guide, at which time the lace is wrapped
around the heel of the shoe, through the heel lace guide, and back
around through the last upper center lace guide. Upon exiting this
last lace guide the second end of the lace is channeled through a
fixed buckle and into a small slit positioned near the buckle to
provide a means for hiding any excess lace. Alternatively or
additionally, hook-and-loop fastener or other suitable securing
means may be utilized to secure the lace in the desired position in
lieu of the buckle. Preferably, the first, fourth and sixth upper
center lace guides extend through apertures formed in the outside
layer of the shoe and thus are the only externally visible lace
guides. As such, the lace remains internal until it exits out of
the sixth upper lace guide except for small portions that are
externally visible near or at the first, fourth and sixth upper
center lace guides.
[0017] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has many
features and advantages, some of which are listed herein and are as
follows. A new and improved internal lacing system that is
channeled through a multitude of lace guides strategically
positioned to more securely tighten a shoe around a user's foot. A
new and improved internal lacing system that is channeled through
the sole of the shoe around the foot and through the heel to
provide a complete wrap-around securing means that is superior to
prior art designs in securing the shoe around a user's foot A new
and improved internal lacing system that allows for one hand
tightening. A new and improved internal lacing system wherein the
lace is substantially internal to protect the lace from wear and
tear and thus reducing or eliminating the need for replacement
lacing. A new and improved internal lacing system wherein the lace
is substantially internal to reduce the risks of unintentional
snagging of the lace. A new and improved internal lacing system
wherein the lace is substantially internal to enhance the exterior
aesthetics of a shoe. A new and improved internally laced shoe
having the abovementioned features and advantages, and additionally
is lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. A new and
improved internal lacing system comprising lace guides having a
roller to facilitating the movement of the lace. A new and improved
internally laced shoe having the abovementioned features and
advantages, and wherein the lace is substantially internal to
provide more exterior surface, as compared to traditional shoe
designs, for aesthetic designs and/or added upper center
support.
[0018] A first alternate embodiment has many features and
advantages, some of which are listed herein and are as follows. A
new and improved internal lacing system that is channeled through a
multitude of lace guides strategically positioned to more securely
tighten a shoe around a user's foot. A new and improved internal
lacing system having lace guides positioned in generally a diamond
formation. A new and improved internal lacing system comprising
lace guides having dual rollers to facilitate the movement of the
lace. A new and improved internal lacing system wherein the lace is
substantially internal to protect the lace from wear and tear and
thus reducing or eliminating the need for replacement lacing. A new
and improved internal lacing system wherein the lace is
substantially internal to reduce the risks of unintentional
snagging of the lace. A new and improved internal lacing system
wherein the lace is substantially internal to enhance the exterior
aesthetics of a shoe. A new and improved internally laced shoe
having the abovementioned features and advantages, and additionally
is lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. A new and
improved internally laced shoe having the abovementioned features
and advantages, and wherein the lace is substantially internal to
provide more exterior surface, as compared to traditional shoe
designs, for aesthetic designs and/or added upper center
support.
[0019] A second alternate embodiment has many features and
advantages, some of which are listed herein and are as follows. A
new and improved internal lacing system that allows for one hand
tightening. A new and improved internal lacing system that is
channeled through a multitude of lace guides strategically
positioned to more securely tighten a shoe around a user's foot. A
new and improved internal lacing system wherein the lace is
substantially internal to protect the lace from wear and tear and
thus reducing or eliminating the need for replacement lacing. A new
and improved internal lacing system wherein the lace is
substantially internal to reduce the risks of unintentional
snagging of the lace. A new and improved internal lacing system
comprising lace guides having a roller to facilitating the movement
of the lace. A new and improved internal lacing system wherein the
lace is substantially internal to enhance the exterior aesthetics
of a shoe. A new and improved internally laced shoe having the
abovementioned features and advantages, and additionally is
lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. A new and
improved internally laced shoe having the abovementioned features
and advantages, and wherein the lace is substantially internal to
provide more exterior surface, as compared to traditional shoe
designs, for aesthetic designs and/or added upper center
support.
[0020] In the second primary embodiments, briefly described, in a
preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the
above-mentioned disadvantages by providing an internally laced shoe
that more fully secures the wearer's foot within the shoe.
