U.S. patent application number 11/285791 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for elastic lace and attachment system for shoes.
Invention is credited to Tom Harrison.
Application Number | 20070113388 11/285791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38052043 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070113388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrison; Tom |
May 24, 2007 |
Elastic lace and attachment system for shoes
Abstract
A resilient securing system for shoes. The securing system is
comprised of an elastic shoelace threaded through the eyelets of a
traditional, lace-up style shoe tensioned and secured by an
adjustable tensioner converting a traditional lace-up style shoe
into a slip-on style shoe. Optional end pieces may also be used to
secure and prevent laces from flopping as well as add an
attractive, finished look to the shoe.
Inventors: |
Harrison; Tom; (Hillsboro,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NAMAN, HOWELL, SMITH & LEE
P.O. BOX 1470
WACO
TX
76703
US
|
Family ID: |
38052043 |
Appl. No.: |
11/285791 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/712.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 7/00 20130101; Y10T
24/3703 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/712.1 |
International
Class: |
A43C 7/00 20060101
A43C007/00 |
Claims
1. A kit for securing a shoe to a foot, comprising: a resilient
shoelace member, said resilient shoelace member sized for being
threaded through each eyelet of a standard lace-up style shoe; and
an adjustable tensioning member, said adjustable tensioning member
sized such that each end of said resilient shoelace member can be
threaded through said adjustable tensioning member, said adjustable
tensioning member constructed for slidably, reversible engagement
with said resilient shoelace member such that when engaged, said
adjustable tensioning member tightly secures said resilient
shoelace member.
2. The kit of claim 1 wherein said resilient shoelace member is
comprised of a natural rubber core and an external nylon braid.
3. The kit of claim 1 wherein said adjustable tensioning member is
comprised of: an outer member, said outer member containing two
through holes such that each end of said resilient shoelace member
can be inserted; an inner member, said inner member containing two
through holes such that each end of said resilient shoelace member
can be inserted through both said outer member and said inner
member when said outer member and said inner member are aligned
such that said outer member and said inner member through holes are
aligned; and a biasing member wherein said biasing member provides
secure, reversible engagement between said inner member, said
resilient shoelace member ends and said outer member.
4. A kit for securing a shoe to a foot, comprising: a resilient
shoelace member, said resilient shoelace member sized for being
threaded through each eyelet of a standard lace-up style shoe; an
adjustable tensioning member, said adjustable tensioning member
sized such that each end of said resilient shoelace member can be
threaded through said adjustable tensioning member, said adjustable
tensioning member constructed for slidably, reversible engagement
with said resilient shoelace member such that when engaged, said
adjustable tensioning member tightly secures said resilient
shoelace member; and an endpiece member, said endpiece member being
sized such that each end of said resilient shoelace member can be
inserted into and locked in place by said endpiece member.
5. The kit of claim 4 wherein said resilient shoelace member is
comprised of a natural rubber core and an external nylon braid.
6. The kit of claim 4 wherein said adjustable tensioning member is
comprised of: an outer member, said outer member containing two
through holes such that each end of said resilient shoelace member
can be inserted; an inner member, said inner member containing two
through holes such that each end of said resilient shoelace member
can be inserted through both said outer member and said inner
member when said outer member and said inner member are aligned
such that said outer member and said inner member through holes are
aligned; and a biasing member wherein said biasing member provides
secure, reversible engagement between said inner member, said
resilient shoelace member ends and said outer member.
7. The kit of claim 4 wherein said endpiece member contains a hook
which can be reversibly engaged with a lower end of said resilient
shoelace member.
8. The kit of claim 4 wherein said endpiece member is substantially
rectangular and can be tucked under a lower end of said resilient
shoelace member.
9. The kit of claim 4 wherein said endpiece member is substantially
arrow shaped and contains a decorative insert which glows in the
dark.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed toward a resilient
securing system for shoes. In particular, the present invention
provides a system to replace standard shoelaces, converting any
lace-up style shoe to a slip-on style shoe. Furthermore, the
present invention provides an attractive lacing system that holds
firmly, yet self-adjusts without breaking under stress and
shock.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Since the invention of well-fitting, lace-up style footwear,
people have laced their footwear with stiff, rigid laces. Of
course, rigid laces give the advantage of a secure, tight fit when
perfectly tied; however, the problems associated with rigid laces
are well documented. First, although rigid laces may give a secure
tight fit when first laced and tied, most users do not properly
loosen and tighten laces all the way down the shoe each and every
time they put on or take off their shoe. The result, as all have
experienced, is a shoe that fits loose at the toes, strained across
the instep, and choking at the ankle. Thus, a traditional, stiff
shoelace fails to consistently provide uniform tension and support
throughout the lacing system.
[0005] Additionally, traditional shoelaces increase the stress and
strain on the feet associated with everyday use. For instance, when
one is engaged in an activity, or even just walking, each step
taken and each time one's foot hits the ground, it slams hard
against the unyielding string. Over time the shock builds up
resulting in tired, aching feet and loss of performance and
enjoyment. Hence, the lack of resiliency associated with the
traditional shoelace adds to the stresses of normal footwear
use.
[0006] Another drawback of traditional laces, and one which all
have experienced, is breakage, which always seems to occur at the
most inconvenient moment. Through repeated tying and untying,
shoelaces experience a tremendous amount of wear and tear. Most
often, the wear goes completely unnoticed until a catastrophic
failure occurs, that is, until the day one goes to put their shoe
on and just when the lace is pulled tight, it breaks, leaving one
in an undesirable predicament. Thus, traditional laces lack the
strength and wear characteristics necessary for long term use.
[0007] Finally, traditional laces have additional drawbacks
associated with the nature of tying the laces themselves. First,
laces are difficult to tie for some, not the least of which are
small children or those with arthritis. Having to tie shoes daily
can range from excruciatingly painful to impossible for some. Along
with this problem, many times, whether because one has difficulty
tying one's shoes or whether one just ties their shoes hurriedly,
loosely tied laces will become untied and as a result pose a trip
hazard to the wearer. Thus, traditional laces not only fail to
provide an option to those unable or unwilling to snugly tie their
laces each time the shoe is put on, but they also increase the risk
of injury when they unknowingly become untied during use.
[0008] More recently systems have developed in an effort to solve
the aforementioned problems associated with traditional, stiff
shoelaces. One such effort consists of a traditional shoelace,
merely made out of a resilient material. These "elastic" shoelaces
may be tied once, then put on and taken off several times before
having to retie the shoes. However, the drawback of this type of
system lies in having to be tied in the first place. First, in
order to get the shoes into a situation in which they can be put on
and taken off multiple times, the laces clearly cannot be drawn
very tightly leaving one with poor foot support in a loosely
fitting shoe. Secondly, this, in turn, leads to a situation in
which a loosely tied shoe would be more likely to become untied and
pose a trip hazard.
[0009] Another effort at solving the problems associated with the
traditional lacing system involves a hook securing apparatus as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,732. This type of securing
apparatus extends between any two opposing eyelets on a shoe to
eliminate the need for tying the shoe. However, in order to provide
tension throughout the lacing system, a separate securing system
must be used for each pair of eyelets in the shoe. More
importantly, although multiple systems could be used to achieve the
goal of constant tension throughout the shoe, this type securing
system fails to provide uniform tension throughout the system
because each system must be adjusted separately; hence, the user is
left with a complicated system that results in shoes that fit tight
in some areas and loose in others.
[0010] Finally, systems have been developed such as the one in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,991,273 which combine elastic laces with decorative
fastenings. This system provides a single lace throughout the shoe
combined with a decorative fastener that eliminates the need for
tying the shoe; however, the system still must be manually tied or
knotted, which leads to difficulty in making any sort of adjustment
later on.
[0011] In view of the limitations of products currently known in
the art, a tremendous need exists for a resilient securing system
for shoes that eliminates the need for (and drawbacks associated
with) tying laces while applying uniform tension and support
throughout the entire securing system. Applicant's invention, by
its novel design provides such a solution in view of currently
available devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a device for securing shoes that eliminates
the need for tying laces.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for securing shoes that eliminates the potential of tripping
over untied laces.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for securing shoes that controls shock, strain and fatigue
by creating "shock absorber" effects at critical locations
throughout the lacing system.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for securing shoes that provides greater comfort by applying
a uniform tension throughout the system to hold the shoe in place
on one's foot.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for securing shoes that is extremely strong.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for securing shoes that significantly reduces the likelihood
of lace breakage.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device for securing shoes that can be adjusted and finely tuned
according to each respective user.
[0019] In satisfaction of these and other related objectives, the
present invention provides a device for securing shoes, which not
only permanently eliminates the need for tying laces, it also
provides finely tuned, uniform tension throughout the system
resulting in superior fit and comfort.
[0020] The preferred embodiment of the present invention
incorporates an elastic shoelace threaded throughout a typical,
lace-up style shoe in one of any variety of configurations. Once
the shoe has been "laced" up, a tensioner piece is used in order to
adjust and "lock" the tension in the lace. Finally, each end of the
shoelace may be fitted with an optional end piece both to protect
the end of the laces and to lend to a more attractive, finished
look.
[0021] The aforementioned combination provides a lacing system
which permanently eliminates the need for tying a shoe. The
tensioner in conjunction with the elastic lace replaces the process
of pulling tight and tying a shoelace. By eliminating the need for
tying, the shoe is, in essence, converted from a lace-up and tie
shoe to a slip-on shoe. This conversion further results in
permanent elimination of the potential for injury from tripping
over an untied shoelace. It also results in permanent elimination
of breaking a shoelace when pulling it tight in preparation for
tying. This conversion also results in a drastic reduction in the
potential for shoelace breakage, since the shoelace itself is
rarely, if ever, stretched to its full capacity. Thus, the present
invention is a significant advancement over traditional shoelaces
merely by eliminating the need for tying.
[0022] Additionally, the combination of the elastic shoelace and
the tensioner actually reduce stress and strain to feet while
wearing the system. When a step is taken, the stress imparted to
the shoe from the impact with the ground is distributed throughout
the elastomeric lacing system to help absorb and lessen shock to
the foot. At each contact point with the footwear (and itself), the
laces become small "shock absorbers" to ease and eliminate the
shock of movement within the footwear. Thus, the present invention
controls shock, strain and fatigue by the creation of shock
absorber effects at critical locations throughout the lacing
system.
[0023] Finally, the elastic shoelace and tensioner combination also
provide the user with significantly greater fit and comfort than
other systems. This combination provides increased fit and comfort
by applying a uniform tension throughout the system to hold the
shoe in place on the foot. Therefore, once the user properly
adjusts the system to the desired tension, the tensioner keeps that
tension constant throughout the system, and the system need not be
adjusted again, although fine tune adjustment is still available
with the tensioner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Applicant's invention may be further understood from a
description of the accompanying drawings, wherein unless otherwise
specified, like referenced numerals are intended to depict like
components in the various views.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the individual elements of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention installed in a shoe.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a hook end piece of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the
present invention installed in a shoe.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a utility end piece of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the
present invention installed in a shoe.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a decorative end piece of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a kit for converting a lace-up style
shoe to a slip-on style shoe is shown and is generally designated
by numeral 10. Kit 10 typically contains two elastic shoelaces 12,
one for each shoe. In the preferred embodiment, elastic shoelaces
12 are of cylindrical shape and are composed of a natural rubber
core, braided externally with nylon in one of any number of colors.
However, elastic shoelace 12 could alternatively be composed of any
number of elastomeric material combinations in any number of shapes
as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Referring to FIG.
2, elastic shoelace 12 is installed into a lace-up style shoe in
any number of configurations available to lace up a shoe as would
be apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0033] Referring back to FIG. 1, kit 10 contains two tensioners 14,
one for each shoe. In the preferred embodiment, tensioner 14,
contains an outer member, an inner member and a spring. Both the
outer and inner member have two through holes through which each
respective end of shoelace 12 may be threaded. In the preferred
embodiment, the user must press the spring-loaded members together,
such that the holes of each member are aligned. Once shoelace 12
has been threaded through the inner and outer member of tensioner
14, the user releases tensioner 14, and the spring member secures
shoelace 12 in place. In the preferred embodiment tensioner 14 is
made up of a plastic material. Other tensioners are envisioned
which would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 2, once elastic shoelace 12 has been
threaded through all of the shoelace eyelets in the desired
configuration, tensioner 14 is applied to both ends of shoelace 12
for initial tensioning. As the shoes are worn and the shoelaces are
"broken in", fine tune adjustments can be accomplished by adjusting
tensioner 14 to increase or decrease tension in the system as
desired.
[0035] Finally, referring back to FIG. 1, kit 10 contains three
styles of "optional" end pieces in order to protect the end of the
laces and to lend a more attractive, finished look to the shoe.
Referring to FIG. 3, hook end piece 16 is a hook style end piece
through which each loose end of elastic shoelace 12 is threaded and
locked. The "hook" end may then be hooked around the lower end of
elastic shoelace 12 as shown in FIG. 4 in order eliminate loose,
flopping ends. Another optional end piece seen in FIG. 1 is utility
end piece 18. Again, the loose ends of elastic shoelace 12 are
threaded and locked into utility end piece 18 as seen in FIG. 5;
utility end piece 18 is then slipped under the lower end of elastic
shoelace 12 as shown in FIG. 6. Finally, decorative end piece 20 is
included in kit 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Decorative end piece 20 is
substantially arrow shaped as shown in FIG. 1 and contains an
insert which glows in the dark. The loose ends of elastic shoelace
12 are optionally threaded through and locked into decorative end
piece 20 as shown in FIG. 7.
[0036] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed
in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed
embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions
will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference
to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated
that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall
within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *