U.S. patent application number 10/766791 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for shoe fastening and closure device and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Anderson, William T..
Application Number | 20050022428 10/766791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34108090 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson, William T. |
February 3, 2005 |
Shoe fastening and closure device and method of using same
Abstract
A shoe fastening device for providing releasable securement for
shoes and having a continuous movement between open and closed
positions as well as memory for predetermined adjustable
tightness.
Inventors: |
Anderson, William T.; (Lake
Worth, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MACCORD MASON PLLC
300 N. GREENE STREET, SUITE 1600
P. O. BOX 2974
GREENSBORO
NC
27402
US
|
Family ID: |
34108090 |
Appl. No.: |
10/766791 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60492097 |
Jul 31, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.1 ;
36/50.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/20 20130101;
A43C 11/1406 20130101; A43C 11/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/050.1 ;
036/050.5 |
International
Class: |
A43C 011/00; A43B
005/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shoe fastening device to facilitate movement of the shoe
between an open and a closed position comprising: a base plate
including a flat surface, and distal and proximal ends; a pair of
substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members; a sliding
tightener device; a central tightening member having two spaced
apart arms each having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends
pivotally connected to the base plate at the proximal end of the
base plate; wherein the base plate further includes two spaced
apart protruding flange-like edges with connection points for
receiving ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced apart
rod-like members and permitting the members to rotate or pivot at
those points; wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart
rod-like members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the
sliding tightener device; the device movable between an open
position and a closed position, wherein the sliding tightener
device moves toward the proximal ends of each of the arms of the
central tightening member when the device is in a closed position;
the device being connectable to the shoe, the shoe having an upper
portion with two sides having spaced apart ends, wherein the base
plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and the central
tightening member arms connectable to the ends of the sides, such
that when the sliding tightener device is moved upward along the
central tightening member arms, the device collapses into a closed
position, compressing the arms toward each other, establishing a
predetermined tightness for the closed position.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flange-like edges
of the base plate further include a nodule for releasably locking
the device in the closed position.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arms of the central
tightening member form a substantially V-shaped member.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein movement of the sliding
tightener provides for continuous, smooth tightening and release
between the open and closed positions of the device.
5. The device according to claim 1, further including a button
attached to the distal end of the base plate for connecting and/or
affixing the device to the tongue of the shoe.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the button has magnetic
properties with respect to the sliding tightener device such that
when the device is in a closed position, the button provides
further releasable securement of the sliding tightener device to
maintain it in the closed position.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein components of the
device are formed of a lightweight material.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein components of the
device are formed of plastic.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein components of the
device are formed of metal.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding tightener
device further includes at least one slotted opening sized,
constructed and positioned for receiving the central tightening
member arms to provide for smooth, continuous movement of the
sliding tightener device along the arms.
11. A shoe having a device to facilitate tightening and releasing
the shoe from a user's foot, the device comprising: a base plate
including a flat surface, and distal and proximal ends; a pair of
substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members; a sliding
tightener device; a central tightening member having two spaced
apart arms each having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends
pivotally connected to the base plate at the proximal end of the
base plate; wherein the base plate further includes two spaced
apart protruding flange-like edges with connection points for
receiving ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced apart
rod-like members and permitting the members to rotate or pivot at
those points; wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart
rod-like members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the
sliding tightener device; the device movable between an open
position and a closed position, wherein the sliding tightener
device moves toward the proximal ends of each of the arms of the
central tightening member when the device is in a closed position;
the device being connectable to a shoe, the shoe having an upper
portion with two sides having spaced apart ends facing a tongue,
wherein the base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue
and the central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of
the sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved
upward along the central tightening member arms, the device
collapses into a closed position, compressing the arms toward each
other and pulling the tongue downward, establishing a predetermined
tightness for the closed position.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the flange-like edges
of the base plate further include a nodule for releasably locking
the device in the closed position.
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the arms of the
central tightening member form a substantially V-shaped member.
14. The device according to claim 11, wherein movement of the
sliding tightener provides for continuous, smooth tightening and
release between the open and closed positions of the device.
15. The device according to claim 11, further including a button
attached to the distal end of the base plate for connecting and/or
affixing the device to the tongue of the shoe.
16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the button has
magnetic properties with respect to the sliding tightener device
such that when the device is in a closed position, the button
provides further releasable securement of the sliding tightener
device to maintain it in the closed position.
17. The device according to claim 11, wherein components of the
device are formed of a lightweight material.
18. The device according to claim 11, wherein components of the
device are formed of plastic.
19. The device according to claim 11, wherein components of the
device are formed of metal.
20. The device according to claim 11, wherein the sliding tightener
device further includes at least one slotted opening sized,
constructed and positioned for receiving the central tightening
member arms to provide for smooth, continuous movement of the
sliding tightener device along the arms.
21. A method fastening a shoe on a user's foot, comprising the
steps of: providing a shoe having the device according to claim 10;
positioning the device in the open position by pulling the tongue
of the shoe upward; a user inserting a foot into the shoe; the user
applying pressure on the tongue of the shoe, thereby moving the
sliding tightener device in a continuous, smooth manner, from the
distal end of the central tightening members to the proximal end
thereof to move the device into the closed position.
22. The method according to claim 21, further including the step
of: adjusting the tightness of the shoe when in the closed position
by adjusting the substantially parallel spaced apart members to a
different connection point toward either the distal or proximal
ends of the base plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional utility patent application claims the
benefit of prior filed U.S. Provisional application Ser. No.
60/492,097 filed Jul. 31, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to shoes and, more
particularly, to a shoe fastening and closure device for opening
and closing a shoe.
[0004] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Typically, shoes are put on and removed by a user inserting
the foot into an opening, with securement being provided while the
shoe is worn by fastening or closing each shoe tongue; it is opened
or loosened to remove the foot from the shoe.
[0006] Prior art shoe fasteners commonly employ shoe laces,
hook-and-loop type fasteners, commonly known commercial by the
trademark VELCRO, or buckles for releasably securing a shoe tongue
after a user's foot is inserted into the shoe. However, shoe laces
and hook-and-loop type fasteners are subject to wear over time,
resulting in breaking of the laces and non-securement of the
hook-and-loop fastener mating components. Also, buckles typically
result in wear or stretching of the corresponding mating hole,
which prevents consistent securement of the shoe by the fastener
over time. All of these prior art fasteners are time-consuming to
use, and are subject to release or loosening during wear, which can
be dangerous for the shoe user, especially in sports or other
activities where securement of footwear is critical to performance,
since the shoes, like other athletic implements are intended to be
extensions of the athlete to enhance performance, not to introduce
dangerous circumstances that can lead to injury, or compromised
performance at the least.
[0007] Prior art shoe fasteners may further be considered to
include fasteners for boots, such as speed laces or snap lock
fasteners, such as used on in-line skates.
[0008] Finally, relevant prior art shoe fasteners, including U.S.
Pat. Nos. 2,969,573 and 2,637,087, teach shoe fastening devices
having latch devices for releasable securement of a shoe, including
resilient wire wing members forming a V-shaped member. However, the
prior art does not provide for readily adjustable tightening, and
does not provide for adaptability to a variety of shoe styles or
types, among other differences in design, construction, and
function from the present invention.
[0009] Thus, there remains a need for a shoe fastening device
having quick release and securement properties while ensuring
reliable, adjustable securement during shoe wear by a user and over
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a shoe fastening device
for providing reliable releasable securement for shoes,
particularly for sport or athletic shoes, but also used for general
shoe or boot applications.
[0011] In the preferred embodiment, a shoe fastening device
according to the present invention includes a slide portion formed
by a pair of spaced apart parallel rods or members having a
corresponding ratchet portion that slides along from top to bottom
ends of the rods for opening and closing the device, which is
inserted into a tongue or upper vamp area of a shoe and welded,
sewn, or otherwise secured in place, such as with adhesives, so
that movement of the ratchet portion produces a corresponding
movement of the tongue portion of the shoe for opening and closing
it.
[0012] Preferably, the device may be formed of a rigid or at least
semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal.
[0013] The present invention is further directed to a method for
using the device.
[0014] Thus, the present invention provides for a mechanical system
and method for easy and quick releasable securement of a shoe
tongue based on the slide and close device set forth
hereinbelow.
[0015] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to
provide a shoe fastening device to facilitate movement of the shoe
between an open and a closed position comprising:
[0016] a base plate including a flat surface, and distal and
proximal ends;
[0017] a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like
members;
[0018] a sliding tightener device;
[0019] a central tightening member having two spaced apart arms
each having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends pivotally
connected to the base plate at the proximal end of the base
plate;
[0020] wherein the base plate further includes two spaced apart
protruding flange-like edges with connection points for receiving
ends of the pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like
members and permitting the members to rotate or pivot at those
points;
[0021] wherein the substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like
members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the sliding
tightener device;
[0022] the device movable between an open position and a closed
position, wherein the sliding tightener device moves toward the
proximal ends of each of the arms of the central tightening member
when the device is in a closed position;
[0023] the device being connectable to the shoe, the shoe having an
upper portion with two sides having spaced apart ends, wherein the
base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and the
central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of the
sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved upward
along the central tightening member arms, the device collapses into
a closed position, compressing the arms toward each other,
establishing a predetermined tightness for the closed position.
[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a shoe
using the device summarized hereinabove.
[0025] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide
a method for using the device to facilitate opening and closing a
shoe and providing releasable securement of the shoe on a user's
foot.
[0026] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the
following description of the preferred embodiment when considered
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a top view of the device according to the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of components of device in one
embodiment according to the present invention, wherein the device
is not affixed to a shoe.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an end view of components of the device shown in
FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a top view of components of the device shown in
FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side view of components of the device shown in
FIG. 4.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of components of the device shown in
FIG. 4.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a top view of base plate components of the
device.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an end view of base plate components of the
device.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a side view of base plate components of the
device.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device in an open position constructed according to the
present invention.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device in a closed position constructed according to the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 14 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device in an open position according to the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device in a partially closed position according to the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device moved into an open position according to the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 18 is another perspective view of a shoe having a shoe
fastening device moved toward a more closed position (not fully
closed) according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 19 is a top view of a shoe having a shoe fastening
device in an open position according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] In the following description, like reference characters
designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such
terms as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back," "right," "left,"
"upwardly," "downwardly," and the like are words of convenience and
are not to be construed as limiting terms.
[0047] Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations
are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the
invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. As
illustrated in the figures, the present invention, generally
referenced 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, provides a shoe fastening
device for providing reliable releasable securement for shoes,
particularly for sport or athletic shoes, but also used for general
shoe or boot applications. FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19
show various views of the device attached or affixed to a shoe,
generally referenced 40, with a base plate 12 connectable or
connected to an inside of a tongue portion 14 of a shoe, the base
plate having downwardly depending spaced apart members 16 having a
lip, flange, or nodule 18 extending upward on each of the sides of
the base plate for releasably locking the device in a closed or
shut position.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-10, a device for use with a shoe to
facilitate movement of the shoe between an open and a closed
position is shown in various views, the device including a base
plate 12 including a flat surface, and distal 13 and proximal ends
15; a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart rod-like members
20; a sliding tightener device 22; a central tightening member 24
having two spaced apart arms each having distal and proximal ends,
the distal ends 26 pivotally connected 28 to the base plate at the
proximal end of the base plate, preferably the arms of the central
tightening member form a substantially V-shaped member 25, in any
case movement of the sliding tightener along the arms provides for
continuous, smooth tightening and release between the open and
closed positions of the device; wherein the base plate further
includes two spaced apart protruding flange-like edges 30 with
connection points for receiving ends of the pair of substantially
parallel spaced apart rod-like members and permitting the members
to rotate or pivot at those points; wherein the substantially
parallel spaced apart rod-like members are pivotally connected to
opposite sides of the sliding tightener device; the device movable
between an open position and a closed position, wherein the sliding
tightener device moves toward the proximal ends of each of the arms
of the central tightening member when the device is in a closed
position; the device being connectable to the shoe, the shoe having
an upper portion with two sides having spaced apart ends, wherein
the base plate is connectable to the inside of the tongue and the
central tightening member arms connectable to the ends of the
sides, such that when the sliding tightener device is moved upward
along the central tightening member arms, the device collapses into
a closed position, compressing the arms toward each other,
establishing a predetermined tightness for the closed position.
[0049] Preferably, the flange-like edges of the base plate further
include a lip, flange, or nodule on each of the edges near a
central region of the base plate for releasably locking the device
in the closed position.
[0050] Also preferably, the sliding tightener device further
includes at least one slotted opening 32 sized, constructed and
positioned for receiving the central tightening member arms to
provide for smooth, continuous movement of the sliding tightener
device along the arms. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the slotted opening is formed by a single C-shaped slot 34 for
receiving both of the arms; this embodiment provides for increased
flexibility and play in the movement of the sliding tightener
device as it moves along the arms between open and closed positions
of the device. In an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the slotted opening is formed by circular
cross-sectional shaped openings at end regions of the sliding
tightener device, as shown in FIGS. 4-8; this embodiment provides
for increased control over the position of the arms while the
sliding tightener device moves along them between open and closed
positions.