[0021] The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, comprises
a shoe, a plurality of lace guides, a buckle, a first lace and a
second lace. More specifically, lace guides are positioned at a
multitude of advantage points to maximize the tightening of the
shoe around a wearer's foot. These advantage points in the
preferred embodiment are along the upper center, lower inside edge,
lower outside edge and heel of the shoe. Preferably one to eight
lace guides are positioned along the lower inside edge above the
sole, one to eight along the lower outside edge above the sole, two
to eight along the upper center and one to three on the heel of the
shoe. Preferably, the first and second lace are generally elongated
rectangular-shaped cloth, elastic or other flexible material each
having a first end and a second end.
[0022] The first end of the first lace is sewn or otherwise secured
internally near the toe of the shoe. The second end of the first
lace is channeled through the lower inside and outside lace guides
and preferably at least two of the upper center lace guides
starting with the first lower edge lace guide proximal to the first
end of the first lace and then through the first lace guide of the
upper center set. Next, the second end of the first lace is
channeled through the next adjacent bottom edge guide on the side
of the shoe having the secured first end of the first lace. This
pattern is continued until the lace is channeled through the next
to last upper center lace guide, at which time the first lace exits
the interior of the shoe and is channeled and secured through a
fixed buckle or by hook-and-loop fastener and into a small slit
positioned near the buckle to provide a means for hiding any excess
lace.
[0023] The first end of the second lace is secured within the shoe
proximal to the heel of the shoe. The second end of the second lace
is then wrapped around the heel of the shoe, through the heel lace
guide, and back around through the last upper center lace guide.
Upon exiting this last lace guide the second end of the second lace
is channeled through a fixed buckle or by hook-and-loop fastener
and into a small slit positioned near the buckle to provide a means
for hiding any excess lace. Alternatively or additionally,
hook-and-loop fastener or other suitable securing means may be
utilized to secure the first and second laces in the desired
position in lieu of the buckles. Preferably, the upper center lace
guides extend through apertures formed in the outside layer of the
shoe and thus are the only externally visible lace guides. As such,
the first and second laces remain internal until they exit out of
the shoe at their respective locations except for small portions
that are externally visible near or at the upper center lace
guides.
[0024] Because of the strategically placed lace guides, a user
simply pulls on the exposed second ends of the first and second
laces thereby allowing the first and second laces to roll along a
roller positioned within each lace guide. Additionally, because the
first ends of the first and second laces are fixed, the pulling on
the second ends of the first and second laces will result in a
reciprocating force about each lace guide thus securely tightening
the shoe around the user's foot.
[0025] The present invention has many features and advantages, some
of which are listed herein and are as follows. A new and improved
internal lacing system that is channeled through a multitude of
lace guides strategically positioned to more securely tighten a
shoe around a user's foot. A new and improved internal lacing
system that is channeled internally through the shoe around the
foot and through the heel to provide a complete wraparound securing
means that is superior to prior art designs in securing the shoe
around a user's foot A new and improved internal lacing system that
allows for an easy means of tightening. A new and improved internal
lacing system wherein the lace is substantially internal to protect
the lace from wear and tear and thus reducing or eliminating the
need for replacement lacing. A new and improved internal lacing
system wherein the lace is substantially internal to reduce the
risks of unintentional snagging of the lace. A new and improved
internal lacing system wherein the lace is substantially internal
to enhance the exterior aesthetics of a shoe. A new and improved
internally laced shoe having the abovementioned features and
advantages, and additionally is lightweight and relatively
inexpensive to manufacture. A new and improved internal lacing
system comprising lace guides having a roller to facilitating the
movement of the lace. A new and improved internally laced shoe
having the abovementioned features and advantages, and wherein the
lace is substantially internal to provide more exterior surface, as
compared to traditional shoe designs, for aesthetic designs and/or
added upper center support. A new and improved internal lacing
system wherein the lace has an elongated rectangular shape and is
wider than traditional shoe lacing to better secure a user's foot
within the shoe.
