U.S. patent application number 11/226934 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for unique systems and methods for fastening footwear.
Invention is credited to Dee Voughlohn.
Application Number | 20060053658 11/226934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032300 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060053658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Voughlohn; Dee |
March 16, 2006 |
Unique systems and methods for fastening footwear
Abstract
A unique system comprises a tongue of a predetermined footwear,
a lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section
fastener. The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of
lace receivers disposed thereon. The footwear is laced with the
lace to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends
between two of the lace receivers on the same side. The tongue has
at least one opening. The tongue comprises a plurality of layers.
The lace is threaded through the at least one opening. The lace
ends are fastened by the lace-end fastener. The lace ends are
hidden inside the tongue. The at least one lace-section fastener is
for at least one of the lace sections to be fastened thereon and
for at least one of the lace sections to be unfastened therefrom,
to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot,
respectively.
Inventors: |
Voughlohn; Dee; (Fairview,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEE VOUGHLOHN;# 6
20637 NE SANDY BLVD.
FAIRVIEW
OR
97024
US
|
Family ID: |
36032300 |
Appl. No.: |
11/226934 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60610287 |
Sep 15, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.1 ;
36/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 1/00 20130101; A44B
11/266 20130101; A43C 1/06 20130101; A43C 3/00 20130101; A43C 1/04
20130101; A43C 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/050.1 ;
036/054 |
International
Class: |
A43C 11/00 20060101
A43C011/00; A43B 23/26 20060101 A43B023/26 |
Claims
1. A unique system comprising a tongue of a predetermined footwear,
lacing means, lace-end-fastening means, and at least one
lace-section-fastening means, the footwear having two opposite
sides and a plurality of lace-receiving means disposed thereon,
said lacing means having a plurality of lace sections and lace
ends, the footwear laced with said lacing means so that each of
said lace sections extends between two of said lace-receiving means
on the same side, said tongue having at least one opening and outer
and inner surfaces, each of said at least one opening extending
from said outer surface to said inner surface, said tongue
comprising a plurality of layers, said lacing means threaded
through said at least one opening, said lace ends fastened by said
lace-end-fastening means, said lace ends hidden inside said tongue,
said at least one lace-section-fastening means for at least one of
said lace sections to be fastened thereon and for at least one of
said lace sections to be unfastened therefrom to fasten the
footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot,
respectively.
2. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, a part or an entirety of
said tongue selected from the group consisting of: at least one
predetermined foam layer, at least one predetermined fabric layer,
at least one predetermined plastic layer, at least one
predetermined nylon layer, at least one predetermined vinyl layer,
at least one predetermined leather layer, at least one
predetermined suede layer, at least one predetermined rubber layer,
at least one predetermined layer so that a foot will feel
predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the footwear, at least one
partially elastic tongue, at least one fully elastic tongue, at
least one partially non-elastic tongue, at least one fully
non-elastic tongue, and a combination of at least two of the
above.
3. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lacing means
selected from the group consisting of: at least one partially
elastic lace, at least one fully elastic lace, at least one
partially non-elastic lace, at least one fully non-elastic lace,
and a combination of at least two of the above.
4. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lace-end-fastening
means selected from the group consisting of: at least one
predetermined clamping means for clamping said lace ends together
so that said lace ends are fastened together, at least one
predetermined snap-clamping means for clamping said lace ends
together so that said lace ends are fastened together, at least one
predetermined spring-loaded clamping means for clamping said lace
ends together so that said lace ends are fastened together, at
least one predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring, said
lace ends for being tied together so that said lace ends are
fastened together, and a combination of at least two of the
above.
5. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lace-end-fastening
means disposed in a manner selected from the group consisting of:
being separate from the footwear, being attached to the footwear,
being integrated into the footwear, being separate from said
tongue, being attached to said tongue, being integrated into said
tongue, being separate from at least one of said lace-receiving
means, being attached to at least one of said lace-receiving means,
being integrated into at least one of said lace-receiving means,
and a combination of at least two of the above.
6. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said lace-end-fastening
means operating in a manner selected from the group consisting of:
functioning as at least one of said lace-receiving means,
comprising at least one of said lace-receiving means, having at
least one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at
least two of the above.
7. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said at least one
lace-section-fastening means selected from the group consisting of:
at least one predetermined hooking means for at least one of said
lace sections to be fastened thereon, at least one predetermined
snap-hooking means for at least one of said lace sections to be
fastened thereon, at least one predetermined spring-loaded hooking
means for at least one of said lace sections to be fastened
thereon, at least one predetermined hook, at least one
predetermined ring, at least one of said lace-receiving means, and
a combination of at least two of the above.
8. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, at least one of said at
least one lace-section-fastening means disposed in a manner
selected from the group consisting of: being separate from the
footwear, being attached to the footwear, being integrated into the
footwear, being separate from said tongue, being attached to said
tongue, being integrated into said tongue, being separate from at
least one of said lace-receiving means, being attached to at least
one of said lace-receiving means, being integrated into at least
one of said lace-receiving means, and a combination of at least two
of the above.
9. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, at least one of said at
least one lace-section-fastening means operating in a manner
selected from the group consisting of: functioning as at least one
of said lace-receiving means, comprising at least one of said
lace-receiving means, having at least one of said lace-receiving
means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
10. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, at least one of said
lace-receiving means selected from the group consisting of: at
least one hook, at least one fixed hook, at least one movable hook,
at least one ring, at least one fixed ring, at least one movable
ring, and a combination of at least two of the above.
11. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, a part or an entirety of
the unique system made of at least one material, each of said at
least one material selected from the group consisting of: at least
one predetermined material, elastic material, non-elastic material,
flexible material, non-flexible material, resilient material,
non-resilient material, rigid material, semi-rigid material,
transparent material, non-transparent material, fluorescent
material, light-reflecting material, glittered material,
glow-in-the-dark material, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon,
rubber, various plastic, various metallic material, plastic, metal,
eye-catching material, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron,
alloy, tin, and a combination of at least two of the above.
12. The unique system of claim 1, wherein, said tongue having at
least one seam, each of said at least one seam extending from said
outer surface to said inner surface, each of said at least one
opening disposed at a location selected from the group consisting
of: in at least one of said at least one seam, in at least one of
said layers, and a combination thereof.
13. The unique system of claim 1, further, comprising at least one
element, each of said at least one element selected from the group
consisting of: at least one re-enforcing means for re-enforcing
said layers, at least one preventing means for preventing said at
least one lace-section-fastening means from snagging hazard, at
least one connecting means for connecting at least one element of
the unique system with at least one other element of the unique
system or with the footwear or with both, at least one protecting
means for covering at least one portion of said lacing means to
decorate and to protect the at least one portion of said lacing
means, and a combination of at least two of the above.
14. The unique system of claim 1, further, comprising at least one
element, each of said at least one element selected from the group
consisting of: at least one predetermined relief, at least one
predetermined design, at least one predetermined printing, at least
one predetermined painting, at least one predetermined stamping, at
least one predetermined device, at least one predetermined
inscription, at least one predetermined decal, at least one
predetermined engraving, at least one predetermined embossing, at
least one predetermined decor, and a combination of at least two of
the above.
15. A unique method for fastening a footwear on a foot, providing a
predetermined footwear and a unique system, the unique system
comprising a tongue of the footwear, lacing means,
lace-end-fastening means, and at least one lace-section-fastening
means, the footwear having two opposite sides and a plurality of
lace-receiving means disposed thereon, said lacing means having a
plurality of lace sections and lace ends, the footwear laced with
said lacing means so that each of said lace sections extends
between two of said lace-receiving means on the same side, said
tongue having at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces,
each of said at least one opening extending from said outer surface
to said inner surface, said lace-end-fastening means comprising
said lace ends, said lacing means threaded through said at least
one opening, said lace ends tied together so that said lace ends
are fastened together, said lace ends hidden inside said tongue,
the unique method comprising the step of hooking at least one of
said lace sections on said at least one lace-section-fastening
means.
16. The unique method of claim 15, further, comprising the step of
unhooking at least one of said lace sections from said at least one
lace-section-fastening means.
17. The unique method of claim 15, wherein, at least one of said at
least one lace-section-fastening means comprising at least one of
said lace-receiving means.
18. A unique method for fastening a footwear on a foot, providing a
predetermined footwear and a unique system, the unique system
comprising a tongue of the footwear, lacing means,
lace-end-fastening means, and at least one lace-section-fastening
means, the footwear having two opposite sides and a plurality of
lace-receiving means disposed thereon, said lacing means having a
plurality of lace sections and lace ends, the footwear laced with
said lacing means so that each of said lace sections extends
between two of said lace-receiving means on the same side, said
tongue having at least one opening and outer and inner surfaces,
each of said at least one opening extending from said outer surface
to said inner surface, said lace-end-fastening means comprising
said lace ends, said lacing means threaded through said at least
one opening, the unique method comprising the steps of: tying said
lace ends together so that said lace ends are fastened together,
and hiding said lace ends inside said tongue.
19. The unique method of claim 18, further, comprising the steps
of: taking said lace ends out of said tongue, and untying said lace
ends from each other so that said lace ends are unfastened from
each other.
20. The unique method of claim 18, wherein, at least one of said at
least one lace-section-fastening means comprising at least one of
said lace-receiving means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Lacing-type footwear is an important part of our life, but
adjusting, tying, and untying a lace are time-consuming and
frustrating. Plus, a bow is snagging and cumbersome. Accordingly,
there are ever-increasing demands for a convenient, safe, and
aesthetic system, which could fasten a footwear quickly and easily,
and is affordable, compact, and simple without exposing a bow
knot.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Prior arts heretofore have snagging and poking problem of
either a bow knot or a cumbersome, hazardous device. A number of
cumbersome, hazardous devices have been introduced in: the U.S.
Pat. No. 4,094,029 filed Apr. 14, 1977; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,622
filed Sep. 26, 1977; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,101 filed Oct. 1,
1981; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439 filed Jun. 3, 1987; the U.S. Pat.
No. 4,777,705 filed Nov. 2, 1987; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,840 filed
Jan. 26, 1989; the U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,321 filed Jul. 25, 1988; the
U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,274 filed Apr. 30, 1990; the U.S. Pat. No.
5,158,428 filed Mar. 18, 1991; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,190 filed
Jul. 16, 1990; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,053 filed Sep. 23, 1992; the
U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,719 filed Apr. 27, 1993; the U.S. Pat. No.
5,903,959 filed Nov. 24, 1997; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,864 filed
Feb. 6, 1995; the U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,116 filed Nov. 15, 1995; the
U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,276 filed Jan. 16, 1996; the U.S. Pat. No.
6,453,525 filed Aug. 3, 2001; the U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,438 filed
Aug. 3, 2001; the U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 filed Aug. 10, 2001; the
U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,281 filed Feb. 12, 2003; and the U.S. Pat. No.
6,823,610 filed Dec. 6, 2002. These patents teach that to fasten a
footwear onto a foot, a user ties lace ends of a lace together,
fastens them to a cumbersome, hazardous, expensive device, and
exposes them, causing snagging, poking, abrading problem and,
therefore, inevitable personal injury. Therefore, all prior arts
heretofore teach away from the present invention.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Having many advantages over all the prior arts heretofore,
the unique system of the present invention: [0004] hides lace ends
and lace-end fastener inside the tongue of a footwear and prevent
them from moving, to eliminate snagging, tripping hazards. This is
highly advantageous over all the prior arts, because it utilizes
the tongue of a footwear, which is already there, to hide lace ends
and lace-end fastener therein, to eliminate the needs for any
additional cumbersome, hazardous devices; [0005] makes a foot feel
predeterminedly comfortable when wearing a footwear with the unique
system applied thereto. [0006] (for example, a footwear can have a
predetermined tongue so that: [0007] the tongue can predeterminedly
cushion a foot from a lace, a lace-end fastener, and/or at least
one lace-section fastener of a unique system, and/or [0008] the
foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the
footwear). [0009] has at least one lace-section fastener. If
desired, at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener can
comprise at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear, which
the unique system is applied thereto. [0010] fastens the tongue of
a footwear in place when fastening the footwear onto a foot; [0011]
only needs to be assembled once to set predetermined lace tensions,
which can be reset any time; [0012] eliminates the needs for
adjusting, tying a lace every time a footwear is fastened onto a
foot; [0013] eliminates the needs for adjusting, untying a lace
every time a footwear is unfastened from a foot; [0014] is
inexpensive, compact, safe, and simple. Thus, it can be used by
people of almost any age; [0015] applies interlock method. Thus,
the harder it is pulled, the more securely it fastens a footwear;
[0016] only needs to be assembled once; [0017] only needs one
finger to be operated; and [0018] can also serve as a safety system
when, for example, partially or entirely made of light-reflecting
or glow-in-the-dark material.
[0019] Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the
ensuing specification and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] A unique system comprises a tongue of a predetermined
footwear, a lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one
lace-section fastener. The footwear has two opposite sides and a
plurality of lace receivers disposed thereon. The footwear is laced
with the lace to define opposite lace sections, each of which
extends between two of the lace receivers on the same side. The
tongue has at least one opening. The tongue comprises a plurality
of layers. The lace is threaded through the at least one opening.
The lace ends are fastened by the lace-end fastener. The lace ends
are hidden inside the tongue. The at least one lace-section
fastener is for at least one of the lace sections to be fastened
thereon and for at least one of the lace sections to be unfastened
therefrom, to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear
from a foot, respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate examples of the unique
system.
[0022] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate examples of a tongue.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a lace-end fastener.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of the unique system.
[0025] FIGS. 6, 7 illustrate examples of hook disposition.
[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate examples of a preventing
device.
[0027] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate a lace receiver or a part of
a lace-section fastener.
[0028] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the equivalents of the
lace-section fastener.
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates another tongue-opening disposition.
[0030] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the equivalents of the lace-end
fastener.
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates an other application of the unique
system.
[0032] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate the equivalents of the
lace-section fastener.
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a protecting-device disposition.
FIRST EXAMPLE
[0034] Structure:
[0035] A unique system, partially or fully elastic or non-elastic,
for fastening a predetermined footwear on a foot, can comprise: a
tongue of the footwear, a partially or fully elastic or non-elastic
lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section fastener.
The unique system is made of at least one predetermined
material.
[0036] The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of
lace-receivers disposed thereon. The lace receivers can comprise at
least one hook, at least one ring, the like of at least one hook,
the like of at least one ring, the equivalent of at least one hook,
the equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination of at least
two of the above. At least one of the at least one lace-section
fastener: [0037] can be separate from at least one of the lace
receivers of the footwear, [0038] can be attached to at least one
of the lace receivers of the footwear, [0039] can be integrated
into at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear, [0040] can
comprise at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear, and/or
[0041] can have at least one of the lace receivers of the
footwear.
[0042] FIGS. 1A and 1B of the present invention (please, refer to
FIG. 4 in my above-mentioned patent) illustrate a unique system for
fastening a predetermined footwear on a foot. The footwear has
opposite sides 50 and 51 and a plurality of lace receivers disposed
at predetermined locations thereon. The lace receivers have rings
70, 71, 78, and 79 and hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77: [0043]
Each of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 is fixed or movable, has a hole,
is made of predetermined material(s), and is attached to or
integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 as part thereof
(For example, each of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 comprises a
ring-shaped portion of one of opposite sides 50 and 51. Each of
these ring-shaped portions surrounds a hole). [0044] Each of hooks
72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 is fixed or movable, has a tip, is made
of predetermined material(s), and is attached to or integrated into
one of opposite sides 50 and 51 as part thereof. The tips are
predeterminedly bent to narrow the mouths of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75,
76, and 77, respectively, so that: [0045] the tips can prevent
hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77, respectively, from snagging,
poking, etc., and [0046] each of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77
can securely fasten a lace thereon when the lace is hooked thereon,
regardless of the tension of the lace (for example, the lace can be
loose or tight; or the lace can be worn loosely or tightly).
[0047] The unique system comprises a tongue 40 of the footwear, a
lace 41, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section
fastener: [0048] a) Tongue 40 comprises at least one top layer 20
and at least one bottom layer 21. At least one of at least one top
layer 20 is attached to or integrated into at least one of at least
one bottom layer 21, at at least one predetermined location thereon
(for example, they are sewn together partially or fully along their
edges to define a seam between their edges). Tongue 40 has an outer
surface, an inner surface, a tongue top 45, and three openings 53,
54, and 55. [0049] Each of openings 53 and 54 extends from the
outer surface, through at least one of at least one top layer 20
(or through the seam), to the inner surface. Opening 55 extends
from the outer surface, through at least one of at least one bottom
layer 21 (or through the seam), to the inner surface. [0050]
Openings 53 and 54 are disposed generally at the level of rings 70
and 71. Opening 55 is disposed generally above the level of rings
70 and 71. Each of openings 53, 54, and 55 can be disposed
generally above, generally below, or generally at the level of
rings 70 and 71. Tongue 40 can be partially or fully elastic or
non-elastic. Tongue 40 can be made of at least one predetermined
material, so that: [0051] tongue 40 can predeterminedly cushion a
foot from lace 41, the lace-end fastener, and/or the at least one
lace-section fastener, and/or [0052] the foot will feel
predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the footwear. [0053] b)
Lace 41 can be partially or fully elastic or non-elastic. Lace 41
can be made of at least one predetermined material. Lace 41 has a
plurality of opposite lace sections, and lace ends 46 and 47.
[0054] (For example, each of the opposite lace sections is selected
from the group consisting of: opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b,
49b, 48c, and 49c). [0055] c) The lace-end fastener can be
partially or fully elastic or non-elastic. The lace-end fastener
can be made of at least one predetermined material. The lace-end
fastener comprises lace ends 46 and 47. [0056] d) The at least one
lace-section fastener can be partially or fully elastic or
non-elastic. The at least one lace-section fastener can be made of
at least one predetermined material. The at least one lace-section
fastener comprises one lace-section fastener, which comprises two
opposite lace receivers, which comprise opposite hooks 72 and 73,
respectively.
[0057] Assemblage:
[0058] To assemble the unique system, the footwear is laced with
lace 41 so that each of opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, 49b,
48c, and 49c extends between two of the lace receivers on the same
one side of opposite sides 50 and 51: [0059] lace section 48a
extends between ring 71 and hook 75 on the same side, [0060] lace
section 49a extends between ring 70 and hook 74 on the same side,
[0061] lace section 48b extends between hook 73 and hook 77 on the
same side, [0062] lace section 49b extends between hook 72 and hook
76 on the same side, [0063] lace section 48c extends between hook
75 and ring 79 on the same side, and [0064] lace section 49c
extends between hook 74 and ring 78 on the same side.
[0065] Each of lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded through one of
openings 53 and 54, and through opening 55. Lace ends 46 and 47 are
tied together so that they are fastened together (e.g., lace ends
46 and 47 are tied together into a bow, and further if desired, the
bow is tied into a knot), to set at least one predetermined lace
tension of lace 41. A foot can be inserted into the footwear at any
time (e.g., a foot can be inserted into the footwear before,
during, or after lace ends 46 and 47 are fastened together). Then,
lace ends 46 and 47 are threaded back through opening 55 and hidden
inside tongue top 45, so that: [0066] lace ends 46 and 47 are
predeterminedly secured in place and prevented from moving, [0067]
lace ends 46 and 47 predetermiinedly stay above the rest of lace
41, and [0068] the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when
wearing the footwear.
[0069] Operation:
[0070] The following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in my
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3, from line 50 to
line 56), respectively: [0071] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot:
[0072] hook at least one of the lace sections on the at least one
lace-section fastener, respectively. [0073] b) To unfasten a
footwear from a foot: [0074] unhook at least one of the lace
sections from the at least one lace-section fastener,
respectively.
[0075] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods above, the
following fastening and unfastening methods are equivalent to the
fastening and unfastening methods above, respectively: [0076] a) To
fasten the footwear on a foot, hook opposite lace sections 48a and
49a on hooks 72 and 73, respectively, to fasten opposite lace
sections 48a and 49a on the lace-section fastener. [0077] b) To
unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace sections
48a and 49a from hooks 72 and 73, respectively, to unfasten
opposite lace sections 48a and 49a from the lace-section
fastener.
SECOND EXAMPLE
[0078] FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:
[0079] The lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75
(instead of opposite hooks 72 and 73).
[0080] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0081] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 48b and 49b on the lace-section
fastener. [0082] b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook
opposite lace sections 48b and 49b from the lace-section
fastener.
THIRD EXAMPLE
[0083] FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:
[0084] This unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead
of one lace-section fastener): [0085] first lace-section fastener
comprises opposite hooks 72 and 73, and [0086] second lace-section
fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75.
[0087] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0088] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, and 49b on the two lace-section
fasteners, respectively. [0089] b) To unfasten the footwear from a
foot, unhook lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, and 49b from the two
lace-section fasteners, respectively.
FOURTH EXAMPLE
[0090] FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:
[0091] This unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead
of one lace-section fastener): [0092] first lace-section fastener
comprises opposite hooks 72 and 73, and [0093] second lace-section
fastener comprises opposite hooks 76 and 77.
[0094] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0095] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c on the two lace-section
fasteners, respectively. [0096] b) To unfasten the footwear from a
foot, unhook lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c from the two
lace-section fasteners, respectively.