[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the shoe fastening device
according to the present invention includes a slide portion formed
by a pair of spaced apart parallel rods or rod-like members having
a corresponding ratchet or sliding tightener component or device
that slides along from top to bottom ends of the arms of a
substantially V-shaped member having arms or spaced apart members,
such movement or sliding for moving the device between open and
closed positions. The members are connected to the base plate,
which is inserted into a tongue or upper vamp area of a shoe and
welded, sewn, or otherwise secured in place, such as with
adhesives, so that movement of the ratchet or sliding tightener
component produces a corresponding movement of the tongue of the
shoe for moving it from open to closed positions and vice
versa.
[0052] The base plate has a distal end affixed to the tongue and a
proximal end that is connected to the V-shaped spaced apart rods by
a pivot or rotational member that permits the shoe tongue to open
and close by moving upwardly and downwardly, such that as the shoe
tongue and the base plate attached or affixed thereto move
together, the sliding tightener, which is attached on its outer
edges to ends of the substantially parallel spaced apart members,
moves along the V-shaped spaced apart members or rods, pulling
these V-shaped spaced apart members closer together, along with the
sides of the shoes to tighten the shoe sides as the tongue closes,
wherein the maximum tightness for a given adjustable setting
position of the device is realized when the tongue is completely
closed and the device is in a closed position, with the sliding
tightener device at the top of the tongue near the foot opening
hole of the shoe, and the substantially parallel spaced apart
members and the V-shaped spaced apart members are all horizontally
aligned, nearly within a common plane, such that the device appears
to be nearly flat.
[0053] FIG. 4-8 of the drawings show the sliding tightener device
with related connected components, and FIGS. 9-11 show the base
plate; none of these drawings shows the V-shaped or M-shaped rods
as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 14-19; these drawings 4-11
only show components views, and do not depict the device fully
assembled or connected.
[0054] Preferably, the device according to the present invention
includes V-shaped spaced apart rods, wherein the branching or
spaced-apart distance of the V-shaped branches close in to closer
proximity or decrease the space between them as the slider moves
upward toward the ankle end of the shoe away from the toe end of
the shoe;
[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
device is adjustable for tightness of closure of the shoe to which
the device is connected or affixed, by adjusting the substantially
parallel, spaced apart tongue or top rods attached to the base
plate, moving them up or down to the distal or proximal end of the
base plate by applying pressure inward to pull out the ends and
inserting the ends or tips into another notch or hole in the
flanged edges of the base plate.
[0056] The device according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention snaps to a shut or closed position and held or
releasably locked or secured in that position by a lip, flange, or
nodule extending upward on each of the sides of the base plate so
that each of the substantially parallel spaced apart members or
rods pass over the corresponding edges of the lip, flange or nodule
and snap or click thereover to be releasably held in the closed
position.
[0057] The V-shaped members are connected to two opposite sides of
an opening in the shoe top, which are the sides of the area where
the laces of a shoe would typically lace up the shoe in the prior
art. This connection of the V-shaped members or rods may be made
via an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, or by inserting an
extended portion of each of the members or rods that bends back
downward toward the toe end of the shoe and extends through a
channel, loops or other opening sized and constructed to receive
these members such that they securedly retain each of the V-shaped
members to the shoe sides as the device is manipulated for opening
and closing the shoe and releasably locking the device to hold the
tongue of the shoe closed while the shoe is fitted onto a foot.
[0058] In the latter embodiment, the V-shaped members are actually
M-shaped members having a V-shaped region being formed in the
central area or central line of the shoe, the line running between
the to end to the ankle or heel end of the shoe, splitting the shoe
into inner and outer halves, the inner half corresponding to the
inside arch side of the foot and the outer half corresponding to
the outside side of the foot.
[0059] The present invention features include a continuously
increasing tightener that starts at an open position and closes in
a continuous, not step-wise, manner for smooth, easy tightening and
securement, and provides for adjustable final closure level or
tightness, wherein the adjustment is set to a predetermined level
by the user and secured to that level after adjustment, which
provides a sort of memory of the tightness of the device and of the
shoe when attached thereto, such that a user can set a
predetermined adjustment level of tightness of the device wherein
use of the device will always provide substantially the same level
of tightness for each use when in the closed position, unlike
hook-and-loop type fasteners, which provide only for adjustment,
without providing any consistency of tightness or means for
ensuring a consistent tightness upon closure of the fasteners. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is
releasably secured in a closed position, with the releasable
securement being provided by interaction of the lip, flange, or
nodule pairs locking down against the substantially parallel spaced
apart members, which may also be referred to as tongue or top rods,
each protruding lip, flange or nodule pairs locking against the
members, respectively, to hold each one in place in the closed or
collapsed position of the device. The tightness is adjusted by
moving the ends of the substantially parallel spaced apart members
to different connecting points along the base plate. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, these connecting points are
holes in the base plate side flanges, such that the holes on either
side align with each other to provide for even tightness across the
width of the shoe opening, or tongue region if the shoe has a
tongue, when the device is in a closed position.
[0060] Significantly, the memory for predetermined adjustable
tightness is easily adjustable by moving the ends of the
substantially parallel spaced apart members upward or downward
along the base plate, i.e., moving the ends toward the distal end
of the base plate decreases the tightness of the device and toward
the proximal end of the base plate increases the tightness of the
device in a closed position; once the device is adjusted to the
predetermined tension position corresponding to the end location
along the base plate, the device retains that tension position
until the device is readjusted so that each use provides the same
fit or tightness of the shoe on the user's foot.
[0061] Preferably, the device and its components may be formed of a
rigid or at least semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal,
and combinations thereof, wherein the plastic material includes but
is not limited to nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, styrene,
polycarbonate, co-blended plastics, composites, and the like, and
combinations thereof; the metal includes but is not limited to
titanium, aluminum, magnesium, bronze, copper, tin, or other
lightweight metals, and combinations thereof. The components may be
injection molded, formed, fabricated, machine assembly, or
combination thereof, appropriately, depending upon the material
selection, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0062] A metal button 36 may optionally be included on the upper
region of the base plate, and may be used to affix it to the tongue
of the shoe, positioned such that, when the device is in a closed
position, the button makes contact with the sliding tightener
device and makes a click or snap sound when the contact is made;
this button may further provide or enhance the device's releasable
securement in a closed position when magnetic properties or a
magnet are included in the button with respect to the sliding
tightener device.
[0063] The present invention also provides a method for using the
device including the steps of: providing the device described in
the foregoing, wherein the device is connected or affixed to a
shoe, wherein the a pair of spaced apart parallel rods are
connected or affixed to either the tongue or to the sides of the
shoe, and the ratchet portion of the device connected or affixed to
the other of either the tongue or the sides of the shoe;
[0064] sliding the slidable tightener device that connects the
V-shaped spaced apart members or rods and the substantially
parallel spaced apart rods or members, wherein the V-shaped spaced
apart members connect to outside ends of the sliding tightener
device and the substantially parallel spaced apart members are held
under compression by running through an opening in the STD, the
opening being substantially rectangular or ovular, with holes
facing the toe end and ankle or heel end of the shoe;
alternatively, as shown in the drawings, specifically in FIGS.
4-11, instead of the sliding tightener device having a single
opening, it may have two spaced apart openings or holes, each of
which is designed, constructed, and configured to receive one of
the sides of the V-shaped spaced apart rods.
[0065] The present invention is further directed to a method for
using the device including the steps of: providing the device
described in the foregoing, wherein the device is connected or
affixed to a shoe, wherein the a pair of spaced apart parallel rods
are connected or affixed to either the tongue or to the sides of
the shoe, and the ratchet portion of the device connected or
affixed to the other of either the tongue or the sides of the shoe;
opening the shoe tongue by pulling on it to force the slider or
sliding tightener component by moving it downward with respect to
the V-shaped spaced apart rods toward a proximal end of the base
plate; closing the shoe by reversing the direction of the slider by
pushing down on the tongue of the shoe until the locking mechanism
clicks into place; repeating to release and secure the shoe onto a
foot; when the device is in an open position, adjusting the
tightness by applying compressive force or pressure to move the
substantially parallel spaced apart rods together until their ends
withdraw from corresponding adjustment holes or notches opposite
and facing each other on the flange, moving the rods up or down to
adjacent paired holes or notches along the flange to tighten or
loosen the fit of the device when it is in a closed position, and
releasing the pressure on the rods to insert the ends into the new
holes or notches, thereby providing adjustable tightness for the
releasably secureable fastening device for shoes according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By
way of example, the device according to the present invention may
be retrofitted to other shoe models as a closure aid for
individuals with limited dexterity. Also, the device according to
the present invention is adaptable and intended to be provided in a
multiplicity of sizes, lengths, and widths for use in comfot,
athletic, street, dress, childrens', and work/industrial shoes and
boots, as well as sandals. Additionally, the device may be adapted
for use with skis, skates, and other athletic implements where a
foot, shoe, or boot is insertable and releasably attachable or
secureable thereto. All modifications and improvements have been
deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are
properly within the scope of the following claims.
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