[0026] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] FIG. 1 is an inside edge view of the right shoe of the
present invention according to a preferred embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an outside edge view of the right shoe of the
present invention according to a preferred embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention according to
a preferred embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention according to
a preferred embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 of the
present invention according to a preferred embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 1 of the
present invention according to a preferred embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lace guide according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of a lace guide according to
a preferred embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a left side view of the right shoe of the present
invention according to a first alternate embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the lacing system of the
present invention according to a first alternate embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dual lace guide of the
present invention according to a first alternate embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a single lace guide of the
present invention according to a first alternate embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 13 is an inside edge view of the right shoe of the
present invention according to a second alternate embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a sectional view along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 of
the present invention according to a second alternate
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 15 is an outside edge view of the right shoe of the
present invention according to a second alternate embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the present invention
according to a preferred embodiment or a second alternate
embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 17 is an inside edge view of the right shoe of the
present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 18 is an outside edge view of the right shoe of the
present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line 19-17 of FIG. 19 of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 of FIG. 18 of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a lace guide according to a
second primary embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 22 is a sectional side view of a lace guide according
to a second primary embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention according to a second primary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0055] In first primary embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 14,
device 10 in a preferred embodiment generally comprises shoe 20,
lacing guide system 60, lace 102 and buckle 108. More particularly,
lacing guide system 60 preferably comprises a plurality of lace
guides 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90,
92, 94 positioned generally in three groups. Group A 61 comprises
lace guides 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 positioned generally near the
top center of shoe 20 spaced apart along approximately a center
line of tongue 28. Group B 81 comprises lace guides 74, 76, 78, 80,
82 positioned generally along the left side of shoe 20 in sole 22
and spaced horizontally apart. Group C 91 comprises lace guides 84,
86, 88, 90, 92 positioned generally along the right side of shoe 20
in sole 22 and spaced horizontally apart. An additional lace guide
94 is positioned generally near the center of heel 26. All lace
guides except lace guides 62, 68 and 72 are internal and thus are
not visible from the exterior of the shoe. Lace guides 62, 68, and
72 of Group A 61 protrude through apertures 96, 98 and 100,
respectively, formed through the exterior layer of shoe 20.
[0056] Lace 102 is generally an elongated rectangular-shaped
elastic, cloth or other flexible material having first end 104 and
second end 106. First end 104 of lace 102 is fixably secured by
sewing or other well-known means to the internal portion of the
shell of shoe 20, preferably near the toe portion of shoe 20 at
location 105. Second end 106 of lace 102 is first channeled through
adjacent lace guide 74, through sole 22 and through lace guide 84.
Next, second end 106 of lace 102 is channeled up to and through
lace guide 62 positioned on the upper center of shoe 20 and then
down to and through lace guide 76. The above pattern is repeated
until second end 106 of lace 102 has been channeled through
remaining lace guides 86, 64, 78, 88, 66, 80, 90, 68, 82, 92 and
70, sequentially. After being channeled through lace guide 70,
second end 106 of lace 102 internally wraps around heel 26, through
lace guide 94 and around through lace guide 72. At lace guide 72,
second end 106 of lace 102 exits the shoe and becomes exterior.
Second end 106 of lace 102 is then channeled through and secured by
buckle 108, wherein buckle 108 is secured to the exterior of shoe
20 proximal to lace guide 72. To receive and secure second end 106
of lace 102 is hook-and-loop fastener 112 positioned in close
proximity to the exit side of buckle 108. Alternatively or in
addition, slit 110 is formed in close proximity to the exit side of
buckle 108 and is dimensioned for receiving second end 106 of lace
102 and any excess lace.
[0057] Now referring to FIGS. 7-8, each lace guide 62, 64, 66, 68,
70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 comprises casing
206 and roller 200. Each roller 200 rotates about pin 206 that
additionally serves to secure roller 200 within casing 206 by
engaging an aperture or dimple within casing 206. Casing 206 is
generally a four-sided rectangular box-like structure having two
opposite opened ends. Each casing 206 is secured at the respective
locations in shoe 20 by adhesive material, a securing strap
extending through casing 206 and sewn to shoe 20, or by other well
known means. Lace 102 extends through the opened ends and over or
under roller 200. To allow lace 102 to rotate about the respective
rollers 200, lace 102 is channeled over roller 200 in lace guides
62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 and 94, and is channeled under roller 200 in
lace guides 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92.