FIFTH EXAMPLE
[0097] FIG. 1A of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 4 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:
[0098] This unique system has three lace-section fasteners (instead
of one lace-section fastener): [0099] first lace-section fastener
comprises opposite hooks 72 and 73, [0100] second lace-section
fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75, and [0101] third
lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 76 and 77.
[0102] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0103] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, 49b, 48c, and 49c on the
three lace-section fasteners, respectively. [0104] b) To unfasten
the footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a,
48b, 49b, 48c, and 49c from the three lace-section fasteners,
respectively.
SIXTH EXAMPLE
[0105] FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the first example, except that:
[0106] a) The lace-section fastener comprises hook 56 and ring 57
(instead of opposite hooks 72 and 73). Hook 56 and ring 57: [0107]
are equivalent to and replace opposite hooks 72 and 73,
respectively, [0108] are attached to or integrated into each other,
and separate from the footwear; and [0109] b) Ring 57 has a hole.
Ring 57 is for lace section 48a to be hooked thereon (by being
threaded there through) to fasten lace section 48a on ring 57. Hook
56 has a tip 59. Tip 59 is equivalent to the tip of any one of
hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77. Tip 59 is predeterminedly bent to
narrow the mouth of hook 56, so that: [0110] tip 59 can prevent
hook 56 from snagging, poking, etc., and [0111] hook 56 can
securely fasten lace section 49a thereon when lace section 49a is
hooked thereon, regardless of the tension of lace section 49a (for
example, lace section 49a can be loose or tight; or lace section
49a can be worn loosely or tightly).
[0112] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0113] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook lace section 49a on hook 56 to fasten it on the lace-section
fastener. [0114] b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook
lace section 49a from hook 56 to unfasten it from the lace-section
fastener (for example, by lifting hook 56 until lace section 49a
slides off hook 56; [0115] or by flipping hook 56 off lace section
49a).
SEVENTH EXAMPLE
[0116] FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the sixth example, except that
[0117] this unique system has two lace-section fasteners (instead
of one lace-section fastener): [0118] first lace-section fastener
comprises hook 56 and ring 57, and [0119] second lace-section
fastener comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75.
[0120] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0121] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook at least one of opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, and 49b
on at least one of the two lace-section fasteners, respectively.
[0122] b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook at least one
of opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, and 49b from at least one
of the two lace-section fasteners, respectively.
EIGHTH EXAMPLE
[0123] FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the sixth example, except that:
[0124] This unique system has three lace-section fasteners (instead
of one lace-section fastener): [0125] first lace-section fastener
comprises hook 56 and ring 57, [0126] second lace-section fastener
comprises opposite hooks 74 and 75, and [0127] third lace-section
fastener comprises opposite hooks 76 and 77.
[0128] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0129] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook each of opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c on at
least one of the three lace-section fasteners, respectively. [0130]
b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook each of opposite
lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c from at least one of the three
lace-section fasteners, respectively.
NINTH EXAMPLE
[0131] FIG. 1C of the present invention (please, refer to FIG. 1 in
my above-mentioned patent) illustrates a unique system, equivalent
to the unique system in the first example. This unique system
comprises the unique system in the eighth example, except that:
[0132] at least one of the second and third lace-section fasteners
can be replaced with at least one of the following fourth and fifth
lace-section fasteners, respectively, and vice versa, [0133] the
fourth lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 84 and 85,
[0134] the fifth lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 86
and 87, [0135] each of four opposite hooks 84, 85, 86, and 87 is
equivalent to any one of four opposite hooks 74, 75, 76, and 77,
and [0136] each of four opposite hooks 84, 85, 86, and 87 is
attached to or integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 at
predetermined location thereon, for lace 41 to hook thereon to
create a different predetermined lace tension of lace 41 (e.g., to
create higher or lower lace tension of lace 41).
[0137] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0138] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook each of opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c on at
least one of the lace-section fasteners, respectively. [0139] b) To
unfasten the footwear from a foot, unhook each of opposite lace
sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c from at least one of the
lace-section fasteners, respectively.
TENTH EXAMPLE
[0140] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the
first example, comprises the unique system in the sixth example,
except that: [0141] This unique system has two lace-section
fasteners (instead of one lace-section fastener): [0142] first
lace-section fastener comprises hook 56 and ring 57, and [0143]
second lace-section fastener comprises a duplicate of the first
lace-section fastener (the second lace-section fastener comprises a
duplicate of hook 56 and a duplicate of ring 57, which are attached
to or integrated into each other as in the sixth example). Similar
to the first lace-section fastener, the second lace-section
fastener is equivalent to and replaces opposite hooks 76 and 77,
and is separate from the footwear.
[0144] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0145] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 49a and 49c on the two lace-section
fasteners, respectively. [0146] b) To unfasten the footwear from a
foot, unhook opposite lace sections 49a and 49c from the two
lace-section fasteners, respectively.
ELEVENTH EXAMPLE
[0147] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the
first example, comprises the unique system in the fifth example,
except that (similar to the ninth example above): [0148] at least
one of the first, second, and third lace-section fasteners can be
replaced with at least one of the following fourth, fifth, and
sixth lace-section fasteners, respectively, and vice versa, [0149]
each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth lace-section fasteners
comprises two opposite hooks, [0150] each of these opposite hooks
is equivalent to any one of six opposite hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76,
and 77, and [0151] each of the opposite hooks is attached to or
integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 at predetermined
location thereon, for lace 41 to hook thereon to create a different
predetermined lace tension of lace 41 (e.g., to create higher or
lower lace tension of lace 41).
[0152] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0153] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, 49b, 48c, and 49c on the
lace-section fasteners, respectively. [0154] b) To unfasten the
footwear from a foot, unhook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b,
49b, 48c, and 49c from the lace-section fasteners,
respectively.
TWELFTH EXAMPLE
[0155] FIG. 1D illustrates a unique system, equivalent to the
unique system in the first example. This unique system comprises
the unique system in the first example, except that: [0156] each
ring of the lace receivers is replaced with a hook so that the lace
receivers comprise only hooks (instead of hooks and rings), [0157]
this unique system has at least one lace-section fastener (instead
of one lace-section fastener), and [0158] the at least one
lace-section fastener comprises at least one of the lace receivers
for lace 41 to be hooked thereon and to be unhooked therefrom to
fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot,
respectively (the at least one of the lace receivers can comprise
any hook(s) of the hooks).
[0159] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0160] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook at least one of the opposite lace sections on the at least one
lace-section fastener, respectively. [0161] b) To unfasten the
footwear from a foot, unhook at least one of the opposite lace
sections from the at least one lace-section fastener,
respectively.
THIRTEENTH EXAMPLE
[0162] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the
first example, can comprise the unique system in the fifth example,
except that: [0163] This unique system has one lace-section
fastener (instead of three lace-section fasteners): [0164] the
lace-section fastener comprises opposite hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76,
and 77.
[0165] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0166] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, 49b, 48c, and 49c on the
lace-section fastener. [0167] b) To unfasten the footwear from a
foot, unhook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48b, 49b, 48c, and
49c from the lace-section fastener.
FOURTEENTH EXAMPLE
[0168] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the
first example, can comprise the unique system in the eighth
example, except that: [0169] This unique system has one
lace-section fastener (instead of three lace-section fasteners):
[0170] the lace-section fastener comprises hook 56, ring 57, and
opposite hooks 74, 75, 76, and 77.
[0171] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0172] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c on the
lace-section fastener. [0173] b) To unfasten the footwear from a
foot, unhook opposite lace sections 48a, 49a, 48c, and 49c from the
lace-section fastener.
FIFTEENTH EXAMPLE
[0174] In the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth example:
[0175] each hook of the lace receivers (which is not a part of any
lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a ring, and/or
[0176] each ring of the lace receivers (which is not a part of any
lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a hook.
SIXTEENTH EXAMPLE
[0177] In the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or fourteenth
example: [0178] each hook of the lace receivers (which is not a
part of any lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a ring,
and/or [0179] each ring of the lace receivers (which is not a part
of any lace-section fastener(s)), can be replaced with a hook.
SEVENTEENTH EXAMPLE
[0180] In all the examples in the present invention, tongue 40 can
have only two openings 53 and 54 (instead of three openings 53, 54,
and 55): [0181] when assembling the unique system, lace 41 is
threaded through only two openings 53 and 54 (instead of three
openings 53, 54, and 55), [0182] then, lace ends 46 and 47 are tied
together so that they are fastened together, to set predetermined
lace tensions of lace 41, and [0183] lace ends 46 and 47 are
threaded back into tongue 40, and hidden in tongue top 45, so that
lace ends 46 and 47 are secured in place and prevented from
moving.
EIGHTEENTH EXAMPLE
[0184] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the
first example, comprises the unique system in the first example,
except that: [0185] the lace-section fastener can be replaced with
another lace-section fastener, [0186] the other lace-section
fastener comprises two opposite hooks, [0187] each of these two
opposite hooks is equivalent to any one of opposite hooks 72 and
73, and [0188] each of the two opposite hooks is attached to or
integrated into one of opposite sides 50 and 51 at predetermined
location thereon, for lace 41 to hook thereon to create a different
predetermined lace tension of lace 41 (e.g., to create higher or
lower lace tension of lace 41).
[0189] By applying the fastening and unfastening methods in the
first example, the following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively: [0190] a) To fasten the footwear on a foot,
hook opposite lace sections 48a and 49a on the two opposite hooks,
respectively. [0191] b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot,
unhook opposite lace sections 48a and 49a from the two opposite
hooks, respectively.
Equivalents
[0192] 1) Tongue: [0193] A tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the
present invention, can be partially or entirely made of at least
one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible,
non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid,
transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting,
glittered, glow-in-the- dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl,
nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel,
bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the
equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above. [0194] A
tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can be partially or fully elastic
or non-elastic. [0195] A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have
any predetermined shape and size. [0196] A tongue of a footwear or
each layer of a tongue (which is equivalent to tongue 40) can be
made of at least one predetermined material, so that: [0197] the
tongue or at least one layer of the tongue can predeterminedly
cushion a foot from a lace, a lace-end fastener, and/or at least
one lace-section fastener, and/or [0198] the foot will feel
predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the footwear. [0199] A
tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise at least one
predetermined top layer and at least one predetermined bottom
layer. At least one of the at least one top layer can be attached
to or integrated into at least one of the at least one bottom
layer, at at least one predetermined location thereon.
Independently, each layer of the at least one top layer and the at
least one bottom layer can have any predetermined shape and size,
and can be made of at least one predetermined material. [0200] A
tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can be made of at least one
predetermined material. [0201] The cross-section of a tongue,
equivalent to tongue 40, can have any predetermined shape and size.
[0202] A tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise a plurality
of predetermined layers. Each of the layers can be attached to or
integrated into at least one other layer of the layers, at at least
one predetermined location thereon. [0203] A tongue, equivalent to
tongue 40, can comprise a plurality of predetermined layers. Each
layer of the tongue, regardless of the rest of the tongue: [0204]
can have any predetermined shape and size, can be made of at least
one predetermined material, [0205] can comprise a single piece of
material(s) or a plurality of pieces of material(s), which are
attached to or integrated into each other (or one another), [0206]
can have a width which is narrower than, equal to, or wider than
the width of any other layer of the tongue, [0207] can have a
length which is shorter than, equal to, or longer than the length
of any other layer of the tongue, and/or [0208] can have a size
which is smaller than, equal to, or larger than the size of any
other layer of the tongue. [0209] For example, a tongue, equivalent
to tongue 40, can comprise at least one top layer and at least one
bottom layer. Each layer of the at least one top layer and the at
least one bottom layer can be attached to or integrated into at
least one other layer of the at least one top layer and the at
least one bottom layer. [0210] For example, a tongue, equivalent to
tongue 40, can be partially or fully elastic or non-elastic. [0211]
For example, a footwear has a tongue. The tongue, equivalent to
tongue 40, can be made of at least one predetermined material, so
that the tongue can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a
lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section fastener, and
so that the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing
the footwear. [0212] For example, a part or an entirety of tongue
40 can be selected from the group consisting of: at least one
predetermined foam layer, at least one predetermined fabric layer,
at least one predetermined plastic layer, at least one
predetermined nylon layer, at least one predetermined vinyl layer,
at least one predetermined leather layer, at least one
predetermined suede layer, at least one predetermined rubber layer,
the like, the equivalent, and a combination of at least two of the
above. [0213] For example, each layer of a tongue, equivalent to
tongue 40, can be attached to or integrated into at least one other
layer of the tongue and can be re-enforced to be prevented from
fraying, with at least one re-enforcing device (for example, a
re-enforcing device, for re-enforcing the layers of a tongue to
prevent the layers from fraying, can comprise elastic thread,
non-elastic thread, glue, heat, rivet, grommet, velcro, clamp, snap
lock, button, hook, ring, the like, the equivalent, or a
combination of at least two of the above). [0214] For example, FIG.
2 illustrates a tongue (equivalent to tongue 40) of a footwear. The
tongue is made of at least one predetermined material, so that:
[0215] the tongue can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a
lace-end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section fastener, and
[0216] the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing
the footwear.
[0217] The tongue comprises at least one top layer and at least one
bottom layer. The at least one top layer is attached to or
integrated into the at least one bottom layer along the edges
thereof, by using elastic and/or non-elastic thread(s) (as
re-enforcing device(s)). The at least one top layer has two
openings (equivalent to openings 53 and 54 in the first
example).
[0218] The at least one bottom layer has at least one layer 28 and
an opening 29. Opening 29 (equivalent to opening 55 in the first
example) is disposed generally below the level of the two openings
of the at least one top layer. At least one layer 28 (represented
by the dotted lines) is disposed between the at least one top layer
and the rest of the at least one bottom layer. At least one layer
28 is disposed generally at the level of the two openings of the at
least one top layer. At least one layer 28 is made of at least one
predetermined material, so that: [0219] At least one layer 28 can
predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace, a lace-end fastener,
and/or at least one lace-section fastener, and [0220] the foot will
feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the footwear.
[0221] At least one layer 28 can have a width which is narrower
than, equal to, or wider than the width of any other layer of the
tongue.
[0222] At least one layer 28 can have a length which is shorter
than, equal to, or longer than the length of any other layer of the
tongue.
[0223] At least one layer 28 can have a size which is smaller than,
equal to, or larger than the size of any other layer of the
tongue.
[0224] At least one layer 28 can be attached to or integrated into
at least one other layer of the tongue (for example, at least one
layer 28 can be partially or fully sewn to either at least one of
the rest of the at least one bottom layer, at least one of the at
least one top layer, or both). At least one layer of the tongue can
be made of material(s), such as vinyl, leather, suede, rubber, the
like, the equivalent, etc. which will not fray.
[0225] Further, the tongue can comprise at least one re-enforcing
device (for example, a re-enforcing device can comprise elastic
thread, non-elastic thread, glue, heat, rivet, grommet, velcro,
clamp, snap lock, button, hook, ring, the like, the equivalent, or
a combination of at least two of the above). Each of the at least
one re-enforcing device is for attaching at least one layer of the
tongue together and for re-enforcing at least one layer of the
tongue to prevent at least one layer of the tongue from fraying
(e.g., an elastic or non-elastic thread is sewn along the edges of
at least one layer of the tongue to attach the at least one layer
together, and another elastic or non-elastic thread 30 is sewn on
the edges of the tongue around opening 29 to re-enforce the edges
of the tongue around opening 29 to prevent the edges from fraying)
(e.g., heat and/or glue is pressed along the edges of at least one
layer of the tongue to attach the at least one layer together, and
heat and/or glue is pressed along the edges of the tongue around
opening 29 to re-enforce the edges of the tongue around opening 29
to prevent the edges from fraying). [0226] For example, a tongue
(equivalent to tongue 40) of a predetermined footwear, can have a
plurality of predetermined layers. At least one layer (equivalent
to at least one layer 28 in FIG. 2) of the layers is made of at
least one predetermined material, so that: [0227] the at least one
layer of the layers can predeterminedly cushion a foot from a lace,
a lace- end fastener, and/or at least one lace-section fastener,
and [0228] the foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when
wearing the footwear. [0229] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a
tongue, equivalent to tongue 40. The tongue has at least one
opening. The tongue comprises at least one top layer and at least
one bottom layer. At least one of the at least one top layer can be
sewn to at least one of the at least one bottom layer, at at least
one predetermined location thereon, as follows: [0230] for example,
anywhere along the edges thereof with at least one thread, to
define a seam 23 between the edges thereof; and/or [0231] for
example, anywhere in the mid sections thereof with at least one
thread 22, to define and/or to close partially or fully the tongue
top of the tongue for lace ends of a lace and/or a lace-end
fastener to be hidden in the tongue top and to be prevented from
moving (e.g., to be prevented from sliding down). [0232] Each layer
of a tongue (which is equivalent to tongue 40) can have any
predetermined shape and size, regardless of the rest of the tongue.
[0233] For example, each layer of a tongue, equivalent to tongue
40, can be attached to or integrated into at least one other layer
of the tongue. [0234] For example, any layer of a tongue,
equivalent to tongue 40, can be smaller than, narrower than,
shorter than, equal to, bigger than, wider than, and/or longer than
any other layer of the tongue. [0235] For example, any layer of a
tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can be rectangular, square, oval,
round, triangular, or otherwise shaped. [0236] A tongue, equivalent
to tongue 40, can have at least one predetermined opening. Each of
the at least one opening can have any predetermined shape and size,
and can be disposed at any predetermined location thereon, in any
predetermined direction therefrom. [0237] For example, a tongue,
equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise a plurality of predetermined
layers: [0238] a) each of the layers is sewn to at least one other
of the layers, along their edges, to define at least one seam
between their edges; and/or [0239] b) if any of the layers
comprises a plurality of portions, these portions can be sewn to
each other (or one another), to define at least one other seam in
the layer between the edges of its portions.
[0240] The tongue can have at least one opening and outer and inner
surfaces. Each of the at least one opening can extend from the
outer surface to the inner surface. Any of the at least one opening
can be disposed: [0241] in at least one of the layers, [0242] in at
least one of the at least one seam and/or the at least one other
seam (e.g., in a seam at the tongue-top area and/or in a seam at
the tongue-side area and/or in an other seam in at least one of the
layers), and/or [0243] a combination of at least two of the above.
[0244] For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can comprise
at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer: [0245] a) the
at least one top layer is sewn to the at least one bottom layer
along their edges, to define at least one seam between their edges;
and/or [0246] b) if any layer of the at least one top layer and the
at least one bottom layer comprises a plurality of portions, these
portions can be sewn to each other or one another, to define at
least one other seam in the layer between the edges of its
portions.
[0247] The tongue can have at least one opening and outer and inner
surfaces. Each of the at least one opening can extend from the
outer surface to the inner surface. Any of the at least one opening
can be disposed: [0248] in at least one of the at least one top
layer, [0249] in at least one of the at least one bottom layer,
[0250] in at least one of the at least one seam and/or the at least
one other seam (e.g., in the seam at the tongue-top area and/or in
the seam at the tongue-side area and/or in the other seam in at
least one of the at least one top layer and/or in the other seam in
at least one of the at least one bottom layer), and/or [0251] a
combination of at least two of the above. [0252] For example, a
tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, has at least one opening. One or
each of lace ends 46 and 47 can be threaded through at least one of
the at least one opening of the tongue. Lace ends 46 and 47 are
tied together so that they are fastened together, to set
predetermined lace tensions of lace 41, and are hidden securely
inside the tongue top of the tongue and prevented from moving.
[0253] For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue 40, can have
three openings. The seam, where at least one top layer of the
tongue is attached to or integrated into at least one bottom layer
of the tongue, has two of the three openings. The at least one
bottom layer of the tongue has the last one of the three openings.
Each of lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded through one opening in the
seam, and through the last opening. Lace ends 46 and 47 are tied
together so that lace ends 46 and 47 are fastened together, and are
threaded back through the last opening into the tongue top to be
hidden therein and prevented from moving. [0254] For example, a
tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the present invention, can have
at least one opening. Further, if desired, any one of the at least
one opening can comprise grommet, thread (e.g., elastic or
non-elastic), glue, predetermined material(s) (e.g., folded
portion(s) of layer(s) of the tongue surrounding the opening), the
like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the
above, which surrounds the opening to re-enforce the portion of the
tongue surrounding the opening to prevent the opening from fraying.
[0255] For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the
present invention, can replace any tongue in the present invention.
The tongue can have just two openings (e.g., they are equivalent to
openings 53 and 54 in the first example, respectively). One of the
two lace ends of a lace can be threaded through these two openings;
Then, the two lace ends can be tied together so that they are
fastened together; And the two lace ends can be threaded back
through one of the two openings of the tongue and hidden up inside
the tongue top. [0256] For example, a tongue, equivalent to tongue
40, can have at least one opening. Each of the at least one
opening, regardless of the rest of the at least one opening, can be
disposed upside down, right side up, sidewards, upwards, downwards,
longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed.
[0257] For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in the
present invention, can have at least one opening. Each of the at
least one opening, regardless of the rest of the at least one
opening, can have any predetermined shape and size (e.g., a curved
line, a straight line, a wavy line, a line with at least one of its
two ends rounded to prevent wear and tear (for example, the shape
of a dumb bell of opening 29 in FIG. 2), an oval, a
waxing-or-waning-moon shape, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a
round shape, any other shape, the like, the equivalent, or a
combination of at least two of the above.
[0258] 2) Lace: [0259] A lace, equivalent to any lace in the
present invention, can be partially or entirely made of at least
one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible,
non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid,
transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting,
glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon,
rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze,
zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent,
or a combination of at least two of the above. [0260] A lace,
equivalent to lace 41, can have any predetermined shape and size,
and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a footwear and/or a unique system
(which is equivalent to the unique system in the first example).
[0261] The cross-section of a lace, equivalent to lace 41, can have
any predetermined shape and size. [0262] A lace, equivalent to lace
41, can comprise at least one lace, each of which can have any
predetermined shape and size, and can be made of at least one
material. [0263] A lace, equivalent to lace 41, can have a
plurality of lace sections. [0264] A foot can be inserted into a
footwear at any time(s). [0265] For example, in the first example,
the foot can be inserted into the footwear before, during, or after
lace ends 46 and 47 are fastened together, to set at least one
predetermined lace tension of lace 41. Lace ends 46 and 47 can be
refastened any time to reset at least one predetermined lace
tension of lace 41. [0266] For example, in the first example, the
foot can be inserted into the footwear before, during, or after the
assemblage.
[0267] 3) Lace-end fastener: [0268] A lace-end fastener, equivalent
to any lace-end fastener in the present invention, can be partially
or entirely made of at least one material, which can be elastic,
non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient,
rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent,
light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton,
leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching,
metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin,
the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the
above. [0269] A lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end
fastener in the first example, can be partially or fully fixed or
movable. [0270] A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end
fastener in the present invention, can have any predetermined shape
and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and
in any predetermined direction from a footwear and/or a unique
system (which is equivalent to any unique system in the present
invention). [0271] The cross-section of a lace-end fastener,
equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the present invention, can
have any predetermined shape and size. [0272] A lace-end fastener,
equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the first example, can be
separate from, attached to, or integrated into a tongue of a
footwear, a lace, at least one lace-section fastener, and/or a
footwear. [0273] A lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end
fastener in the first example, for fastening two lace ends of a
lace, can comprise at least one portion of the lace and/or at least
one portion of a predetermined device (for example, a device can
comprise a clamp with or without an electronic device, for example,
to measure a walking distance). [0274] A lace-end fastener,
equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the first example, for
fastening two lace ends of a lace, can comprise the two lace ends
of the lace and/or a predetermined device. [0275] A unique system,
equivalent to the unique system in the first example, can have a
lace-end fastener. The lace-end fastener can have any predetermined
shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location
on and in any predetermined direction from the unique system and/or
a footwear. [0276] A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end
fastener in the present invention, can be fixed or movable, and can
comprise at least one predetermined hook, at least one
predetermined ring, the like of at least one predetermined hook,
the like of at least one predetermined ring, the equivalent of at
least one predetermined hook, the equivalent of at least one
predetermined ring, or a combination of at least two of the
above.
[0277] Each hook can have any predetermined shape and size, and can
be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a unique system. Each hook can be made
separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each hook is for a lace to
be hooked thereon, from any predetermined direction.
[0278] Each ring can have any predetermined shape and size, and can
be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a unique system. Each ring can be made
separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each ring is for a lace to
be hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough), from any
predetermined direction. [0279] For example, a lace-end fastener
(for example, at least one hook and/or at least one ring),
equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the present invention, can
be disposed upside down (for example, FIG. 6 illustrates an
upside-down hook), right side up (for example, FIG. 7 illustrates a
right-side-up hook), sidewards, upwards, downwards, longitudinally,
horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed. [0280] For
example, a lace-end fastener (for example, at least one hook and/or
at least one ring), equivalent to any lace-end fastener in the
present invention, can be disposed upside down, right side up,
sidewards (for example, FIG. 4 illustrates a lace-end fastener
disposed sidewards), upwards, downwards, longitudinally,
horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed. [0281] For
example, a lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end fastener
in the first example, can comprise the two lace ends of a lace. The
two lace ends can be tied together so that the lace ends are
fastened together. [0282] For example, a lace-end fastener,
equivalent to the lace-end fastener in the first example, can
comprise a predetermined clamp for releasably or permanently
clamping, at predetermined pressure(s), two lace ends of a lace
together so that the lace ends are fastened together. Each of the
two lace ends can be clamped in any predetermined direction. [0283]
For example, a lace-end fastener, equivalent to the lace-end
fastener in the first example, can comprise a predetermined clamp
and/or two lace ends of a lace. The two lace ends can be tied
separately or together. The clamp is for releasably or permanently
clamping, at predetermined pressure(s), the two lace ends together
so that the lace ends are fastened together. [0284] For example,
FIG. 4 illustrates a predetermined lace-end fastener, equivalent to
the lace-end fastener in the first example. This lace-end fastener
comprises a predetermined clamp. The clamp comprises a
predetermined ring 37, which has a predetermined hole. Each of lace
ends 46 and 47 is threaded through the hole of ring 37 in the same
direction as or in the opposite direction from the direction the
other of lace ends 46 and 47 is threaded in. Then, each of lace
ends 46 and 47 can be tied separately (e.g., tied into at least one
knot or at least one half-bow knot so that each of lace ends 46 and
47 can be untied quickly and easily), or can be tied together with
the other of lace ends 46 and 47. As a result, the clamp releasably
or permanently clamps, at predetermined pressure(s), lace ends 46
and 47 together so that lace ends 46 and 47 are fastened
together.
[0285] 4) Lace-section fastener: [0286] A lace-section fastener,
equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present invention,
can be partially or entirely made of at least one material, which
can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient,
non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent,
fluorescent, light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric,
cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread,
eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum,
iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at
least two of the above. [0287] A lace-section fastener, equivalent
to the lace-section fastener in the first example, can be partially
or fully fixed or movable. [0288] A unique system, equivalent to
the unique system in the first example, can have at least one
lace-section fastener. Any of the at least one lace-section
fastener, which is equivalent to the lace-section fastener in the
first example, can be separate from, attached to, or integrated
into a tongue of a footwear, a lace, a lace-end fastener, any other
of the at least one lace-section fastener, and/or a footwear.
[0289] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in the
first example, can have at least one lace-section fastener. Each of
the at least one lace-section fastener can have any predetermined
shape and size, and can be disposed at any predetermined location
on and in any predetermined direction from the unique system and/or
a footwear. [0290] For example, a unique system, equivalent to the
unique system in the first example, can have at least one
lace-section fastener. Each of the at least one lace-section
fastener can be disposed: [0291] on the top-side of one of the two
opposite sides of a footwear; [0292] on the under-side of one of
the two opposite sides of a footwear; [0293] at the edge of one of
the two opposite sides of a footwear; [0294] in one of the two
opposite sides of a footwear (e.g., a lace-section fastener can
comprises a predetermined integrated ring (for example, ring 118 in
FIG. 12), which comprises a ring-shaped portion of one of the two
opposite sides. This portion extends from the top-side to the
under-side of one of the two opposite sides, and surrounds a
predetermined hole); or [0295] a combination of at least two of the
above. [0296] A unique system, equivalent to the unique system in
the first example, can have at least one lace-section fastener.
Each of the at least one lace-section fastener can be separate
from, attached to, or integrated into a footwear at any
predetermined location(s) thereon, in any predetermined
direction(s) therefrom. Each of the at least one lace-section
fastener can fasten at least one lace section thereon. Each of the
at least one lace-section fastener can have any predetermined shape
and size. [0297] For example, a unique system, equivalent to the
unique system in the first example, can have at least one
lace-section fastener. The at least one lace-section fastener can
comprise at least one lace-section fastener in the first example
and/or at least one lace-section fastener in the sixth example.
Each of the at least one lace-section fastener can function as
described in the first and/or sixth examples above, respectively.
[0298] For example, a unique system, equivalent to the unique
system in the first example, can have at least one lace-section
fastener. Any (or the top of any) of the at least one lace-section
fastener can have the predetermined shape of any heart, any bow,
any flower, any oval, any rectangle, any square, any circle, any
partial-or-full-human-being shape, any partial-or-full-animal
shape, any animation, any shape in nature, any man-made shape,
and/or any other predetermined shape. [0299] A lace-section
fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present
invention, can be fixed or movable, and can comprise at least one
predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring, the like of at
least one predetermined hook, the like of at least one
predetermined ring, the equivalent of at least one predetermined
hook, the equivalent of at least one predetermined ring, or a
combination of at least two of the above.
[0300] Each hook can have any predetermined shape and size, and can
be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a unique system (which is equivalent
to the unique system in the first example). Each hook can be made
separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each hook is for a lace to
be hooked thereon, from any predetermined direction.
[0301] Each ring can have any predetermined shape and size, and can
be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a unique system (which is equivalent
to the unique system in the first example). Each ring can be made
separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each ring is for a lace to
be hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough), from any
predetermined direction. [0302] A unique system, equivalent to the
unique system in the first example, can have at least one
lace-section fastener. At least one of the at least one
lace-section fastener can be separate from, can be attached to, can
be integrated into, can function as, can comprise, and/or can have
at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear, which is
equivalent to any footwear in the present invention. [0303] For
example, each of the at least one lace-section fastener in the
first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth,
eleventh, and/or twelfth examples. can comprise or have at least
one of the lace receivers therein. [0304] For example, the
lace-section fastener in the sixth example are separate from the
lace receivers. [0305] For example, the lace-section fastener in
the first example comprises two of the lace receivers. [0306] For
example, three lace-section fasteners in the eighth example have
four hooks 74, 75, 76, and 77 of the lace receivers. [0307] For
example, any lace-section fastener (for example, at least one hook
and/or at least one ring), equivalent to any lace-section fastener
in the present invention, can be disposed upside down (for example,
FIG. 6 illustrates an upside-down hook), right side up (for
example, FIG. 7 illustrates a right-side-up hook), sidewards,
upwards, downwards, longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or
otherwise disposed. [0308] For example, any lace-section fastener
(for example, at least one hook and/or at least one ring),
equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present invention,
can be disposed upside down (for example, FIG. 1C illustrates
upside-down hook 56 and ring 57), right side up (for example, FIG.
1C illustrates right-side-up hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 84, 85,
86, and 87), sidewards, upwards, downwards, longitudinally,
horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed. [0309] For
example, any lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section
fastener in the present invention, can also function as any lace
receiver of any footwear, and vice versa. [0310] For example, a
lace-section fastener, equivalent to the lace-section fastener in
the first example, can comprise a wire with its one end bent into a
hook and its other end bent into a ring. The hook and ring function
similarly as hook 56 and ring 57 in the sixth example,
respectively. [0311] For example, a lace-section fastener,
equivalent to the lace-section fastener in the first example, can
comprise a wire spring, which is resilient. The wire spring has one
of its two ends bent into a hook and the other one of its two ends
bent into a ring. The hook and ring function similarly as hook 56
and ring 57 in the sixth example, respectively. [0312] A
lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in
the present invention, can have any predetermined shape and size,
and can be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a footwear and/or a unique system
(which is equivalent to any unique system in the present
invention). [0313] The cross-section of a lace-section fastener,
equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present invention,
can have any predetermined shape and size. [0314] A lace-section
fastener, equivalent to the lace-section fastener in the first
example, can be made of different predetermined material(s) from or
can be made of the same predetermined material(s) as any element(s)
of a footwear, and can be attached to or integrated into the
footwear as part of the footwear. [0315] For example, a
predetermined hole in one side of the two opposite sides of a
footwear is the hole of a ring (for example, ring 118 in FIG. 12).
The ring is part of a lace-section fastener. The ring comprises the
ring-shaped portion of that one side of the two opposite sides. As
part of that one side, the ring-shaped portion surrounds the hole,
and is part of the footwear.
[0316] 5) Equivalent methods: [0317] A unique system, equivalent to
any unique system or its equivalent in the present invention, can
comprise: a tongue of a predetermined footwear, a partially or
fully elastic or non-elastic lace, a predetermined lace-end
fastener, and at least one predetermined lace-section fastener. If
desired, the unique system can be similar to any unique system or
its equivalent in the present invention. The footwear has two
opposite sides and a plurality of lace-receivers disposed thereon.
The lace receivers can comprise at least one hook, at least one
ring, the like of at least one hook, the like of at least one ring,
the equivalent of at least one hook, the equivalent of at least one
ring, or a combination of at least two of the above. At least one
of the at least one lace-section fastener: [0318] can be separate
from at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., in
the sixth example), [0319] can be attached to at least one of the
lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., in the first example), [0320]
can be integrated into at least one of the lace receivers of the
footwear (e.g., in the first example), [0321] can function as at
least one of the lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., in the first
example, or in FIG. 5), [0322] can comprise at least one of the
lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., see FIG. 4 in my
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590) (e.g., in the first
example, or in FIG. 5), and/or [0323] can have at least one of the
lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., in the seventh example).
[0324] The following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening
methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3,
from line 56 to line 64), respectively: [0325] a) To fasten the
footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into the footwear. [0326]
b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out of
the footwear. [0327] For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a unique
system, equivalent to any unique system or its equivalent in the
present invention. This unique system can comprise the unique
system in the first example, except that: [0328] each lace
receiver, which is a hook, is replaced with a ring; and [0329] at
least one of the at least one lace-section fastener comprises at
least one of the lace receivers.
[0330] The following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening
methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3,
from line 56 to line 64), respectively: [0331] a) To fasten the
footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into the footwear. [0332]
b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out of
the footwear. [0333] For example, a unique system, equivalent to
any unique system or its equivalent in the present invention and
similar to the unique system illustrated in FIG. 5, can comprise
the unique system in the first example, except that: [0334] each
lace receiver, which is a ring, is replaced with a hook; and [0335]
at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener comprises at
least one of the lace receivers.
[0336] The following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening
methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3,
from line 56 to line 64), respectively: [0337] a) To fasten the
footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into the footwear. [0338]
b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out of
the footwear. [0339] For example, a unique system, equivalent to
any unique system or its equivalent in the present invention and
similar to the unique system illustrated in FIG. 5, can comprise
the unique system in the first example, except that: [0340] the
lace receivers can comprise at least one hook, at least one ring,
the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the
above; and [0341] at least one of the at least one lace-section
fastener comprises at least one of the lace receivers.
[0342] The following fastening and unfastening methods are
equivalent to the fastening and unfastening methods in the first
example, respectively. The following fastening and unfastening
methods are also equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in my aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,590 (column 3,
from line 56 to line 64), respectively: [0343] a) To fasten the
footwear on a foot, the foot is inserted into the footwear. [0344]
b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the foot is pulled out of
the footwear.
[0345] 6) Footwear: [0346] A footwear, equivalent to any footwear
in the present invention, can be partially or entirely made of at
least one material, which can be elastic, non-elastic, flexible,
non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid,
transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent, light-reflecting,
glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon,
rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze,
zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent,
or a combination of at least two of the above. [0347] A unique
system, equivalent to the unique system in the first example, can
further comprise at least one predetermined preventing device. Each
of the at least one preventing device is equivalent to any bent tip
in the first example, which prevents the respective hook from
snagging thing, poking thing, and/or from releasing a lace when the
lace is hooked thereon. Each of the at least one preventing device
can be disposed at any predetermined location on the unique system.
[0348] For example, at least one preventing device can be separate
from, attached to, or integrated into at least one lace-section
fastener (each of which is equivalent to the lace-section fastener
in the first example), respectively, to prevent the at least one
lace-section fastener from snagging thing, poking thing, and/or
from releasing a lace when the lace is hooked thereon. [0349] For
example, FIG. 8 illustrates a predetermined preventing device 92,
equivalent to any bent tip in the first example. Preventing device
92 (for example, having the form of a hill) can be separate from,
attached to, or integrated into hook 72 of the lace-section
fastener in the first example to prevent hook 72 from snagging
thing, poking thing, and/or from releasing lace 41 when lace 41 is
hooked thereon. [0350] For example, FIG. 9 illustrates one of two
opposite sides 97 of a footwear (which is equivalent to the
footwear in the first example). A plurality of opposite hooks 98
are attached to or integrated into two opposite sides 97 at
predetermined locations thereon, respectively. Two predetermined
opposite preventing devices 96 (which are equivalent to at least
one of the bent tips in the first example) comprise two opposite
elastic or non-elastic portions, which are attached to or
integrated into two opposite sides 97, respectively. The two
opposite elastic or non-elastic portions cover opposite hooks 98,
respectively, to prevent opposite hooks 98 from snagging thing,
poking thing, and/or from releasing a lace when the lace is hooked
thereon.
[0351] Each of the two opposite elastic or non-elastic portions can
be lifted up, when a predetermined external force is applied
thereto, to expose at least one of opposite hooks 98; and can
return to its original form and/or location, when the predetermined
external force is removed therefrom. A unique system, equivalent to
the unique system in the first example, can have at least one
lace-section fastener. At least one of opposite hooks 98 can be a
part or an entirety of the at least one lace-section fastener (each
of the at least one lace-section fastener is equivalent to the
lace-section fastener in the first example). [0352] A footwear can
be laced with a lace (of a unique system equivalent to the unique
system in the first example) in any predetermined way to define a
plurality of lace sections and to form any predetermined lacing
style, using some or all of its lace receivers. Each of the lace
sections extends between two of its lace receivers on the same
side.
[0353] 7) Lace receiver: [0354] Any lace receiver (equivalent to
any lace receiver in the present invention) of a footwear,
regardless of other lace receivers of the footwear, can be
partially or entirely made of at least one material, which can be
elastic, non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient,
non-resilient, rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent,
fluorescent, light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric,
cotton, leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread,
eye-catching, metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum,
iron, alloy, tin, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at
least two of the above. [0355] A lace receiver, equivalent to any
lace receiver in the present invention, can be partially or fully
fixed or movable. [0356] Each lace receiver (equivalent to any lace
receiver in the present invention) of a footwear, can have any
predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any
predetermined location on the footwear, in any predetermined
direction from the footwear, regardless of other lace receivers of
the footwear. [0357] The cross-section of each lace receiver
(equivalent to any lace receiver in the present invention) of a
footwear, can have any predetermined shape and size. [0358] For
example, each lace receiver of a footwear (which is equivalent to
the footwear in the first example) can be disposed on one of the
two opposite sides of the footwear. [0359] For example, regardless
of other lace receivers of a footwear (which is equivalent to the
footwear in the first example), each lace receiver of the footwear
can be disposed: [0360] on the top-side of one of the two opposite
sides of the footwear; [0361] on the under-side of one of the two
opposite sides of the footwear; [0362] at the edge of one of the
two opposite sides of the footwear; [0363] in one of the two
opposite sides of the footwear (e.g., a lace receiver can comprises
a predetermined integrated ring (for example, ring 118 in FIG. 12),
which comprises a ring-shaped portion of one of the two opposite
sides. This portion, as part of one of the two opposite sides,
extends from the top-side to the under-side of one of the two
opposite sides, and surrounds a predetermined hole); or [0364] a
combination of at least two of the above. [0365] Any lace receiver,
in the present invention, can be replaced with any other lace
receiver, the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least
two of the above. [0366] A footwear, equivalent to any footwear in
the present invention, can have a plurality of lace receivers. At
least one of the lace receivers can be separate from, can be
attached to, can be integrated into, can function as, can comprise,
and/or can have at least one of the at least one lace-section
fastener of a unique system, which is equivalent to any unique
system in the present invention. [0367] For example, any lace
receiver (which is at least one hook, the like, the equivalent, or
a combination of at least two of the above) can be replaced with
any other lace receiver (which is at least one ring, the like, the
equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the above), and
vice versa. [0368] For example, any lace receiver in the present
invention can comprise at least one hook, at least one ring, the
like of the at least one hook, the like of the at least one ring,
the equivalent of the at least one hook, the equivalent of the at
least one ring, or a combination of at least two of the above.
[0369] A lace receiver, equivalent to any lace receiver in the
present invention, can be fixed or movable, and can comprise at
least one predetermined hook, at least one predetermined ring, the
like of at least one predetermined hook, the like of at least one
predetermined ring, the equivalent of at least one predetermined
hook, the equivalent of at least one predetermined ring, or a
combination of at least two of the above.
[0370] Each hook can have any predetermined shape and size, and can
be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a footwear. Each hook can be made
separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each hook is for a lace to
be hooked thereon, from any predetermined direction.
[0371] Each ring can have any predetermined shape and size, and can
be disposed at any predetermined location on and in any
predetermined direction from a footwear. Each ring can be made
separately, attachedly, or integrally. Each ring is for a lace to
be hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough), from any
predetermined direction. [0372] For example, any lace receiver (for
example, at least one hook and/or at least one ring), equivalent to
any lace receiver in the present invention, can be disposed upside
down (for example, FIG. 6 illustrates an upside-down hook), right
side up (for example, FIG. 7 illustrates a right-side-up hook),
sidewards, upwards, downwards, longitudinally, horizontally,
diagonally, or otherwise disposed. [0373] For example, any lace
receiver (for example, at least one hook and/or at least one ring),
equivalent to any lace receiver in the present invention, can be
disposed upside down (for example, FIG. 1D illustrates upside-down
hooks), right side up (for example, FIG. 1A illustrates
right-side-up hooks), sidewards, upwards, downwards,
longitudinally, horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed.
[0374] For example, at least one of the lace receivers of a
footwear can also function as at least one of the at least one
lace-section fastener of a unique system, and vice versa. The
unique system is equivalent to any unique system in the present
invention and is applied to the footwear. [0375] For example, each
of rings 70, 71, 78, and 79 in the first example can be fixed.
[0376] For example, each of hooks 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 in the
first example can be fixed or movable. [0377] For example, FIG. 10
illustrates some examples of a lace receiver and/or a part of a
lace-section fastener. The lace receiver and/or a part of the
lace-section fastener is equivalent to any lace receiver and/or a
part of any lace-section fastener in the present invention. The
lace receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener can
comprise: [0378] a metallic or plastic hook 102, attached to or
integrated into the top-side of a footwear with rivet(s) or
thread(s), so that the hook is fixed or movable; or [0379] a
plastic or fabric ring 103, 104, or 105, attached to or integrated
into the under-side of a footwear with rivet(s) or thread(s) (each
of rings 103, 104, and 105 is a strip of material riveted or sewn
to the footwear to create a fixed or movable ring). Rings 103, 104,
and 105 are disposed on the top-side of, at the edge of, and on the
under-side of one of the two opposite sides of the footwear,
respectively. [0380] For example, FIG. 11 illustrates some examples
of a lace receiver and/or a part of a lace section fastener. The
lace receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener is
equivalent to any lace receiver and/or a part of any lace-section
fastener in the present invention. The lace receiver and/or a part
of the lace-section fastener can comprise: [0381] at least one
metallic or plastic hook 108, at least one metallic or plastic ring
110, at least one metallic or plastic hook 112, or at least one
metallic or plastic s-hook 114, attached to or integrated into at
least one metallic, plastic, or fabric ring, respectively. The at
least one metallic, plastic, or fabric ring is attached to or
integrated into one of the two opposite sides of a footwear, so
that at least one hook 108, at least one ring 110, at least one
hook 112, or at least one s-hook 114 is fixed or movable. [0382]
For example, FIG. 12 illustrates some examples of a lace receiver
and/or a part of a lace-section fastener of a unique system,
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention. The lace
receiver and/or a part of the lace-section fastener is equivalent
to any lace receiver and/or a part of any lace-section fastener in
the present invention (for example, The lace receiver and/or a part
of the lace-section fastener is equivalent to either hook 72 or
hook 73 in the first example). The lace receiver and/or a part of
the lace-section fastener can comprise: [0383] a metallic or
plastic hook 126 and a metallic or plastic ring 128 (attached to or
integrated into each other), and/or [0384] either a ring 118, 120,
or 122 (attached to or integrated into a side of a footwear as part
of the footwear).
[0385] Ring 118 comprises a ring-shaped portion of one of the two
opposite sides of the footwear. The ring-shaped portion has a hole,
which extends from the top-side to the under-side of one of the two
opposite sides of the footwear. Ring 118 is represented by the
dotted line. Ring 118 is equivalent to each of rings 70, 71, 78,
and 79 in the first example. Rings 120 and 122 are sewn to the
under-side and the top-side of one of the two opposite sides,
respectively.
[0386] When assembling a unique system equivalent to any unique
system in the present invention, a lace section 124 can be hooked
on ring 128 (by being threaded thereto. Lace section 124 is
equivalent to any lace section in the present invention (e.g., lace
section 124 is equivalent to either lace section 48a or 49a in the
first example). Equivalent to hooking lace section 48a on hook 72
or hooking lace section 49a on hook 73 in the fastening method in
the first example, to fasten lace section 124 on the lace receiver
and/or a part of the lace-section fastener, hook hook 126 on either
ring 118, 120, or 122. [0387] For example, a lace receiver and/or a
part of a lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace receiver
and/or a part of any lace-section fastener in the present
invention, can comprise a ring (for example, ring 70, 71, 78, or 79
in FIG. 1A; or ring 118 in FIG. 12), which has a hole. The ring
comprises a ring-shaped portion of one of the two opposite sides of
a footwear, and surrounds the hole. Further, if desired, the ring
can comprise a re-enforcing device (for example, a re-enforcing
device can comprise elastic thread, non-elastic thread, glue, heat,
rivet, grommet, velcro, clamp, snap lock, button, hook, ring, the
like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the
above), which surrounds the hole to re-enforce the lace receiver
and/or a part of the lace-section fastener.
[0388] 8) Unique system: [0389] A unique system, equivalent to any
unique system in the present invention, can be partially or
entirely made of at least one material, which can be elastic,
non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient,
rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent,
light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton,
leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching,
metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin,
the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the
above. [0390] A unique system, equivalent to any unique system in
the present invention, can be applied to any type of footwear.
[0391] For example, the unique system can be applied to working
footwear, sporting footwear (e.g., recreational footwear), dress
footwear, safety footwear, convenient footwear, and/or any other
type of footwear (e.g., sneaker, tennis footwear, hiking footwear,
walking footwear, running footwear, cross-training footwear,
basketball footwear, volleyball footwear, indoor footwear, outdoor
footwear, thongs, sandals, boots, shoes, the like, the equivalent,
etc). [0392] A part or an entirety of a unique system, which is
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, can be
disposed at any predetermined location(s) on a footwear, which this
unique system is applied to. [0393] For example, a part or an
entirety of a unique system, which is equivalent to any unique
system in the present invention, can be separate from, attached to,
or integrated into a footwear at any predetermined location(s) on
the footwear. [0394] Any element(s) of a unique system, equivalent
to any unique system in the present invention, can be made in at
least one color. [0395] Any element(s) of a unique system,
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, can be
made separate from, attached to, or integrated into any other
element(s) of the unique system and/or any element(s) of a
footwear, at any predetermined location(s) thereon, in any
predetermined direction(s) therefrom. [0396] For example, in the
tenth example, further, if desired, the unique system can comprise
at least one connecting device to connect the first and second
lace-section fasteners with each other and/or with the footwear.
[0397] Further, a unique system, equivalent to any unique system in
the present invention, can comprise at least one additional
element, which can be attached to or integrated into any other
element(s) of the unique system and/or any element(s) of a
footwear, at any predetermined location(s) thereon, in any
predetermined direction(s) therefrom.
[0398] The at least one additional element is selected from the
group consisting of at least one predetermined relief, at least one
predetermined design, at least one predetermined printing, at least
one predetermined painting, at least one predetermined stamping, at
least one predetermined device, at least one predetermined
inscription, at least one predetermined decal, at least one
predetermined engraving, at least one predetermined embossing, at
least one predetermined decor, and a combination of at least two of
the above. [0399] For example, a light-reflecting tape, a design, a
printing, a decal, and/or a relief can be printed on, glued on,
baked on, or molded on the lace-section fastener of: [0400] any
unique system in the present invention, or [0401] any equivalent of
any unique system in the present invention.
VARIATION, RAMIFICATION, AND CONCLUSION
[0402] Having many advantages over all the prior arts heretofore,
the unique system of the present invention: [0403] hides lace ends
and lace-end fastener inside the tongue of a footwear and prevent
them from moving, to eliminate snagging, tripping hazards. This is
highly advantageous over all the prior arts, because it utilizes
the tongue of a footwear, which is already there, to hide lace ends
and lace-end fastener therein, to eliminate the needs for any
additional cumbersome, hazardous devices; [0404] makes a foot feel
predeterminedly comfortable when wearing a footwear with the unique
system applied thereto. [0405] (for example, a footwear can have a
predetermined tongue so that: [0406] the tongue can predeterminedly
cushion a foot from a lace, a lace-end fastener, and/or at least
one lace-section fastener of a unique system, and/or [0407] the
foot will feel predeterminedly comfortable when wearing the
footwear). [0408] has at least one lace-section fastener. If
desired, at least one of the at least one lace-section fastener can
comprise at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear, which
the unique system is applied thereto. [0409] fastens the tongue of
a footwear in place when fastening the footwear onto a foot; [0410]
only needs to be assembled once to set predetermined lace tensions,
which can be reset any time; [0411] eliminates the needs for
adjusting, tying a lace every time a footwear is fastened onto a
foot; [0412] eliminates the needs for adjusting, untying a lace
every time a footwear is unfastened from a foot; [0413] is
inexpensive, compact, safe, and simple. Thus, it can be used by
people of almost any age; [0414] applies interlock method. Thus,
the harder it is pulled, the more securely it fastens a footwear;
[0415] only needs to be assembled once; [0416] only needs one
finger to be operated; and [0417] can also serve as a safety system
when, for example, partially or entirely made of light-reflecting
or glow-in-the-dark material. [0418] For example, a unique system,
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, can have
at least one lace-section fastener. The at least one lace-section
fastener can comprise and function as at least one of the lace
receivers of a footwear, which the unique system is applied to (for
example, the at least one lace-section fastener can comprise and
function as the six lace receivers of the footwear illustrated in
FIG. 1D). These six lace receivers are for the lace sections of a
lace to be hooked thereon and to be unhooked therefrom to fasten
the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot,
respectively. [0419] For example, FIG. 13A illustrates a
lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in
the present invention. The lace-section fastener comprises three
hooks and one ring integrated into one another. Each of the hooks
is equivalent to and functions as hook 56 in the sixth example
and/or hook 84, 85, 86, or 87 in the ninth example, to create a
different predetermined lace tension of a lace when the lace is
hooked thereon. The ring is equivalent to and functions as ring 57
in the sixth example. [0420] For example, FIG. 13B illustrates a
lace-section fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in
the present invention. The lace-section fastener comprises four
hooks integrated into one another. Each of the hooks is equivalent
to and functions as hook 56 in the sixth example and/or hook 84,
85, 86, or 87 in the ninth example, to create a different
predetermined lace tension of a lace when the lace is hooked
thereon. [0421] For example, a tongue, equivalent to any tongue in
the present invention, can have at least one opening. Any of the at
least one opening can be disposed upside down, right side up,
sidewards (for example, FIG. 14 illustrates an opening 130 of a
tongue disposed sidewards), upwards, downwards, longitudinally,
horizontally, diagonally, or otherwise disposed. [0422] A unique
system, equivalent to any unique system or its equivalent in the
present invention, can comprise: a tongue of a predetermined
footwear, a partially or fully elastic or non-elastic lace, a
predetermined lace-end fastener, and at least one predetermined
lace-section fastener. If desired, the unique system can be similar
to any unique system or its equivalent in the present invention.
The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of
lace-receivers disposed thereon. The lace receivers can comprise at
least one hook, at least one ring, the like of at least one hook,
the like of at least one ring, the equivalent of at least one hook,
the equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination of at least
two of the above. At least one of the at least one lace-section
fastener: [0423] can be separate from at least one of the lace
receivers of the footwear (e.g., in the sixth example), [0424] can
be attached to at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear
(e.g., in the first example), [0425] can be integrated into at
least one of the lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., in the first
example), [0426] can function as at least one of the lace receivers
of the footwear (e.g., in the first example, or in FIG. 5), [0427]
can comprise at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear
(e.g., in the first example, or in FIG. 5), and/or [0428] can have
at least one of the lace receivers of the footwear (e.g., in the
seventh example).
[0429] The assemblage of the unique system is similar to that of
any similar unique system in the present invention, but with the
two lace ends of the lace not yet tied and not yet hidden inside
the tongue. For example, referring to FIG. 1B and FIG. 15A, FIG.
15A illustrates a tongue equivalent and similar to the tongue in
FIG. 1B except that, the bottom-layer of this tongue comprises two
opposite portions partially attached to each other longitudinally
along their adjacent edges to create an opening (which is
equivalent to opening 55 in FIG. 1B) therebetween in the
bottom-layer for the two lace ends of the lace to be threaded
therethrough: [0430] 1) Example 1: Referring to FIG. 15A, the
lace-end fastener can comprise a predetermined clamp (e.g., a
predetermined spring-loaded clamp 131). Clamp 131 is for clamping
the two lace ends together to fasten them together when the two
lace ends are threaded therethrough. The following fastening and
unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in the first example, respectively: [0431] a) To fasten the
footwear on a foot, [0432] clamp 131 is slid toward the footwear so
that a predetermined fastening tension of the lace is created, and
[0433] the two lace ends and clamp 131 are hidden inside the
tongue. [0434] b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, [0435] the
two lace ends and clamp 131 are taken out of the tongue, and [0436]
clamp 131 is slid away from the footwear so that a predetermined
unfastening tension of the lace is created. [0437] 2) Example 2:
Referring to FIG. 1B, the lace-end fastener comprises the two lace
ends (e.g., lace ends 46 and 47). The following fastening and
unfastening methods are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in the first example, respectively: [0438] a) To fasten the
footwear on a foot, the two lace ends are tied together so that
they are fastened together, and the two lace ends are hidden inside
the tongue. [0439] b) To unfasten the footwear from a foot, the two
lace ends are taken out of the tongue, and the two lace ends are
untied from each other so that they are unfastened from each other.
[0440] A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any lace-end fastener in
the present invention: [0441] can be separate from a footwear,
[0442] can be attached to a footwear, [0443] can be integrated into
a footwear, [0444] can be separate from at least one of the lace
receivers of a footwear, [0445] can be attached to at least one of
the lace receivers of a footwear, [0446] can be integrated into at
least one of the lace receivers of a footwear, [0447] can function
as at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear, [0448] can
comprise at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear, and/or
[0449] can have at least one of the lace receivers of a footwear.
[0450] For example, FIG. 15B illustrates a unique system,
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention. This
unique system comprises the unique system in the first example,
except that tongue 40 has no opening and two rings 70 and 71 are
replaced with two predetermined cups 133, each of which has a hole.
The lace-end fastener comprises two lace receivers, which are two
cups 133 (instead of lace ends 46 and 47). Instead of threading
lace 41 through the at least one opening of tongue 40, each of lace
ends 46 and 47 is threaded through one of the two holes of two cups
133, and is tied into a knot or an equivalent, to set at least one
predetermined lace tension of lace 41, so that each of lace ends 46
and 47 is fastened inside one of two cups 133 and is hidden therein
and prevented from moving.
[0451] This unique system operates similarly as the unique system
in the first example to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the
footwear from a foot. The fastening and unfastening methods of this
unique system are equivalent to the fastening and unfastening
methods in the first example, respectively. [0452] A lace-section
fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present
invention, can also extend to a wide range of applications (e.g.,
at least one lace-section fastener can be used on any clothing
product and/or accessory, any type of headwear, any type of hat,
any beauty product and/or accessory, any sport product and/or
accessory, any type of bag, box, container, or brief case, any
medical product and/or accessory, any fashion product and/or
accessory, any safety product and/or accessory, any convenient
product and/or accessory, etc.). [0453] For example, FIG. 16
illustrates an inside view of the back portion (equivalent to a
tongue of a footwear) of a hat. The hat has first and second lace
sections (equivalent to lace sections of a lace) and at least one
lace-section fastener. Each of the first and second lace sections
can be partially or fully elastic or non-elastic. The at least one
lace-section fastener comprises lace-section fastener 132, and is
equivalent and similar to the lace-section fastener in the sixth
example. The first lace section is threaded through the ring of
lace-section fastener 132, and sewn to one of the two opposite
sides of the hat, to be attached thereto. The ends (equivalent to
the lace ends of a lace, functioning as a lace-end fastener) of the
second lace section are threaded through the hole(s) in the other
one of the two opposite sides of the hat, and tied into a knot 134,
to be attached thereto and to create predetermined tension(s) of
the first and/or second lace sections. The ends of the second lace
section can be untied and retied any time to adjust the tension(s).
Lace-section fastener 132 functions similarly as the lace-section
fastener in the sixth example, to fasten the hat on a head.
[0454] The first lace section can be replaced by a duplicate of the
second lace section, which functions like and is assembled the same
way as the second lace section; or the second lace section can be
replaced by a duplicate of the first lace section, which functions
like and is assembled the same way as the first lace section.
[0455] This unique system, equivalent to any unique system in the
present invention, can also extend to the wide range of
applications mentioned above. [0456] For example, at least one
lace-section fastener, equivalent to the lace-section fastener in
the first example, can be used to replace button, snap button,
zipper, Velcro, etc. to fasten: hat, shirt, sleeve, glove, bikini,
shorts, pants, bra, purse, fanny bag, suitcase, backpack, any bag,
any box, any container, any clothing article, any clothing
accessory, any sport article, any boot, sandal, any sport
accessory, the like, the equivalent, etc. [0457] A lace-section
fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present
invention, can comprise a double-hook lace-section fastener having
double hooks 136 as illustrated in FIG. 17A. This lace-section
fastener comprises a male portion and a mating female portion. Each
of the male and female portions has at least one ring or the
equivalent for at least one of the lace sections of a lace to be
hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough). The male portion
can be inserted into the female portion so that the male and female
portions can snap-hook on each other and/or can snap-lock each
other to fasten the lace sections together. [0458] A lace-section
fastener, equivalent to any lace-section fastener in the present
invention, can comprise a single-hook lace-section fastener having
single hook 138 as illustrated in FIG. 17B. This lace-section
fastener comprises a male portion and a mating female portion. Each
of the male and female portions has at least one ring or the
equivalent for at least one of the lace sections of a lace to be
hooked thereon (by being threaded therethrough). The male portion
can be inserted into the female portion so that the male and female
portions can snap-hook on each other and/or can snap-lock each
other to fasten the lace sections together. [0459] A footwear,
equivalent to any footwear in the present invention, can have a
plurality of lace receivers. Each lace receiver, regardless of
other lace receivers of the footwear, can comprise at least one
hook, at least one ring, the like of at least one hook, the like of
at least one ring, the equivalent of at least one hook, the
equivalent of at least one ring, or a combination of at least two
of the above. A unique system, equivalent to any unique system in
the present invention, is applied to the footwear. The unique
system can have at least one lace-section fastener. For example,
the unique system can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,
or 30 lace-section fasteners. Each of the lace-section fasteners
can comprise and function as the lace-section fastener(s) in the
first example, fifth example, sixth example, seventh example,
eighth example, and/or tenth example. [0460] A unique system,
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, can
further comprise at least one predetermined protecting device for
covering, decorating, and protecting at least one portion of a lace
of a footwear. Each of the at least one protecting device can be
disposed at any predetermined location on the unique system. Each
of the at least one protecting device can be separate from,
attached to, or integrated into the lace of the footwear and/or any
element(s) of the unique system.
[0461] Each of the at least one protecting device can have any
predetermined shape and size, and can be disposed at any
predetermined location on and in any predetermined direction from
the footwear and/or the unique system. The cross-section of each of
the at least one protecting device can have any predetermined shape
and size.
[0462] Each of the at least one protecting device can be partially
or entirely made of at least one material, which can be elastic,
non-elastic, flexible, non-flexible, resilient, non-resilient,
rigid, semi-rigid, transparent, non-transparent, fluorescent,
light-reflecting, glittered, glow-in-the-dark, fabric, cotton,
leather, vinyl, nylon, rubber, plastic, thread, eye-catching,
metallic, steel, bronze, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, alloy, tin,
the like, the equivalent, or a combination of at least two of the
above. [0463] For example, FIG. 18 illustrates a lace-section
fastener 140 of a unique system, equivalent to any unique system in
the present invention. Lace-section fastener 140 is equivalent and
similar to the lace-section fastener in the sixth example, and is
for fastening two opposite lace sections. The unique system,
further, comprises two protecting devices 142, which are two
predetermined rubber, vinyl, or plastic tubes made in at least one
predetermined color. Two protecting devices 142 are resilient. Two
protecting devices 142 are slid over the two opposite lace sections
of a lace to cover, decorate, and protect them. [0464] For example,
two protecting devices 142 in FIG. 18 can be replaced with two
equivalent protecting devices, each of which can have the shape of
an accordion tube, and is resilient. The accordion tube can shrink
when an external force is applied thereto, and can return back to
its original form and/or length when the external force is removed
therefrom. [0465] All the elements of all the unique systems and
their equivalents of the present invention and all the steps of all
the fastening and unfastening methods and their equivalents of the
present invention can also extend to a wide range of applications.
[0466] For example, a change in scale of any unique system and/or
any of its equivalents in the present invention can be made to
apply it to a doll's footwear, a puppet's footwear, a statue's
footwear, the like, the equivalent, etc. [0467] A unique system,
equivalent to any unique system in the present invention, can be
made in at least one predetermined color. [0468] A tongue,
equivalent to any tongue in the present invention, can be made in
at least one predetermined color. [0469] A lace, equivalent to any
lace in the present invention, can be made in at least one
predetermined color. [0470] A lace-end fastener, equivalent to any
lace-end fastener in the present invention, can be made in at least
one predetermined color. [0471] A lace-section fastener, equivalent
to any lace-section fastener in the present invention, can be made
in at least one predetermined color.
[0472] In addition to all of the aforementioned exemplifications of
the present invention, all the elements of the unique systems and
their equivalents and all the steps of the fastening and
unfastening methods and their equivalents are also capable of
various variations, ramifications, equivalents, structures,
materials, colors, forms, functions, dimensions, operations,
permutations, styles, alternatives, extensions, arrangements,
applications, modes, scales, ranges, configurations,
simplifications, additions, adaptations, modifications,
substitutions, combinations, associations, etc., without departing
from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present
invention will be determined by the ensuing claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the aforementioned
exemplifications.
* * * * *