[0058] In use, because of the strategically placed lace guides 62,
64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, a
user simply pulls on the exposed second end 106 of lace 102 thereby
allowing the lace to roll along a roller positioned within each
lace guide. Additionally, because the first end of the lace is
fixed, the pulling on the second end of the lace will result in a
reciprocating force about each lace guide thus tightening the shoe
around the user's foot.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, first alternate embodiment 300
generally comprises shoe 320, lacing guide system 360, laces 310,
312 and buckles 362, 365. More particularly, lacing guide system
360 preferably comprises a plurality of dual lace guides 325, 330,
340, 350 positioned under the exterior layer of shoe 320 in
generally a diamond-shaped formation. Lace guide 350 is positioned
generally at the upper center of shoe 320 proximal to the exposed
portion of tongue 328. Lace guide 330 is positioned generally at
the upper center of shoe 320 proximal to toe area 334. Lace guide
325 is positioned generally on the left side of shoe 320 proximal
to sole 322 and more specifically, in approximately the same
vertical plane as lace guide 350. Lace guide 340 is positioned
generally on the right side of shoe 320 proximal to sole 322 and
more specifically, in approximately the same vertical plane as lace
guide 350.
[0060] Lace guide 325 comprises casing 327 and rollers 322, 324.
Rollers 322 and 324 rotate about pins 326 and 328, respectively,
which additionally serve to secure rollers 322, 324 within casing
327 by engaging an aperture or dimple within casing 327. Note that
lace guides 330, 340, 350 are identical to lace guide 325. Casing
327 is generally a four-sided rectangular box-like structure having
two opposite opened ends. Each casing 327 is secured at the
respective locations in shoe 320 by adhesive material, a securing
strap extending through casing 327 and sewn to shoe 320, or by
other well known means.
[0061] First end 314 of second lace 312 is sewn or otherwise
secured at point 370 located generally near the upper center of
shoe 320, and second end 390 of second lace 312 first is channeled
through the opened ends of lace guide 325 and over roller 322.
Next, second end 390 of second lace 312 is channeled through the
open ends of lace guide 330 and over roller 332, and then channeled
through the open ends of lace guide 340 and over roller 342. Second
end 390 of second lace 312 is then channeled into the right side
opening of lace guide 350, around roller 352, back out the right
side opening and secured through buckle 362. Second end 390 of
second lace 312 and any excess is inserted through slit 392 formed
adjacent to buckle 362. First end 316 of first lace 310 is sewn or
otherwise secured at point 372 located generally near the upper
center of shoe 320, and second end 380 of first lace 310 first is
channeled through the opened ends of lace guide 340 and over roller
344. Next, second end 380 of first lace 310 is channeled through
the open ends of lace guide 330 and over roller 336, and then
channeled through the open ends of lace guide 325 and over roller
324. Second end 380 of first lace 310 is then channeled into the
left side opening of lace guide 350, around roller 354, back out
the right side opening and secured through buckle 365. Second end
380 of first lace 310 and any excess is inserted through slit 382
formed adjacent to buckle 365.
[0062] In use, because of the strategically placed lace guides 325,
330, 340, 350, a user simply pulls on the exposed second end 380 of
first lace 310 generally to the left and the exposed second end 390
of second lace 312 generally to the right, thereby allowing the
laces to roll along a roller positioned within each lace guide.
Additionally, because the first end of the lace is fixed, the
pulling on the second end of the lace will result in a
reciprocating force about each lace guide thus tightening the shoe
around the user's foot.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, second alternate embodiment
400 generally comprises shoe 420, lacing guide system 460, lace 502
and buckle 508. More particularly, lacing guide system 460
preferably comprises a plurality of lace guides 462, 464, 466, 468,
470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482, 494 positioned generally in
three groups. Group A 461 comprises lace guides 462, 464, 466, 468,
470, 472 positioned generally near the top center of shoe 420
spaced apart along approximately a centerline of tongue 428. Group
B 481 comprises lace guides 474, 478, 482 positioned generally
internally along the left side of shoe 420 in close proximity to
sole 422 and spaced horizontally apart. Group C 491 comprises lace
guides 476, 80 positioned generally along the right side of shoe
420 in close proximity to sole 422 and spaced horizontally apart,
wherein lace guide 476 is generally positioned horizontally between
lace guide 474 and lace guide 478 on the opposite side of shoe 420,
and wherein lace guide 480 is generally positioned horizontally
between lace guide 478 and lace guide 482 on the opposite side of
shoe 420. An additional lace guide 494 is positioned generally near
the center of heel 426. All lace guides except lace guides 462, 468
and 472 are internal and thus are not visible from the exterior of
the shoe. Lace guides 462, 468, and 472 of Group A 461 protrude
through apertures 496,498 and 500, respectively, formed through the
exterior layer of shoe 420.
[0064] Lace 502 is generally an elongated rectangular-shaped
material made from elastic, cloth or other flexible material having
first end 504 and second end 506. First end 504 of lace 502 is
fixably secured by sewing or other well-known means to the internal
portion of the shell of shoe 420, preferably near the toe portion
of shoe 420 at location 505. Second end 506 of lace 502 is first
channeled through adjacent lace guide 474, up to and through lace
guide 462, down and over to and through lace guide 476. Next,
second end 506 of lace 502 is channeled up to and through lace
guide 464 positioned on the upper center of shoe 420 and then down
and over to and through lace guide 478. The above pattern is
repeated until second end 506 of lace 502 has been channeled
through remaining lace guides 466, 480, 468, 482, and 470,
sequentially. After lace guide 470, second end 506 of lace 502
internally wraps around heel 426, through lace guide 494 and around
through lace guide 472. At lace guide 472, second end 506 of lace
502 exits shoe 420 and becomes exterior thereto. Second end 506 of
lace 502 is then channeled through and secured by buckle 508,
wherein buckle 508 is secured to the exterior of shoe 420 proximal
to lace guide 472. To receive and secure second end 506 of lace 502
is hook-and-loop fastener 512 positioned in close proximity to the
exit side of buckle 508. Alternatively or in addition, slit 510 is
formed in close proximity to the exit side of buckle 508 and is
dimensioned for receiving second end 506 of lace 502 and any excess
lace.
[0065] The lace guides described above for the preferred embodiment
and as shown in FIGS. 7-8, are the same lace guides utilized for
this second alternate embodiment.
[0066] In use, because of the strategically placed lace guides 462,
464, 466, 468, 470, 472, 474, 476, 478, 480, 482, 494, a user
simply pulls on the exposed second end 506 of lace 502 thereby
allowing the lace to roll along a roller positioned within each
lace guide. Additionally, because the first end of the lace is
fixed, the pulling on the second end of the lace will result in a
reciprocating force about each lace guide thus tightening the shoe
around the user's foot.
[0067] In the second primary embodiments, referring now to FIGS.
17-20, device 1010 in a preferred embodiment generally comprises
shoe 1020, lacing guide system 1060, first lace 1102, second lace
1103, first buckle 1108 and second buckle 1109. More particularly,
lacing guide system 1060 preferably comprises a plurality of lace
guides 1062, 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070, 1072. Lace guides 1062, 1064,
1066 are positioned generally near the top center of shoe 1020
spaced apart along approximately a center line of tongue 1028. Lace
guide 1068 is positioned generally on the inner side of shoe 1020
under the exterior surface and proximal to sole 1022. Lace guide
1070 is positioned generally on the outer side of shoe 1020 under
the exterior surface and proximal to sole 1022. An additional lace
guide 1072 is positioned generally near the center of heel 1026.
Lace guides 1068, 1070 and 1072 are internal and thus are not
visible from the exterior of the shoe. Lace guides 1062, 1064, and
1066 protrude through apertures 1096, 1098 and 1100, respectively,
formed through the exterior layer of shoe 1020.
[0068] First lace 1102 is generally an elongated rectangular-shaped
elastic, cloth or other flexible material having first end 1104 and
second end 1106. First end 1104 of first lace 1102 is fixably
secured by sewing or other well-known means to the internal portion
of the shell of shoe 1020, preferably near the toe portion of shoe
1020 at location 1105. Second end 1106 of first lace 1102 is first
channeled through lace guide 1062 positioned on the upper center of
shoe 1020 and then down to and through lace guide 1068. The above
pattern is repeated until second end 1106 of first lace 1102 has
been channeled through remaining lace guides 1070 and 11064,
sequentially. Next, second end 1106 of first lace 1102 exits shoe
1020 at opening 1107 proximal to first buckle 1108, wherein first
buckle 1108 is secured to the exterior of shoe 1020 proximal to
sole 1022 on the inner side of shoe 1020. First slit 1111 is formed
in close proximity to the exit side of first buckle 1107 and is
dimensioned for receiving second end 1106 of first lace 1102 and
any excess lace. Alternatively or in addition to, hook-in-loop
fastener may be utilized to secure first lace 1102 in position.
[0069] Second lace 1103 is generally an elongated
rectangular-shaped elastic, cloth or other flexible material having
first end 1150 and second end 1160. First end 1150 of second lace
1103 is fixably secured by sewing or other well known means to the
internal portion of the shell of shoe 1020, preferably on the inner
side and proximal to heel 1026 of shoe 1020. Second end 1160
internally wraps around heel 1026, through lace guide 1072 and
around through lace guide 1066. At lace guide 1066, second end 1160
of second lace 1103 exits shoe 1020 and becomes exterior. Second
end 1160 of second lace 1103 is then channeled through and secured
by second buckle 1109, wherein buckle 1109 is secured to the
exterior of shoe 1020 proximal to the secured location of first end
1150 of second lace 1103. To receive and secure second end 1160 of
lace 1103 slit 1110 is formed in close proximity to the exit side
of second buckle 1109 and is dimensioned for receiving second end
1160 of second lace 1103 and any excess lace. Alternatively or in
addition to, hook-and-loop fastener may be positioned in close
proximity to the exit side of second buckle 1109 to secure second
lace 1103 in position.
[0070] Now referring to FIGS. 21-22, each lace guide 1062, 1064,
1066, 1068, 1070, 1072 comprises casing 1206 and roller 1200. Each
roller 1200 rotates about pin 1206 that additionally serves to
secure roller 1200 within casing 1206 by engaging an aperture or
dimple within casing 1206. Casing 1206 is generally a four-sided
rectangular box-like structure having two opposite opened ends.
Each casing 1206 is secured at the respective locations in shoe
1020 by adhesive material, a securing strap extending through
casing 1206 and sewn to shoe 1020, or by other well known means.
First lace 1102 and second lace 1103 extend through the opened ends
and over or under roller 1200. To allow first lace 1102 to rotate
about the respective rollers 1200, first lace 1102 is channeled
over roller 1200 in lace guides 1062 and 1064, and under roller
1200 in lace guides 1068 and 1070. To allow second lace 1103 to
rotate about the respective rollers 1200, second lace 1103 is
channeled over roller 1200 in lace guides 1066 and 1072.
[0071] In use, because of the strategically placed lace guides
1062, 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070, 1072 a user simply pulls on the
exposed second end 1106 of first lace 1102 and the second end 1160
of second lace 1103 thereby allowing the laces 1102, 1103 to roll
along the respective rollers 1200 positioned within each lace
guide. Additionally, because the first ends 1104, 1150 of each lace
1102, 1103 are fixed, the pulling on the second ends 1106, 1160 of
the laces 1102, 1103 will result in a reciprocating force about
each lace guide 1062, 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070, 1072 thus tightening
the shoe around the user's foot.
[0072] Now referring to FIGS. 23-28, there is shown additional
alternate embodiments 1500, 1600 and 1700. More specifically,
alternate embodiment 1500, as shown in FIGS. 23-24, preferably has
slits 1510 and 1520 formed through the top layer of the shoe such
that flap portion 1530 can be pulled back to expose the lacing
system. Hook and loop fastener (not shown) may be positioned along
slits 1510 and 1520 and on flap portion 1530 proximal to the
respective edges to provide additional securing means for flap
portion 1530. Although alternate embodiment 1500 is shown
incorporated on second primary embodiment 1010, it is contemplated
that alternate embodiment 1500 may be utilized with first primary
embodiment 10.
[0073] Now referring to FIGS. 25-27, alternate embodiment 1600 is
shown preferably having slits 1610 and 1620 formed through the top
layer of the shoe such that flap portion 1630 can be pulled over to
the side to expose the lacing system. Hook and loop fastener (not
shown) may be positioned along slits 1610 and 1620 and on flap
portion 1630 proximal to the respective edges to provide additional
securing means for flap portion 1630. Although alternate embodiment
1600 is shown incorporated on second primary embodiment 1010, it is
contemplated that alternate embodiment 1600 may be utilized with
first primary embodiment 10.
[0074] Now referring to FIG. 28, alternate embodiment 1700 is shown
preferably having a zipper 1710 formed on the center top of the
shoe and extending to approximately the toe of the shoe such that
zipper 1710 can be unzipped thereby exposing the lacing system.
Although alternate embodiment 1700 is shown incorporated on second
primary embodiment 1010, it is contemplated that alternate
embodiment 1700 may be utilized with fit primary embodiment 10.
[0075] The above detailed description of a preferred embodiment or
alternate embodiments are for exemplary purposes only and are not
meant to limit the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *